Council continues its investment driving tourism for the Central Coast

Council’s integrated approach to tourism marketing and destination planning was endorsed by Council with commitment to a new three-year action plan.

Mayor Lisa Matthews said Council has long recognised the benefits that tourism can provide for the region’s economy.

“In 2019, the Central Coast region’s visitor economy was valued at an estimated $1.0 billion. Over the past three years Council has undertaken a significant investment towards supporting tourism outcomes,” Mayor Matthews said.

“This includes new infrastructure to support event attraction and delivery of an extensive events program, activation of town centres and delivery of sponsorship and grants programs aimed at attracting diverse initiatives to the Coast. Our continued focus on tourism industry development, will ensure tourism continues to be a key economic and employment generator for the Central Coast.”

New Environmental Volunteer Program means all can get involved

All community members will have the opportunity to get involved in improving the wellbeing of the Central Coast natural environment with Council’s adoption of an expanded and newly titled Environmental Volunteer Program.

The Central Coast Council Environmental Volunteer Program identifies opportunities to grow Council’s popular environment focused volunteering programs in order to enable greater participation. 

Mayor Lisa Matthews said it was important that all volunteers of the formerly tilted Landcare Program and other interested community members were able to have their say on the program before it was adopted by Council.

“Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate in the consultation about the Environmental Volunteer Program to help us understand what the important aspects of the program were to them, and how they thought that the program could be improved,” Mayor Matthews said.

“We know our community is a giving community and that volunteering is strong across the Central Coast.   We also know that our residents care and appreciate the beautiful natural environment that we live in. 

“There was great support for the program to continue and expand and now more members of our community will be able to take a hands-on role in conservation, protection and remediation of our local environment,” said Mayor Matthews

Community members interested in volunteering within the program should email landcare@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Council continues push to reduce domestic and family violence

Violence against women continues to be a significant human rights issue. In Australia, one woman is killed nearly every week by a current or former partner. The Central Coast is consistently one of the worst areas in NSW for the number of Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders.

As one of the largest employers on the Coast, Council is committed to becoming a champion for change and creating a culture of zero tolerance towards any type of violence, especially men’s violence towards women.

Council has undertaken and participated in a range of programs, activities and events to support women and children in the past 12 months including:

• Development of a Central Coast Council Family and Domestic Violence Policy
• ‘Enough Already’ Domestic Violence Prevention Campaign
• ‘Positive Relationships’ Domestic Violence Prevention Campaign
• Supporting Healthy Relationships’ community workshops.
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Council partnered with community organisations and co-ordinated activities as part of the 16 Days of Activism in November 2019 including the ‘Central Coast Against Domestic & Family Violence Walk’ at The Entrance, temporary lightbox installation on Terrigal Foreshore and launching the Man;Kind podcast series.

Council is also a member of the Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee (CCDVC) and CCDVC’s White Ribbon and 16 Days of Activism Sub-committees.

Council supports suicide prevention initiatives

Central Coast Council has agreed to continue to support a range of suicide prevention initiatives leading into World Suicide Prevention Day and R U OK? Day on 10 September 2020.

Every day eight Australians die by suicide and one in four people say they know

someone who has taken their own life. The Central Coast has one of the highest rates of suicide in comparison to other health districts across NSW. The decision to take a proactive approach ensures Council’s longstanding commitment to working with the community to solve a range of social and health issues that may impact community wellbeing and vulnerable people will continue.

Central Coast Council is an active member of the Suicide Prevention Central Coast Alliance which leads the Black Dog Institute LifeSpan program – an evidence-based approach to integrated suicide prevention. The Alliance and their partners are currently working on a Central Coast Post Suicide Support Protocol and the Central Coast Suicide Alliance Strategic Plan 2020-2025.

Council will deliver activities on World Suicide Prevention Day and R U OK? Day (10 September), plus a range of programs and activities during Mental Health Awareness Month in October 2020. Examples of programs planned include Lost Bird Found, health and fitness activities, and mental health art programs and activities.