Creative Spaces on the Central Coast will showcase works from the Coast’s upcoming and established makers and creators at pop-up retail and workshop spaces in Gosford, Woy Woy, and The Entrance throughout 2022 and beyond.Central Coast Council is honoured to be programming three Council-owned spaces across the Coast, where 30 makers and creators will run a range of creative practices such as workshops, exhibitions, and engaging demonstrations.Creative Spaces will be held across ‘Parkhouse @ Kibble Pop Up Space’ in Gosford, ‘The Container Hub @ The Entrance Pop Up Space’ located in Memorial Park, and the ‘Creative Arena @ Woy Woy Pop Up Space’ located under Woy Woy Stadium.Council Acting Director Corporate Affairs, Krystie Bryant said Creative Spaces is a Council initiative that serves the dual purpose of growing the visitor economy and supporting local makers and creators by connecting them in with local communities.“Council is delighted to be presenting Creative Spaces throughout the remainder of 2022 and beyond, particularly as it’s widely known that our Coast boasts a vibrant community of artists,” Ms Bryant said.“Council is honoured to have curated an engaging program that fills the pop-up spaces with creative workshops, exhibitions, and demonstrations until February 2023 to ensure the greatest benefit for local maker and creators, as well as the wider community.“The creative workshops and exhibitions are both diverse and family-friendly, with programming set to include a range of art classes and community art projects, creative mornings for mums and bubs, workshops using recycled and repurposed items, and a wide range of art and lifestyle exhibitions for photography, sculptures, jewellery, vintage items and more.“The full program is now live, and we encourage all community members to explore the schedule and regularly visit the Creative Spaces to immerse themselves in and support the talent and creative ability of those within their community."Council Administrator, Rik Hart said Council is pleased to confirm the Creative Spaces programming will provide opportunities for local communities to come together.“We are excited to see Creative Spaces provide renewed chances for communities to unite across the Coast,” Mr Hart said.“Following a challenging time for artists, we are looking forward to the program providing local community members and visitors new opportunities to connect, imagine and create with talented makers and artists within their community, and enhancing liveability across the region.“Council is honoured to be providing new opportunities for local creatives to shine by showcasing their skills, art and talents whilst positively contributing to the cultural life and increasing visitation to our beloved Central Coast.”To learn more about each of the creatives set to be involved with Creative Spaces, and view a wider program for 2022-23, visit the dedicated Creative Spaces website.To read more, search ‘Creative Spaces’ on the Central Coast Council website.ENDS
Last week I had the pleasure of joining Council staff to talk to the community about Woy Woy at the Let’s talk Woy Woy event at the Peninsula Leisure Centre.
Two years on from its major community consultation project Let’s Talk Woy Woy, Central Coast Council has completed a range of major works, upgrades and improvements throughout the Woy Woy town centre, with more projects currently underway.Council Chief Executive Officer David Farmer said the community has played an integral role in shaping many exciting projects, plans and strategies to benefit and enhance Woy Woy that are now coming to life.
Central Coast Council’s 2022-23 Community Grants Program is now open, with $900,000 in annual funding available to support local community groups and organisations to deliver worthwhile projects, programs and events that strengthen our community.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said local community groups and organisations have until 30 June to apply for funding under the program to help bring their big ideas to life. “This year, community groups and organisations will be able to apply for funding under three programs - the Community Development Grant Program, the Community Events and Place Activation Program and the Community Support Program,” Ms Smith said.“Council’s Community Grants Program supports local groups and organisations to develop initiatives aimed at enhancing community connection, activating places and spaces and improving quality of life on the Coast."Grant writing sessions, information sessions and drop-in sessions have been running in May and are continuing during June and are designed to support community members through the application process.“Funding of up to $20,000 per project is available under the Community Development Grant Program and the Community Events and Place Activation Program, with applications closing at the end of the month.“Community groups and organisations can also apply for funding of up to $5,000 per project as part of the Community Support Program, which will remain open throughout the year.”Council Administrator, Rik Hart said Council’s Community Grants Program provides community organisations with the support to deliver activities, events, programs and projects which build the community’s capacity and create stronger local connections.“With $900,000 in annual funding on offer, this is an opportunity for community groups and organisations to put ideas into action, making a difference to our community and creating a stronger Central Coast,” Mr Hart said.“If you are looking to deliver a worthwhile project or event over the next 18 months, I highly encourage you to read the guidelines and apply now.”Council’s 2022-23 Community Grants Program includes:Community Development Grant Program – one round only, opened 1 June 2022, closes 30 June 2022.
Central Coast Council has engaged start-up company RecycleSmart, for a three-month trial program to collect tricky recyclables from the doorsteps of local residents’ homes for free.This program aims to help Council collect data and feedback from residents, to determine what type of recycling service might be of interest and benefit to the wider community. Council Unit Manager Waste and Resource Recovery, Andrew Pearce said the trial also aims to reduce the number of recyclable materials that end up in landfill. “There is often confusion among residents over how to correctly dispose of tricky recyclables such as soft plastics, clothes, e-waste and problem waste like polystyrene, batteries and smoke alarms," Mr Pearce said.“Also, having to visit different drop off locations is often an inconvenience and disincentive.
The Coast is a hive of activity with Council infrastructure works continuing to upgrade, renew, maintain and improve community facilities, services and open space green areas.Central Coast Council CEO, David Farmer said Council has remained committed to the delivery of essential services and key projects, even as we managed the financial challenges.
Refugee Week is taking place from 19 to 25 June 2022 and Central Coast Council is celebrating our growing multicultural communities with a range of initiatives that share their stories and contributions.This year’s theme ‘Healing’ acknowledges the importance of connection to place and community, where shared experiences can assist with building human connection and a sense of belonging.Central Coast Council’s Unit Manager Community and Culture, Glenn Cannard said the Central Coast is home to many multicultural communities.“According to the Department of Home Affairs, between 2012-2022, over 4300 migrant families have made the Central Coast their home and speak over 73 different languages[1].
Toukley library will be offering extended hours access from 1 July 2022, as part of a ‘Library@yourtime’ trial program.This has been made possible through grant funding by a State Library of New South Wales Local Priority Grant.The innovative program, which will be trialled for six months, will see technology monitor self-access, self-service loans and returns, internet computers as well as lighting, alarms, public announcements, and public safety.Central Coast Council Unit Manager, Beth Burgess said the aim of the program is to enable users to have access to the library outside regular staffed library hours.“Library@yourtime will enable users to utilise the library during un-staffed hours, meeting the needs of commuters on their way to or from work, as well as students and families wishing to utilise the space and library services on weekends," Mrs Burgess said.“The project aims to remove barriers to people who wish to use the library service, enabling the community to make full use of the service at times that suit them.
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has released its final determination on water, sewerage and stormwater drainage pricing for the Central Coast, returning rates to levels that can see Council better maintain its vast water and sewer operations.IPART announced it would stagger the rate changes from 1 July 2022 – 30 June 2026 to allow customers more time to manage the impacts on their bills, which was requested within community feedback during consultation.The pricing determination will see the combined yearly bill for a typical household increase by the following increments, plus inflation:17 percent on 1 July 2022 ($183 increase)6 percent in 2023-24 ($80 increase)8 percent in 2024-25 ($106 increase)1 percent in 2025-26 ($9 increase)Council Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said the rate changes will allow Council to provide services that match community expectations.“IPART’s determination will allow Council to invest in our water and sewer operations and increase the quality of these services for the community.