MEDIA RELEASECentral Coast Council’s Seniors Festival 2026 is set to be a vibrant celebration of our senior community and the invaluable contributions older residents make every day. The theme for 2026, ‘Live Life in Colour’, reflects the diversity, creativity and energy that seniors bring to the Central Coast.

Central Coast Council is calling on the community to help shape the future of the region, with three major strategies now open for public feedback.The Draft Economic Development Strategy 2026-2030, Draft Destination Management Plan 2026-2029 and Draft Events Strategy 2026-2030 outline a long term vision to create more opportunities for locals and enhance the Coast as a great place to live, work and visit.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the three strategies are designed to work together to guide the region’s long-term direction.“These strategies set the direction for economic growth, tourism and events.

The Lakes Festival is back for 2026! The Lakes Festival is back for 2026 and will be held from 6 November to 15 November 2026.We are looking for organisations and businesses to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to help us build The Lakes Festival program for 2026 with a range of fun and innovative activities and events.

Central Coast Council announced the winners of the 2026 Australia Day Awards last night at Wyong Art House, with the overall Citizen of the Year Award going to Kerry Ann Groves for her outstanding commitment as a volunteer at San Remo Neighbourhood Centre for over 15 years.The Australia Day Awards were open to applicants from across the Central Coast region, with all nominees having the chance to be named as the prestigious, Central Coast Citizen of the Year.The individual awards span the following categories: Community Group AwardCommunity Life Award Senior Citizen Award Volunteer Award Young Person Award Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said these annual awards celebrate and recognise those who enrich and serve the community. “It’s a privilege to present these awards to remarkable local individuals and organisations, recognising the invaluable contributions they make to our community and the positive effect they have on many lives,” Mayor McKinna said.“My congratulations go to all the 2026 award recipients and nominees.

MEDIA RELEASECentral Coast Council is presenting three local youth events – Youth Day Out SoundWave music festival, Coast Swap clothes swap event and the Central Coast Skatepark Series - bringing young people together for fun in a positive and safe environment. Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna said these events align with Council’s Community Strategic Plan and Youth Strategy goals and play an important role in supporting young people’s development and wellbeing.“From music and skating to fashion and sustainability, Council’s upcoming youth events are all about boosting confidence, connection and wellbeing while bringing young people across the Coast together for safe, positive fun,” Mayor McKinna said.“I encourage our community to help spread the word about these events and encourage young people to attend.”Youth Day Out - SoundWave Summer music festivalSoundWave Summer, an inclusive, alcohol-free music festival designed for young people aged 12 to 24 years. Exciting live bands and DJs, hands-on electronic music activities, local youth services &

Central Coast Council is proud to announce the launch of Laycock Street Community Theatre’s 2026 season, promising a rich tapestry of artistic excellence, community connection and entertainment for everyone across the Coast.With more than 30 productions and over 200 events planned throughout the year, Laycock continues to cement its role as one of the main cultural heartbeats of the region.The first half of 2026 features stand-out performances such as the Royal Australian Navy Band’s ‘At the Movies’ concert, the uproarious Aboriginal Comedy Allstars, and the enchanting Victorian State Ballet’s production of Aladdin.Families can look forward to a jam-packed calendar, including much-loved children’s shows like Trinket the Robot, The Farmy Farm and Room on the Broom.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said Laycock Street Community Theatre is where the community comes together to experience the magic of live performance.“Laycock is more than a theatre, it celebrates our local talent and helps build the strong sense of community that makes the Central Coast such a great place to live,” Mayor McKinna said.“The mix of performances, educational programs and collaborative initiatives at Laycock help create a lively cultural space for our region.

Help celebrate the incredible young people of the Central Coast by nominating someone for Central Coast Council’s 2026 Youth Week Awards!Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith encourages nominations so Council can honour local youth for their efforts.

Central Coast Council has completed a program of upgrades to fire trails across the region, improving access to bushland reserves and supporting community safety this summer.Council manages 223 fire trails as part of its ongoing support for the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS).These trails are a vital part of the Central Coast fire access network, which also includes other fire trails located on land owned by other authorities:

Central Coast Council is planning to relocate the fenced off-leash dog park at Buff Point Oval and is calling on locals to vote on where they want it to be positioned, to help create a better space for everyone.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the decision on where to relocate the dog park in Buff Point will be guided by the community.“We’ve identified two suitable sites and now we’re asking the community to let us know which option they prefer,” Mayor McKinna said.“Relocating the dog park will allow Council to make better use of the available space for both recreational and sporting purposes, while ensuring the dog park continues to be a safe, accessible and enjoyable space for the community.

Central Coast Council is proud to announce completion of Vera’s Water Garden upgrades at The Entrance providing a fun, safe playpark for locals and visitors.Vera’s Water Garden has been transformed into a zero-depth water play park, improving safety, accessibility, and reducing ongoing maintenance.The new design features a range of interactive water elements all designed to spark movement, adventure and sensory play.