Local students entering their first or second year of university are invited to apply for Central Coast Council’s 2017 scholarship program.The annual program provides an outstanding opportunity to gain valuable on the job training in a professional field while studying.Council’s Executive Manager People and Culture, Mrs Kellie Reeves, said the program is designed to inspire young people to continue their education.“Currently less than 11 per cent of our residents have university qualifications, compared to 24.1 per cent for Greater Sydney and 18.8 per cent across Australia,” Mrs Reeves said.“Through this program we hope we can positively change these statistics by motivating students to continue with their studies and by giving them paid work experience in their chosen field.“During this time students work alongside and are mentored by professionals, which help them to develop skills and give them an edge on the competition when they enter the workforce.

Central Coast Council is encouraging residents and visitors to be aware of snakes as the summer weather hits the Coast.As the weather warms up, snakes will begin to emerge from their winter abode in search of food, water and sun.Council’s Natural Areas Section Manager, Mr Alan Cibilic, reminded residents it’s time to be vigilant when outdoors.“Snakes might appear in open spaces, parks, beachside reserves and even our own gardens,” Mr Cibilic said.“Please take care when walking along beach accesses, bush walking trails and shared pathways, especially if you have your dog with you - make sure they stay on their leash.“Baby snakes are also about now and once they hatch they are on their own – which means they’re just as venomous as adults.

Central Coast families and visitors to our region will soon have new ways to play, with council investing more than $2 million in playground and play space upgrades this financial year.Council Administrator Ian Reynolds says that upgrading our playgrounds and play spaces is an investment in the quality of life of our local community.“Playgrounds and play spaces are an essential element in strengthening social networks.

Temporary traffic controls will be in place along Georgiana Terrace in Gosford from Monday 24 October until Friday 11 November 2016, while Central Coast Council completes essential sewer works.A section of Georgiana Terrace, adjacent to the Baker Street intersection, will be temporarily closed to through traffic.

Central Coast Council has closed The Entrance Beach today following a shark sighting.A shark believed to be a 3.5 metre bronze whaler was observed by Council lifeguards chasing a school of fish off The Entrance Beach.The beach is expected to be closed for at least several hours.  Lifeguards will reassess the beach over the next few hours and it will only be reopen when deemed to be safe.All other beaches across the Central Coast remain open at this time.  Lifeguards at nearby beaches are being extra vigilant to ensure the safety of swimmers.

Are you representing our region, state or country in a sporting or cultural event?Applications are now open for council’s Developing and Recognising Talent (DART) program to assist in covering costs for eligible residents who have been selected to participate in a recognised sporting or cultural event.Council Administrator Ian Reynolds says the DART program aims to recognise and support grass-roots sporting and cultural talent.“The DART program offers sponsorship for individuals or groups towards the costs associated with participating in significant sporting and cultural events,” said Mr.

Join the fight against graffiti by taking part in Graffiti Removal Day on Sunday 30 October.The state-wide graffiti removal and prevention day is a joint initiative of the New South Wales Government, Rotary Down Under and Graffiti Removal Australia, and is a great opportunity for individuals, community groups, sporting clubs, businesses and other organisations to join us in the fight against graffiti.We are encouraging residents to become part of the solution by volunteering to help remove graffiti at one of the official clean up sites across the Central Coast. Anyone over the age of 12 can get involved in the clean up.

Central Coast Council is urging residents to join the fight against graffiti by taking part in Graffiti Removal Day on Sunday 30 October 2016.The state-wide graffiti removal and prevention day is a joint initiative of the New South Wales Government, Rotary Down Under and Graffiti Removal Australia and is a great opportunity for individuals, community groups, sporting clubs, businesses and other organisations to help us in the fight against graffiti.Council’s Community Development Coordinator, Ms Shari Young said everyone can play a part in keeping the Coast graffiti free.“Anyone over age of 12 can get involved in the clean up – we’re encouraging people to get involved,” Ms Young said.“All volunteers will be provided with training, graffiti removal equipment and protective gear on the day.”Official Graffiti Removal Day sites for the Central Coast are located in Point Clare, Ettalong, Umina, Woy Woy, Wyong, Gorokan, Watanobbi and Toukley.Some of the more successful anti-graffiti initiatives carried out on the Central Coast include the neighbourhood volunteer graffiti removal groups, an education program in high schools and an extensive community mural program.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said graffiti was an ongoing challenge that impacted most communities.“It is one of the most visible crimes and the cost to the community is not just financial,” Mr Ian Reynolds said.“Indirect costs include environmental harm, increased concerns for personal safety, and reduced civic pride.“Removing graffiti costs NSW ratepayers more than $100 million each year, and even though Council has had increased success in our efforts to reduce graffiti vandalism, we cannot do it without the help of the community.“We are committed to improving the Central Coast community’s quality of life so let’s roll up our sleeves and work together to keep our community beautiful and free of graffiti vandalism.”To get involved and find a local clean up a site on 30 October please visit graffitiremovalday.org.au.

