Media Releases

Central Coast Council is proud to mark International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) on Wednesday 3 December.

The Central Coast has reaffirmed its position as one of NSW’s leading destinations, proudly taking home two Silver Awards at the 2025 NSW Tourism Awards, held on 27 November at Waterview in Bicentennial Park.Presented by the NSW Tourism Association, these prestigious awards recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements across the state’s tourism industry.Council took out Silver in the Local Government Award for Tourism as well as Silver for the Visitor Information Services category.

Central Coast Council has released its latest Waterways Report Card, examining the ecological health of Tuggerah Lakes, Brisbane Water, lower Hawkesbury River, Coastal Lagoons and Lake Macquarie.

The Central Coast has reaffirmed its position as one of NSW’s leading destinations, proudly taking home two Silver Awards at the 2025 NSW Tourism Awards, held on 27 November at Waterview in Bicentennial Park.Presented by the NSW Tourism Association, these prestigious awards recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements across the state’s tourism industry.Council took out Silver in the Local Government Award for Tourism as well as Silver for the Visitor Information Services category.

Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from people who live or work on the Central Coast to be part of a Community Focus Group (CFG) for the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary Coastal Management Program.The Tuggerah Lakes Estuary catchment is around 790 square kilometres and takes in the plateaus of Kulnura and Somersby, the river valleys of Dooralong, Yarramalong and Ourimbah and the floodplains wrapping around the waterway from Lake Munmorah to Bateau Bay. Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the CFG is an opportunity for the community to help shape the future of the much-loved Tuggerah Lakes Estuary and its surrounding catchment. “Council is inviting passionate community members to join us to explore the challenges and opportunities facing the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary,” Mayor McKinna said.“Together we can help protect and enhance this iconic waterway for generations to come.”Council Director Environment and Planning, Luke Nicholls said the ideal applicants for the CFG would include representatives from local resident associations, environmental or recreation groups, local business owners, Traditional Owners and Aboriginal community representatives, youth representatives and anyone who is passionate about our waterways. “The CFG will support Stage 3 and Stage 4 of the Coastal Management Plan (CMP) development by providing input into the identification, evaluation and selection of management options for the estuary, ensuring community values and perspectives are reflected in the CMP,” Mr Nicholls said.Expressions of Interest are open until Monday 15 December.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to the Make it Big Markets at Gosford Regional Gallery on Saturday 29 November 2025, from 4-8pm.This free, family-friendly event is the region’s largest artists and makers market and will transform the Gallery forecourt and parklands into a vibrant Christmas twilight celebration.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the Make it Big Markets help boost the local creative economy by bringing together artists, makers and the wider community.“This event is a fantastic celebration of local talent,” Mayor McKinna said.“It’s a chance for people to connect, discover local talent and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere that makes our region a standout destination for arts and culture.“Whether you’re an art lover, a family looking for a great evening out or just keen to support local makers and buy unique Christmas presents, you’ll find plenty to enjoy.”Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the event offers a diverse program.“Attendees can enjoy more than 70 stalls, free art-making stations, live entertainment, food trucks and the rare opportunity to explore the Edogawa Commemorative Gardens at twilight,” Ms Smith said.“The award-winning Archibald Prize 2025, an Art Gallery of New South Wales touring exhibition, will also be on display in the main gallery, giving visitors the chance to experience one of Australia’s most celebrated art events alongside the festive atmosphere of the markets and the beauty of the Edogawa Commemorative Gardens.”Make it Big Markets is free to attend and open to all.

MEDIA RELEASECentral Coast Council is continuing its commitment to creating cooler, greener and more liveable communities through its ongoing Street Tree Planting Program, which sees around 60 - 70 trees planted across the region each year.As a one-off initiative this financial year, Council has allocated an additional $150,000 for a street tree pilot program focused on the Peninsula suburbs.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said more trees means more shade, cleaner air and improved community spaces for people to enjoy. “These programs show our commitment to greener, more liveable neighbourhoods,” Mayor McKinna said.“We are planting more trees to help reduce heat stress, improve air quality, and make our suburbs more enjoyable places to live, work and play.“The Peninsula was chosen for the additional Street Tree Planting Pilot Program as it has been identified as a priority area under the Central Coast Greener Places Strategy.

Central Coast Council is inviting residents to come together and celebrate Social Inclusion Week 2025 at the Paddock to Lake community event, taking place at the San Remo Neighbourhood Centre from 11.30am-1pm on Thursday 27 November.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said Paddock to Lake creates a welcoming space for people to connect and explore healthy eating and cooking. “Paddock to Lake is a wonderful example of how food and shared experiences can bring people together,” Mayor McKinna said.“Council is proud to support programs that strengthen social connections, celebrate our region’s diversity, and help residents make informed choices about healthy meals.” Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the event combines practical cooking education with community connection.“Now in its annual return, Paddock to Lake will feature a live cooking demonstration from a local chef who will showcase simple, nutritious dishes made with fresh, locally sourced produce,” Ms Smith said. “Guests will then share a meal together in a group dining setting, with take-home recipes and cooking essentials provided to encourage healthy, affordable meals at home.”Social Inclusion Week, held from 23-30 November, aims to help all Australians feel included and valued, giving everyone the opportunity to participate fully in society.

MEDIA RELEASE Applications are now open to join Central Coast Council’s youth leadership program ‘Youth-for-Youth’ (Y4Y) Action Team 2026.

Central Coast Council is inviting residents to come together and celebrate Social Inclusion Week 2025 at the Paddock to Lake community event, taking place at the San Remo Neighbourhood Centre from 11.30am-1pm on Thursday 27 November.

Council Acting Mayor John Mouland has welcomed the NSW Government’s Planning System Reforms Bill 2025, calling it a transformative step toward streamlining development processes and unlocking housing and economic growth across the region.Recently passed by both houses of Parliament, the Bill marks the most significant update to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 in nearly 50 years.“This is a pivotal moment for regions like ours,” said Acting Mayor Mouland. “For too long, complex and overlapping planning processes have delayed the delivery of essential housing, infrastructure, and jobs.

MEDIA RELEASECentral Coast Council is asking locals to tell them how they like to play, slide, climb, and swing as the region’s Playspace Strategy is updated.

MEDIA RELEASE Central Coast Council is pleased to announce the completion of improvement works at the iconic Grant McBride Baths at The Entrance, which were funded by a Federal Government grant program.

Central Coast Council this week brought together more than 100 industry leaders, government representatives, and community stakeholders at Gosford Regional Library for a forum focused on shaping the region’s future.Council shared updates on key projects including the Development Assessment Improvement Project, Road Renewal Program, 10-year infrastructure pipeline, Coastal Management Program, and Employment Lands Strategy.

Central Coast Council is progressing a series of flood studies across the region, aimed at improving community safety, resilience and preparedness for flood events.

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’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.