Central Coast Council libraries is hosting a free event that explores the incredible true story of Penguin Bloom – The odd little bird who saved a family on Saturday 10 June at The Art House.Join Linda Mottram in a conversation with husband and wife Cameron and Sam Bloom about their bestselling book and how an unlikely feathered friend ‘Penguin’ the magpie became a family saviour and global sensation.This heart-warming story and stunning collection of photographs provides a remarkable insight to a family’s unique journey to recovery following a tragic event that left Sam paralysed and depressed.Cameron Bloom said Penguin's wild spirit and cheeky personality became a symbol of hope transforming Sam and our family onto a brighter path."Photographing Penguin taught me so much about nature and how important it is to our own wellbeing,” Mr Bloom said.“Penguin’s rescue and the incredible joy and strength she gives Sam and all those who helped her survive demonstrates that, however bleak things seem, compassion, friendship and support can come from unexpected quarters, ensuring there are always better days ahead.“This plucky little magpie reminds us all that, no matter how lost, fragile or damaged we feel, accepting the love of others and loving them in return will help to make us whole.”Penguin Bloom is an extraordinary true story full of hope and courage, featuring Cameron Bloom’s beautiful photography and a captivating narrative by New York Times bestselling author Bradley Trevor Greive.Penguin Bloom has been nominated for an ABIA award, is an international best seller published in 12 countries and is also set to become a major Hollywood film with Reese Witherspoon producing and Naomi Watts starring as Sam."This universal story about the amazing Sam Bloom and her family’s unique friendship with an Australian bird, will touch everyone who reads it.” - Naomi WattsSam and Cameron will be holding a book signing session following the event and a complimentary afternoon tea will be provided.Tickets to this free one off event on Saturday 10 June are available online at www.thearthousewyong.com.au or by calling 02 4335 1485.

Berkeley Vale will be a hub of activity when Central Coast Council finishes upgrading recreational facilities to meet the growing needs of the community.Works from Council’s Play Space Strategy and Skate Strategy at Berkeley Vale are on track.

Temporary traffic control measures will be in place along a section of The Ridgeway, Lisarow from Sunday 21 May – Thursday 1 June, while Central Coast Council completes essential pavement stabilisation works.The project, being carried out between the intersection at Paroo Road and Tapley Road, will be undertaken at night to minimise the impact on local traffic.Crews will also manage the project schedule to ensure there is minimal impact on nearby residents as a result of these works.Warning signs will be in place to notify motorists of the changed conditions and traffic will be detoured to Fagans Road for the duration of the project.Works will be undertaken between 7pm – 5.30am and crews will be on hand to provide any direction or assistance to motorists or nearby residents.Council would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their patience while these important works are carried out and apologises for any inconvenience.

Central Coast Council is advising water supply customers in The Entrance North of an overnight outage on Sunday 21 May 2017.Council will be carrying out upgrades to the water supply system, in conjunction with programmed road works currently underway on Hutton Road.Properties affected:

Some of the Central Coasts most experienced planners, researchers and arts practitioners will be taking part in a Regional Arts and Health Seminar on Wednesday 24 May at The Hub, Erina Fair – hosted by Central Coast Council.The seminar provides an opportunity to showcase best practice in the field of arts and health, while also establishing a strong network of professionals across the Central Coast.Group Leader of Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said the collection of speakers assembled for the seminar brings expertise from across the industry.“We have got a wonderful collection of planners, researchers and arts practitioners taking part in this seminar, each bringing a differing perspective on the role that art can play in a range of health settings,” said Ms Vaughan.The seminar will feature a range of presentations, including:Kevin Duncan, Aboriginal Elder – exploring how the practice of music, dance and painting gave meaning to his life, supporting an active role in the community.Fiona Wilkinson, Manager of Central Coast Local Heath District Redevelopment Team – with Tim Braham (Team leader of Regional Art Gallery Central Coast Council) presenting an overview of Gosford Hospital Redevelopment Arts Strategy.Dr Miranda Lawry, University of Newcastle – as Researcher and Senior Lecturer at the School of Creative Industries, will provide an overview of university involvement in the field of art and health.Tracey Callinan, Executive Director Arts OutWest – reflections over ten years of arts and health practice in a regional context.Tanya Field, Manager Bamboo Buddha Café – looking at how private business contributes to the ongoing dialogue of arts and health in the region.Ms Vaughan added that as part of the event, regional priorities, arts and health issues and areas of professional practice will all be widely discussed.“With a strong local focus, the seminar will be a fantastic resource for health services and professionals;

