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    Media Release
    Nominations open for Central Coast Council’s 2024 Australia Day Awards
    Nominations for Central Coast Council’s 2024 Australia Day Awards are now open, providing an opportunity to recognise local individuals and groups who make an outstanding contribution to the region.Council Unit Manager Community and Culture, Glenn Cannard said the awards are an opportunity to shine a light on Coasties who make a real difference in our community.“For over nine years, Central Coast Council's Australia Day Awards have acknowledged and celebrated the contributions and achievements of over 100 locals,” Mr Cannard said.“This year’s Australia Day Awards received 60 nominations, with Ryan Wilson named Citizen of the Year for his work in starting the ‘Free Trade Day’ initiative after attending a gentlemen’s home in 2017."Council Administrator, Rik Hart said these awards are important in celebrating diversity, achievements and community spirit across the Central Coast.“Now is the time to recognise someone who is doing extraordinary things in our community to ensure their efforts and achievements don’t go unnoticed,” Mr Hart said. “The different Australia Day Award categories means that a diverse range of people and their contributions will be recognised.“Anyone can nominate, so I call on the community to put forward a local individual or group accomplishing great things or supporting those in our community.”Award categories:•    Community group•    Community life•    Volunteer•    Young Person•    Senior Citizen•    Citizen of the Year (overall winner)Nominations are now open until 5pm on Sunday 24 September 2023.For further information, eligibility criteria and to make a nomination visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ausday2024
    14/08/2023
    Media Release
    New online resources to help the community understand flood risks and be prepared
    Central Coast Council has developed online flood risk tools and updated flood and emergency planning information on centralcoast.nsw.gov.au, to help the local community understand their own flood risk and be adequately prepared to respond.Council Director Environment and Planning, Alice Howe said we’ve experienced various types of flooding on the Central Coast and know that flooding will continue to be part of our lives, and can occur at any moment.“Whilst it’s not always possible to predict when, where, or how big the next flood will be - we can estimate the likelihood of different sizes of floods and their consequences by using computer flood modelling,” Dr Howe said.“Our new interactive online flood risk mapping tool for Tuggerah Lakes area, draws on current flood levels directly from the Bureau of Meteorology and converts it into a visual display, which shows the extent of current, minor, moderate or major flood levels for specific properties in the area.
    07/08/2023
    Media Release
    Improving façades across the Coast! Support program opening soon
    Central Coast Council’s Façade Improvement Support program opens on Friday 1 September, providing businesses and commercial property owners with the opportunity to access up to $5,000 to enhance their building facades and improve accessibility.To increase chances of funding success, Council is hosting two free information sessions this August that provide information on program guidelines, eligibility, and timeframes.
    01/08/2023
    Media Release
    Your chance to be a part of the 2024 Harvest Festival program!
    Don’t miss out – it’s time to express your interest to be an event hub for the 2024 Harvest Festival - one of the largest and most successful events on the Central Coast!Council Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the Harvest Festival grows in popularity each year and attracts thousands of people to our region’s hinterland from near and far.“The Harvest Festival event highlights the Central Coast Hinterland, rural farming communities, and their gorgeous heritage villages through the delivery of lively event hubs ready for everyone to explore.
    31/07/2023
    Media Release
    Council’s water and sewer Customer Charter on public exhibition for comment
    As part of improving Central Coast Council’s water and sewer services, a new water and sewer Customer Charter has been developed in partnership with the community.
