Central Coast Council is continuing to transform Toukley Village Green into a vibrant cultural hub through its Creative Spaces program, which has been activating public spaces across the Coast for more than three years.Since mid-September, Central Coast artist Susan Merchant, also known as The Graphic Merchant, has been in residence at the Gallery Container.

Central Coast Council is inviting residents, community members and visitors to share their priorities and experiences to help shape a new Walking and Cycling Strategy for our region.Currently in development, the strategy will guide future investment over the next 10 years to improve walking and cycling infrastructure across the Central Coast.The goal is to better connect the region’s beaches, towns, schools and destinations with infrastructure that’s safe, accessible and welcoming for people of all ages and abilities.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said community feedback is essential to ensure the Walking and Cycling Strategy reflects local needs.“Walking and cycling are part of everyday life on the Coast.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to share their thoughts on two draft policies that aim to support those navigating grief and remembrance in public spaces and on local roads.The Memorials in Public Places Policy and the Roadside Tributes Policy are now on public exhibition.

MEDIA RELEASE Central Coast Council is excited to announce the return of its popular ‘Come and Try’ free dog training sessions this November, following a successful pilot program last year.With 12 sessions scheduled across the Coast, the initiative aims to support responsible pet ownership and promote harmonious community living.

The Central Coast is gearing up for another round of second-hand shopping as the Garage Sale Trail returns for 2025.

The Central Coast’s most vibrant sustainability celebration is back!The Sustainable Future Festival returns to The Entrance Memorial Park on Saturday 15 November, bringing together education, entertainment and environmental action in one unforgettable dayNow in its fourth year, the festival is a feature of this year's Lakes Festival – a 10-day celebration of our waterways and community across the Central Coast.Central Coast Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said Council is proud to support the Sustainable Future Festival. “This event brings the community together around shared goals for a cleaner, greener future.

Central Coast Council is inviting community members, community groups and local organisations to review and provide feedback on proposed changes to the Community Grants Policy and Guidelines, now on public exhibition.The draft policy proposes the introduction of a Sponsorship Program, with approximately 15% of the existing grants budget to be reallocated to provide multi-year support for applicants delivering significant, recurring events and activities across the region.

Central Coast Council is encouraging the community to take part in National Water Week 2025, running from 20–26 October, under the theme “From Habit to Hero.”This year’s theme is playful, hopeful and empowering, reminding us that by changing small everyday water habits, we can all become heroes in protecting our most precious resource.Central Coast Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said National Water Week is a great time for the community to reflect on how we use water.“Small changes, like turning off the tap or fixing a leak, can make a real difference.

Central Coast Council is developing a Youth Strategy for 2026–2030 and is inviting young people aged 12–24 who live, study or work on the Coast to share their opinions.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to have their say on the Draft Conservation Management Plan for Gosford Memorial Park and Rotary Park, open for public exhibition from Tuesday 7 October to Tuesday 4 November 2025.The Draft Conservation Management Plan provides a comprehensive framework to guide the preservation, maintenance and future development of these much-loved parks, ensuring their heritage values are protected for generations to come. Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the Gosford Memorial Park and Rotary Park are places that hold deep community significance.“These parks are more than green spaces, they are places of remembrance, gathering and connection.

Central Coast Council is inviting local artists, art groups and art organisations to apply for commissioning opportunities through Creative Art Central – a signature program that celebrates and invests in the region’s creative industries.The program supports creative practitioners across a range of disciplines, including visual arts, craft, performance and literary, with opportunities open to emerging and established artists.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the program strengthens local connections and builds opportunities for creatives.“Creative Art Central is about celebrating our people, their stories and their talents,” Mayor McKinna said.“By supporting projects that are both original and community focused, we’re helping to showcase the unique character of the Central Coast.“This program reflects Council’s vision to connect people, foster creativity and ensure everyone has the chance to be part of our cultural life.”Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the program is designed to be inclusive and community led.“Since 2021, Creative Art Central has awarded 23 commissions, reflecting Council’s continued investment in the region’s creative industries,” Ms Smith said.“We’re focused on commissioning innovative, contemporary works that engage directly with the community and encourage collaboration.“The program also prioritises accessibility, with identified categories for First Nations creatives and support available for culturally diverse artists and artists with disability.”Registrations open on Monday 13 October and close on Monday 27 October.

