Central Coast Council’s Waste Wise Workshops are back for 2017, providing practical and hands-on advice to help the whole family reduce, reuse and recycle food waste.Food waste accounts for over forty percent of general household waste which ends up in landfill and adds to the Coast’s carbon emissions.Council’s Group Leader of Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, said everyone has a role to play in reducing the amount of household food waste sent to landfill and attending a workshop is a great way to start.“Around ninety percent of greenhouse gas emissions from landfill are a result of decomposing organic material which can easily be reduced by composting garden organic materials and food scraps,” Mr Dowling said.“Up to fifty percent of the waste in the red lid bin could be diverted from landfill by composting and warm farming alone.”Most organic matter, excluding meat, is suitable for home composting.  The combined materials break down into a cheap, non-polluting, natural and effective garden fertiliser.Workshops will be held on composting and worm farming with participants taking home a free worm farm or compost bin so they can get started straight away.There will also be workshops on no dig gardening – how to create a productive garden that does not take up space by using a box or even something as small as a jar.“These enjoyable workshops will give residents practical tips and tools to reduce and recycle food waste and turn it into a great resource for the garden,” Mr Dowling said.“Worm farms can be kept outside, inside, on the balcony or in the garage so you don’t need a lot of space – they are ideal for units.”Worms turn leftovers into a rich soil-like substance called 'castings'.

A NSW regional riders comp and festival will kick off the first of many major competitions at Bato Yard next week.Central Coast Council is supporting one leg of the YMCA’s Skate Park Leagues local round competition on Tuesday 17 January.The YMCA competition is open to riders aged 12-25 years old and will have four categories in street and bowl – skate, scooter, BMX and wheelies (for amputees and wheelchairs).The competition provides residents with an opportunity to cheer on the best riders on the Coast as they compete for their chance to gain a spot in the national final and be named champion of the region.The day also includes free food, activities and entertainment for all ages.Bato Yard is located in the EDSACC sporting precinct, opposite Bateau Bay Square shopping centre, and is gaining a reputation in skating circles as one of the premier facilities to ride.The pre-eminent national skate competition, King of Concrete, is also bringing two rounds to Bato Yard which is expected to attract some of the best riders from the Coast, state and country.The bowl competition will be held on Saturday 11 February and the street competition will be held on Saturday 22 April – both will give the best riders a chance to use it as a stepping stone to international competitions at Bondi and in the USA.For more details on what’s happening at Bato Yard, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/batoyard

Speak to any successful adult and they will name a teacher who inspired them to become a better version of themselves.Robin Balcomb of Mannering Park Public School on the Central Coast is one such teacher.Also the school librarian, Robin is a proud participant in the This is the life marketing campaign to promote all things good about the Central Coast.Robin’s inclusive environmental learning programs have so engaged her students that the school received Best Small School Environmental Awards overall in the recent 2016 Primary School Environment Awards.Robin believes in an integrated approach so that kids can totally immerse in a topic and relate all the key learning areas to raise their motivation and eagerness to learn.Robin’s passion about the environment is infectious and she has spent her time developing a number of teaching initiatives to inspire children about how to look after it.“Success is in enjoyment for the kids and starting the conversation with their families”, she says.Her most loved achievement is developing an award winning ‘indigenous bush tucker garden’ and associated program, which showcases the wonders of native Australian plants.The full list of Robin’s initiatives is expansive, with each one aimed at engaging the community through the family unit.Robin says she knows many fantastic teachers on the Central Coast and believes education on the Central Coast rivals the best in Sydney.“Most classrooms are embracing new technologies and twenty-first century learning spaces are being set up across the Central Coast,” Robin said.“We’re leaving the traditional rows of desks behind, and using modern furnishings to create comfy learning centres and a more futuristic learning environment.”“Data is showing that reading rates are improving using this method and this can only benefit students on the Central Coast.“The other thing we have here on the Central Coast is plenty of space for sports and other activities.“I know a lot of very enthusiastic teachers who are very proud of their schools and are putting energy into gardens and artwork around the schools - and they have the space to make this happen.“These are real benefits to education here on the Central Coast,” she says.Read more of Robin’s story at www.thisisthecentralcoast.com.au/our-stories.

It’s definitely summertime across the Central Coast, as thousands flock to our beaches, waterways and pools to cool off from the heat.The Coast is a popular spot for holiday-makers which sees more people at our beaches, in our parks and on the roads.

Central Coast Council libraries are using innovative technology platforms to upskill the community and help create the workforce of the future.As skills needed for work become more technology-based, council libraries have been at the forefront of offering courses and platforms aimed directly at young people, including workshops on 3D printing, coding and gaming.Council’s Group leader of Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said the jobs landscape was changing dramatically and young people today will forge careers not seen before.

Explore the hidden gems and discover forgotten laneways when the Gallery Precinct 2259 Love Lanes Festival showcases Wyong in a new light.Festival-goers to the inaugural event will be able to immerse themselves in the abundance of colour, sounds and smells of this unique outdoor festival on Saturday 11 February.Central Coast Council’s Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said this festival is one not to be missed.“Three laneways in the town centre of Wyong will be transformed for one afternoon – nothing like you’ve ever seen before,” Ms Vaughan said.“There will be live entertainment, aerial circus performances, live art, free kids activities, great food, markets stalls and much more – including strange creatures set to excite the crowd as interactive street performers make their way through the Festival.”The Festival is set to transform Wyong CBD and bring it to life with something for everyone.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the local businesses of Wyong were looking for ways to activate the area, and the Gallery Precinct 2259 Love Lanes Festival will help deliver that.“The aim of the Festival is to drive economic development and revitalise the town centre of Wyong while showing visitors the unique character it has to offer,” Mr Reynolds said.“By developing broad community partnerships as part of a place-based approach, where everyone involved is committed to make Wyong a better place, we have designed a Festival that truly reflects the identity of the area.“We want the Wyong CBD to grow and thrive.“New businesses are opening up all the time particularly in food offerings – and this festival will give everyone a chance to see how much Wyong is changing.“We hope it becomes an annual event and one that people look forward to every year!”Located in Wyong, festival-goers are encouraged to take advantage of public transport with one of the Coast’s largest bus and rail interchange situated in the town centre.See Wyong come to life on Saturday 11 February from 4-10pm.Grand Hotel Lane (Robley’s Lane) will feature aerial circus performances, ‘La Toosh’ Tunes on the stage, a licensed bar area as well as an outdoor cinema from 8.15pm on the Chapman Building Lawn.Coastwide First National Lane (Alison Road) will offer tastings from Wyong’s local favourites, delicious street food and retail stalls all under the twinkling lights of the piazza.

