MEDIA RELEASECentral Coast Council is inviting residents to clear out unwanted hazardous chemicals from around the home and safely dispose of them for free at the local Chemical CleanOut events this March.Community members can safely drop off unused, out-of-date or unwanted household chemicals for free over the first two weekends of March: Saturday 2 March and Sunday 3 March (9am-3.30pm), Kincumber – former Kincumber Waste Management Facility on Cullens Road.

As Australia and Central Coast Council celebrates National Volunteer Week, a new pilot program has been announced, which provides an opportunity for residents to give back to the local community.Expressions of interest are now open on the Central Coast Visitor Services Young Ambassador Pilot Program.The 12-week-volunteer program has been designed to provide real industry experience and networking opportunities for 10 young people aged between 18 and 25 to help create pathways into the tourism industry.Council’s Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith, said the pilot program is a great opportunity for young people studying tourism or marketing.“Program participants will have the chance to meet experts and build on their educational experiences,” Ms Smith said.“One of the key aims of the program is to help the next generation break into the industry while also highlighting all that the Central Coast has to offer.“As well as this exciting youth program there are also volunteer opportunities at the recently revitalised Visitor Information Centre at The Entrance and we’re encouraging residents to register interest in becoming a Visitor Service Volunteer Ambassador, which is a wonderful chance for people to meet others and share their passion and love of the Central Coast.”Council Administrator Rik Hart said National Volunteer Week is the ideal time to reflect on the valuable contributions volunteers make to the community.“There are thousands of Central Coast residents making a difference in our community each and every day whether it’s helping out at school, doing a beach patrol over summer, improving our natural areas, or working with a charity,” Mr Hart said.“Council offers so many different types of volunteering opportunities no matter what your interest whether its tourism or land care.

MEDIA RELEASECentral Coast Council celebrated International Day of People with Disability on 3 December, and is raising local awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by people with a disability, to help create a more accessible and inclusive region.Recently, Council collaborated with local pottery school Centered Ceramics, that offered people with disabilities the opportunity to learn pottery and ceramics in a mainstream commercial studio, and then exhibit their work in a public gallery.The local business learned how to make their premises and programs more accessible to attract customers with different access needs.

Central Coast Council is once again working with community leaders to initiate important conversations around domestic and family violence.The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign runs every year from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day) raising awareness and educating the community on this important issue.The Central Coast consistently has one of the highest number of incidences of family and domestic violence compared to any other local government area*.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said Council is committed to working with community to solve a range of social and health issues that impact vulnerable people, such as victims of domestic violence.“The health and safety of others is everyone’s business.

Central Coast Council’s 2023-24 Creative Spaces program is now live!The first creative local in the 2023-24 program line-up, who will be occupying the Gallery Container located in the Toukley Village Green, is Sculptor David Hough.David Hough’s sculptures and a variety of his other work has been skilfully curated to showcase his talent and creativity.

Residents of Woy Woy and beyond are invited to have their say on three options for a new concept for Pelican Park Woy Woy with construction aiming to be completed before June 2024.Built in 1999, the popular waterfront playspace has reached the end of its design life and was slated to be closed two years ago due to safety concerns.

Central Coast Council is once again inviting emerging and established makers and creators to join Creative Spaces with the opportunity to occupy the program’s container activations.The new location for the popular gallery container will be at Toukley’s Village Green, with the opportunity for the creative community to deliver installations, exhibitions, and creative workshops in three-month blocks.

Spring is well and truly in the air and with school holidays looming on the horizon, Central Coast Council has released its much-anticipated program of activities of a fun filled break for all ages.During the school holidays (Monday 25 September – Friday 6 October) a huge selection of activities will be available across the community with the vast majority of these being free or at minimal cost.Activities to boost the imagination – Central Coast libraries will be a whirlwind of activity throughout the holidays with a dazzling range of activities.

Central Coast Council is now inviting all interested community members to share their feedback on the revised draft Dogs in Open Space Action Plan (revised draft Plan) until Sunday 1 October 2023.The revised draft Plan has been simplified and refined in response to the extensive community feedback received during the first round of consultation, as well as further technical studies and community workshops on key issues of concern.

Soldiers Beach stairs in front of the Surf Life Saving Club has recently undergone works to enhance access with a new and improved stair extension - and the stairs are now open for use!This is the first of four projects to be completed following $2.44million in funding received from the Australian and NSW Governments as part of the 2021 Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Program to improve access for Soldiers Beach and Jenny Dixon Beach.Council Director of Environment and Planning, Alice Howe said that Council is pleased to have one of the four projects completed and looks forward to the progression of the remaining three.“While the stairs were still safe for the public to use, the funding from the Australian and NSW Governments has allowed us to enhance the integrity and improve beach access with the stair extension,” said Dr Howe.“The stair extension means the community can access the beach after coastal erosion events that decrease the amount of sand at the base of the stairs.