Council offices will be closed for the King’s Birthday public holiday (Mon 9 June). Essential services will continue. Call Council on 4306 7900 to report urgent issues. For storm and flood recovery information view our clean-up and recovery page.
MEDIA RELEASE The Lakes Festival is making its return from 7-16 November 2025 and Central Coast Council is calling on businesses, community groups and event organisers to help make the 10th anniversary program the most vibrant and memorable yet.The Lakes Festival is an annual celebration of one of the Coast’s most cherished assets - our waterways.
MEDIA RELEASE Central Coast Council has announced the winners of the 2025 Australia Day Awards, with the overall Citizen of the Year Award going to non-for-profit organisation Happiness Habits Inc for their support of local disadvantaged women. Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said these annual awards are a way for Council and the wider community to acknowledge those who are going the extra mile and are making a real difference. “The nomination process always brings to the forefront many of the unsung heroes of the Central Coast that make an outstanding contribution to their local community and worthy of the spotlight and recognition,” Ms Smith said.“Happiness Habits Inc were awarded the Citizen of the Year Award for their support to women on the Central Coast that face social isolation, domestic violence, and mental health challenges.
Local artists shine in The Grumpy Princess at Laycock Street TheatreCentral Coast’s thriving arts scene comes to life at Laycock Street Community Theatre on Thursday 23 January with the premiere of Grumpy Princess, an original musical performance developed through Central Coast Council's arts and culture program, Performance Illuminated.• The Grumpy Princess• Where:
Central Coast Council’s annual Australia Day activities are set to return on Sunday 26 January, offering an exciting program at two locations for our growing community and visitors to the region.This year’s events will take place at Gosford Leagues Club Park and The Entrance Memorial Park on Sunday 26 January from 4-9pm and will feature free entertainment, live music, family-friendly activities, food stalls and fireworks.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the alcohol-free events provide an opportunity for the community to enjoy a fun evening in a safe, inclusive environment.“Our events are designed to be family-friendly and welcoming to all residents and visitors,” Ms Smith said.“Gather your family and friends for an evening of entertainment, ending with spectacular fireworks display lighting up the Coast’s skyline at 9pm.”Gosford event details:Sunday 26 January 4-9pmLeagues Club Park, GosfordThe Entrance event details:Sunday 26 January 4-9pmMemorial Park, The EntranceCouncil Mayor, Lawrie McKinna noted that the annual Australia Day events are among the first on Council’s 2025 calendar, offering a chance for the community to come together while also providing support to the local economy.“Our Australia Day events are all about bringing the community together.
Central Coast Council has awarded funding to 42 local community groups, non-profit organisations and businesses through the annual Community Grants Program to support projects that positively impact the Central Coast community.The Community Grants Program provides eligible applicants from the Community Development and Community Events and Place Activation Grant Programs with up to $20,000 in funding to deliver quality programs, events and projects within 18 months.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the grant programs build connections and celebrate our local community with programs, events and activities that align with the Community Strategic Plan and the theme of Belonging.“Council continues to work with local community organisations to connect people and create local solutions and initiatives that enrich our neighbourhoods and create a tapestry of shared experiences and social cohesion,” Ms Smith said.“On Tuesday 10 December an afternoon tea was held at Council’s function rooms to recognise successful grant applicants of the Community Development Grant Program and Community Events and Place Activation Grant Program and provide the opportunity for recipients to engage with each other.”Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna said the Community Grant Programs assist the community to implement exciting activities that activate town centres, foreshores, lakes and open spaces for families, visitors and the wider region.“Funding from the Community Grants Program is essential for sustainable community development, which will enhance the quality of life of our residents and benefit future generations,” Mr McKinna said.The Community Development Grant Program received 50 applications this year, with 23 recommended for funding totalling $261,077.
Central Coast Council has successfully restored beach access at Soldiers Beach and Jenny Dixon Beach, ensuring residents, visitors and beach patrol teams can enjoy the coastline this summer.With the final pieces of work to be completed this week, the completion of the concrete vehicle access ramp and northern stairs at Soldiers Beach, along with previously finished stairs at Jenny Dixon Beach and Soldiers Beach SLSC, marks the full restoration of access to these popular beaches following significant storm damage in recent years.The project was undertaken following $2,443,750 received from Australian and NSW Governments’ through the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements as part of the Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Program to repair the storm damage and restore essential beach access.