Media Releases

MEDIA RELEASECentral Coast Council’s Seniors Festival 2026 is set to be a vibrant celebration of our senior community and the invaluable contributions older residents make every day. The theme for 2026, ‘Live Life in Colour’, reflects the diversity, creativity and energy that seniors bring to the Central Coast.

Central Coast Council is calling on the community to help shape the future of the region, with three major strategies now open for public feedback.The Draft Economic Development Strategy 2026-2030, Draft Destination Management Plan 2026-2029 and Draft Events Strategy 2026-2030 outline a long term vision to create more opportunities for locals and enhance the Coast as a great place to live, work and visit.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the three strategies are designed to work together to guide the region’s long-term direction.“These strategies set the direction for economic growth, tourism and events.

Central Coast Council announced the winners of the 2026 Australia Day Awards last night at Wyong Art House, with the overall Citizen of the Year Award going to Kerry Ann Groves for her outstanding commitment as a volunteer at San Remo Neighbourhood Centre for over 15 years.The Australia Day Awards were open to applicants from across the Central Coast region, with all nominees having the chance to be named as the prestigious, Central Coast Citizen of the Year.The individual awards span the following categories: Community Group AwardCommunity Life Award Senior Citizen Award Volunteer Award Young Person Award Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said these annual awards celebrate and recognise those who enrich and serve the community. “It’s a privilege to present these awards to remarkable local individuals and organisations, recognising the invaluable contributions they make to our community and the positive effect they have on many lives,” Mayor McKinna said.“My congratulations go to all the 2026 award recipients and nominees.

MEDIA RELEASECentral Coast Council is presenting three local youth events – Youth Day Out SoundWave music festival, Coast Swap clothes swap event and the Central Coast Skatepark Series - bringing young people together for fun in a positive and safe environment. Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna said these events align with Council’s Community Strategic Plan and Youth Strategy goals and play an important role in supporting young people’s development and wellbeing.“From music and skating to fashion and sustainability, Council’s upcoming youth events are all about boosting confidence, connection and wellbeing while bringing young people across the Coast together for safe, positive fun,” Mayor McKinna said.“I encourage our community to help spread the word about these events and encourage young people to attend.”Youth Day Out - SoundWave Summer music festivalSoundWave Summer, an inclusive, alcohol-free music festival designed for young people aged 12 to 24 years. Exciting live bands and DJs, hands-on electronic music activities, local youth services &

Central Coast Council is proud to announce the launch of Laycock Street Community Theatre’s 2026 season, promising a rich tapestry of artistic excellence, community connection and entertainment for everyone across the Coast.With more than 30 productions and over 200 events planned throughout the year, Laycock continues to cement its role as one of the main cultural heartbeats of the region.The first half of 2026 features stand-out performances such as the Royal Australian Navy Band’s ‘At the Movies’ concert, the uproarious Aboriginal Comedy Allstars, and the enchanting Victorian State Ballet’s production of Aladdin.Families can look forward to a jam-packed calendar, including much-loved children’s shows like Trinket the Robot, The Farmy Farm and Room on the Broom.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said Laycock Street Community Theatre is where the community comes together to experience the magic of live performance.“Laycock is more than a theatre, it celebrates our local talent and helps build the strong sense of community that makes the Central Coast such a great place to live,” Mayor McKinna said.“The mix of performances, educational programs and collaborative initiatives at Laycock help create a lively cultural space for our region.

Central Coast Council has completed a program of upgrades to fire trails across the region, improving access to bushland reserves and supporting community safety this summer.Council manages 223 fire trails as part of its ongoing support for the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS).These trails are a vital part of the Central Coast fire access network, which also includes other fire trails located on land owned by other authorities:

Central Coast Council is proud to announce completion of Vera’s Water Garden upgrades at The Entrance providing a fun, safe playpark for locals and visitors.Vera’s Water Garden has been transformed into a zero-depth water play park, improving safety, accessibility, and reducing ongoing maintenance.The new design features a range of interactive water elements all designed to spark movement, adventure and sensory play.

Following Central Coast Council’s resolution to implement a range of supports to assist affected residents of the Koolewong bushfire which ravaged the community last weekend, action is already commencing.Skip bins for use by fire impacted residents have now been delivered to Koolewong exclusion area, and waste collection services have re-commenced where bins are able to be accessed.

Central Coast Council has taken a landmark step in the region’s development by resolving to accept the largest contract in its history for the major capital upgrade of the Charmhaven Sewage Treatment Plant (STP).Council will formalise tender arrangements, valued at just over $144 million, with B.M.D Constructions Pty Ltd, marking this as a significant advance in Council’s future sewer infrastructure works.The upgrade will increase Charmhaven STP’s capacity to serve up to 75,000 Equivalent Persons (EP), with the provisions for additional growth to 150,000 EP, while supporting the health of local waterways and addressing existing challenges related to pollutant discharges.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna highlighted the importance of the project for the region’s long-term needs.“This resolution marks the largest contract ever awarded by Central Coast Council and ensures the reliable delivery of essential services both now, and into the future, as our community continues to grow,” Mayor McKinna said.“This project also provides a boost for local businesses and industry, with requirements for approximately 20% of the contract value to be delivered through local suppliers and contractors.”Water and Sewer Director, Jamie Loader said the upgrade ensures Charmhaven STP will meet compliance expectations now and into the future.“The significant upgrade to Charmhaven STP will address urgent operational, environmental, and regulatory risks, with robust risk management and oversight throughout the processes, ensuring we meet the current and future needs of our Central Coast community,” Mr Loader said.The project will be funded through Council’s long-term financial plan and will be supported by future revenue under the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) pricing determination.Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2026 and is expected to be completed by June 2028.

Central Coast Council hosted an afternoon tea on Tuesday 9 December to recognise 53 local groups recently awarded funding through the annual Community Grants Program.The program plays a vital role in building a stronger, more connected community by enabling local organisations to bring meaningful projects and events to life.Council’s Community Grants Program comprises three key streams:•  

Central Coast Council is investing in the future of Gosford City Car Park with a major Smart Technology upgrade, set to deliver improved efficiency, enhance security and an improved user experience.The upgrade is scheduled to begin in coming weeks, and will be completed during the 2025/26 financial year, paving the way for a safer, smarter and more accessible city centre.The project will provide Council with advanced management, monitoring and reporting capabilities, supporting broader goals of sustainability, accessibility and operational excellence.Council Mayor, Lawrie Mckinna said the technology upgrade is an investment into the future of Gosford.“The technology upgrade of Gosford City Car Park is about creating a safer, smarter and more connected Gosford," Mayor McKinna said.“Council’s investment in modern infrastructure improves accessibility, supports local businesses and visitation to the region to help build a more vibrant, welcoming city for all to enjoy”.The upgrade will introduce modern, user-friendly features including:

Help celebrate the incredible young people of the Central Coast by nominating someone for Central Coast Council’s 2026 Youth Week Awards!Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith encourages nominations so Council can honour local youth for their efforts.

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.