Media Releases

Residents and businesses are being asked to ‘cast the spotlight’ on individuals and groups who are making the Central Coast a better place to live—by nominating them in the Central Coast Council Australia Day Awards 2026!Council’s Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith, said the annual awards highlight the local achievements of a growing community that is a fantastic place to live.“Each year the Central Coast Council Australia Day Awards celebrate the best and brightest from across the region.

Five local artists from diverse creative disciplines have been awarded commissions through Central Coast Council’s Creative Art Central program.The 2024-25 round of commissions offer collaborative opportunities for the community to contribute to artworks that reflect the Central Coast’s diverse stories - including those of First Nations people, people living with a disability, and culturally and linguistically diverse residents.Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the Creative Art Central program continues to be a powerful platform for local artists and community.“To improve cultural inclusion and accessibility, the 2024-25 program introduced a dedicated First Nations Category.

Central Coast Council is joining councils across NSW to celebrate Local Government Week 2025 from 4 to 10 August.The week is a chance to recognise the essential services that support daily life and help build strong, connected communities.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said Local Government Week is an opportunity to highlight the many ways local government contributes to everyday community life. “Councils provide people-focused services that help regions to grow and thrive,” Mayor McKinna said.“For Central Coast Council, this includes maintaining parks and pools, managing libraries and community programs, supporting events and venues, caring for bushland and waterways, and delivering infrastructure and planning services and more.“Council’s role is to listen, plan and deliver.

Tuggerah Library will be closed Monday, 11 August 2025, for refurbishment works co-funded by the NSW Government and Central Coast Council.From Tuesday 12 to Thursday 14 August 2025, library services will be limited to: Collection of reserved itemsItem returnsStaff-facilitated printing from customer devicesAccess to a reduced collection for ad-hoc borrowingNearby branches at Bateau Bay, Lake Haven and Gosford remain open.The $214,584 project includes new mobile shelving, upgraded study areas, refreshed children’s furniture, and a new soundproof booth to better meet community needs.These improvements will help ensure that library services continue to evolve to meet community needs and expectations.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to help shape the future of public art in our region by providing feedback on its new draft 10 year Public Art Plan and Policy.Council’s Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the draft plan provides a coordinated and strategic approach to managing public art across the Coast, while supporting local creatives, enhancing public spaces and strengthening regional identity.“Public art is a vital part of how we express who we are as a community.

Central Coast Council advises that the current Gosford Library will close its doors at 12pm Saturday 16 August, to begin the transition into the new Gosford Regional Library.The much-anticipated facility will open its doors to the public in early September.The closure marks the beginning of a new era in local library services – delivering an innovative, inclusive and accessible space where our community can connect, create and collaborate in the heart of Gosford.During the transition period:•  

The Central Coast’s rock fishing community turned out in strong numbers for the Gone Fishing – Rock Fishing Safety and Skills Day at Avoca Beach on Saturday 19 July, with 160 participants taking part in free workshops, live rescue demonstrations, lifejacket fittings and family activities.The free, full-day event was delivered by Surf Life Saving NSW with support from Central Coast Council, as part of a series of initiatives aimed at reducing rock fishing incidents along the coastline.Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the day was a great opportunity to engage local and visiting fishers, particularly multicultural groups, with practical safety education.“Rock fishing is one of the Central Coast’s most popular but dangerous pastimes.

Central Coast Council has completed car park upgrades at Rogers Park in Woy Woy and Don Small Oval in Tacoma, enhancing safety, access and parking capacity at these well-used community sportsgrounds.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to provide feedback on the draft Open Coast Coastal Management Program (CMP), to ensure it reflects the values and priorities of our Central Coast community.

Central Coast Council is celebrating National Tree Day by hosting two community planting events at Killcare Beach and Porters Creek Wetland, Wyong, on Sunday 27 July 2025.

Central Coast Council is seeking community feedback on its design concept for 1A Jaques Street, Ourimbah inviting comments on features they like or would like to see improved.

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in an artist’s studio?

Looking for a fun and interactive way to keep the kids entertained this school holidays?

Today, Federal Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid MP, Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna, Councillors Belinda Neal and Sharon Walsh, and Central Coast Football’s Alex Burgin gathered at Patrick Croke Oval in Kincumber to celebrate the completion of lighting and amenities upgrades.The project was delivered by Central Coast Council and funded through a $210,000 grant from the Australian Government’s Investing in Our Communities Program and a $30,000 contribution from Central Coast Football.

Central Coast Council’s Gosford Regional Gallery has announced Madi Feist as the winner of Emerging 2025 for her artwork BAG LADY - a playful and poignant installation examining femininity, cultural and social identity.This year’s judge, renowned Sydney curator Sebastian Goldspink, praised the calibre and diversity of shortlisted works.

Families are set for fun and discovery with Central Coast Council’s winter school holiday program. Designed to spark imaginations and keep kids moving there’s something on the Coast for every interest and budget.

Central Coast Council are calling on Gosford businesses to share feedback on Gosford City Car Park hours of operation and fees.

Central Coast Council welcomes the confirmation of a Ministerial Authorisation for temporary coastal protection works to be undertaken by property owners at The Entrance North.Central Coast Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said that this is a significant development for The Entrance North community, allowing property owners to act swiftly to protect their homes.“Since the declaration of the Reconstruction Area in May, Council has collaborated with the NSW Government and private property owners to develop a scope of work for a temporary emergency coastal protection – which has now received Ministerial approval,” Mayor McKinna said.“The Ministerial Authorisation means private property owners at The Entrance North can now legally undertake temporary emergency coastal protection works - a crucial step given the escalating erosion risks in the area.“This authorisation will allow much needed protection for properties at The Entrance North, and importantly also provide time, while owners pursue the design and approval of a permanent solution.“I acknowledge the deep frustration and immense emotional toll felt by property owners impacted by the escalating threat of coastal erosion.

Central Coast Council has invested $300,000 to launch the regions first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) – a dynamic space for cutting edge, immersive art experiences on the Central Coast.Gosford Regional Gallery installed the new gallery as part of celebrating 25 years in 2025.Central Coast Council Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the new Moving Image Gallery is a major step in the regional gallery’s history especially poignant in its 25th year. “Council is committed to delivering high-quality exhibitions and programs that support local and national artists to exhibit and connect with all people.“The decision to invest into the immersive gallery space followed an operational review of the gallery and extensive consultation with our community.“Permanent space for digital based work will draw more established and emerging artists to the Coast.

Central Coast Council will invest more than $1.3 billion over four years in capital projects, with $320 million being planned for this upcoming financial year after adopting the 10-year Community Strategic Plan (CSP), four-year Delivery Program, one-year Operational Plan, budget and resourcing strategies.Highlights include completing the Gosford Regional Library, building the Tuggerawong foreshore pathway and constructing a new Regional Animal Care facility at Mardi.Councillor priorities focus on renewing local roads, improving accessibility in sport and recreation, developing a masterplan for Warnervale Business Precinct, upgrading shared pathways, delivering Youth Strategy actions, implementing the Warnervale Airport masterplan and finalising Coastal Management Programs.Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna, said it was gratifying to produce a budget with input from elected representatives for the first time in four years.“These plans represent our community’s voice following the return of Councillors,” Mayor McKinna said.“Our Long-term Financial Plan shows Council’s commitment to maintaining financial sustainability, ensuring we stay in good shape.“Thank you to everyone who participated in our ‘Planning for the Future’ engagement sessions.