Flood evacuation orders for all Central Coast areas have now been removed and all flooding is back below minor flood levels.

Earlier this week Council was pleased to announce the Central Coast has officially achieved ECO Destination Certification with Ecotourism Australia.

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.

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 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].

This week we recognise and celebrate the massive contribution volunteers make to our community through National Volunteer Week!

The community recycling centre located at Council’s Buttonderry Waste Management Facility in Jilliby has temporarily ceased receiving paint and household oils following a chemical fire at a Sydney waste facility which receives and processes the majority of NSW Councils' paints and household oils.The facility, managed by a contractor of the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (NSW EPA), experienced severe damage to the equipment which processes these materials, and is therefore unable to receive paints and household oils from Councils until further notice.The NSW EPA is working to address the impacts of the fire and determine an alternative solution for collection of these materials.