Central Coast residents will have plenty of opportunities to keep the kids entertained these Autumn school holidays at Council’s libraries.Children from three to 18 years have been catered for with an exciting mix of imaginative and educational free events from 16 to 27 April.Council Acting Unit Manager Libraries, Beth Burgess, said there was a real focus on unleashing the creative talent of the Coast’s youngsters in a fun and engaging way.“We have some amazing artistic events on offer that will no doubt inspire children to be involved and learn something new,” Mrs Burgess said.“Students will have the opportunity to discover more about the film making process, creative writing, ceramic design, skateboard deck art and lego technics.“We have also brought back some favourites including lego fun, tabletop gaming, special storytime sessions and science fun.“The event I am most excited about has to be the Zombie Escape Room, where participants will have to work together to solve clues before the clock runs out.“With the rise in popularity of escape rooms over the last few years I would strongly encourage parents to book a spot for their child as soon as possible, ensuring friendship groups can be booked in the same session.”Six sessions are available for bookings, for children aged 12 to 17 years, hosted by Lake Haven Library on Tuesday 17 April or Erina Library on 18 April.“Our last event of the holidays will be at Kariong Library on Friday 27 April.

Central Coast Council’s very own Kincumber Library will be featured as one of the work places in the three-part factual series Employable Me that premieres Tuesday 3 April, 8.30pm on ABC and ABC iview.Produced by Northern Pictures (Changing Minds, Ice Wars), Employable Me follows people with neuro diverse conditions to draw attention to barriers they have gaining meaningful employment.Council Acting Unit Manager Libraries, Beth Burgess, said it was a privilege to be involved in such an incredible series that brings to light the benefit of hiring someone with a disability.“Last year our Libraries were approached by Breakthru to organise work placement for Krystyna, who is studying to be a Library Technician through TAFE and was keen for experience in a local library,” Mrs Burgess said.“During filming Krystyna embraced the opportunity to learn new skills and work as part of the team.“Our staff enjoyed working alongside Krystyna to help her develop new skills and gain experience to support her career aspirations.“Staff found it an incredibly uplifting experience being able to help someone harness their strengths and skills.“Due to the success of Krystyna’s placement she has since returned for additional work experience back in February to assist with further development of her workplace skills.“I am eager to watch the series and see how each of the nine participants featured job search unfolds.”Employable Me, premieres on Tuesday 3 April at 8.30pm on ABC & ABC iview with Kincumber Library set to be on screens the following week, Tuesday 10 April at 8.30pm.Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said Council will continue working with other government agencies, community groups, service providers and businesses to help community members with a disability gain meaningful employment.“Supporting access to meaningful employment is a key outcome of our Disability Inclusion Action Plan, which aims to create an inclusive and accessible community for everyone on the Coast,” Ms Vaughan said.“People with disabilities are a vital part of our community – this plan will allow individuals and their families to participate in all aspects of community life by providing improved access to Council services and facilities.”There are 58 actions listed in the Plan for Council to implement over a four year period.The Disability Inclusion Action Plan can be found in accessible and Easy English formats on Council’s Website and in hard copies at Council libraries.

Central Coast Council invites you to hop on down to The Entrance this Easter long weekend for four days of free activities and live entertainment.The Entrance will be alive with a wide range of activities to keep the children entertained over the weekend from Friday 30 March to Monday 2 April.Free music in the Waterfront Plaza will have the whole family entertained with live performances every day from 11am to 3pm.On Easter Saturday and Sunday, kids will have the chance to meet the Easter Bunny in Memorial Park and receive a free Easter egg.

Despite sweltering heat one day and heavy rainfall the next, Central Coast residents still took the opportunity to rid their homes of unwanted chemical products, thanks to the Household Chemical CleanOut events hosted by Central Coast Council.More than 100 tonnes of chemicals were dropped off at CleanOut drop-off locations at the Gosford Showground and the Council Long Jetty Depot on the last weekend of February and first weekend of March, respectively.Council Unit Manager Waste Services and Business Development, Andrew Pearce, said the results showed the community’s commitment to disposing of problem wastes responsibly.“In total, 2988 vehicles drove through the gates of both locations, dropping off more than 104 tonnes of chemicals over the two weekends,” Mr Pearce said.“Thanks to the co-operation of residents both events ran smoothly with no chemical spills and the average time on site for motorists was under five minutes.“Chemicals collected will be reprocessed where possible and disposed of safely where they cannot.”Household Chemical CleanOuts are held bi-annually.

Central Coast Council Offices and a number of services will close from 5pm Thursday 29 March for the Easter Long Weekend and reopen on Tuesday 3 April 2018, while other essential services and facilities will continue to operate.

