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.

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.

The 12 new members are now a part of the Access and Inclusion Reference Group (AIRG) providing guidance on the implementation of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2021-2025 to improve accessibility and inclusion across the Coast. The members have been selected for their expertise in accessibility, communication, legislation, advocacy, and planning. The Access and Inclusion Reference Group enables ongoing genuine dialogue with the community and stakeholders to ensure the Disability Inclusion Plan actions remain current, contemporary and achieve outcomes of full community participation for people with disabilities.Council would like to thank and acknowledge the outgoing Access and Inclusion Reference Group members for their input and commitment over the past 12 months.Meet the members:   Angela Lee  Angela Lee joins the group with a keen interest in community engagement from a health perspective.In her role as the District Intellectual Disability Coordinator with Central Coast Local Area Health, she provides consultation and education to health professionals and health clinicians alike on the assessment and management of a person with intellectual disabilities.

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.

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.

Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has released its latest water utility customer satisfaction quarterly survey results about Council’s Water and Sewer services.

In pursuance of the provisions of the Roads Act 1993, notice is hereby given that Central Coast Council proposes to close the council public pathways listed in Schedule 1.Schedule 1:Pathway Between Lot 16 DP 255220 (18 MacLeay Avenue Woy Woy) and Lot 127 DP 245660 (12-16 MacLeay Avenue Woy Woy) Pathway Between Lot 16 DP 255220 (18 MacLeay Avenue Woy Woy) and Lot 17 DP 255220 (20 Nambucca Drive Woy Woy)Upon closure of the road, Central Coast Council intends to give the former public pathways as compensation under s.44 of the Roads Act 1993.All interested persons are hereby invited to make submissions concerning the proposal to the Chief Executive Officer Central Coast Council, 2 Hely Street/PO Box 20 Wyong NSW 2259 within twenty-eight days of the date of this advertisement.

Council is improving the Umina Beach foreshore promenade area to create a more vibrant, sustainable and enjoyable space for both residents and visitors.The comprehensive landscape works encompass a range of enhancements, including the removal of existing pavers to create a grassed area for relaxation and recreation, the planting of additional trees for shade and to contribute to a healthy environment, replacement of outdoor showers, and new connective pathways to improve accessibility so that everyone can enjoy the beauty of Umina Beach.