    27/07/2023
    Media Release
    Aboriginal Advisory Committee members appointed
    Central Coast Council is pleased to confirm the makeup of its Aboriginal Advisory Committee which was officially endorsed at Tuesday night’s Council meeting.The Aboriginal Advisory Committee has a mandate to advise Council staff on identified issues that impact on local First Nations people, address relevant social issues identified in the Community Strategic Plan, and work to address outcomes aligned to the recently developed Central Coast Council First Nations AccordSignificant interest was received earlier this year when Council called for expressions of interest in a position on the committee with the following residents successfully appointed as members.•    Phillip Bligh•    BJ Duncan•    Steve Ella•    Colleen Fuller•    Vickie Parry•    Jake McDonald•    Monica McKenzie•    Shahni Wellington•    Wayne Merritt (alternate) Council’s Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the committee will play an important role with providing advice to Council.“The Aboriginal Advisory Committee is important in reconciling Council with our local First Nations People and they will provide advice to us across a number of issues but are not a decision making body.”Council Administrator Rik Hart said he is pleased with the makeup of the committee and each member brings diversity of experience and knowledge.“There was an outstanding pool of candidates who expressed their interest in being appointed to Council’s inaugural Aboriginal Advisory Committee,” Mr Hart said.“The appointed members represent significant experience and interests across a broad sector of our local Aboriginal community, with extensive experience in critical service provision such as health, education, housing, arts, culture and sport.“I am confident that the appointed members share a desire to make our community a better place and will bring great credit to the role.”
    26/07/2023
    Media Release
    Survey to reveal Central Coast love of libraries
    Central Coast Council is working to distribute and complete a customer satisfaction survey about Central Coast library membership services currently available for readers and visitors.
    24/07/2023
    Media Release
    Contract awarded for Mardi Water Treatment Plant upgrades
    The next phase of the new state-of-the-art Mardi Water Treatment Plant has been locked in with the contract being awarded to Abergeldie Contractors Pty Ltd.The $82.5 million project will not only provide a significant boost to jobs but will help secure the region’s water future by providing up to 160 million litres of drinking water every day.The NSW Government provided $6.85 million through the Safe and Secure Water Program along with over $75 million from Central Coast Council.Director of Water and Sewer Jamie Loader said it was time we brought the plant into the 21st century.“The Mardi Water Treatment Plant typically provides around half of all drinking water to the Central Coast, future proofing this asset and ensuring it can continue to deliver safe and secure water to our customers is a key priority.“Early works have already been completed to prepare the plant for this major upgrade including remediation of the sludge lagoons, upgrade of lagoon inlet structures and clearing of the south-western lagoon for the first time since it was constructed in 1982.“This will provide a reservoir to capture any untreated water during testing and commissioning of the new processes,” Mr Loader said.Desludging of the lagoon commenced in November 2019 and was completed in May 2023, removing over 30,000m3 of sludge from the lagoon.Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart congratulated Abergeldie Contractors Pty Ltd on being awarded the contract.“Mardi Water Treatment Plant was built in 1982 with the last major upgrade of the facility completed 10 years after that.
    24/07/2023
    Media Release
    European football giants settle into Coastal training bases
    Thirty-two nations, one dream, one trophy – forever world champions.
    20/07/2023
    Media Release
    Council seeking apprentices and trainees to build careers
    Central Coast Council’s Trainee and Apprentice Program (TrApp) is currently seeking eligible students to build their careers with a range of roles on offer in over nine fields.The program offers students an opportunity to complete a nationally recognised qualification as a full-time paid employee at Council in their chosen field – which this year includes new disciplines including Landscape Construction, Horticulture and Painting.Council’s Director of Corporate Services Marissa Racomelara, said this year’s program is the largest TrApp, Undergraduate and Graduate drive Council has undertaken and aims to develop students to become job ready.“We are committed to supporting our residents studying at a vocational level with an opportunity to increase their chances of securing employment,” Ms Racomelara said.“Our TrApp Program aims to educate students, so they are qualified at a high industry standard by developing their practical and professional skills in a safe and supportive environment.“Students that complete the program are armed with workplace development and expert training, so they are more competitive in the job market, and they are also exposed to career opportunities with Council.“Local youth and mature age students looking to start a career or wanting to gain new skills in a range of fields are encouraged to apply for our 2023 program.”Administrator Rik Hart said Council’s TrApp Program has been a success and continues to provide an exciting opportunity particularly for our young people.“This important program offers our community an opportunity to build their careers within Local Government and gain valuable training in their chosen path,” the Administrator said.“Council has an important role to play in providing our youth with employment opportunities and supporting our residents with roles to live and work locally.“I am proud that Council offers opportunities for our community to gain professional experience and become job ready in their chosen career.”Applications for Council’s 2024 TrApp Program are now open – launching just after this year’s World Youth Skills day on 15 July which celebrates the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment.Visit www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/council/about-council/careers/apprenticeships-traineeships-work-experience to view our vacancies, additional information and tips on how to apply.Eligible applicants have until midnight on Sunday 13 August 2023 to apply.ENDS
    19/07/2023
    Media Release
    Council's Public Forum
    Council’s Public Forum trial was concluded following the June 2023 meeting.