The NSW Auditor-General has confirmed Council’s financial statements present fairly, in all material aspects, the financial position of Central Coast Council as at 30 June 2017, and of its financial performance and its cash flows for the period 13 May 2016 to 30 June 2017 in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 and Australian Accounting Standards.

Council’s strong financial position backed by Independent AuditThe NSW Auditor-General has confirmed Central Coast Council’s financial statements present fairly, in all material aspects, the financial position of Council as at 30 June 2017, and of its financial performance and its cash flows for the period 13 May 2016 to 30 June 2017 in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 and Australian Accounting Standards.Read separate media release here.Council confirms Ettalong Channel dredging is a State Government responsibility after considering external legal advice Council has maintained its long held view that it is under no statutory obligation to dredge the Brisbane Water Entrance Channel.The bed below mean high water level is NSW Crown Land, and NSW Roads and Maritime Services is responsible for the safety of navigational waterways and channel.

Central Coast Council will shortly commence stabilisation work on the $2,807,000 Avoca Beach Southern Foreshore RedevelopmentThe works, funded by the NSW State Government as part of the Stronger Communities Funding made available to all newly merged Councils, will improve the infrastructure and amenity of the area as well as to deliver important coastal protection and rehabilitation works to stabilise the foreshore.Council Director, Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling, said that the upgrades will provide the community and visitors with a safer and more accessible foreshore and will take place in two stages.

Council has released the findings of the second round of engagement to develop the Coast’s first ever Community Strategic Plan with 91% of survey respondents saying they had ‘good’, ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ quality of life.Connected Communities Director, Julie Vaughan said Phase Two of the  project drilled down into the findings of the initial community engagement where Council received over 33,000 ideas and opinions from residents about what would make the Central Coast an even better place to live.“Phase Two was about going back to the community to unpack the key themes we defined in Phase One, looking at community priorities, community values and how the community feels about their quality of life here on the Coast,” Ms Vaughan said.“The community was asked to rate their overall quality of life living on the Central Coast with 91% of survey respondents saying they had ‘good’, ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ quality of life, which is fantastic for the Coast.”“Quality of life appears to trend marginally upwards with age and be impacted by certain socio-economic factors, such as location of residence, employment status, level of education and home ownership – all important factors when looking at how we shape the future of the Central Coast.“Lifestyle and community, including attributes such as safety, sense of community and opportunities to participate in community life were the key drivers of quality of life.”“Transport and movement around the Central Coast were two of the top issues identified by residents as a priority issue over the next 10 years with natural environment, infrastructure, population growth, employment opportunities and housing also rating highly.“A key focus of the CSP will be to consider and balance the importance of both key priority issues as well as the key drivers of quality of life,” she said.During Phase Two, Council engaged with over 1200 local community members and key stakeholders via a comprehensive telephone survey, a series of six community workshops and meetings with the Community Reference Group.Mayor Jane Smith said the process to develop the Coast’s first ever Community Strategic Plan had engaged many thousands of people in the local community and, once completed, will be a true representation of what our community think, feel, want and value.“The central focus for the CSP engagement has been on genuine and meaningful dialogue” Mayor Smith said.“Council have strived to work together across organisations, groups and the broader community to understand community values, issues and aspirations for the future.“The Community Strategic Plan is the most important plan we have at Council as it defines and prioritises exactly what our community want.

Oh, what a feeling!

Discover the stories that inspired the acclaimed play A Town Named War Boy, when NSW State Library World War I curator, Elise Edmonds, visits Tuggerah Library on Wednesday 28 March.The talk will delve into personal accounts from ANZAC soldiers that served our nation and a small selection of diaries and original material will be on display.Council Acting Unit Manager Libraries, Beth Burgess, said the Libraries were very pleased to secure this event offered in conjunction with the national tour of A Town Named War Boy.“This talk and display provides a rare opportunity to get a glimpse into how individual troops felt and lived while deployed on the front,” Ms Burgess said.“It really encapsulates the ANZAC spirit and looks at just how scared and vulnerable these men were, an aspect which is not often discussed.“We are incredibly lucky to have Elise present here as she is the mastermind behind one of the State Library’s most successful exhibitions.“Elise will also give insight into the origin of the pieces and how her work lead to the State Library’s collaboration to help create an incredibly moving experience for theatre goers.”In 2014 the State Library and the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) commissioned playwright Ross Mueller to create a new play based on the extensive World War I diary collection.A Town Named War Boy brings to life the private thoughts of young Aussie men that were sent off to war on the other side of the world and how those that made it back home dealt with the traumas of conflict, described by The Australian as “The most moving ANZAC tribute of all”.Tickets for performances on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 April are on sale now and can be purchased via thearthousewyong.com.au“As we head towards ANZAC Day in the last year of the centenary of World War I, there is no better time to learn more about our nation’s heroes,” Ms Burgess added.“This is a unique opportunity to hear these authentic stories that helped create the Australian identity.”Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraryevents or call 4350 1560 to reserve a spot.To be one of the first to know about events, new releases as well as discover what resources and services are available sign up to Central Coast Council Library Service e-newsletter at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/enews and search #ccclibraries on Council’s social media pages.