A section of foreshore at Budgewoi will be transformed with the much anticipated boardwalk set to activate the lakeside town.The new boardwalk, a key initiative of the Budgewoi Masterplan, will run along the waterfront of Budgewoi Creek near Budgewoi Circle.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the boardwalk was an exciting part of reactivating the Budgewoi Town Centre.“Budgewoi is a very important part of the Coast and much-loved for its relaxed coastal village atmosphere,” Mr Reynolds said.“Council has listened to the community and is delivering a project that will help re-activate this popular part of the Coast so it is attractive to both residents and tourists alike.Council is investing more than $600,000 on this project, expected to be finished in July.Works include a new floating pontoon with concrete decking and gangway as well as a fixed timber jetty.

Central Coast Council is calling on residents who want to help shape the future of the Central Coast to put their hand up to join a Community Reference Group to help develop the first coast wide Community Strategic Plan.The Community Strategic Plan will capture the community’s vision for the Coast and identify key social, economic and environmental priorities as well as long-term strategies for the Coast for the next 10 years.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the Community Reference Group would help ensure the Plan is appropriate and meets the current and future needs of the entire community.“We are taking expressions of interest from community members to be a part of this Group.

Central Coast Council is running three Candidate Awareness Sessions to provide information for people interested in considering running for election as Councillors in the election on Saturday 9 September, the sessions will give an understanding about the responsibilities associated with this important role.Central Coast Council CEO, Mr Rob Noble, said the election of Councillors represents the next step for the Central Coast and will build on the achievements of Central Coast Council so far.“In the past year, we’re proud to have achieved more efficient and streamlined services, significant cost savings and a stronger regional voice for our residents,” said Mr Noble.“The election of 15 Councillors will provide the opportunity to build on these achievements and meet the ongoing challenges and expectations of our local community.”Candidate Awareness Sessions will feature presentations from the NSW Electoral Commission and are designed to help potential candidates understand what being a Councillor means, as well as highlighting the impacts of this role on the broader community.Sessions will be held on:Monday 29 May (6pm–8pm)Central Coast CouncilWyong Administration Building2 Hely Street, WyongThursday 1 June (6pm–8pm)Central Coast CouncilGosford Administration Building49 Mann Street, GosfordTuesday 6 June (6pm–8pm)Shelly Beach Surf ClubShelly Beach Road, Shelly BeachTo register your interest for any of the sessions visit cccandidates.eventbrite.com.auNominations to stand for election as a Councillor open on Monday 31 July and close at midday on Wednesday 9 August.

Central Coast Council and Gosford Regional Gallery are celebrating National Reconciliation Week with the launch of two major new exhibitions - Colours of Country and The Sean Lonergan Schools Project.Colours of Country is an exhibition of collected artworks from six respected local Aboriginal Artists:

Central Coast Council has opened Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for a new event coming to the Central Coast celebrating all things sport.In a first of its kind for the region, SportsFest will be a weekend festival encouraging active participation and involvement in a wide range of sports across the Coast on September 23 and 24, 2017.The festival will be held at Bateau Bay’s EDSACC sporting precinct and will showcase traditional and non-traditional sports, including active recreational opportunities which will promote both team and/or individual participation.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the festival was designed to harness the passion for sport on the Central Coast and create more opportunities for the community to come together and be active.“This inaugural event is going to be a massive celebration of all things sport and will showcase different opportunities available on the Coast in one weekend, Mr Reynolds said.“It is a great opportunity for local sporting clubs to show their passion for their chosen sport and for the community to come along and find out more about the different sporting opportunities available on the Coast.“This festival isn’t just about signing up new players and promoting your sport, it’s also a chance to show how sport can involve the whole community – whether you’re a player, official, trainer, nutritionist or volunteer.“It’s going to attract attention from across the State – and we are hoping a few celebrity, professional players as well.”SportsFest will see Council working with local and state sporting associations, clubs and organisations to promote their sport, attract new members and sign-up volunteers through an exhibition of their sporting assets.There will be free activities, exhibition games, come 'n try sessions, sporting goods stalls and displays, visits by sporting heroes, autograph sessions, professional demonstrations, live entertainment and food markets and much more.EDSACC has been chosen as the venue for the Festival as it is already home to a variety of sports with a number of fields, indoor sports centre, netball courts, croquet fields, tennis courts and Bato Yard.The EOIs close Wednesday 7 June and are open now to anyone who has an interest in sport – coaches, volunteers, players, referees, retail outlets, market stalls, kids’ activities, not for profit organisations and the like.Find out how you can be involved and register online at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/sportsfest