    19/07/2023
    Media Release
    Chain Valley Colliery Community Funding Program opening soon
    Community groups and not-for-profit organisations are invited to apply for up to $30,000 in funding for community projects in Summerland Point, Gwandalan, Chain Valley Bay and Mannering Park, as part of the Chain Valley Colliery Community Funding Program.
    17/07/2023
    Media Release
    The Firey Side of Waste – discarded batteries in waste collection
    Central Coast Council is appealing to residents to be careful with what they put in their waste and recycling bins and bulk kerbside clean ups, following several recent incidents where collected household waste has caught fire.
    13/07/2023
    Media Release
    Connect with nature at a local planting event this National Tree Day
    Central Coast Council is celebrating National Tree Day on Sunday 30 July with community planting events at Killcare Beach and Porters Creek Wetland, Wyong.National Tree Day is Australia’s largest community tree planting and nature care event.Council’s Director Environment and Planning, Alice Howe said the National Tree Day initiative is led by Planet Ark, which aims to plant one million trees across Australia this year - with Council’s local planting events contributing to this goal.“National Tree Day involves more than planting native trees to rejuvenate local areas, it’s also a chance for our community to learn about and get involved in conserving their local environment,” Ms Howe said.“The Killcare Beach event will focus on stabilising sand dunes against wind and water erosion, while the Porters Creek event will highlight the importance of protecting our largest remaining freshwater wetland, which plays an important role in water quality of the Tuggerah Lakes and is home to a number of threatened species.“Those in attendance at each event this year can also enjoy a range of environmental workshops, kids’ activities and live music – making it the perfect day out for all ages.”Council Administrator, Rik Hart said that 26 million trees have been planted by five million volunteers in Australia since National Tree Day started in 1996.“By helping plant a tree, not only are you playing a role in revegetating and helping to protect our local natural areas, but you’re also providing a habitat for native wildlife and making our community a better place to live,” Mr Hart said.“I encourage you and your family, friends and neighbours to get involved, including getting your hands dirty, in support of this important national initiative!“Coming together as a community and being in nature is not only great for our environment but is also beneficial for our health and wellbeing.”Local planting events on Sunday 30 July:•    Killcare Beach, 9am-1pm•    Porters Creek Wetland, Wyong, 9am-1pm Register on the day or pre-register online.For further information about local planting events and to pre-register, search ‘Tree Day’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.auThe National Tree Day event at Porters Creek Wetland, Wyong is undertaken as a partnership between Central Coast Council and Greater Sydney Local Land Services.
    12/07/2023
    Media Release
    Further Chemical CleanOut events announced
    Council will host two Chemical CleanOut events in July and August and is encouraging residents to clear out unwanted hazardous chemicals from around the home and correctly dispose of them for free. Community members can safely drop off their chemicals between 9am-3.30pm daily, on the following dates:Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 July 2023 at Charmhaven Council Depot, Chelmsford Road, CharmhavenSaturday 5 and Sunday 6 August 2023 at Kincumber Waste Management Facility Cullens Road, KincumberItems that can be dropped off include paint tins, pesticides, gas bottles, fire extinguishers, fluorescent globes and tubes, as well as any unknown or unidentified chemicals which are accepted for identification and correct disposal.Only household quantities will be accepted.
    03/07/2023
    Media Release
    Council to mark start of NAIDOC Week
    Central Coast Council will raise the flag for NAIDOC Week on Monday 3 July with the community invited to mark the occasion at a ceremony and morning tea in Wyong.NAIDOC Week is an important annual event held across Australia from 2-9 July with the aim of celebrating and recognising the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living culture on earth.In 2023 the theme for the week is “For our Elders”, which recognises the role that Elders play in First Nations communities and families.