A joint partnership between Central Coast Council, The Jimmy Jurd Fund and Centra Projects will see the delivery of a new play space to Chittaway Bay Lions Park, paying tribute to a special local resident.The play space will be upgraded in part from a fund set up for Jimmy Jurd, who at the age of one was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour, then inoperable in Australia.  Funds were raised for his treatment but Jimmy sadly passed before the treatment could start. A portion of the funds raised will now be used to upgrade this play space in his honour at the request of his family.Director of Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling, confirmed Council has awarded a contract for upgrades to the park.

Central Coast residents are being urged to prepare their homes and take care on Coast roads with heavy rain to hit the region from 8pm tonight.The Bureau of Meterology (BOM) has advised rainfall is expected to start from 8pm tonight and continue for the next twenty-four hours with the heaviest rain expected pre-dawn.BoM have advised 150mm to 200mm is expected to fall within the 24 hour period along with 4 metre swells on Coast beaches over the coming days.Residents are being urged to prepare their homes and gardens by clearing gutters and drains.

Central Coast Council maintained the NSW Government is responsible for dredging of the Box Head and Ettalong Channels, and that Council was willing to work with the NSW Government on a long term solution, at a round-table discussion on the issue today.Council is yet to receive formal notification from the NSW Government on the outcome of applications for grant funding, which if granted would allow the Council to purchase and operate a dredge for 5 years for the State.Mayor Jane Smith said Council recognised there was a need for dredging in order to maintain the Channels for navigation purposes and also emphasised it was essential to understand its legal position and cost implications to ensure the right decision was made.“Councillors need to have all the information in order to make informed decisions for the long term management of the estuary and the allocation of ratepayer money,” Mayor Jane Smith said.“That is why at our February 12 meeting the Council resolved to request a detailed briefing and report be given on current legal advice, dredging strategies, an understanding of how the estuaries function and cost implications of purchasing a dredge.“The information that I have received to date confirms Council’s long held view that the dredging of the channels is a State government responsibility.“The State Government also collects millions of dollars in fees from moorings, jetty rents and fishing and boat licenses in Brisbane Water and this revenue could and should be put back into maintaining the channels and the waterways to ensure these recreational activities can continue.“In addition, it is worth noting that our neighbouring Lake Macquarie Council does not pay for dredging, rather the State government covers that cost.“If Council must find the funding ourselves to dredge the channel, funding would need to be taken away from other priority projects our community have told us they want funded.“We need the State Government to come to the table with a solid funding package for the Channel and we are happy to get on board.”The round table today brought together key stakeholders including Parliamentary Secretary Scot MacDonald, Local Terrigal MP Adam Crouch, State Government Department representatives, the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Fantasea Cruising, Mayor Jane Smith and Senior Council staff.Councillors will receive a briefing this week and a report is expected to the March 26 meeting to be held in Wyong.

Central Coast Council will celebrate the cultural diversity across the Central Coast with Flavours by the Sea as part of Harmony Day celebrations on Saturday 24 March.The message of Harmony Day is ‘everyone belongs’, and aims to engage people to participate in their community, respect cultural and religious diversity and foster a sense of belonging.Council’s Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard, said the day is a chance to celebrate the many cultures that make up Australia and the Central Coast and it is a great time to reflect on the importance of inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.“Our diversity makes Australia a great place to live,” Mr Cannard said.“To celebrate we are hosting an event called Flavours by the Sea - a chance for everyone to come together and celebrate the region’s diversity with a taste of the world food, music and art.“Our annual event has been revamped and will see local acts mixing with some of the country’s best entertainers as well as giving people the opportunity to taste their way around the world at our amazing food stalls.“I encourage everyone to come along and celebrate the different cultures this event has to offer in recognition of how diverse our community is becoming.”Council Mayor Jane Smith said as the population on the Central Coast grows, so does the diversity.“One of my favourite roles as Mayor is to conduct citizenship ceremonies which highlight how diversity and multiculturalism is thriving on the Central Coast,” Mayor Smith said.“Already this year we have seen more than 150 residents become Australia Citizens with a special ceremony on Australia Day.“There will be another five ceremonies this year – which means we will see more than 400 people who have decided to make Australia, and the Central Coast, their home.“Australia is such a vibrant and multicultural country, it’s great to see it being embraced on the Central Coast.”Council has secured national artists, Harry James Angus (of The Cat Empire) and King Tide, to headline the entertainment at Flavours by the Sea.The popular Harmonic Forest is back - an installation of illuminated prefabricated trees narrating live visual stories.Festival goers will be invited to participate in a free workshop to create designs and images that will be projected as part of the ‘Harmonic Forest’.Flavours by the Sea will be held at Memorial Park, The Entrance on Saturday 24 March from 3.30-8.30pm.Find out more details at:

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Scot MacDonald MLC today announced Central Coast Council has received $700,000 in funding to upgrade the amenities in Central Coast Stadium as part of the NSW Liberal National Government’s $200 million Stronger Country Communities fund.“The project will involve upgrading the existing amenities block to a first class standard” Mr MacDonald said.“Works include a full overhaul of the existing amenities including ceiling rectification, installation of new light fittings, hand dryers, tapware and plumbing.”“Central Coast Stadium regularly hosts a range of sporting matches and music events, so I’m really pleased that funding from the State Liberal Government is going towards improving this facility,” Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch MP said.“This is one of several projects receiving funding through round 1 of the Stronger Country Communities Fund, and there is now an additional $200 million available for community projects through round 2 of this fund.”Mayor Jane Smith applauded the announcement, saying that the Stronger Country Communities Funding was illustrative of the State Government’s support for the development of infrastructure in regional communities.

The auditor’s report for the first consolidated Central Coast Council financial statements will be presented at the next meeting on Monday 26 March 2018.The report and financial statements for the 13.5 month statutory period confirm a total income from continuing operations of $723.7 million, a surplus of $65.4 million and an asset base worth $6.9 billion.These are the first consolidated financial statements for Central Coast Council and are from 13 May 2016 until 30 June 2017.The audited financial statements and the auditor’s report are available for inspection at Council’s Offices in Gosford and Wyong and Libraries and online at yourvoiceourcoast.comAny person may make written submission to Council with respect to the audited financial statements until Monday 2 April.Also available for inspection are the audited financial statements and auditor’s report for activities as a water supply authority under the Water Management Act 2000, prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983.

Central Coast Council is warning beach goers against swimming and recreational fishing at Terrigal, Avoca and Copacabana beaches following the discovery of marine algal blooms.The red coloured algae that has appeared on some of  Central Coast’s beaches has been identified as Trichodesmium erythraeum, commonly referred to as ‘red tide’ or ‘sea sawdust’.

Council commits to strong action on climate changeCouncil will explore the option to join the Cities Power Partnership (CPP) and develop a policy including mitigation and adaptions measures in a bid to take strong action on climate change.In January 2018 the Climate Council released a report confirming the 2013-2017 period has been the hottest on record with 2017 the third hottest year on recordMayor Jane Smith said climate change is real and action needed to be taken to mitigate its effect on the region’s water resources, coastal ecosystems, infrastructure, health, agriculture and biodiversity.“The effects of climate change pose a serious threat to our way of life on the Central Coast,” Mayor Smith said.“Climate change is a risk to our economic prosperity so doing nothing is not an option.“We want our legacy to be that we stood up and said we value our way of life and want to protect it for the generations to come.“Council needs to take the lead on this and develop an action plan to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and get our industry, businesses and community on board as well.”CPP is a national local government program that focusses on supporting the emission reduction successes of local councils in Australia.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Scot MacDonald MLC has welcomed the announcement that Central Coast Council will receive $50,000 under the fourth and final round of the Social Housing Community Improvement Fund (SHCIF) for upgrades to Jarrett Street Reserve in Gosford North.The funding will provide for the replacement of soft fall materials to rubber soft fall to improve safety and attractiveness of the reserve for social housing residents.Round 4 of the SHCIF, which completes the delivery of the NSW Government’s election commitment to building stronger social housing communities, delivered grants of between $35,000 and $50,000 to support local organisations improve the lives of the most vulnerable across NSW.Mr MacDonald said the funding provided through the SHCIF would help improve the lives of social housing residents in Gosford, by not only providing improved facilities, but also better connections with the wider community.“The SHCIF is a great Government initiative which funds projects to bring the community together,” Mr MacDonald said.“I am pleased that social housing tenants that live in Gosford and their neighbours will see the impact of the funding through improvements to facilities that can be enjoyed by everyone.”Minister for Social Housing Pru Goward said the final round of funding would add to the already successful projects that were making a real difference to social housing communities across the state. “The SHCIF was a wonderful example of how Government can work with communities, local councils and the private sector to deliver projects which strengthen ties between people in and around social housing properties,” Ms Goward said.“I congratulate the successful recipients of Round 4 grants and look forward to seeing the projects improve the lives of the most vulnerable in the community for years to come.” Central Coast Council’s Director Assets, Infrastructure & Business, Mike Dowling, said that the announcement of funding was a very pleasing result that will provide benefit to the community.“Improving quality of life for those in our community who need it most is a great priority to us;