Central Coast Council is urging local students who need help with relentless homework tasks to take advantage of the Library Service online tool Studiosity.While the service is available for students from Year 3 to tertiary education, Year 12 students will particularly benefit at this time of year as they study in the lead up to Higher School Certificate exams.Council Section Manager Library Strategy and Connection, Benjamin Hartley said the features of the service can give students an edge while simultaneously alleviating the worry they often feel while studying alone.“The way students engage with technology has changed dramatically and Studiosity is a natural extension of the classroom, which aims to promote equality in education,” Mr Hartley said.“We are excited to announce the real-time online chat tool is now available 24 hours!

Central Coast Council is inviting families to celebrate Parker the Platypus’ second birthday and launch of his sixth children’s book with stories and cake at Saltwater Creek Reserve on Monday 21 October, 10.30am.Parker is part of Council’s Paint the Coast REaD program, which encourages parents, grandparents and carers to read, sing or rhyme with children every day from birth to help set them up for a lifetime of success.Council Unit Manager Libraries, Learning and Education, Beth Burgess said since hatching only two-years-ago, Parker has not only become a prolific author, but also one of Council’s beloved mascots.“Research has shown that more than 20 percent of Australian children arrive at school without the necessary skills to make the most of their early education,” Mrs Burgess said.“Through Paint the Coast REaD we aim to encourage the community to support the development of children’s early literacy while creating a sense of excitement and enthusiasm around reading, which is exactly what Parker creates for children and families.“This month Parker is launching his fifth book that focuses on road safety, and he will personally be handing out copies at his birthday picnic as well as at select Storytime sessions in late October.“We have also recently provided local schools with A3 copies of the first three books allowing children to continue making positive connections to literacy development in the classroom.”Mayor Lisa Matthews encouraged parents with children under the age of six to engage with Council’s Library Service to help them develop a love of learning.“Our Library Service ensures all members of our community have equal access to the latest in technology, resources and information,” Mayor Matthews said.“Whether in branch or through their great range of online services available anywhere, anytime, there’s never been a better time to reconnect with your local library and discover the amazing resources and opportunities on offer.”Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraries for further information on Parker’s Storytime visits, to become a member and access to online resources and services 24 hours a day.Library membership is free for those who live, work or study on the Central Coast.ENDS

Central Coast Council is preparing a Floodplain Risk Management Study for the areas of Davistown-Empire Bay as part of the NSW Government’s Floodplain Management Program.

As part of Mental Health Awareness month in October, Central Coast Council has implemented the Lost Bird Found Project, which is a creative initiative to encourage conversations around mental health.  Over 400 handcrafted birds, which were recently created by the local community, have been tagged with mental health information and placed around town centres and in libraries across the Central Coast for the community to find.

Central Coast Council’s delivery of new inclusive, safe and engaging playspaces and a skate park upgrade has entered an exciting phase with community consultation for multiple projects running from October.Council’s Director of Environment and Planning Scott Cox believes the new playspaces at Green Point, Empire Bay, Gorokan, Toowoon Bay and Mangrove Mountain, as well as the redeveloped skate park at Narara will become significant assets to their local communities and is encouraging the public to have their say on what they would like to see included. “Council are committed to maintaining and building safe and quality playspaces for the benefit of our community and visitors to our region, and we proudly manage over 260 playspaces across the Central Coast as well as 25 skateparks.“We are investing in our community by providing facilities that encourage active and connected lifestyles for improved wellbeing and quality of life,” Mr Cox said.Mayor Lisa Matthews said Council’s investment in these projects underscores a commitment to listen to the community and deliver what they want.“Our strategic plan, One Central Coast, is not just a written document.

SportsFest returns once again in September, providing Central Coast residents with an opportunity to find a new way to get active through a variety of sports and recreational opportunities.This family-friendly free event will be held over the weekend of 21-22 September, from 9am-5pm, at Bateau Bay’s EDSACC sporting precinct on the Central Coast Highway. Central Coast Council Director of Environment and Planning Scott Cox said the event was a great opportunity for people of all ages to find new ways to get active across the Coast.“SportsFest showcases the vast array of sport and recreational opportunities available across our community through come and try activities, professional demonstrations, live entertainment, market and food stalls and a dedicated Kidz Zone,” said Mr Cox.“Over 40 sporting codes and organisations have already secured their place as exhibitors with options catering for all abilities, ages and interests.”Mayor Jane Smith says Council is proud to be running SportsFest once again and providing a fun and free community event which promotes healthy and active lifestyles.“There are many ways to connect and be active in our sports community – whether it be through active participation, volunteering or spectator support and Sportsfest provides an opportunity for residents of all ages and abilities to see what we have on offer,” Mayor Smith said.“We are pleased to invest in an event that not only appeals to all ages, but also supports local businesses, groups and organisations that encourage active lifestyles.”SportsFest’s proud partnerships include NSW Office of Sport, Sport NSW, Central Coast Academy of Sport and official media sponsor, Star 104.5 FM.For more information on SportsFest 2019 go to Centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/SportsFestTo stay up to date with event news and updates, follow the SportsFest Facebook page