MEDIA RELEASECentral Coast Council is proud to announce the winners of its flagship youth music competitions, Discovered and Battle of the Bands, as part of the 2025 Creative Engineers program.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to have their say on the future of four local lagoons (Avoca, Cockrone, Terrigal and Wamberal) until Wednesday 29 October 2025.The draft Coastal Lagoons Coastal Management Program (CMP) presents a list of proposed actions to improve water quality, manage flooding and erosion, protect biodiversity and enhance recreational access.

On 23 September 2025, Central Coast Council partnered with The University of Newcastle, GHD, Rumbalara and the Central Coast Academy of STEM Excellence to deliver the H2Kn0w STEM Day, an engaging and educational event for high school students across the Central Coast.The initiative aimed to inspire young minds by showcasing the diverse and exciting career opportunities available in the water industry through hands-on learning.Seven Central Coast high schools participated in the event, with students rotating through five interactive stations designed to spark curiosity and build practical skills.

Central Coast Council is once again gearing up to host one of Australia’s most iconic car festivals—ChromeFest is returning to Memorial Park at The Entrance from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 October 2025.ChromeFest is a free, family-friendly celebration of classic cars, rock ‘n’ roll culture, and retro lifestyle.

MEDIA RELEASEThe Central Coast’s beach patrol season for 2025-26 officially commences Saturday 27 September 2025, running through until Sunday 26 April 2026.Throughout the patrol season, 15 Central Coast beaches will be patrolled daily, with Central Coast Council lifeguards on duty from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and Surf Life Saving volunteers patrolling on weekends and public holidays (with patrol hours as listed on the Surf Life Saving Beachsafe website).In addition to beach patrols, Council lifeguards will also patrol the Grant McBride Baths daily, with The Entrance channel patrolled on weekends throughout the school holidays - ensuring safety across multiple popular aquatic locations.Central Coast Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the Central Coast has some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia, but it’s important that people stay alert and put safety first.“Each year, despite the incredible work of our lifeguards and lifesavers, tragic incidents can still occur,” Mayor McKinna said.“I strongly encourage everyone to swim at patrolled beaches and always between the red and yellow flags.

Following endorsement at the Council meeting of the 23 September, 2025 Central Coast Council is now submitting its water and sewer pricing proposal to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for the 2026–2031 period.The proposal is designed to balance affordability for customers with the need to maintain high-quality services and invest in essential upgrades to our water and sewer network.

Central Coast Council crews have commenced a four-day program of foreshore works at The Entrance Channel, to support the return of the endangered Little Terns and prepare the coastline for the spring and summer season.The endangered species migrate from South-East Asia to nest at Karagi Point, The Entrance each year.

Spring is well and truly in the air and with school holidays coming, Central Coast Council has released its much-anticipated program of activities for a fun filled break for all ages.During the school holidays (Monday 29 September to Friday 10 October) a huge selection of activities will be available across the Coast with the vast majority of these being free or at minimal cost.Some of the program highlights: Get active – swim and sport full day programs, junior basketball clinics, pool inflatables, waterslide and Splash Park, and intensive learn to swim classes.

Central Coast Council is proud to partner with the University of Newcastle in the presentation of a new lecture series honouring Professor Bob Morgan AO, a globally recognised leader in Indigenous education, research, and knowledge.The Professor Bob Morgan AO Oration series will be held at the new Gosford Regional Library on Monday 22 September 2025. The lecture series will be a free, community event focused on key issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Professor Bob Morgan AO, affectionately known as Uncle Bob, is a proud Gumilaroi man from Walgett in western NSW who has lived on Darkinjung Country on the NSW Central Coast for many years.He is a highly respected Aboriginal educator, researcher and advocate who has worked extensively throughout Australia and internationally in the field of Aboriginal knowledge and learning for more than 40 years.