Media Releases

Central Coast Council is inviting venues across the region to register their interest in broadcasting the upcoming international friendly between the CommBank Matildas and New Zealand Football Ferns, taking place at polytec Stadium on Friday 28 November.By submitting details, venues will be included in a Council-curated list, encouraging fans and the community to support local businesses during game.Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna said hosting the upcoming match is a proud moment for the region’s sports fans and a valuable boost for local businesses.“Welcoming two international teams to compete here on the Central Coast is a great moment for our region.

Destination Central Coast hosted its end-of-year industry event on 20 November at Gosford’s newest hotel, voco Gosford, bringing together over 150 tourism professionals for the final networking event of 2025.This year has been a standout for tourism on the Central Coast, marked by strong local partnerships, innovative industry programmes and a string of award wins for both Council and local operators.Central Coast Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said collaboration and strong partnerships are key to growing the visitor economy.“In 2024-25, tourism generated over $5.2 million for our region.

Central Coast Council invites the community to help shape the region's future by sharing what makes the Central Coast a great place to live, work and invest.Your feedback will help create the first Place Brand Strategy – a long-term plan to promote the Central Coast to residents, visitors and businesses. This strategy builds on the success of the existing destination brand, which has helped grow the visitor economy from $900 million in 2019 to $1.3 billion in 2025. Central Coast Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the strategy will reflect the community’s vision for a thriving region.“We’d love to hear your views.

Central Coast Council is inviting people living with disability, carers, advocates and community organisations to review and provide feedback on Central the draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026-2030, now on public exhibition.The draft plan outlines practical actions to improve access and inclusion across the region.

Food businesses across the Central Coast can enhance their food safety knowledge at a free event at Gosford RSL Club on Tuesday 24 February.The Retail and Food Service Information Session provides businesses with the chance to get information and advice from Central Coast Council food safety and trade waste officers, as well as the NSW Food Authority in an informal setting.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said all local food businesses are encouraged to come along.“Whether you’ve been in the industry a long time or are only new to the scene, this is a fantastic opportunity to refresh your skills, expand your network and talk about food issues specific to our area,” Mayor McKinna said.“The session will include presentations on common food safety topics relevant to all retail food businesses, as well as an open discussion where you can share concerns and ideas.”There will be stalls at the event hosted by the NSW Food Authority, the NSW Shellfish Committee, Service NSW and Central Coast Council food safety and trade waste officers.

We have welcomed funding through the NSW Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government to deliver ‘Connected Communities’ - an initiative designed to strengthen community connections, particularly supporting people from migrant and refugee backgrounds.

Central Coast Council is proud to unveil the 2026 Gosford Regional Gallery exhibition program, a vibrant year-long celebration of creativity that highlights both local talent and acclaimed artists from across Australia.The 2026 season also continues the gallery’s 25th anniversary celebrations with a renewed commitment to artistic excellence, community connection and meaningful cultural engagement.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the Gosford Regional Art Gallery’s 2026 program reflects the region’s strong creative spirit and the gallery’s role as a cultural hub for the community.“The Gosford Regional Art Gallery continues to be a place where people come together to be inspired, to learn and to celebrate the incredible creative talent that exists within our community,” Mayor McKinna said.“This year’s program not only honours 25 years of artistic excellence but also strengthens the connection between our residents, our stories and the cultural life of the Central Coast.”Visitors can expect a dynamic calendar of exhibitions ranging from major retrospectives by highly regarded Australian artists to imaginative contemporary works shaped by student creativity and national touring exhibitions.A key feature of the program is the gallery’s dedication to presenting influential and boundary‑pushing artists.