Central Coast Council welcomed 22 young people to its staff this week as part of its popular workforce development program.At a special ceremony last week, Mayor Jane Smith welcomed the group and congratulated 11 others who successfully completed training programs with Council during 2018.During their 12 months with Council, university students complete internships or scholarships in areas as diverse as engineering and commerce to environmental sustainability and social science.Meanwhile, nine young people are starting apprenticeships or traineeships this year.

Central Coast Council is advising residents that Wamberal Lagoon will remain closed following a sewer main break earlier this week. The break has caused some sewage flow into the Forresters Creek inlet into Wamberal Lagoon, adjacent to Malkana Avenue, Forresters Beach. Following reports of the break, Council immediately attended the site and stopped the flow of sewer from the broken pipe, containing the outflow to the immediate area of Forresters Creek inlet and Wamberal Lagoon. Council is now in the process of constantly monitoring the water quality at the site whilst the clean-up process continues.

Wamberal Lagoon remains closed as a precautionary measure following a sewer main break last week. The break caused some sewage flow into the Forresters Creek inlet into Wamberal Lagoon, adjacent to Malkana Avenue, Forresters Beach. The broken pipe was fixed at that time containing the outflow to the immediate area of Forresters Creek. Council has continued to sample and monitor the water quality at the site whilst the clean-up and remediation process continued.

Central Coast Council has welcomed funding of almost $4million for the redevelopment of the Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf following its successful bid for grant funding under the NSW Government’s Regional Communities Development Fund.Council’s Director Roads Transport Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the redevelopment of the Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf will provide much needed improvements and ensure a safe, usable and accessible facility for recreational users and ferry operators.“Council has for many years sought to improve the current infrastructure facilities of the Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf and today we are delighted to welcome funding from the NSW Government to progress with major upgrades,” Mr Bolgoff said.“The improved wharf will be able to operate in all weather and tide conditions enabling water access for the community particularly users of the ferry services.

The Central Coast Series skate, scooter and BMX competition is back for another year, with the total prize pool doubling this year, to more than $10,000!Central Coast Council will host three heats across three different venues where young riders can enter in one or all competitions for a chance to claim the Central Coast Series Champion title.Rather than competing in a final, this year’s Champion and division winners will be determined by an accumulative tally across all three heats.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the competition for riders aged 5-24 has grown in popularity each year.“Originally, the Series was held during Youth Week to activate our skate parks and now it’s held across the Coast over three months, giving more opportunities to our young riders,” Ms Vaughan said.“As the competition grows, so does the prize money and the number of competitors.”The event is aimed at beginner, intermediate and sponsored riders, so provides an opportunity for young people of all skill levels to participate and compete.This year the Central Coast Series will be held at:Drop in at DalbsHeat 1 – Waldalba Skate Park, Saturday 23 FebruaryUminafiedHeat 2 - Umina Skate Park, Saturday 9 MarchBeast of the BowlHeat 3 - BATO Yard, Saturday 13 AprilEntry is open to all riders aged 5-24 years in skate, scooter and BMX as well as WCMX Wheelchair (BATO only).

Council approves West Street Umina shop top housing developmentCouncil has approved a development application for a shop top housing development in West Street Umina comprising two shops, 20 residential units and car parking.No.

Central Coast Council was alerted to a burst water main at Hillcrest Road, Empire Bay at approximately 3pm on Monday 18 February 2019.Customers across Empire Bay and Davistown were impacted by the break as it was a large main servicing both suburbs.

Central Coast Council is looking for individuals who have a head for business and a heart for the community to be part of its upcoming Social Enterprise Launch Pad program.The program will support entrepreneurs and not-for-profit organisations as they explore sustainable business concepts which have a positive social impact within the community.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the free Social Enterprise Launch Pad program will appeal to multiple audiences.“There are two groups which are perfectly suited to develop social enterprises – not-for-profit organisations and small businesses,” Ms Vaughan said.“Not-for-profits are encouraged to look at sustainable business models that can provide alternative income streams, while creating employment and educational opportunities for the community they serve.“Likewise, small business owners who have a strong social conscience can shape their service and develop new approaches which can have a positive social impact in their community.”Examples of successful social enterprises include not-for-profit organisations which provide supported employment for ventures such as cafes or upcycling donated goods, to education initiatives and programs with a positive environmental impact.Mayor Jane Smith said Council was committed to supporting new social enterprises on the Coast because of the economic advantages they would bring but also because of the social benefit to the broader Central Coast community.“Building a successful social enterprise not only positively impacts the group it is designed to serve, but also contributes to our economic growth by creating local jobs on the Coast,” Mayor Smith said.The Social Enterprise Launch Pad Program will kick off on 27 March, with a series of seven steps which support entities to shape their ideas to be ‘launch’ ready.

The very best food, music and art from around the world will be celebrated by close to 4,000 people on the Central Coast next month at Flavours by the Sea 2019.Central Coast Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said the free community event, which will be held on Saturday 16 March 3.30-8.30pm at Memorial Park, The Entrance, truly highlights and celebrates the diverse culture of the Central Coast.“Flavours by the Sea is a popular event that brings our community together to celebrate our differences,” Mr Cannard said.“This year, a relaxed dining area will be set up with a number of different food trucks forming a festive flavour alley including Mexican, Vietnamese, Asian, South American and specialty desserts.“Free mandala colouring activities will be available and there will be live music and entertainment featuring Yolngu artist Gawurra Gaykamangu, who is known for his masterful performances that powerfully express the culture and music of the small communities of the Northern Territory.”Central Coast Council Mayor Jane Smith said Flavours by the Sea also celebrates Harmony Day and the theme of ‘everyone belongs’.“Our very own vision for the Central Coast, developed through our Community Strategic Plan, reflects the values and aspirations of Harmony Day as we create a smart, liveable region with a shared sense of belonging and responsibility,” Mayor Smith said.“Our growing diversity, community spirit and great natural environment makes our region a great place to live and I encourage everyone to come together to celebrate that this Harmony Day.”To make this event more inclusive and accessible for everyone in the community, the ‘Including You’ accessibility tent will be set up.

Central Coast Council is inviting the local community to check out the recently upgraded Lake Haven Recreation Centre during an open day on Saturday 2 March. The whole family is welcome to try out any of the programs and facilities the centre has to offer for free including indoor sports courts, fitness classes, fully equipped gym, outdoor courts and the climbing wall.