Central Coast Council’s Laycock Street Community Theatre has recently launched their incredible line-up of performances for 2020.Delivering in excess of 245 varied productions every year for the local community, Laycock continues to engage with audiences giving them the opportunity to ‘see with emotion, feel in colour’.Council’s Arts and Culture Section Manager, Chris King said Laycock is once again hosting a large range of cultural productions that cater to all ages and interests across the community.“The 2020 season brings together an impressive range of live entertainment options to the Central Coast and we are thrilled they have chosen to perform at Laycock Theatre,” Mr King said.“We are privileged to present a wide selection of high-quality performances and touring shows throughout the year, including returning shows as well as home grown performers lighting up the stage.“Highlights include the return of Youth In Performing Arts, along with new productions from Victorian State Ballet presenting their enchanting take on Snow White, Tall Stories’ magical musical adaptation of The Gruffalo's Child and James Morrison Quintet.“Our popular ‘Morning Melodies’ productions also return in 2020, where audiences can enjoy a morning tea and show for only $20 – a wonderful outing that can be experienced across generations.“Whether you love classical music, children’s theatre, ballet, or appreciate a fun and interactive night out, our diverse selection of shows has something for everyone!”Mayor Lisa Matthews said it is great to see Laycock Street Community Theatre continue to attract quality performances to the Coast as well as a platform for local talent to shine.“The highly anticipated 2020 season of professional shows is no different, providing our community to see quality shows and performances here on the Coast,” Mayor Smith said.“Tickets or gift vouchers for Laycock provide the perfect present for loved ones, creating memories that will last a lifetime.”To view the 2020 program, purchase tickets of gift vouchers go to centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/theatres or visit or call the Box Office on 4323 3233.ENDS

The newly upgraded amenities building at Heazlett Park, Avoca has opened its doors.The amenities building includes an accessible public toilet, male and female change rooms to service the sporting user groups and an equipment storage area for the Avoca Beach Kayak Club.Council’s Mayor Lisa Matthews said this new public infrastructure was a result of multiple levels of Government and local community groups working together.“This project is a great example of the Australian Government, NSW Government and Council working in consultation with local recreation user groups, including the Avoca Kayak Club who supported the project with in-kind contributions,” said Mayor Matthews.“Council is proud to deliver these new facilities that will benefit both local and visiting users of this popular sportsground and foreshore reserve.“This upgraded facility is a key objective of Council’s Community Strategic Plan which reflects our community’s vision for a liveable coast by ensuring sporting, leisure and open space areas are well maintained and activated.The project has been jointly funded by the Australian Government, NSW Government and Central Coast Council.Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the NSW Government was proud to provide $300,000 for this upgraded facility.“Avoca is the training ground for successful Olympians Lachlan Tame and Riley Fitzsimmons and many Junior Kayak Representatives in the Australian squad,” Mr Crouch said.“The Avoca Kayak Club has previously been operating off the back of a trailer and I’m so proud that this new facility provides a permanent home for the Club.Sport Australia CEO Kate Palmer said the Australian Government and Sport Australia are helping to get Australians more active in their own communities by investing more than $100 million in local sport infrastructure projects, as part of the Move It AUS Community Sport Infrastructure Grant program.“Australians love their sport.

Central Coast Council is holding a series of bush fire Community Information Sessions for Central Coast residents, as well as other community members, impacted or concerned by recent local bush fires.These sessions will provide our community with information on the current status of the bush fire and will share the latest recovery information and support available from Council, government and other emergency services.Council invites concerned residents to attend an information session at:Kulnura Hall – Tuesday 14 January 2020 5.30-7pmSpencer Hall – Wednesday 15 January 2020 5.30-7pmBlue Haven Community Centre – Friday 17 January 2020 1.30-3pmBlue Haven Community Centre – Tuesday 21 January 2020 5.30-7pmWhilst the Three Mile Fire which affected the Spencer, Kulnura and Mangrove Mountain areas, and the Charmhaven bush fire status are currently at advice alert level today, weather and fire conditions can change quickly.All Central Coast residents are encouraged to continue to stay informed, alert and vigilant. For the latest warnings, advice and information on bush fires, please refer to NSW Rural Fire Service’s channels (website, social media and ‘Fires Near Me NSW’ smartphone app), plus tune into ABC Central Coast 92.5FM radio and social media.Download the RFS ‘Fires Near Me NSW’ mobile app to your smartphone and set up your ‘Watch Zones’ for notifications.Ensure your Bush Fire Survival Plan is prepared and activate it if required.