Throw a snag on the barbie, grab yourself a cold drink and throw in a lamington for good measure – Australia Day is here!The festivities will be kicking off early this year with events at Canton Beach Foreshore and Kibble Park, Gosford on the eve of our official national day – Wednesday 25 January.Those attending the Kibble Park event can expect face painting, an interactive performance by Little Puppet World and performances by the Voice’s Ellie Drennan and The Rhythm Hunters.While at Canton Beach, there will be beach games, an animal farm, lamington making and the Ozi Maid Bush Band.In a fitting finale, a traditional fireworks spectacular is planned to close both these fantastic community celebrations.To celebrate Australia Day on Thursday 26 January, there will be a range of events across the Central Coast to get everyone into the spirit.Celebrations will start early in Wagstaffe with an official ceremony and a free breakfast.The Entrance will be a hive of activity, featuring amusement rides, an ice cream eating competition, a performance from Mental as Anything and finish with a fireworks display.While in Woy Woy, there will be market stalls, live music, the traditional lantern parade and of course, a fireworks spectacular.Taking part in this year’s official celebrations will be the Central Coast’s Australia Day Ambassador, John Dooley.An Ambassador for White Ribbon since 2011, John has presented at countless events, conferences and functions;

2016 SeaFM Discovered Grand FinalSome of the Central Coast’s most talented young performers will hit this stage this Friday for the grand final of SeaFM Discovered.Hosted by The Hub Erina Youth Entertainment Venue, the final will feature 12 artists aged 11-24 years, performing two songs as they contend to become the 2016 discovery.Winners from this year’s competition will share in over $5,000 of Macron Music Money as well as gain access to a range of development opportunities from Digital Wagon, Resovoir Records and The Music Cellar Studios.The series offers professional development opportunities for young people and the chance for emerging vocalists and singer/songwriters to showcase their talent.SeaFM Discovered is presented by Central Coast Council Youth Services, and The Hub Erina Youth Entertainment Venue.Professional development partners include:

The Wyong Lakes Festival made a big splash across the Coast this month, attracting over 40,000 people to events and activities over the nine days.This is a twenty percent increase in numbers from the inaugural award winning festival held last year.Council’s Grants and Events Coordinator, Ms Ashlee Abbott, was thrilled with the result and said the program had been designed to entertain, educate and delight and proved popular with a whole new audience.“Not only did more people come than last year but more than 90 percent of people we spoke to said they will be back next year,” Ms Abbott said.“That is a great platform to build on and we will continue to grow this festival into one of the premier events for the Central Coast.The events that attracted the biggest crowds were Light up the Lake with headline act Thirsty Merc, the Lighthouse Folk Festival and Long Jetty Street Festival.“It was the first time we staged a folk festival as part of the overall program, the combination of the iconic Norah Head Lighthouse as the backdrop to showcase not only local talented performers, but national performers like Paul Kelly, proved to be an irresistible combination,” Ms Abbott added.“Light up the Lake and Long Jetty Street Festival were definitely the crowd favourites - attracting thousands and thousands of people at each event.“They had the family atmosphere but also had a festival vibe for those looking for a great day out.”Participation rates and spectators were also up at the annual Triathlon and Saltwater Stand Up Paddle Boarding Festival – attracting a wide range of competitors from outside the region.Council’s Administrator Mr Ian Reynolds, said the festival was a great success as it showcased one of the region’s best assets and also had a real community feel.“It makes you realise how lucky we are to have such a beautiful natural environment that we can enjoy and showcase to the world as well,” Mr Reynolds said.“It was a festival for everyone – locals and visitors – that is what made it so special as well as adding that extra financial boost to our local economy and tourism that we can all benefit from.“The festival also had the added bonus of educating our residents and visitors about the nature of our waterways and how we can all work together to improve our unique lakes system.”Planning will start early next year for the annual Festival which will be held from 10-19 November 2017.

There are only 10 days left to give feedback on the draft Norah Head Village Centre Masterplan which is on Public Exhibition until Friday 9 December 2016.“This plan has been developed with input from over 60 residents and stakeholders at two community workshops held in May and June this year,” said Mr Scott Cox, Group Leader, Environment and Planning.“We encourage anyone interested to view the plan and provide feedback by the due date,” Mr Cox said.The plan considers public domain improvements like the provision of car parking, shared pathways and cycleways, street furniture, lighting, signage and landscaping, public amenities and recreational facilities in the Village Centre.The draft masterplan can be viewed at Toukley Library or at Central Coast Council Chambers, 2 Hely Street, Wyong or online at www.haveyoursaycentralcoast.com.au/norah-head-master-planThe community can provide feedback via email ask@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au, via the Have Your Say webpage or by writing to Council at PO Box 20, Wyong NSW 2259.