A selection of works from outstanding local ‘Makers and Creators’ will be featured across April as part of the inaugural creative activation 'Blank Canvas Central Coast'.Community members and visitors can experience and purchase works created by a group of world-class local artisans at pop-up retail spaces in Ettalong and Long Jetty.Central Coast Council Director Corporate Affairs, Natalia Cowley said ‘Blank Canvas’ is an exciting opportunity for local creators to take over a prime retail location.“This fantastic initiative is about providing a platform for local talent to showcase their bespoke work and reach new customers,” Ms Cowley said.“We have an impressive and growing creative community on the Coast but many of our makers and creators don’t have their own shop front – ‘Blank Canvas’ provides that opportunity."This project is fully funded through the Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery grants program, an Australian Government bushfire recovery initiative.Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM said featuring the work of talented locals would enhance the vibrancy of two major Central Coast town centres.“The ‘Blank Canvas’ pop-up shops are yet another reason for locals and visitors to head to Long Jetty and Ettalong,” Mr Persson said.“This initiative is a win-win for the Coast – not only are we creating employment pathways for local creators but we’re also helping to stimulate the local economy by driving visitation to two of our major business hubs.”A diverse selection of makers and creators will be featured across the month including indigenous artists Garry Purchase and Kylie Cassidy, surfwear designer Bird + Hill, Central Coast Drones, and fashion designer Carlie Ballard.The ‘Blank Canvas’ pop-up shops will be open from Thursday 1 April to Friday 30 April 2021 and are located at Long Jetty (Shop 11, 314-316 The Entrance Road) and Ettalong (199A Ocean View Road, Ettalong Beach, behind Lords of Pour).Find more information at lovecentralcoast.com/blankcanvas

Central Coast Council continues to monitor and respond to areas across the Central Coast impacted by heavy rainfall and flooding as part of the current severe weather event. Council workers have been on the ground managing road closures, responding to water and sewer interruptions, inspecting beaches for erosion issues and supporting emergency services.Residents requiring flood assistance or support can contact SES on 132 500.Council crews are securing some landslips, which have occurred today.

With heavy rainfall expected to continue across the Coast today, Central Coast Council is reminding residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay well away from flood waters as it continues to respond to and monitor impacted areas across the region. Council Acting Chief Executive Officer Rik Hart said Council workers have been on the ground managing road closures, responding to water and sewer interruptions and supporting emergency services, as severe weather and flash flooding impacts the region.“250-300mm of rain has fallen across the Coast over recent days, with further rain expected today and over the next few days,” Mr Hart said.“As at 9am today, flood levels Tuggerah Lakes are at 1.32 metres and may reach around 1.50 metres by Sunday afternoon. “This is higher than the April 2015 flooding event when levels peaked at 1.45 metres, but less than the February 2020 event which reached 1.67 metres when many roads and properties were flooded.“The flood peak may last 12 to 24 hours and the lake level may remain above the minor flood level (0.90 metres) until late Monday.

Central Coast Council has undertaken precautionary works at The Entrance Channel and continues to monitor local roads, waterways and water and sewer systems as a severe weather warning for very heavy rainfall, including flash flooding remains in place for the Central Coast. Council Acting Chief Executive Officer Rik Hart said residents of low-lying properties around Tuggerah Lakes need to prepare their homes and properties for potential flooding.“At 11.40am Saturday morning, the water level of Tuggerah Lakes measured at Long Jetty was 0.90 metres and rising.

Following a day of very heavy rainfall across the Coast, Central Coast Council is reminding residents to avoid unnecessary travel and prepare for further impacts, with a Severe Weather Warning still in place for the region and minor flooding current along areas of Tuggerah Lakes.  Current best projections from Bureau of Meteorology indicate that there will be likely localised flooding and residents should prepare accordingly.

Central Coast Council is closely monitoring the weather conditions as the Coast braces for a wet weekend.Administrator Dick Persson AM moved to reassure the community that Council was keeping a close eye on events as the rain moves down the Coast.“Council has enacted its incident management team, so that we can make sure we are across any potential impacts this weather system has on our region,” Mr Persson said.“Our staff have been monitoring local roads, waterways, water and sewer systems and The Entrance channel so that we may act when required.“At this point, we have a couple of local roads closed and no other significant impacts.“I am very aware that the community are concerned about the conditions at The Entrance Channel.

The Entrance will come alive from 11 to 28 March 2021 with Bright Nights @ The Entrance – a free creative lighting display taking place nightly at Waterfront Plaza from 7pm. The nightly spectacle, which is supported and funded by the NSW Government’s Festival of Place - Summer Fund, will see unique patterns projected onto the pavement and infrastructure, as well as a vibrant light show by the water that will introduce elements of surprise and discovery. Council Director Community and Recreation Services Julie Vaughan said the unique event will draw community members and visitors to The Entrance town centre throughout the month of March. “This is the perfect excuse to get your family and friends together for an unforgettable night out at The Entrance,” said Ms Vaughan. “Immerse yourself in the vibrant light installation at The Entrance’s Waterfront Plaza or check out the hourly 15-minute light show by the water, which takes place nightly at 7.15pm and 8.15pm, with an additional show at 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays. “Entry to the light show by the water is limited for each session due to current COVID restrictions so patrons hoping to attend on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday evening are encouraged to book their free spot in advance to avoid disappointment. “For a special treat, why not enjoy dinner at one the fantastic nearby restaurants and then check out the show!’’ Council Administrator Dick Persson AM said the event is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy everything The Entrance has to offer. “We acknowledge and thank the NSW Government for providing funding for this unique community event, which will allow residents and visitors alike to enjoy a free public art display right here on the Coast,” Mr Persson said. Member for The Entrance David Mehan MP said Bright Nights @ The Entrance will shine a spotlight on one of the Central Coasts loveliest locations, The Entrance waterfront. “Place activation has been successfully used by other regional cities to encourage visitors and I’m pleased to see that Council has now done the same for The Entrance,” Mr Mehan said. Bright Nights @ The Entrance is showing nightly at The Entrance Waterfront Plaza from Thursday 11 March to Sunday 28 March, kicking off at 7pm each evening and running until 9pm from Sunday to Thursday or 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. A free 15-minute light show by the water will take place at 7.15pm and 8.15pm nightly, with an additional show at 9pm on Friday and Saturday nights.

As most readers know I have extensive experience as an Administrator of four Councils.