Central Coast Council has secured three major events in 2017 at the region’s newest and biggest skate place - Bato Yard.Two events are associated with the Australian Skateboarding Federation (ASF) and the other is part of the NSW YMCA Skate Park League (SPL).Council’s Sports Development and Events Officer, Ms Karen Lightfoot, said this is great news and will put the new facility on the national riding calendar and boost its reputation nationally and internationally.“Since Bato Yard opened in July, hundreds of riders and spectators flock to the freestyle riding facility every day and these events will only further cement the increasing popularity of the Yard,” Ms Lightfoot said.“The two ASF events will be part of the popular King of Concrete skateboard contest series and is an opportunity for our local riders to showcase their talents in front of some big names.“The first one will be the bowl event which is locked in for Saturday 11 February and will feature qualifying spots for the well-known Bondi Bowlarama.“This means our Bato event could see some of our local riders competing against some of the best skaters in Australia at Bondi!“The other ASF King of Concrete event will be a street-based skate contest in April and will be used as a contest pathway to participate in a USA street event – another great chance for our local skaters to compete against some of the best in the world!”Bato Yard was designed to cater for a range of disciplines such as skate, scooter, BMX and blades for locals with a view to also hosting major events.The YMCA has booked Bato Yard for two years with their first SPL event booked in for the next school holidays on Tuesday 17 January.The competition will include riders competing in the categories of scooter, skateboard, BMX and wheelies (wheelchair/amputees).

A $2.2 million upgrade of road at Audie Parade at Berkeley Vale gets underway this week.Central Coast Council is continuing to spend a record amount this financial year on road upgrades with Berkeley Vale being the latest focus.Council’s Construction Manager, Mr Stuart Baverstock, said Audie Parade is part of the critical local road network connecting residents to schools, hospitals and local amenities.“Upgrading this road with this first stage of works will help alleviate the flooding previously experienced in this area and improve road pavement conditions, allowing easier access to these local facilities and amenities,” said Mr Baverstock.“This major project will include new road pavement, extensive drainage work and new kerb and guttering along Audie Parade.“During this work the speed limit will be reduced to 40km/h and short detours and delays can be experienced by motorists.“We understand road construction can cause some disruption and we appreciate the community’s patience while this important work takes place.”Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds said he was asked about more road upgrades from members of the Coast community everywhere he went, as well as being asked what Council is doing about our road network.“Council is doing a lot this financial year to prioritise our road and drainage network,” said Mr Reynolds.“A record amount of funding is being invested to making our roads safer and to ease congestion throughout the Coast.“We are also continuing to lobby the State and Federal Government to assist us with improving our road network.“Roads connect our community and are essential to residents as they go about their daily lives.”

As Central Coast Stadium prepares for the first home game of the Central Coast Mariners A-League on Saturday 22 October 2016, patrons are encouraged to have a ‘Plan B’ before travelling home.The ‘What’s Your Plan B?

A second wave of Council pop up engagement stalls is rolling out across the Coast.This follows the successful launch in June of the stalls as a one stop shop to answer resident questions with over 800 residents taking advantage of the opportunity to talk directly to Council representatives.Council’s Administrator Mr Ian Reynolds and CEO Mr Rob Noble will once again make themselves available at the following shopping centres:Umina Beach Coles – Thursday 20 October from 2.30pm to 4pmErina Fair (outside Megasave Chemist, near Coles) – Thursday 20 October from 5pm to 7pmLake Munmorah Shopping Centre – Thursday 24 November 5pm to 7pmCouncil’s Administrator Mr Ian Reynolds said he enjoys attending the stalls as it gives him a unique opportunity to hear residents’ ideas and concerns first-hand.“What is particularly pleasing is that residents are passionate about their community here on the Coast and want to see this area go forward,” Mr Reynolds said.“I want to harness that passion, as together Council and the community can make the Central Coast the very best place it can be.“So come along for a chat and share your ideas.