Central Coast Council is calling for feedback on the draft Landcare Program strategy which is now on exhibition. Central Coast Mayor Jane Smith said the strategy aimed to bring together Council’s environmental volunteers under one program.“We are investing in the work of volunteers because they are on the front line in protecting the Coast’s environment,” Mayor Smith said. “From restoring their local patch and collecting and propagating seeds to park maintenance and rubbish removal, our volunteers are making a big difference at the grass roots level. “The natural environment is important to our community who want to see it protected and enhanced in the future.“This draft strategy proposes a new identity for the program and identifies ways to expand that enables greater participation in the future. “Our staff have worked with the volunteers to develop the Strategy, now it is time for the community, along with the existing volunteers to have their say.” The draft Landcare Program Strategy is on exhibition until 12 September 2019 and is available from Council’s engagement website.

Central Coast Council is encouraging the community to be a good sport by donating pre-loved sporting equipment in the lead up to this year’s SportsFest – with not-for-profit organisation Fair Game Australia appointed to manage the distribution of all donations back into our local community where they are needed most.Mayor Jane Smith said the donation drive would help our community overcome some of the barriers to participation in sport and recreation. “Living a healthy and active life is important to all of us, but for some families there are limited finances available to invest in suitable equipment, clothing and accessories,” Mayor Smith said. “Council is proud to partner with Fair Game Australia to ensure under-serviced local communities have the equipment to participate in sport and lead active lifestyles.   “We are committed to providing opportunities to improve the physical and social wellbeing of our community and this charity drive, alongside our annual SportsFest event is a wonderful example of how we can work together to achieve this. “I encourage you to collect and donate pre-loved, good condition or nearly-new sports equipment for this important cause.” Fair Game Australia aims to create an equitable, healthier and sustainable Australia by distributing the recycled sports equipment for use in disadvantaged communities. Nathan Stone, NSW Chair of Fair Game said that through the provision of recycled sports equipment they can run fitness and health education programs that reduce the risk of lifestyle related disease, build social cohesion and improve mental well-being."Fair Game is excited to partner with SportsFest to donate as much recycled sports equipment as possible to charities working in under-serviced communities across the Central Coast and surrounds.

Local high school students will get the opportunity to discover the roles and responsibilities of Councillors when Central Coast Council hosts its annual Future Council program.Hosted in partnership with Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre, the program provides a practical learning experience on civics, citizenship and local government decision making for Years 9 and 10 students. Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said during the mock debate students will deliberate on real issues they are passionate about and cast a vote on behalf of their community, just like our elected Councillors do.“This innovative program provides students with a rare chance to sit in the chairs of our elected Councillors and obtain insight into the skills and knowledge required to make decisions that affect residents of their community,” Ms Vaughan said.“This forum sees students explore environmental, social and economic issues in a format that is engaging and interactive.“What makes the day special for students is that the Mayor or Deputy Mayor will be in the Chair providing guidance and feedback so it gives them an authentic experience of an Ordinary Council Meeting.“We work closely with our local schools, making sure the topics relate to the curriculum and provide opportunities for students to experience decision making on topics that could occur in our local government area.”Students participating in the forums will use mock business papers to debate issues including Urban Forests Greening the Central Coast, Light Rail between Gosford and The Entrance, development application for a green waste facility in a residential area, securing water supply during drought, climate change mitigation, the proposed development of a Tip Shop at Council’s Waste Facilities, community energy programs and more.Mayor Jane Smith said Future Council was a highlight on her annual calendar and was enthusiastic about debating local issues with the region’s future leaders.“I am really proud to be able to take an active role in this this program that provides a forum where young people can express views on issues they are passionate about, build self-confidence and encourage community connectedness,” Mayor Smith said.“With young people making up 25 percent of our population we want more of this demographic to participate in civic life and their community as the decisions we make now impact their future.“I hope we can inspire some of our local students to one day run for public office themselves and represent their community.”Local schools taking part in Future Council include Lakes Grammar, Wyong High School, St Peters Catholic College, Northlakes High School, St Brigid's Catholic College, Central Coast Steiner School, Wadalba Community School, Narara Valley High School, Erina High School, St Joseph's Catholic College, Gosford High School, Brisbane Water Secondary College - Umina Campus, St Edwards College, Kincumber High School, Kariong Mountains High School and Brisbane Water Secondary College - Woy Woy Campus.Mayor Jane Smith will chair the session on Tuesday 27 August in Gosford with Deputy Mayor Chris Holstein chairing the session in Wyong on Thursday 29 August, with debates getting underway at 9.40am.ENDS

Contributions Plan to fund cycleways across the CoastContributions levied by Council on development applications will be used to fund future cycleway works across the Central Coast valued at over $32million.Cycleway projects to be funded from the Plan include Bungary Road, Norah Head;