Central Coast Council has a massive program of free or affordable events to keep children busy and entertained these Easter school holidays.The jam-packed program has activities that cater to many interests, including visual arts and craft, games and gaming, environmental, sustainable living, writing and literature, film, dance, swimming, basketball, skateboarding and other sports, family film nights and lots more.To make it easy for parents and carers to find out what’s on and where, Council has listed school holiday events on their website at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/whats-onSome highlights from the Easter school holiday program:What’s on at our Leisure CentresDive into learn to swim and coaching clinics that builds water confidence and improve skills, or join in the pool inflatable fun at Peninsula Leisure Centre for a splash of excitement.

Central Coast Council is taking strong action against illegal camping, with increased ranger patrols, new signage and stricter penalties to protect public spaces for both residents and visitors.With Easter approaching and a surge in visitors expected, Council is reminding the community that camping in residential streets, beach carparks and nature reserves is prohibited.To keep public spaces safe and accessible for everyone, ranger patrols will now operate seven days a week, from early morning and overnight, with fines issued to those who do not comply with the signposted rules.Central Coast Council Director Environment and Planning, Jamie Loader said the increased enforcement aims to balance welcoming visitors while ensuring the local environment and community are safe and respected.“We love sharing our region with visitors, but it’s important that our public spaces remain clean, safe and accessible for everyone,” said Mr Loader.“Illegal camping can lead to litter, environmental damage and safety concerns, which is why we are increasing patrols and taking a stronger stance on enforcement.”The crackdown includes stronger penalties for illegal camping, with on-the-spot fines ranging from $110 to $2,200 and a maximum penalty of $110,000 for repeat offenders.Council has also reviewed and updated signage at key locations, restricting overnight parking between 10pm and 5am and making it clear that camping is not permitted.Central Coast Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna highlighted the importance of maintaining public spaces for the broader community.“Our beaches, parks, and reserves are some of the Central Coast’s greatest assets, and they belong to everyone,” Mayor McKinna said.“By addressing illegal camping, we are helping to ensure that locals and visitors alike can continue to enjoy these spaces without disruption.”The message is simple – if you’re visiting the Central Coast, plan ahead and book an approved campsite.”Council acknowledges that some individuals who camp illegally may be experiencing homelessness.

Central Coast Council is excited to announce its line-up of events for NSW Youth Week, running from 9 to 17 April.

Central Coast Council has commenced Shutdown 4 of the Mardi Water Treatment Plant upgrade, marking another significant milestone in the region’s largest water infrastructure project this decade.

The Central Coast Seniors Festival concluded on 16 March, leaving a trail of success with over 100 events, including two highly popular Seniors Expos.Building on this momentum, Central Coast Council has reaffirmed its commitment to providing year-round support for older residents, supporting their continued wellbeing and active participation through services and initiatives aligned with the Council’s Positive Ageing Strategy.Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said there are several programs currently on offer. “We are excited to continue our support through programs such as Tech Savvy Seniors, which has commenced, and the monthly Talking with Seniors Roadshow,” Ms Smith said. “The Tech Savvy Seniors program offers hands-on assistance to build skills and confidence in using computers, iPads, smartphones and online applications like email and social media.

Central Coast Council is upgrading Vera’s Water Garden as part of The Entrance Revitalisation Project and is inviting the community to participate in a short poll to determine the future of Vera’s statue.The statue, a long-standing feature of The Entrance, is now under consideration for replacement as Vera’s Water Garden undergoes a significant upgrade to a modern, zero-depth splash park, enhancing accessibility and interactive play for all users.This upgrade will commence after the autumn school holidays, with expected completion by the spring school holidays, weather permitting.

Central Coast Council is reminding local business operators that run commercial activities on open space areas such as parks, reserves and beaches to apply by 21 April for a License of a Trade or Business on Open Space.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said any trade or business wishing to conduct activities on Council managed open space areas must apply for an annual temporary licence.“The application process for a licence to operate during the 2025-26 financial year, will run between 24 March and close 21 April,” Ms Smith said.“This is relevant to commercial operators that run activities such as personal training or group fitness, water recreation activities, schools or camps or hire of kayak, surf boards or stand up paddle boards, and also corporate group training, clinics and coaching.”Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the license process helps Council to balance the needs of all open space users. “Temporary licensing enables Council to provide equitable access to our limited public space for diverse activities, helps protect and preserve our natural environment, as well as ensures activities are safe and well-managed,” Mayor McKinna said. Application period closes 5pm, Monday 21 April 2025.For guidelines and application forms search  open space EOI at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au 

Central Coast Council plans to allocate an extra $20million over the next four years in road renewals to improve local road conditions and address infrastructure work backlogs.Road renewal works include resurfacing and rehabilitation, providing long-term solutions as part of the full life cycle of road maintenance and management.Central Coast Council’s Director Infrastructure and Services, Boris Bolgoff said maintaining a road network of over 2,200kms is no small feat, which is why the largest percentage of Council’s budget and resources is allocated to roads.“This additional $20million investment is proposed to fast track priority road renewals and will be included in the draft Delivery Program and 2025-26 Operational Plan that will be placed on public exhibition in May,” Mr Bolgoff said.

Inclusive play at The Entrance Waterfront Plaza has been improved with the addition of a 'We-Go-Swing' accessible swing and new shade sails.

MEDIA RELEASE The critically endangered Wyong Sun Orchid (Thelymitra adorata) may be elusive, but a collaboration between Central Coast Council and the NSW Government’s Saving Our Species Program is aiming to change that.An Australian first trial for this species has successfully trained scent detection dogs to locate these rare orchids by detecting underground tubers in a minimally invasive way.Using their remarkable sense of smell, three talented Spaniels, Paddy, Sully and Vera, are leading this innovative conservation effort.