The magic of Christmas is returning to the Central Coast this December, with a festive program of events and activities set to delight residents and visitors alike.From dazzling Christmas decorations and festive entertainment to free Santa photos and carols, Central Coast Council and Destination Central Coast have curated the ultimate ‘Christmas on the Coast’ guide on lovecentralcoast.com to help you plan your Christmas adventure across Gosford, Terrigal, The Entrance, Toukley and Wyong.Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the guide has been curated to bring the community together and spread joy across the region.“I’m really excited for all the festive events and activities taking place across the Coast this December, including the much-loved Christmas window display competition,” Ms Smith said.“Local businesses in Gosford, The Entrance, Toukley and Wyong will be getting into the festive spirit by decorating their shop windows.

Following safety concerns and community feedback, the Ettalong Foreshore Boat Ramp at the end of Kourung Avenue will close from Monday December 2, 2024. Central Coast Council’s decision to close the boat ramp follows numerous safety concerns raised by residents, NSW Police, Transport for NSW - Maritime, local MPs, and Council staff regarding vehicle congestion, illegal parking, and potential hazards to the public from towing vehicles on the busy beach area. Closing the boat ramp complements Maritime’s recent changes in this area, making a safer environment for swimmers, families, and beachgoers at Ettalong Foreshore.

Central Coast Council has an exciting opportunity for our community to shape the design of Karagi Point Reserve, which is due for renewal in 2025-2026.The Karagi Point Reserve in Hutton Rd, The Entrance North, includes a car park, foreshore and playspace, which is nearing its end-of-life.

With summer fast approaching, Central Coast Council is reminding residents that it’s never too late to learn to swim with SwimSAFER Week promoting safe swim practices from 18-24 November.SwimSAFER Week is a dedicated initiative that Council’s Learn to Swim Schools support in partnership with Swim Australia and AUSTSWIM every year, helping children and adults to build essential water safety skills to be confident in the water.Council’s Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said learning to swim is a fundamental preventative measure to ensure safety for our community in and around pools, beaches, and our local waterways.

Central Coast Council is thrilled to announce that Woodport Public School student, Autumn was recently named the National Winner in the Year 3–4 category of the National Water Week Primary School Poster Competition.Autumn’s winning artwork, chosen from thousands of entries nationwide, illustrates the essential connection between the health of our waterways and the quality of our drinking water.Council Director Water and Sewer, Danielle Hargreaves said the poster is an inspired expression of Council’s water conservation and sustainability themes.“The National Water Week Annual Poster Competition inspires young people to have a greater awareness of our precious water resource.

Central Coast Council has successfully completed shutdown 3 of the Mardi Water Treatment Plant upgrade ahead of schedule.

The 2023-2024 State of the Beaches Report has rated 100% of Central Coast beaches as Good or Very Good – a improvement on the 2022-2023 Report.Significantly Terrigal Beach has improved to Good after three years of a Poor rating, which is a great result.The annual report gives a grading for each designated swim site from Very Good to Poor and is an indicator of suitability for swimming.

Central Coast Council is inviting dog owners to join their free ‘Come and Try’ dog training sessions across the Coast in October, November and December.

Central Coast Council has commenced Shutdown 3 of the major Mardi Water Treatment Plant upgrade.

With National Water Week in full swing, it’s time to tap off and tune in to saving water and reducing environmental impact.On Thursday 24 October, join Water Night by turning off all non-essential taps from 5-10pm.

The Garage Sale Trail is returning to the Central Coast over two big weekends in November, offering Coasties a unique opportunity to declutter, discover and save.

For a fourth consecutive year, the New South Wales Central Coast is selected as a finalist in the internationally recognised Green Destinations Top 100 Stories List.The Central Coast region joins 99 other destinations thanks to the collaborative effort between the Central Coast Council’s Destination Marketing and Visitor Services section, and Environmental Management Unit to promote positive visitor behaviour.Council’s 2024 finalist story selected by Green Destinations official judges is in the ‘Nature &

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to attend free Transport for NSW 'Helping Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers' workshops in November.The free workshops support parents and other supervisors of learner drivers to be confident and effective teachers of their young person.

The Lakes Festival returns to make a splash on the Central Coast from 8-17 November with a vibrant curation of music, art, activities, and entertainment. This huge celebration of our lakes and waterways brings locals and visitors together to enjoy exciting family-friendly activities, as well as cultural and educational programs hosted by local businesses and community groups.

Central Coast Council is once again encouraging the community to get involved in National Water Week 2024, running from October 21 to 27, under the theme “Accelerating Action”.

Central Coast Council is proud to support ‘Live and Local’, showcasing talented musicians performing in unique venues around Gosford in November.Council has partnered with contemporary music and arts collective, Central Coast Music &

The Central Coast Council is represented by 15 Councillors who were elected for a 4-year term, until September 2028.The result of the Referendum, held on the same day as the Local Government election, to determine the future number of Central Coast Councillors has also been determined – with the YES vote prevailing after receiving the majority of votes.New CouncillorsBudgewoi Ward:

Central Coast Council is inviting local communities to provide feedback on proposed management actions for the Hawkesbury-Nepean River System Coastal Management Program (CMP), as part of the third stage of community engagement for this program.Community members can attend information pop-up events to learn more and give input or provide feedback online until 24 November 2024. The extensive Hawkesbury-Nepean estuary system spans the Greater Sydney and Hunter-Central Coast regions, with a large proportion of the study area within the Central Coast Local Government Area (LGA).

Central Coast Council is wrapping up its successful Creating+Labs program for 2024 with a series of free workshops focused on mental health and wellbeing for artists, arts workers and arts organisations.

October is Mental Health Month and Central Coast Council is encouraging the local community, especially men, to take time out to understand the importance of good mental health in our everyday lives and to encourage help seeking behaviours when needed.Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said this year’s theme is, “Let’s Talk about it”.