Central Coast Council has welcomed the release of the State Government’s Regional Plan for the Central Coast.The Plan is designed as a ‘blueprint’ for growing the regional economy, accelerating housing supply and protecting and enhancing the natural environment over the next twenty years.Population growth figures for the Central Coast were revised last month and are now projected to increase to 415,000 by 2036, bigger than the population of Canberra today.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said he hopes the plan provides the right toolset to meet the needs of what is now a much faster growing community.“We submitted our strong views on the Draft Plan and like others on the Coast are looking forward to seeing how our feedback has been adopted in the final Plan.” Mr Reynolds said.“Our community values our natural environment, amenities, relaxed lifestyle and sense of community and we want to sustain and enhance that.“We need to accommodate a lot more people here over the next twenty years and the only way we can do that is by creating more housing options, more local jobs and more infrastructure so our growing community can continue to live and thrive here.“We have done a lot of work already to identify the key areas and projects we need to drive investment and jobs growth in our region.“Council looks forward to working constructively with the State Government to deliver the best possible outcomes for our community.”Under the Plan the Central Coast Delivery, Co-ordination and Monitoring Committee has been established to be accountable for achieving the Plan’s vision and goals, with representatives from Council and State Government agencies.“As the only region in the State that has one Council, we welcome our seat at the table to help ensure we move the Central Coast forward,” Mr Reynolds added.“Delivering a sustainable future for the Central Coast will require ongoing adequate funding of projects by the State and Federal Governments as well as Council.”

Nominations for the inaugural Central Coast Council 2017 Australia Day Awards are now open.These awards are open to anyone from across the Central Coast for the chance to be named the first ever Central Coast Citizen of the Year.The awards span seven categories and are designed to showcase locals who have shown outstanding dedication to their community, their workplace, arts, culture or sport.Council’s Acting Group Leader Customer and Community Relationships, Ms Julie Vaughan, is encouraging the community to get involved.“We all know someone who is at the local sports ground rain, hail or shine, or a leading local business entrepreneur.

Niagara Park Stadium will play host to some of the most talented young sportspeople from across New South Wales (NSW) this weekend, as they converge on the Coast for the 2016 Hockey NSW Under 15 Indoor State Championships.The Championships will be held over four days from the 14 October, culminating in the grand final on Monday 17 October.

Enjoy a wide range of activities set amid the stunning natural assets of Tuggerah Lakes for free when Central Coast Council’s award-winning Wyong Lakes Festival returns on November 12 with something for everyone.The festival attracted some 35,000 people in 2015 and is set to attract even more this year with an expanded program spanning nine days and offering everything from painting, storytelling, movies, live music, fireworks, education workshops, a Triathlon and a Scavenger hunt.With more than 30 activities to choose from, Council is urging residents to start planning their festival today.Two legends of the Australian music scene, Paul Kelly and Charlie Owen, will headline the inaugural Lighthouse Folk Festival on Saturday 19 November at Norah Head Lighthouse.Enjoy panoramic views of the glittering coastline while listening to a range of live artists, including Central Coast duo Winterbourne, who are known for their distinctive melodies and punchy riffs, and local troubadour Elwood Myre and his Americana-inspired folk rock band.Sharing the stage at the Lighthouse Folk Festival will be Melbourne fold outfit, Husky, fresh from a 12-month tour of Europe, and Ainslie Wills, whose powerhouse vocals and commanding presence have seen her described as ‘the Australian version of Tina Turner.’Council’s Events Officer, Ms Cobey Linsley, said the opening weekend would be jam packed and included fireworks, a spectacular free evening concert featuring headliner ‘Thirsty Merc’ and fun outdoor activities.“The popular Triathlon and Stand Up Paddle Board competitions will be running on the opening weekend, as well as a free brunch by the lake,” Ms Linsley said.“The final weekend of the Wyong Lakes Festival will finish with a big splash and will see live bands, moonlight cinema, folk festival, water obstacle course, Splash and Dash family event and a street festival."Also new to 2016 Wyong Lakes Festival is Colour Ya World, Obstasplash, Long Jetty Street Festival and Long Jetty Moonlight Cinema.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said he couldn’t wait to see the Lakes come alive on and off the water.“There are a number of events I want to go to.

