Central Coast Council is delivering a jam-packed program of online and face-to-face activities and events throughout the April school holidays, giving Central Coast families plenty of ways to keep young minds entertained and bodies active over the Easter break. Parents, carers and guardians can head to the School Holidays what’s on page on Council’s website to see everything that’s taking place - from nature tours, live entertainment and escape rooms to sports challenges, Easter crafts and skills workshops, there’s something on offer for all ages, interests and abilities. All face-to-face programs will operate in a COVID-safe way, including limited numbers in each workshop to ensure the health and wellbeing of participants. Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/schoolholidays for the full list of events, details and bookings.What's on at our Town CentresBring the kids down to any of our four town centre locations for a range of fun activities for all ages.

This community bulletin aims to update you on the recovery efforts across the Central Coast following the recent severe weather event.  Included are also some helpful links and other contacts that you can call on to ask further questions and get the information you need so you can get your life back to normal as quickly as possible.As we move forward together, information is key, and this will be one way of staying in touch during the weeks ahead.Recovery effortsThe Central Coast experienced peak rainfall of 400mm in the recent weather event.The local SES crews received more than 1,100 requests for assistance across the Central Coast and the flooding has been declared a natural disaster by the State and Federal Governments.Recovery efforts are now well underway with teams from NSW SES, RFS and Fire and Rescue undertaking building assessments and Council crews who are undertaking clean-up, across the flood affected and storm damaged areas across the Coast.Council teams have also been on-the-ground, focused on making areas safe for the community and clearing debris from roads, footpaths and public spaces and repairing the significant damage to our road networks across our local government area, our lakes and coastal foreshores.We thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue the clean-up.Advice from NSW HeathNSW Health provides basic hygiene advice during the flood and clean-up period.

All Central Coast beaches will remain closed this weekend due to concerns over water quality and floating debris following the recent severe weather.All beaches and ocean baths will remain closed until Tuesday 30 March, while Central Coast Council conducts further water quality tests and inspections of local beaches.Council is strongly advising all residents and visitors not to swim or make contact with our waterways as it may be detrimental to health.Council will provide an update to the community early next week, once further water quality samples are analysed.

Central Coast Council is progressing plans to redevelop Green Point’s Sun Valley Park with the construction of a safe, functional, inclusive regional playspace.The project is proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Central Coast Council and is expected to be completed by June 2021.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said the vision of the redevelopment is to produce a regional playspace that will create opportunities for play and social engagement.“The community will benefit from upgrades to the basketball courts and carpark, as well as the construction of an inclusive regional playspace consisting of play equipment, park furniture, barbeques, drinking fountain, pathways, landscaping, fencing and a new amenity building,” Ms Vaughan said.Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the redevelopment would result in a safe, functional, high quality regional playspace for the Green Point community.“Providing this new community asset will encourage an active outdoor lifestyle for a wide range of ages and ability levels,” Mr Crouch said.“This is exactly what the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund is designed to deliver, and I’m thrilled to see it becoming a reality.”Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM said this project delivers on a number of community nominated goals outlined in Council’s Community Strategic Plan.“Council continues to listen to the community and delivering facilities and infrastructure based on community’s needs,” Mr Persson said.“The community can have confidence that important projects like this have been budgeted for as part of Council’s revised Operational Plan, and they will continue to progress as Council moves towards financial stability.”

People often ask me what it’s like to be Administrator of a Council.Clearly there are challenging aspects, particularly when hard and unpopular decisions need to be made.By far the biggest positive about the job is the ‘window’ it gives you into the community.

Now that the Summer break is over and COVID -19 restrictions have thankfully eased the Environmental Volunteer training program is back in full swing.

Central Coast Council is reminding the community to jump online and fill out the survey on water, sewer and stormwater pricing by 28 March.Water, sewer and stormwater prices are set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

Central Coast Council is once again celebrating the NSW Seniors Festival, with numerous events being held across the region this April to provide older residents an opportunity to participate in, contribute to and be included in community life.The largest event for seniors in the southern hemisphere, NSW Seniors Festival is especially significant on the Coast, with more than a quarter of the Coast’s population aged 60 years or older.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said Seniors Festival helps to connect seniors with the range of local services, lifelong learning and leisure activities available across the region. “With a growing ageing population on the Central Coast, Council is committed to celebrating our older residents by promoting inclusion, independence and quality of life for all community members,” Ms Vaughan said.“We have put together a diverse calendar of events which seniors can access and enjoy throughout the month of April, including educational workshops, fitness programs and entertainment that will enrich their lives and support them to age positively as they grow older.“A highlight of the Festival is the Seniors Expo on 15 April at Wyong Race Club, which will feature a variety of stallholders from services and community groups around the Coast that support older people to age in a healthy and positive way.”All events are COVID-safe to ensure the wellbeing and safety of participants.Council Administrator Dick Persson AM said the NSW Seniors Festival is an important opportunity to shine a spotlight on the vital role seniors play in the Central Coast community.“Older residents are active in all facets of community life and add significant value and knowledge to our region as workers, volunteers, neighbours, friends, parents and grandparents,” Mr Persson said.“Seniors Festival is a time to provide our growing older population with the chance to learn new skills and try different things, be active and or spend time with friends, new or old doing something you enjoy. “This is your time to shine as a senior on the Coast – have fun and celebrate your age, wisdom and experience in a fun and friendly environment!”Pick up a copy of the full program from your local library, 50+ Leisure& Learning Centres and Seniors Centres or view online at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/seniorsfestival.