Popular aquatic recreational facilities Peninsula Leisure Centre (PLC) and Gosford Olympic Pool (GOP), now boast a number of highly-skilled instructors qualified to teach children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to swim.Certified with national water safety and swimming specialists, Autism Swim, instructors at the PLC and GOP are now armed with the tools and techniques to help children with ASD as young as two years of age, become confident and capable in the water.Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said this specialist skill base is a necessary and potentially life-saving tool.“Drowning is among the leading causes of death in young people with ASD.

Central Coast Council Libraries have further streamlined services across their branches, with borrowing periods aligning as of Monday 15 May 2017.Residents will now be able to borrow a book, magazine or DVD for the same amount of time from any of the 13 branches across the Central Coast.Group Leader of Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said the decision came following extensive community consultation.“We currently have two library systems in place with two different sets of borrowing periods,” Ms Vaughan said.“We wanted to take this opportunity to work with the community to ensure our new borrowing periods reflect the needs and expectations of our library members.“This is another milestone on the journey to streamlining the entire Central Coast Library Service.”In addition to the alignment of borrowing periods, Council has also streamlined fees across its branches and will be moving to an integrated management system in the new financial year.Ms Vaughan added that the new system will allow residents to check the catalogue, borrow, reserve and return items at any branch.“Our 70,000 library members will soon have access to a greater range of resources and be able to use all of our library services using the one card,” said Ms Vaughan.“This is a great result for our members and will promote connectivity across all of our branches while ultimately, making it easier for everyone to interact with our library service.”Central Coast Council’s new borrowing periods, as of Monday 15 May 2017:Magazines and Fast Reads – One weekAll other items – Three weeksFast Reads are a system in which popular titles are ordered in bulk and made available to library members for one week only.Central Coast Council’s Library Service has branches at Bateau Bay, Erina, Gosford, Gwandalan, Kariong, Kincumber, Lake Haven, Mooney Mooney, The Entrance, Toukley, Tuggerah, Woy Woy, and Umina Beach.For more information on the new borrowing periods or any library services visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au  to find your nearest branch.

Central Coast Council’s first integrated draft Operational Plan and Budget to deliver $551 million in essential services and a record $208 million in capital works is now on public exhibition.73% of the record $208 million capital spend will be in the key areas of roads, transport and drainage projects, water and sewer and open space and recreation.  $55.3 million will be spent on new strategic projects for the benefit of the whole community.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the financially sound draft Operational Plan strikes the right balance between delivering essential services in local areas and focussing on big picture regional projects to benefit the entire Central Coast community.“One of the key priorities for this new Central Coast Council is to build a solid foundation in preparation for the newly elected Council in September and we are well on the way,” Mr Reynolds said.“Our finances are sound and strong.  We have significant buying power and one of the biggest asset bases in the State.“We are using this strong position to tackle our infrastructure backlog and deliver bumper investment in our local road network, parks, playgrounds, sports fields and water and sewer assets to secure our water supply into the future.”“There is also a strong investment in regionally significant assets that will drive investment, growth and tourism for the Central Coast.”Regionally significant capital projects earmarked for funding in the Plan include $16.5 million to complete the Tuggerah Regional Sports Complex, $3.8 million to start construction of the Mardi to Warnervale Trunk Water pipeline, $2 million for Adcock Park upgrade, $1.5 million to progress the Performing Arts and Conference Centre and $600,000 to progress the Regional Library in Gosford.Budget Fast Facts and key spending areas outlined in the draft Plan include:$552.9 million operating income$551 million operating expenditure$1.9 million surplus$28.2 million capital grants and contributions$207 million of capital works program - $55.3 million on regionally significant projects$71.7 million of capital on roads, transport and drainage projects – total spend of $189 million on roads$53.6 million of capital spend on water and sewer – total spend of $213 million$27.1 million of capital on open space and recreation – total spend $54 million“Everything we are doing is designed to improve the quality of life for our residents, while helping to create jobs and opportunities for our growing community,” Mr Reynolds said.“I would encourage anyone interested in the future of the Central Coast to take a look at the Plan and have their say.”The draft Plan can be viewed at both Council Offices, all library branches or online at www.yourvoiceourcoast.comSubmissions can be made online at www.yourvoiceourcoast.com, via email at ask@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or post to PO Box 20 Wyong NSW 2259 or PO Box 21 Gosford NSW 2250.All submissions must be received by 5pm Tuesday 13 June.

