The $23.71million Central Coast Regional Sporting &

Central Coast Council is encouraging cutting-edge artists from the region and beyond to enter works into the influential EMERGING 2020 Competition, which closes 17 November.The competition provides progressive artists from across the State the chance to have their work publicly recognised and displayed with participants battling it out for the $5,000 prize.Council Team Leader Art Galleries, Tim Braham said this was an incredible opportunity for art school students and graduates to be able to make their mark and break into a competitive industry.“This competition offers a significant prospect for young, ambitious artists looking to become the important voices of the future,” Mr Braham said.“We revel in the fact we can help establish the influence of developing artists, while also exhibiting astonishing works that help build the reputation of our region as a destination for contemporary culture.“Unlike many other exhibitions we hold, this competition inspires artists to express themselves through a large body of work, series or major installation – not just one piece.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said the competition reinforces Council’s commitment to foster creative arts through galleries and integrate into public spaces.“Art is an important part of life on the Central Coast, helping to create a greater sense of belonging and shape our society and identity,” Mayor Matthews said.“This is a great opportunity for our local talented artists to be recognised in a major competition and I encourage them to submit their work.“Council’s support of this competition provides our community with a unique opportunity to see our nation’s emerging artists work right here in the Coast.

Central Coast Council is helping parents and supervisors with the challenging task of teaching learner drivers.Acting Director Connected Communities, Glenn Cannard said Council is offering free workshops designed to provide practical and hands-on advice and to help reduce the alarmingly high number of younger driver fatalities.“Younger drivers make-up almost one quarter of annual road fatalities despite representing only 15 percent of all licence holders – this is an alarming statistic that we all need to work towards bringing down,” Mr Cannard said.“Our workshops are designed to help with the tough task of teaching learner drivers which involves explaining a highly complex task and a lot of important information.“We know that learner drivers are not always the easiest students and we will offer some great tips to help create a more effective teacher-student dynamic.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said the workshops to help teach learner drivers were an important part of Council’s commitment to road safety across the region.“If your teaching a young driver I’d encourage you to register for one of our free workshops to ensure you are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to create safe and effective drivers,” Mayor Matthews said. The ‘Helping Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers’ workshop is a two-hour program that provides practical advice to help supervise learner drivers and covers topics including: new licence conditions for learner and P plate drivershow to use the Learner Driver Logbookthe benefits of on-road driving sessionstips on supervising a learner driverthe importance of giving the learner constructive feedback.Register for one of the upcoming workshops by clicking on the links provided.

Central Coast Council – in partnership with the Art Gallery of NSW – is delighted to bring this touring exhibition to the region for the third time in the 98-year-history of this most illustrious painting prize.Inaugurated in 1921, the Archibald Prize is a window into Australian culture with sporting heroes, politicians, actors, and artists just some of the many people to have posed for portraits over the years.Council Team Leader Art Galleries, Tim Braham said the often-controversial Archibald Prize is arguably the most renowned and anticipated annual exhibition in the nation.“This holiday season local and visitors of the Central Coast will have the opportunity to view the stunning collection of 51 finalists from the prestigious 2019 Archibald Prize,” Mr Braham said.“Visitors to the exhibition will also have their chance to play art critic for the day as they are encouraged to vote for their favourite portrait in the ANZ People’s Choice award.“As part of the regional tour we are also encouraging budding artists between the ages of five and 18 to submit a portrait for the Young Archie competition.“Just like the Archibald Prize, young artists are required to paint a portrait, from a live sitting;

Entering the adult world can be a daunting experience at the best of times, but Central Coast Council is hoping to ease the transition for the region’s youth with an innovative expo at Erina next month.The inaugural Skills 4 Life expo aimed at 15 to 24-year-olds will be full of workshops, presentations, demonstrations and activities with an emphasis on teaching life skills that can’t be taught at school.Some of the topics explored include how to manage your money, what is superannuation, maintaining your car, basic healthy cooking skills, job hunting and how to prepare, what to do in a medical emergency, moving out of home, being healthy and navigating technology.Director of Connected Communities Julie Vaughan said the expo is an example of Council’s commitment to young people.“This project is about the empowerment of young people across the Central Coast and better equipping them for their life beyond school,” Ms Vaughan said.“Our aim for the program is to assist adolescent transitions by building skills that are essential components of healthy development and skills that define a resilient young person.“The research suggests that having basic life skills can improve the mental state of young people and help them become socially adjusted and happy adults.”  Mayor Lisa Matthews said Council is committed to creating a community where young people feel valued, safe and supported to stay on the Central Coast to live, work, study and play.

In a NSW first, the Central Coast will become part of the “Love Food Community” working to tackle food waste.Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch today announced $210,000 for Central Coast Council to become one of the first four communities in NSW to deliver a two-year, community-wide approach to reducing food waste.“Funding will support activities to reduce food waste in homes, businesses, pubs, clubs, resorts, aged care facilities and hotels across our region,” Mr Crouch said.“It will reach at least 17,000 households and 500 businesses in the first ever whole-of-community approach to prevent food waste in NSW.“This is a practical environmental measure and I congratulate Council for securing the funding for this initiative.

