Central Coast Council’s initiatives, implemented through the Safer Cities:

Central Coast Council is encouraging residents to ‘Get Ready’ for bush fire and storm events, by using the month of September to be more prepared and attend a community preparedness event.

Eleven playspaces across the Central Coast have undergone renewals, featuring improved recreational and accessibility features.

Central Coast Council is ending its four years under administration in a strong financial position, with a reduction in debt of $150M from when it was put under administration. Council’s debt at the commencement of the administration period was just under $350M, due to having to take out two emergency loans, it now sits at less than $200M. Council Acting CEO, Marissa Racomelara said Central Coast Council was put in administration because of inadequate financial management leading to a financial crisis.

Residents and businesses are being asked to ‘cast the spotlight’ on individuals and groups who are making the Central Coast a better place to live by nominating them in the Central Coast Council Australia Day Awards 2025.Council’s Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith, said the annual awards highlight the local achievements of a growing community that is a fantastic place to live.“Each year the Central Coast Council Australia Day Awards celebrate the best and brightest from across the region.

Central Coast Council will be carrying out essential water network upgrades in the Avoca Lagoon area on Thursday 29 August 2024.

Central Coast Council is pleased to announce the winners of this year’s Gosford Art Prize, with $28,000 in prize money.This year 908 entries were received from across Australia, with 135 of the artworks selected as finalists for exhibition, making it a difficult job for both the selection panel and finalist judges, which comprised artist Peter Godwin and curator Libby Knott.While it was a difficult task, the judges were unanimous in their selection for the first prize winner – local Central Coast artist Maree Azzopardi, for her artwork ‘The Crossings’.

Central Coast Council has developed a draft Central Coast Open Space Strategy, which is now on public exhibition for community feedback until 20 September.Council Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said an Open Space Strategy is being developed to support and promote active and healthy lifestyles, and increase participation in outdoor recreation and sport, with greater diversity in offerings.“With the anticipated population growth expected for the Central Coast, this framework will provide for the supply and development of adequate open spaces, such as parks, reserves and sportsgrounds, and ensure they are well-designed, inclusive, and accessible,” Ms Smith said.“While also ensuring culture, heritage and environmental significance is appropriately considered in the planning and design of public open space.“The strategy (2024-31) identifies sport and recreation action plans that need to be reviewed or developed to ensure that sport, recreation and physical activity opportunities on the Central Coast will be well planned and actioned in a timely manner.”Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the draft Open Space Strategy has been developed with input from our community and key groups to support healthy lifestyles for a growing community.“Extensive community consultation was undertaken in 2021, when the project was known as ‘Active Lifestyles Strategy’, with 438 people participating in a survey so we could understand how the Central Coast community likes to keep active, and how Council can support this within our managed open spaces,” Mr Hart said.“The Central Coast is blessed with an abundance of beautiful open space areas, and I encourage everyone to jump online to check out the draft Strategy and tell us what you think.”  Results of the Active Lifestyle Survey in 2021 showed that of the 438 respondents, more than 75% were long-term residents of the Central Coast (10-plus years), predominantly in the 35-59 age group, and the three most popular sporting categories were:

Central Coast Council’s Façade Improvement Support Program opens on Sunday 1 September.

Central Coast Council is thrilled to invite the community to experience the magic of twilight cinema, with a free family-friendly outdoor screening of Shark Tale.The outdoor movie nights have been designed to unite the community by bringing families and friends together for a fantastic evening of film, fun and local flavour.Council Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said whether you’re a resident or visiting the Central Coast the movie nights are designed to celebrate the community, support the local economy, and enhance the town’s night life for families.“We invite you to come along to The Entrance, Toukley, Gosford, or Wyong events, grab dinner or some takeaway, set up a picnic, sit down under the night sky and enjoy an evening of entertainment.“There will be a variety of activities at each location, with circus performers, face painting and lawn games, so get there at 4pm and join in the fun before the movie starts at 6pm,” Ms Smith said.Attendees can also support local food vendors at each of the movie night locations, by perusing the Love Central Coast Eating Out Guides, for recommendations on local eateries for their evening meal.Outdoor movie night program dates:The Entrance, Memorial Park - Friday 6 September 2024Toukley, Village Green - Saturday 7 September 2024 Gosford, Kibble Park - Friday 13 September 2024Wyong, The Chapman Lawn - Saturday 14 September 2024Council Administrator Rik Hart said movie nights activate the town centres across the Central Coast, benefitting both local businesses and the community.“Movie nights promote economic development in town centres, bolster community ties, and enhance cultural and social wellbeing.“Outdoor movies also offer a chance to relax with family and friends and be entertained under the open sky,” Mr Hart said.To view the full event program, visit: