The tennis courts at Patonga (Bay Street) have a fresh new look and improved facilities for locals and visitors to enjoy – and it’s free to use!Our recent upgrade works included:new synthetic court surfacesnew surround fencingGrab your racquet and plan a social get-together with some fitness thrown in at Patonga, or find another tennis court on the Coast.

Central Coast Council invites the community to celebrate Heritage Month from 18 April to 18 May as part of the Australian Heritage Festival, with this year’s theme being ‘Change’.The theme encourages communities across Australia to reflect on how our history has shaped the places we live today, and how we continue to contribute to the stories that will shape our future.Council’s Heritage Month program builds on this theme by exploring how people, places and moments across the Central Coast have evolved over time, through a series of activities taking place in Gosford and Wyong.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said Central Coast Heritage Month is a wonderful reminder of what makes the region such a special place to call home.“By bringing heritage stories to life in our town centres, we’re celebrating our past and recognising how change continues to shape our region,” Mayor McKinna said.One of the highlights of Heritage Month is a ticketed guided walking tour of Wyong town centre, led by the Wyong Family History Group.

Regional Animal Care Facility construction set to begin in 2027We’re working towards preparing the final detailed design for the new Regional Animal Care Facility at Mardi, with construction planned to commence in April 2027.

Central Coast Council is reaffirming its commitment to disability access and inclusion by ensuring people with disability can participate fully in community life, including entertainment, leisure and cultural activities.A key part of this commitment is improving access and creating environments where everyone can enjoy time with friends, take part in cultural activities and support local businesses.To help make opportunities for social and cultural inclusion easier to find, Council is developing an ‘Accessible Venues’ brochure that highlights entertainment venues across the region that offer accessible and inclusive experiences.The resource aims to promote venues that prioritise accessibility and inclusion and assist people with disability in choosing venues that meet their accessibility needs.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the Accessible Venues brochure demonstrates Council's commitment to making community life inclusive and accessible for all.“We want to support everyone who enjoys going out, connecting with others and taking part in everything the Coast has to offer,” Mayor McKinna said.“By highlighting these venues, we’re helping to promote places where people with disability can feel welcomed, respected and able to access services.”Council is inviting local entertainment venue operators who are committed to enhancing accessibility to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to be featured in the publication.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said entertainment venues that want to learn about ways to be more accessible and inclusive are encouraged to apply.“If you are a venue that prioritises accessibility and inclusivity through physical access, staff training, sensory friendly options, thoughtful design or implementing simple solutions, we want to hear from you,” Ms Smith said.“Featured venues will help community members identify places where they can participate with confidence and feel genuinely welcomed.”EOIs for the Accessible Entertainment Venues brochure are now open until 29 April 2026.For more information, visit the EOI webpage.ENDS

Central Coast Council is inviting local business operators to apply for a licence to run commercial outdoor activities on public land in 2026-27.Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are open until Thursday 16 April 2026.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said licensing ensures shared community spaces, like beaches, parks and reserves, continue to be enjoyed by everyone.“Outdoor activities bring our public spaces to life by encouraging people to get active, try something new and enjoy everything the Central Coast has to offer,” Mayor McKinna said.“Our public open spaces are shared community assets and it’s important that commercial activities complement how the community already uses and enjoys them.“Licensing helps us support local businesses while keeping our beaches, parks and reserves safe, accessible and well cared for.”The temporary licence applies to a range of activities, including:•    personal training and group fitness•    water-based recreation•    outdoor education programs•    schools and camps•    equipment hire such as kayaks, surfboards and stand-up paddleboards•    corporate training•    clinics and coaching.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said businesses must hold a licence to operate on Council managed land.“A temporary licence helps ensure activities are safe, provide a benefit to the community and minimise impacts on the environment,” Ms Smith said.“Licences for the 2026-27 financial year are available for either six or 12 months.“Temporary licensing allows Council to regulate and monitor business activities on beaches, parks and reserves to ensure ecologically sustainable use and the safety and wellbeing of the community.”Application period closes 5pm, Thursday 16 April 2026.For guidelines and application forms, click here

Central Coast Council is inviting local community groups and organisations to apply for funding through the 2026-27 Community Grants Program, which opens on 1 June 2026 to support community‑led projects, events and initiatives across the region.Funding is offered across three programs:

Central Coast Council is encouraging residents, property owners and local businesses to collect free graffiti removal kits from Council to help keep our places and spaces clean, attractive and welcoming.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said tackling illegal graffiti is a shared responsibility and an important part of maintaining a vibrant and safe community.“Graffiti can take away from the beauty of our neighbourhoods, and the longer it stays, the more it tends to spread.

We love that our community is passionate about playspaces - we are too!Thank you to the 1,093 community members who shared their views on playspaces in late 2025 through an online survey and interactive activities, in-person pop up sessions or the Access and Inclusion Reference Group workshop. We have carefully reviewed your feedback taking a detailed look at what matters most to you, how playspaces support social connection and play, and how they can continue to evolve to meet local needs and support growth in our region. View the summary of what you said in a snapshot summary. Your feedback helped us to draft a revised Playspace Strategy that will guide how we plan and manage over 270 Central Coast playspaces over the next five years.Go to Your Voice Our Coast to view the Draft Playspace Strategy 2026–30 and tell us what you think by 29 April.  

What you need to knowCentral Coast Council offices will be closed on Monday 27 April 2026 to observe the Anzac Day public holiday.

Council's draft budget and strategic documents – get ready to have your sayCouncil resolved to place the draft Delivery Program (2025-29), draft Operational Plan (2026-27) and draft Fees and Charges (2026-27) on public exhibition after Easter.