    30/06/2023
    Media Release
    Regional sporting complex closed to public
    As the Central Coast gears up to host Germany and England for their team base training camps during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia &
    29/06/2023
    Media Release
    Council adopts Operational Plan and Fees and Charges for 2023-24
    Central Coast Council adopted the 2023-24 Operational Plan at Tuesday night’s Council Meeting.The Operational Plan identifies a focus on maintaining our road networks, caring for community open space, as well as working on improving the response time for development applications.
    28/06/2023
    Media Release
    Winter school holiday program to engage, inspire and entertain!
    School holidays start next week, and once again Central Coast Council has lots of free and affordable activities and events. Council Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said our popular school holiday program is delivered from a range of facilities including the Gosford Regional Gallery, libraries, leisure centres and theatres.“This winter we have a mix of activities to entertain and capture the interest all ages – from a supersized gym room, stop motion workshop, glow rooms, art and craft, gaming, indigenous virtual reality and lots more,” Ms Smith said.“One of the highlights of this holiday program is the celebration of NAIDOC week through virtual reality technology, as the Pamagirri group transports viewers (in a full 360-degree view) to Far North Queensland where they will demonstrate songs, legends and art.“Gosford Regional Gallery events often book out fast, and this winter program looks to be no different.
    27/06/2023
    Media Release
    ChromeFest 2023 gets ready to roll
    The Central Coast is once again putting the pedal to the metal to host one of Australia’s biggest cars shows ChromeFest at The Entrance, 27-29 October. ChromeFest is inviting all classic show car owners of all makes and models  pre 1979 to register their car to showcase their prized possession at this year’s ChromeFest 2023 event. Council Unit Manager Community and Culture, Glenn Cannard said that no car show compares to the Central Coast’s home-grown ChromeFest where hundreds of car enthusiasts, rock ‘n’ roll fans - including an Elvis cameo - come together for a three-day tribute to classic cars and everything 1950s and 60s.“This year we’ve opened up ChromeFest car registrations to show car owners of all makes and models pre 1979 with a passion for car shining, and who have poured their blood sweat and tears into restoring their cars to deliver a work of art, ensuring a bigger and better event,” Mr Cannard said. Show car registrations are open now until Monday 23 October or until zone allocations are exhausted, so don’t miss out on securing a spot for your unique ride.Mr Cannard said the ChromeFest weekend, in the past, has attracted over 50,000 visitors, so planning ahead is important for car show entrants.“We encourage bookings for accommodation for participating car owners, general car enthusiasts and visitors to the Central Coast, to be made early.“This is also an event for everyone, and we invite locals and visitors to partake in a fun weekend that offers something for everyone.”ChromeFest 2023 highlights include:•    Show N’Shine and iconic classic car displays•    retro market stalls, trade stalls and general market stalls•    four outdoor stages boasting undercover dancefloors and live entertainment•    vintage glamour fashion parade•    The Australian Pin Up Pageant NSW Grand final•    The Entrance Hotel Hub•    Roving entertainment•    POP up DJ•    Paint N Chrome workshops•    ChromeFest Walk of Fame (new area located in the Bayview Mall and Short Street CarparkCouncil Administrator Rik Hart said ChromeFest is one of the major events Council supports every year and which generates significant economic and social benefit for the Central Coast. “You can’t help but enjoy this nostalgic event with a walk down memory lane and soaking up the atmosphere at the outstanding cafes, restaurants and bars throughout The Entrance over the ChromeFest weekend,” Mr Hart said.ChromeFest is a free three-day event – Friday 27 October to Sunday 29 October – held at The Entrance and presented by Central Coast Council, with support from a range of sponsors.Car owners wishing to register their vehicle to be part of ChromeFest, should visit chromefest.org for all information on eligibility and to register.Community members and visitors can find out more information to plan their ChromeFest weekend by visiting chromefest.org.ENDS
    26/06/2023
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