Central Coast Council has congratulated the winners and all the finalists in the 2016 Central Coast Business Excellence Awards announced on Saturday evening at Mingara.“We’re proud to sponsor these awards and it is clear from the quality of Central Coast businesses recognised tonight that excellence and business go hand in hand on the Central Coast,” Council Administrator Ian Reynolds said.“Excellence in business involves focusing on results, thirsting for innovation, cultivating a positive reputation and overcoming resistance,” Mr Reynolds said.“The hard work and diligence of these business operators and owners has helped shape the Central Coast as a key New South Wales growth centre.”Mr Reynolds said the newly amalgamated Central Coast Council is now one of the largest Councils in NSW, with a strong regional voice.

Electors who are enrolled within the new Central Coast Council area do not need to vote at the council elections on 10 September 2016.Elections for Central Coast Council and the other newly merged councils in NSW will be held on 9 September 2017.At the election in 2017, the Central Coast Local Government Area will be divided into five wards with three Councillors to be elected for each one.  Details on the wards can be found at www.strongercouncils.nsw.gov.au

Artists from around Australia are urged to enter the 2016 Gosford Art Prize and Gosford Ceramic Prize, with entries closing in just over two weeks.Now in its 17th year, the annual program offers eligible artists a chance to win over $24,000 in total prizes.Entries close Monday 12 September 2016.

With over 1.3 million people in NSW living with disability, Central Coast Council is continuing to improve accessibility so all residents and visitors can enjoy the region’s unique natural environment, services and facilities.From accessible events and amenities through to beach wheelchair access and other social or economic opportunities, Council is working hard to remove the barriers people with a disability face each and every day.We still have a long way to go, but we can all play a positive role in making it easier for people with disability to live and work on – as well as visit – the Central Coast.