Empire Bay will be the next Central Coast location to receive a new wharf featuring a floating pontoon and solar lighting.Construction of the new amenity at Empire Bay is part of the most extensive wharf replacement program ever undertaken by Central Coast Council.Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the new wharf at Empire Bay follows completion of a similar project at Spencer.“Wharf projects are a key focus for our 2019-20 capital works program – Spencer residents are enjoying their new wharf and Empire Bay is the next cab off the rank,” Mr Bolgoff said.“We also have two wharf projects scheduled for Davistown – one at Davistown Road and one at Amy Street.“And of course, we’re currently consulting with the community on the largest individual wharf project ever undertaken by Council – the $5.32million redevelopment of Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf.”“Each of our wharf projects features a floating pontoon to improve accessibility for all boat users, including those accessing available ferry services, by providing a consistent access level during most tide and weather conditions.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said Council is committed to delivering new recreational facilities and opportunities for the community.“We are getting on with the job of delivering new services and infrastructure our growing community need, in partnership with the State Government,” Mayor Matthews said.“We have incredibly beautiful waterways on the Coast and our new wharf facilities will be a great resource for locals and tourists alike.”Construction of the new Empire Bay Wharf will start on Monday 11 November 2019 and will take approximately eight weeks to complete, weather and circumstances permitting.Ferry services for Empire Bay will continue to operate at a reduced timetable from Shelly Beach Road, Empire Bay for the duration of the works.Council apologies for any inconvenience caused during these important works.Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the NSW Government was proud to contribute funding for the upgrade.“Empire Bay public wharf is a key community asset that is frequented by local ferry services, boaters and fishermen,” Mr Crouch said.“The NSW Liberal Government is contributing funding to upgrade priority wharves around Brisbane Water – including Empire Bay, Davistown and Spencer.“Through funding partnerships with Council, we can provide better access to waterways and create a safer, more enjoyable boating experience for everyone.”Council’s $1.64million investment in the wharf replacement program includes $375,000 in NSW Government funding as part of the NSW Boating Now Program.The project to redevelop Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf is proudly funded by the NSW Government with $3.99million from the Regional Communities Development Fund and with $1.33million from Council.

Central Coast Council is encouraging residents living in Budgewoi and the surrounding suburbs to contribute to a unique art project that will take pride of place at Noela Place Reserve.The project will utilise community contributions from stories and pictures to visually depict the rich history of Budgewoi as well as the importance of the lake to the area.The finished project will be unveiled at the ‘Last Regatta’ sailing event in February 2020.Director of Connected Communities Julie Vaughan said that Council has worked closely with the community to make the project happen.“Throughout this process, the project team has worked alongside the Noela Place community working group to develop the concept for the mural,” Ms Vaughan said.“A key driving force behind this project is to create a deeper sense of identity and connection for Budgewoi locals and visitors to the area, and an additional bonus is that it will help deal with local graffiti in an innovative way.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said buildings make a town but people make a community.

It’s National Recycling Week and Central Coast Council is bringing this year’s theme, ‘Busting Recycling Myths’ into the spotlight.Council Unit Manager Waste Services and Business Development, Andrew Pearce said residents were avid recyclers, however, in a bid to reduce waste often placed items in the incorrect bin.“It’s important to remember that simply because something has a recycling symbol, does not mean it can be placed in your yellow lid household bin,” Mr Pearce said.“These symbols are developed on a national scale, while local governments have differing agreements with their recycling contractors.“In the same vain, we accept many items that do not have a recycling symbol;

Central Coast Council is encouraging Central Coast residents to be prepared, stay vigilant and check on neighbours ahead of Catastrophic Fire Danger conditions predicted for tomorrow, Tuesday 12 November.Council Chief Executive Officer, Gary Murphy said community members should refer to the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) for the latest advice on fires burning and for information on how to be as prepared as possible for the catastrophic conditions forecast.“A State of Emergency has been declared and a state-wide total fire ban is in force – it is vital that we are all as vigilant and prepared as possible,” Mr Murphy said.“The NSW Rural Fire Service is the lead agency for bush fires and all community members should refer to the RFS for the latest advice and information. “All community members with a smart phone are encouraged to download and monitor the RFS ‘Fires Near Me’ App, alternatively refer to the RFS website – rfs.nsw.gov.au  “Please also take time to check in on your neighbours, particularly elderly residents, to ensure that they are safe and prepared.”A number of Council closures and changes are already in place in preparation for tomorrow including:Council Bushland Reserves, Picnic areas and Walking Tracks are closed until further notice (this is in addition to all NSW National Parks and Reserves, including Tracks, Trails, Campgrounds and Picnic Areas)Waste services change – bin and bulk kerbside collections will be starting earlier (from 4am) Childcare centres closed – Northlakes (San Remo) Little Coast Kids and Kariong Child Care Centre Event cancelled – Pop-Up Create Precinct (part of The Lakes Festival) at MacKenzies Reserve, Budgewoi For more information on Council services visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/newsFor the latest advice on fires burning and for information on how to plan and prepare for emergencies visit rfs.nsw.gov.au