Young people contribute so much to our community, and their voices need to be heard.

As part of our strategic planning process, Councillors developed priorities that align with the interests of our residents, and our youth strategy is a key focus for us during our term. 

Throughout my first year as Mayor, we’ve acknowledged the outstanding achievements of young people in our community. 

We recognised Matilda Taylor as Young Person of the Year in the Central Coast Australia Day Awards for being the youngest person appointed as Deputy Captain in Fire and Rescue NSW. 

Through my Community Champions initiative, I’ve acknowledged Billy Isaacs, Lachlan Hobbs and Elijah Rae, three highly engaged young people committed to achieving their personal best while supporting others. 

And young people who demonstrated excellence in the arts, community service, sport, leadership and more were honoured for their contribution as part of Youth Week 2025.

Our previous Youth Strategy explored what was important to local young people and delivered programs including Creative Engineers, Youth for Youth (Y4Y) Leadership, Skilled and Ready and School Holiday Youth Day Out.

We’re now creating a new Youth Strategy for 2026–2030 and we want to hear from as many people as possible about the activities, programs and services we’re proposing. 

If you live, study or work on the Central Coast, I encourage you to take our online survey or leave a comment on the ideas board at yourvoiceourcoast.com by 31 October. Those who complete the survey will go in the draw to win one of two Beats Solo 4 headphones.

We’re also encouraging parents, carers, youth professionals and interested community members to take part. 

This is your opportunity to take the lead. Tell us about what’s important to you now, identify any challenges, and share your big ideas for the future. 

The feedback we collect will shape the future of youth services and help us to help you thrive.

And, if you’d like to become more involved in youth activities, you can follow Central Coast Y4Y on Facebook or Central Coast Council Youth Services on Instagram. 

Mayor Lawrie McKinna