Central Coast Council is now accepting unlimited quantities of household e-waste that can be dropped at all three Waste Management Facilities for free.The change has come about following a new contract arrangement to help maximise resource recovery and reduce the amount of electronics ending up in landfill.Council Unit Manger Waste Services and Business Development, Andrew Pearce said e-waste is recognised as the fastest growing waste stream with over 700,000 tonnes generated nationally.“Here on the Central Coast e-waste is one of the most common items placed in household bins and bulk kerbside collections,” Mr Pearce said.“When e-waste is collected and compacted in a mixed waste collection truck it becomes a missed opportunity to retrieve and reuse the precious metals and other resources while also unnecessarily consuming landfill space.“We accept all the traditional items such as televisions, computers and printers, but thanks to this new arrangement we can now also accept any electrical product with a cord that does not contain liquid.“Last year we recycled more than 135 tonnes of e-waste and with the number of new items that can now be dropped off we are hoping we can continue this upward trajectory.”E-waste collected at Councils facilities is temporarily stored and then bulk transferred to an e-waste processing facility in Sydney where it is shredded and sorted using advanced technology that creates high-quality raw materials for reuse.“Research has shown that people are suspicious about dropping off items with their personal details,” Mr Pearce added.“All data on devices is destroyed during the dismantling process, however, if you have any concerns reset and erase all data from devices before dropping them off.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said Council is committed to delivering options where the community can easily recycle and reuse products.“We all have old phones and other e-waste that we don’t use anymore lying around the house,” Mayor Matthews said“This is a great opportunity to get rid of it all knowing it will be reused and have a future as a new product.“This excellent initiative demonstrates what local government can achieve to help improve recycling systems that move towards a more circular economy.“Last year we paid more than $29 million via the Waste Levy and received less than half a million back to reinvest into waste minimisation, recycling and resource recovery.“We are now calling on the State Government to work collaboratively with council’s and release some of these funds to develop innovative approaches to resource recovery.”Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ewaste for a list of accepted e-waste materials and Council’s Waste Management Facility locations and opening hours.ENDS

An impressive line-up, plus new events and event hubs are set to make The Lakes Festival even bigger and better this November.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said the annual celebration of the Central Coast’s spectacular lakes and waterways would feature 20 separate events across 10 days. “The Lakes Festival is our largest and most popular event and shines a light on our region’s lakes and waterways, which are among the largest and most magnificent in Australia,” Mr Cannard said.“November on the Coast has become synonymous with The Lakes Festival, with attendees entertained, educated and filled to the brim with community, culture, art, music and of course delicious food.“The headliners for ‘Light Up The Lake’ – Kingswood, Caravana Sun and Hot Potato Band – are not to be missed and don’t forget we’ll literally ‘Light Up The Lake’ with a fireworks display to conclude this special event. “Park Feast at Gosford Waterfront will satisfy all your culinary desires and this year we are launching the new Lighthouse Picnic, which is all about music, food and wine at Norah Head Lighthouse.“If you love to get active – we have stand-up paddle board yoga, kayak tours, Paddle to Pedal, Colour Our Coast (Colour Run), Terrigal Beach Netball Competition, the Bouddi Coastal Run at Killcare and much more.” Mayor Lisa Matthews said The Lakes Festival attracts more than 60,000 locals and visitors and delivers a significant economic boost to the Central Coast.“The Lakes Festival shows the importance of our waterways and injects millions into our  economy,” Mayor Matthews said. “There is something for everyone at the Festival so make sure you check it out.” Events will be held at 10 key hubs across the Coast including Budgewoi, Long Jetty, Gosford, Toukley, Norah Head, The Entrance, Terrigal, Killcare, Ettalong and Picnic Point.

Central Coast Council is inviting aspiring youth leaders to become members for the Youth For Youth (Y4Y) action team and make a difference to the lives of young people across the coast.Applications are now open for membership of Y4Y, a team of 12 young people who will make youth-led initiatives and ideas happen in our community.Director of Connected Communities Julie Vaughan said the program engaged and empowered young people through action, advocacy and advice.“Council is committed to working with the young people of the Central Coast to ensure they feel respected and a valued part of the community,” Ms Vaughan said.“This group represents a fantastic opportunity for young people to have their voice heard and make a difference.

The Land and Environment Court has today 15 October 2019, in accordance with section 34 of the Land and Environment Court Act 1979, upheld an appeal brought by A Denny after Central Coast Council refused to approve a development application for a Colourbond fence on Wards Hill Road, Killcare Heights.

Central Coast Council’s stage one water mains cleaning program saw 11 suburbs on the Central Coast benefit from improved water quality, with stage two underway for residents in Springfield, East Gosford, Long Jetty and The Entrance.Acting Director Water and Sewer, Daniel Kemp said stage one of the program was hugely successful with works being completed on time, with minimal disruption and minimal water wastage.“Stage one of our water mains cleaning program saw 90km worth of mains cleaned in 18 days, with Council scooping up sediment and saving the equivalent of 8 Olympic sized swimming pools worth of water for the Coast,” Mr Kemp said.“Approximately 200 homes per day benefited from this first round of cleaning with many residents stopping to chat with our crews on site and learn more about the program and our water saving methods.“Council actively monitors and tests the water supply across the Coast and these results indicate areas due for cleaning.

As part of the 2019 Lakes Festival at The Entrance, Central Coast Council will hold the inaugural Colour Our Coast fun run/walk on Sunday 10 November.The 5km circuit will feature five separate colour stations setup at 1km intervals to ensure entrants cross the finish line splashed in colour.

Central Coast Council presented Surf Life Saving Central Coast (SLSCC) with a $213,250 cheque yesterday at Copacabana Surf Life Saving Club.