Central Coast Council is inviting community members, community groups and local organisations to review and provide feedback on proposed changes to the Community Grants Policy and Guidelines, now on public exhibition.The draft policy proposes the introduction of a Sponsorship Program, with approximately 15% of the existing grants budget to be reallocated to provide multi-year support for applicants delivering significant, recurring events and activities across the region.

You’re invited to review the Open Pile Burning Policy and let us know if it reflects what matters most to you. The policy aims to enable safe burning of dead and dry vegetation for rural property maintenance, while minimising risks to the environment and public health. The policy has been built based on feedback from the Rural Fire Service and previous community engagement.

Central Coast Council is inviting local artists, art groups and art organisations to apply for commissioning opportunities through Creative Art Central – a signature program that celebrates and invests in the region’s creative industries.The program supports creative practitioners across a range of disciplines, including visual arts, craft, performance and literary, with opportunities open to emerging and established artists.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the program strengthens local connections and builds opportunities for creatives.“Creative Art Central is about celebrating our people, their stories and their talents,” Mayor McKinna said.“By supporting projects that are both original and community focused, we’re helping to showcase the unique character of the Central Coast.“This program reflects Council’s vision to connect people, foster creativity and ensure everyone has the chance to be part of our cultural life.”Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the program is designed to be inclusive and community led.“Since 2021, Creative Art Central has awarded 23 commissions, reflecting Council’s continued investment in the region’s creative industries,” Ms Smith said.“We’re focused on commissioning innovative, contemporary works that engage directly with the community and encourage collaboration.“The program also prioritises accessibility, with identified categories for First Nations creatives and support available for culturally diverse artists and artists with disability.”Registrations open on Monday 13 October and close on Monday 27 October.

Young emerging artists from across the Central Coast are transforming three public spaces through creativity and community action, with the first Paint My Park mural  on show at Bateau Bay skate park.This vibrant youth-led initiative by Council invites local young people aged 14–17 years to co-design and paint large-scale artworks that reflect their voices, values, and visions for a more happy, healthy and inclusive community – aligning to young people’s priorities highlighted in the Central Coast Youth Strategy.

We are proud to celebrate the winners of our flagship youth music competitions, Discovered and Battle of the Bands, held as part of the 2025 Creative Engineers program. This award-winning initiative continues to invest in the creative future of local young people, supporting emerging vocalists, songwriters, and musicians while connecting them with the Central Coast’s vibrant arts sector.

The filtration system at Wyong Pool has now been repaired, and the facility will reopen for use during normal operating hours from Saturday 3 January. Thank you for your patience, we can’t wait to welcome you back into the water tomorrow! 

Central Coast Council is once again gearing up to host one of Australia’s most iconic car festivals—ChromeFest is returning to Memorial Park at The Entrance from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 October 2025.ChromeFest is a free, family-friendly celebration of classic cars, rock ‘n’ roll culture, and retro lifestyle.

Central Coast Council’s Code of Meeting Practice (CoMP) sets the rules and processes for how Council and Committee meetings are run.

Central Coast Council and Lake Macquarie City Council new partnershipCouncillors voted unanimously so support Council’s new strategic partnership with Lake Macquarie City Council to work together align shared environmental, social and economic values while laying the foundations for a well-planned future across our combined regions.The two councils represent a combined population of almost 600,000 people, covering key development and growth sites in NSW.

Each spring, the endangered Little Tern (Sternula albifrons) migrates from South-East Asia to nest at Karagi Point, The Entrance.These small seabirds lay their eggs directly into shallow scrapes in the sand, relying on camouflage and sparse vegetation to protect their nests and chicks.