The saying, “if only these walls could talk” takes on a new meaning with this production.Mrs Joe Bradshaw, a 42-year-old mother, is stuck in a mundane life where she resorts to talking to the walls while her husband is at work.When her best friend wins an all-expenses paid holiday to Greece for two, Mrs Bradshaw grasps the opportunity to head for the sun and leave her current drudgery behind.Leaving a note in the kitchen that reads, “Gone to Greece, back in two weeks,” Mrs Bradshaw goes on a journey where her old life-loving self, who used to be known as Shirley, can resurface and thrive once again.Council Acting Group Leader, Connected Communities, Ms Sue Ledingham, said Shirley Valentine is a universal tale of self-discovery and motivation.“Everyone can relate to Shirley – she feels her life is in a rut and she isn’t doing the things she dreamed of doing as a young person.

Central Coast Council has revised its Coastal Zone Management Plan for the northern coastal areas and is seeking community feedback on the proposed changes.Council has worked with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage to review the Wyong Coastal Zone Management Plan (WCZMP 2017) in response to changes to NSW legislation and improved information about coastal hazards.The Plan will be on public exhibition from 15 May until 13 June 2017.Council Group Leader, Mr Mike Dowling, said the draft Plan aims to address risks from coastal hazards and outlines actions to improve the environmental and community benefits for the Coast.“This process started under the former Wyong Shire Council and we must move this Plan forward to provide certainty for our residents who live on the Coastline, “Mr Dowling said.“A plan for the former Gosford City Council area has now been sent to the Minister for the Environment for final endorsement but while this Plan is similar in design and intent, we must and want to seek community feedback on the changes.“Without a proper plan in place to cover our coastal areas, we cannot apply for State Government funding to help manage coastal hazards and other issues effectively.”After 2011, it was apparent that for some areas of the former Wyong Shire coastline the potential risk from coastal and landslip processes was not clearly defined.

Central Coast Council will host a second Developers Forum to help get development moving on the Central Coast.The forum will be held on Tuesday 23 May at 5.30 in the AJ Taylor Function Room at the Wyong Office in Hely Street, Wyong.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said this second forum will continue the conversation with the development sector about how to best deliver housing and infrastructure for the growing Central Coast community and provide an opportunity for developers who were unable to attend the first forum to discuss development issues directly with Council .“We need to ensure our planning controls and policies deliver the development we want – sustainable and innovative – and that developers are able to build,” Mr Reynolds said.“We need to have developers on board with our real and exciting plans to activate our town centres and public spaces and to make the Coast the very best it can be.”Council Group Leader Environment and Planning, Mr Scott Cox, said work was underway to prepare one consolidated Local Environment Plan (LEP) to guide future development on the Coast and the input of developers was vital to the process.“As Central Coast Council celebrates its first birthday this week, we continue to move closer to our ultimate goal of finding a consistent approach that will help improve our local environment and encourage investment, create new jobs and quality housing for our growing population,” Mr Cox said.“Creating diversity in housing is crucial as we need to provide 41,500 additional houses by 2036 to meet the population increase on the Coast.“This is also a priority of the State Government who have set a benchmark of 40 days for Councils to turn Housing DAs around.“We is aiming to beat this standard, so Council is not standing in the way of new housing and we can get sustainable development in this area moving faster.”To register interest in attending the forum go to www.developersccc.eventbrite.com.au

