he Central Coast is gearing up for another round of second-hand shopping as the Garage Sale Trail returns for 2025.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to have their say on the Draft Conservation Management Plan for Gosford Memorial Park and Rotary Park, open for public exhibition from Tuesday 7 October to Tuesday 4 November 2025.The Draft Conservation Management Plan provides a comprehensive framework to guide the preservation, maintenance and future development of these much-loved parks, ensuring their heritage values are protected for generations to come. Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the Gosford Memorial Park and Rotary Park are places that hold deep community significance.“These parks are more than green spaces, they are places of remembrance, gathering and connection.

Central Coast Council is developing a Youth Strategy for 2026–2030 and is inviting young people aged 12–24 who live, study or work on the Coast to share their opinions.

Central Coast Council is encouraging the community to take part in National Water Week 2025, running from 20–26 October, under the theme “From Habit to Hero.”This year’s theme is playful, hopeful and empowering, reminding us that by changing small everyday water habits, we can all become heroes in protecting our most precious resource.Central Coast Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said National Water Week is a great time for the community to reflect on how we use water.“Small changes, like turning off the tap or fixing a leak, can make a real difference.

Central Coast Council is inviting local artists, art groups and art organisations to apply for commissioning opportunities through Creative Art Central – a signature program that celebrates and invests in the region’s creative industries.The program supports creative practitioners across a range of disciplines, including visual arts, craft, performance and literary, with opportunities open to emerging and established artists.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the program strengthens local connections and builds opportunities for creatives.“Creative Art Central is about celebrating our people, their stories and their talents,” Mayor McKinna said.“By supporting projects that are both original and community focused, we’re helping to showcase the unique character of the Central Coast.“This program reflects Council’s vision to connect people, foster creativity and ensure everyone has the chance to be part of our cultural life.”Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the program is designed to be inclusive and community led.“Since 2021, Creative Art Central has awarded 23 commissions, reflecting Council’s continued investment in the region’s creative industries,” Ms Smith said.“We’re focused on commissioning innovative, contemporary works that engage directly with the community and encourage collaboration.“The program also prioritises accessibility, with identified categories for First Nations creatives and support available for culturally diverse artists and artists with disability.”Registrations open on Monday 13 October and close on Monday 27 October.

MEDIA RELEASECentral Coast Council is proud to announce the winners of its flagship youth music competitions, Discovered and Battle of the Bands, as part of the 2025 Creative Engineers program.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to have their say on the future of four local lagoons (Avoca, Cockrone, Terrigal and Wamberal) until Wednesday 29 October 2025.The draft Coastal Lagoons Coastal Management Program (CMP) presents a list of proposed actions to improve water quality, manage flooding and erosion, protect biodiversity and enhance recreational access.

On 23 September 2025, Central Coast Council partnered with The University of Newcastle, GHD, Rumbalara and the Central Coast Academy of STEM Excellence to deliver the H2Kn0w STEM Day, an engaging and educational event for high school students across the Central Coast.The initiative aimed to inspire young minds by showcasing the diverse and exciting career opportunities available in the water industry through hands-on learning.Seven Central Coast high schools participated in the event, with students rotating through five interactive stations designed to spark curiosity and build practical skills.

MEDIA RELEASEThe Central Coast’s beach patrol season for 2025-26 officially commences Saturday 27 September 2025, running through until Sunday 26 April 2026.Throughout the patrol season, 15 Central Coast beaches will be patrolled daily, with Central Coast Council lifeguards on duty from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and Surf Life Saving volunteers patrolling on weekends and public holidays (with patrol hours as listed on the Surf Life Saving Beachsafe website).In addition to beach patrols, Council lifeguards will also patrol the Grant McBride Baths daily, with The Entrance channel patrolled on weekends throughout the school holidays - ensuring safety across multiple popular aquatic locations.Central Coast Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the Central Coast has some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia, but it’s important that people stay alert and put safety first.“Each year, despite the incredible work of our lifeguards and lifesavers, tragic incidents can still occur,” Mayor McKinna said.“I strongly encourage everyone to swim at patrolled beaches and always between the red and yellow flags.

Central Coast Council is once again gearing up to host one of Australia’s most iconic car festivals—ChromeFest is returning to Memorial Park at The Entrance from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 October 2025.ChromeFest is a free, family-friendly celebration of classic cars, rock ‘n’ roll culture, and retro lifestyle.