Central Coast Council has completed improvement works at Susan Fahey Park in Copacabana with an exciting and innovative district sized playspace now open for the community.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said the new playspace provides an inclusive, safe and accessible space for the whole community to enjoy.“We listened closely to feedback from our community throughout the design and planning process and are thrilled to deliver a high-quality facility that reflects their wants and needs,” Ms Vaughan said.“This new community space provides a range of fantastic features for all ages and abilities to enjoy and will be an asset to both residents and the high volume of seasonal visitors to the area.“Visitors to the new district playspace can now access an outdoor ping pong table and chess table, adult fitness equipment, accessible BBQs and an inclusive play unit, including an accessible spinner and see saw, as well as a unique rope swing.“The innovative space also includes connecting pathways, a drink bottle refill station, new picnic shelter and tables as well as access to public toilets.

Central Coast Council is encouraging residents to clear out unwanted and out-of-date hazardous items from homes, garages and sheds to be correctly disposed of for free at the next bi-annual Chemical CleanOut events.Community members can safely drop off their chemicals for free at Event Park, off Kangoo Road, Kariong on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 July as well as at Council’s Charmhaven Depot on Saturday 31 July and Sunday 1 August, 9am to 3.30pm daily.These events will be hosted in line with any COVID-19 restrictions in place.

Central Coast Council is delivering essential services with a growing fleet of battery and hybrid electric vehicles, replacing full fossil-fuelled vehicles as they reach their end of service life.The focus is in line with the State Government’s direction and recent $500million budget announcement to support NSW councils’ efforts to support greater electric vehicle use.Council Director Corporate Affairs and Chief Financial Officer, Natalia Cowley said Council was keeping its promise to the community to take a hands-on role and work towards net zero emission targets.“Council is active in its commitment for a sustainable future and we pledged to be a leader in the use of more sustainable transport, which we are doing,” Mrs Cowley said.“In 2019 we introduced the first 100 percent electric vehicle into our fleet vehicles in addition to a number of hybrid passenger vehicles already in the fleet.

Artists from across Australia are invited to submit works for the Central Coast’s premier art awards – the Gosford Art Prize – with entries now open.A recorded breaking 900 artists competed for the $25,000 prize pool in 2020 and even more artists are expected to submit works this year.Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said the Gosford Art Prize is a cultural highlight for the region.“The awards attract more and more local artists each year and it is also exciting to see increasing participation from artists across NSW and indeed interstate,” Ms Vaughan said.“Our region is a growing artistic hub and we encourage artists from near and far to submit up to two works.“The Gosford Art Prize culminates in an exhibition of finalists' works at Gosford Regional Gallery – a must see experience that attracts over 12,000 people, with 40 percent of those being visitors to the Coast.”Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the quality and breadth of works featured in the Gosford Art Prize have made the awards a Central Coast institution.“Art is more important than ever and Council is thrilled to offer an art prize and exhibition that delivers for the Coast both culturally and economically,” Mr Hart said.“Last year’s entries were truly outstanding and we can’t wait to see what our creative communities have in stall for us for 2021.”Artists who submit works can compete across the following categories:First Prize – $15,000Second Prize – $5,000Aboriginal Artist Prize – $2,500Gosford Ceramics Prize – $2,000Highly Commended – $1,000 (two prizes)Viewer’s Choice Award – $500Artworks for the Gosford Art Prize for 2021 need to be submitted online.

The Ordinary Meeting of Central Coast Council scheduled for 6.30pm on Tuesday 13 July will not proceed.

At Council’s Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday 29 June 2021 I adopted the 21/22 Operational Plan which outlines an operating budget of $659.8M and a capital works budget of $175M.

Central Coast Council’s 2021-22 Community Grants Program is now open, with $900,000 in annual funding available to support local community groups and organisations to deliver worthwhile projects, programs and events that strengthen our community.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said local community groups and organisations have until 31 July to apply for funding under the program to help bring their big ideas to life over the next 18 months.“Council’s Community Grants Program supports local groups and organisations to develop initiatives which enhance community connection and quality of life on the Coast,” Ms Vaughan said.“While some changes have been made to the structure of the program this year, Council is thrilled to be supporting the community through this important funding platform.“Funding of up to $20,000 per project is available under the Community Development Grant Program and the Community Events and Place Activation Program, with applications closing at the end of the month.“Community groups and organisations can also apply for funding of up to $5,000 per project as part of the Community Support Program, which will remain open throughout the year.”Council Administrator, Rik Hart said Council’s Community Grants Program builds the community’s capacity to deliver innovative events, programs and projects.“With $900,000 in annual funding on offer, this is an opportunity for community groups and organisations to contribute ideas which will make a difference to our community and create a stronger Central Coast,” Mr Hart said.“Unlike in previous years, there will only be one round of grant applications over the 2021-22 financial year for the Community Development and Events and Place Activation Grants programs.

Central Coast Council’s Ordinary Meeting of 29 June 2021 will commence at 6.30pm as scheduled, however in line with the most recent NSW Government Public Health 'stay at home' order, this meeting will be conducted online.The Public and Open Forum will also be conducted as part of the remote online meeting, commencing at 6.30pm.Both the Public Forum and Council Meeting will be conducted via zoom and can be viewed on Council’s Live Stream YouTube channel.Meetings continue to be webcast and recordings of Council meetings will be held for a minimum of 12 months, in line with the Model Code of Meeting Practice for Local Councils in NSW.For more information, search ' Council Meetings' at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au