Central Coast Council has released 43 new dog exercise area maps that clearly show where people can take their dogs in the Coast’s south.The new maps reflect the current on and off leash areas, as well as dog prohibited areas that were identified as part of the latest Dogs in Open Spaces Strategy.The Strategy was developed following extensive community consultation to determine the most appropriate ways for Council to cater for the needs of dog owners and encourage responsible pet ownership.Manager of Culture Phil Cantillon said the new maps will not only better inform dog owners, but also people who do not own a dog.“Some 3000 people have been involved in direct discussions over the past five years to inform this Strategy,” said Mr.

The Extreme Sports Park at San Remo is being revamped to cater for the growing interest in BMX riding and will complement the existing track at Terrigal.Work is well underway to build a competition style BMX track, and help create and support a club to run the facility.We have been working with riders – both local and skilled – as well as the San Remo Neighbourhood Centre to reactivate the area and gain their valuable input to make this facility top notch like Terrigal.The facility is being reshaped to BMX Australian competition standards, to enable the hosting of major events and competitions.Works are continuing on the $300,000 upgrade and when finished it will feature an eight lane, competition-style barrel gate, four straights coated in crushed granite, asphalt on the berms as well as the downhill starting ramp to maintain momentum and speed throughout the track, turfing between tracks and around facility and more car parking.This track will suit professional and technical riders, and also cater for the young developing riders in the area.Future plans to make the park more attractive include lighting, an upgrade to amenities and spectator areas, and a junior track.As well as improving the BMX area, we have also upgraded the skate area on site.

Goorama Avenue’s $1.1 million facelift will be unveiled in the New Year.Central Coast Council has reached the fifth and final stage of this $6 million major road and drainage upgrade that will include a new road surface, intersection upgrades and new traffic calming devices.Council’s Construction Manager, Mr Stuart Baverstock, said community safety will be significantly improved as a result of this final stage of work.“With two schools on Goorama Avenue and school back in session, Council urges the community to slow down during this final stage, follow all road work signs and drive to the conditions of the road," Mr Baverstock said.“During this work the speed limit will be reduced to 40km/h and motorists may experience short detours and delays.“Council will ensure the safety of all pedestrians and road users with the use of traffic control during this time.“Road users will not only enjoy a smoother ride along Goorama Avenue but will enjoy an upgraded drainage system that will alleviate the previous flooding issues experienced in this popular area.”Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds said, the Coast community has identified our roads and drainage network as an area of need and Council has committed to injecting more funds into our roads this financial year.“This upgrade is a key project for the San Remo area that will improve the safety and ease traffic congestion for motorists in this busy area,” said Mr Reynolds.“Council is determined to deliver key infrastructure on the Central Coast that will increase safety for all road users and cater for our growing community.”Some other major road projects that will begin in the coming months include:Lakeside Parade, The EntranceChivers Road, SomersbyMyoora Road, SomersbyMurray Street, Ettalong BeachHastings Road, Terrigal

Tickets to the thrilling and action-packed sports show Nitro Circus Live, at Central Coast Stadium, will be available through an exclusive online pre-sale from Monday 10 October.Direct from sell out shows across the globe, the popular event is returning to the Central Coast for the first time in six years, as part of their 2017 Australia Regional Rampage Tour.On Saturday 1 April 2017, fans can expect to see some of the biggest and best mind-blowing stunts and jumps, in a fully choreographed sports and theatrical spectacular.The show features 30 of the world's most extreme athletes in freestyle motocross, BMX and skate, plus a host of crazy stunts performed by the Nitro daredevils, including acts never seen before in Australia.Those looking for the ultimate Nitro Circus experience can purchase the Nitro Club VIP package which includes entry into the show an hour before gates open, exclusive behind the scenes access, plus a Q&A session with the stars of the show.