Central Coast Council has welcomed the confirmation of funding for key projects for the region in last night’s Federal Budget.Funding has been confirmed for a regional performing arts centre and the regional library at Gosford, a skate park for Wamberal as well as $7.2 million in local road upgrades.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said it was pleasing to see promises made at the last Federal Election confirmed in this budget and particularly welcomed the extra funding for the Medical School and Research Institute at Gosford.“This extra funding for the Medical School will enhance the reputation of Gosford and the Central Coast as a leader in innovation in medical research and education,” Mr Reynolds said.“It will also be a driver for the rejuvenation Gosford as the regional capital and will have huge flow-on effects to the local economy delivering jobs and opportunities for our community, in addition to the direct benefits to health care on the Coast.Council is doing its part to help rejuvenate the Gosford CBD with changes to planning controls underway and confirming sites for the Regional Performing Arts Centre and Regional Library in Gosford.“Council can now move with confidence to the scoping and planning stages for these projects now we know this Federal government funding has been confirmed,” Mr Reynolds added.Mr Reynolds said that he understood that the budget re-introduced indexation for Financial Assistance Grants to Local Government, which is welcomed, and established a Regional Growth Fund for major projects supporting long-term economic growth in regions undergoing structural adjustment.“We look forward to discussing opportunities to use this Fund to address growth challenges on the Coast as it transforms into the future,” Mr Reynolds said.Council is in the process of finalising its own budget for next year with increased funding for funding for roads and drainage, water and sewer and open space and recreation and is pleased there is funding on the table from the Federal Government  for these priority areas.“One of our key priorities is maintaining our 2,200km of roads.  As we don’t have the budget to do it all, this injection of $7.2 million from the Federal Government is particularly welcome,” Mr Reynolds said.“We are committed to working closely with our federal and state counterparts to ensure we can continue to deliver the services our growing community need, want and value.”Council’s Budget and Operational Plan for 2017-18 will be revealed at an Extraordinary Meeting to be held on Monday 15 May at the Wyong Chambers at 5.30pm, just over one year on from the establishment of the Central Coast Council.

Lake Haven Library is getting a makeover, with improvements such as a new service desk, self-service reservation station, a ‘Popular Reads’ section and an expansion of community space at the venue.The $120,000 upgrade will also include installation of a stand up internet bar, featuring two express internet stations with quick search facilities, and the 12 existing public internet stations will be relocated and housed in purpose-built computer furnishings.In addition, new catalogues will be built into shelving, promoting accessibility for all library patrons.In order for these important improvements to be carried out, Lake Haven Library will be closed from Wednesday 17 to Wednesday 31 May.During this time, patrons are encouraged to access Council’s online library services or visit alternate library branches, with the closest being Toukley or Tuggerah Libraries.

Work is well underway on the upgrade of a popular fishing platform at North Entrance.Terilbah fishing platform is located on the northern side of The Entrance Bridge in a reserve along the edge of Tuggerah Lakes.The platform was in need of repair and these works will help us to stop the erosion of the bank and surrounding areas, and prolong the life of the platform.Works include the construction of a revetment wall to stabilise the foreshore on either side of the fishing platform.We will also be stabilising the ground under the existing paved section in addition to replacing of the decking timbers on the actual platform.To carry out these works safely, we have closed the platform and surrounding area to the public – but you can still access the play space and fish along the bank of the lake, north of the works, or on the southern side at The Entrance.The new look platform is expected to be open in July.

Central Coast Council will again be holding a unique ceremony next week to recognise Mums, at Noraville Cemetery.Mother’s Day is a beautiful time to honour and say thank you to all the Mums and mother figures in the community.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said Mother’s Day can also be a sad time for those whose mothers have passed away.“For everyone in our community, Mother’s Day is a special day as families come together to pay tribute to the women in their lives and, for some, to remember those they have lost,” Mr Reynolds said.“We will be hosting another special Mother’s Day Service with White Lady Funerals to reflect and remember our mums, grandmas, nans and aunties as well as any other mother figures who touched our lives and have passed on.”Council’s Mother’s Day Service will be held on Saturday 13 May from 11am at Noraville Cemetery with light refreshments served after.Last year the service was well received by the community and Council is hoping to make this year’s service just as memorable and special for everyone.“Our cemeteries provide beautiful places to remember and pay respect to family and friends as well as the opportunity to honour loved ones for generations to come,” Mr Reynolds added“We have dedicated Bereavement Officers who can assist families in memorialising their loved ones.”Find out more on the Mother’s Day service or how Council’s Bereavement Officers can provide information and assistance as well as comfort and relief to many families by calling 4350 5108.