Central Coast Council is proud to be partnering with Green Caffeen to help reduce the number of single use coffee cups going to landfill.

Thanks to its bustling vibe, elective wares and great coffee, Long Jetty has become known as the ‘Newtown of the Coast’ and the suburb is now the focus of an exciting new art trail.‘Neighbourhoods Art Trail x Long Jetty’ incorporates three creative initiatives – Creation in Isolation, Changing Faces and Q&A at the Savoy – to give locals and visitors the chance to explore and appreciate original artworks in local businesses from Thursday 17 June to Saturday 19 June.Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said ‘Neighbourhoods Art Trail x Long Jetty’ will see the work of established local artists featured at many of Long Jetty’s favourite venues and shops along The Entrance Road.“Long Jetty has become a creative mecca on the Coast and it is the perfect location for locals and visitors to enjoy creative expression,” Ms Vaughan said.“COVID-19 has impacted all our lives in so many ways and ‘Creation in Isolation’ is a series of poignant works that explore the impact of isolation during this unprecedented time. “Long Jetty has a colourful history and ‘Changing Faces’ celebrates the people that have shaped the area over the years. “The official exhibition opening on Thursday 17 June features ‘Q&A at the Savoy’ – a unique opportunity to hear a panel of local creative entrepreneurs share how ‘place’ influences their work and the success and failure that has come from pursuing their passion.”Council Administrator, Rik Hart said ‘Neighbourhoods Art Trail x Long Jetty’ is an opportunity to experience art, explore Long Jetty and reflect on a shared experience through a unique time.“This community-led initiative connects our creative community to local businesses and provides new spaces for their work to be showcased and explored,” Mr Hart said.“Locals and visitors will see art combined with the wonderful food and retail experiences Long Jetty has to offer and have yet another reason to head to this bohemian pocket of the Coast.”‘Neighbourhoods Art Trail x Long Jetty’ is exhibited in Long Jetty businesses along The Entrance Road from Thursday 17 June to Saturday 19 June 2021. The exhibition opening event – ‘Q&A at the Savoy’ – on Thursday 17 June features panellists Kaye Harrison (Documentary Film Maker), Xanthe Highfield (Interior Designer), Luke Shadbolt (Photographer) and Morgan Mcglone (Chef and Entrepreneur).Explore all activities and ticketing details at lovecentralcoast.com/neighbourhoods-x-long-jetty

Referendum to determine Councillor numbers will proceed this SeptemberCentral Coast Council will engage private provider Australian Election Company Pty Limited for the conduct a Referendum on 4 September 2021.

On 25 May 2021 and 1 June 2021, Central Coast Council adopted the water, sewer and stormwater drainage fees and charges for the 2021-22 charging year in line with the May 2019 three-year price determination by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

The Central Coast hinterland is ready to come alive this weekend for the return of one of Central Coast Council’s much-loved events - Harvest Festival.A celebration of the Central Coast’s spectacular hinterland communities, this year’s Harvest Festival is offering a wide range of unique events and experiences over 12 and 13 June, with thirty event hubs ready to welcome locals and visitors.With a number of Harvest Festival events close to selling out, those interested in attending are reminded to plan ahead and book their spots in advance.

With nine major events planned across the 2021-22 event calendar, Central Coast Council is welcoming expressions of interest for prospective sponsors to be involved in some of the Central Coast’s most iconic events.Expressions of interest are now open for businesses to partner with Council’s flagship events, including Chromefest, The Lakes Festival, Harvest Festival and Love Lanes, as well as much-loved community events including New Year’s Eve at The Entrance, Flavours by the Sea and Woy Woy Australia Day celebrations.Sponsorship EOIs are also invited for Council’s newest major events - Relish the Coast and Central Coast Music Festival, which will become regular features on the annual event calendar.Council Director Community and Recreation Services Julie Vaughan said each event holds an important place within the Central Coast community, providing opportunities for residents, visitors and businesses to come together, connect and celebrate our unique region. “In addition to bringing the community together and activating our town centres and regional hubs, Council’s major event offerings inject significant economic returns to the Central Coast,” Ms Vaughan said.“2019’s Chromefest injected $14 million into the local economy, while the 2019 Harvest Festival delivered a $8 million boost.“While COVID-19 restrictions may have halted many large-scale events in 2020, residents are eager to see the return of normalcy and connection.

Council’s 24/7 online consultation hub received a record 22,500 visitors during May. Council Administrator Rik Hart thanked the community for engaging on Council matters, taking the time to read information materials and provide considered feedback. “We have had really important projects open for consultation this year including Council’s Draft Operational Plan, Asset Sales and Reclassification Program, the Special Variation for rates, the Central Coast Integrated Water Resource Plan and IPART water, sewer and stormwater prices, plus a Constitutional Referendum Poll and a number of community and environment projects,” Mr Hart said.“Our community’s voice contributes towards Council’s decision-making, helping us to understand community needs and aspirations, identify challenges and opportunities, and assist with improved outcomes.

I held an Extraordinary Council meeting on 1 June 2021 as it was my view that Council take the opportunity to place on the record its response to two key matters raised in the Auditor General’s qualified opinion outlined in the Report on Local Government 2020.There is no question whatsoever that Central Coast Council deserves a qualified report given our current financial situation.