The Gallery Precinct 2259 Love Lanes Festival is returning to Wyong, following its huge success last year to transform the historic town into a hub of music, history and entertainment this Saturday 17 February.Central Coast Council is working with local businesses to activate three laneways and have visitors immerse themselves in an abundance of colour, sounds and smells, while enjoying all the free activities and entertainment the Festival has to offer.Guests and stallholders will celebrate the fantastic food and entertainment from around the region with beautifully designed stalls and dining under the stars precinct created to soak up free live music across multiple stages, roving entertainment, aerial circus precinct and art installations on local buildings.To accommodate the festival a number of road closures will be in place early on Saturday:Alison Road, Wyong (between Pacific Hwy and Hely St) from 6.00am – 11.30pmBakers Lane, Wyong (between Pacific Hwy & Rankins Court) from 11am – 11.30pmRobleys Lane, Wyong (between Pacific Hwy and Hely St) from 11am – 11.30pmPeters Lane Wyong from 11am – 11.30pmThe festivities themselves kick off at 4pm and go until 10pm.Follow the Gallery Precinct 2259 Love Lanes Festival Facebook page for more information or go to centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

BATO Yard, the region’s biggest and best Skate Park, will play host to the first ever Australian Skateboarding Federation (ASF) sanctioned Australian Championships of Street Skateboarding on April 28.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs will take on the Canberra Raiders at Gosford’s Central Coast Stadium in April, just over 110 years to the day since the Rabbitohs first match played back in 1908.The Rabbitohs will take on the Raiders on Saturday 21 April at the family-friendly time of 3pm at the picturesque stadium on the NSW Central Coast.The Club will also celebrate South Sydney’s first match which took place just over 110 years prior, against North Sydney at Birchgrove Oval on Easter Monday April 20, 1908.Tickets for the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ return to Central Coast Stadium go on sale today from 2pm AEDST to Club Members with tickets to the general public going on sale tomorrow, Wednesday 7 February from 2pm AEDST, with a huge crowd expected in Gosford for the Rabbitohs’ clash with the Raiders.In previous seasons the Rabbitohs have regularly sold out home games at Central Coast Stadium and a big crowd is expected again for the first game of NRL football at the stadium in 2018.International stars such as Greg Inglis, Sam Burgess, Dane Gagai, Elliott Whitehead and Jordan Rapana are expected to play in this match, so it is one not to be missed in Rugby League heartland on the Central Coast.Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly says the Club is looking forward to bringing the Rabbitohs back to Gosford.“I’m originally from the Central Coast and I understand how much the community in and around the Central Coast region love Rugby League.“It’s this passion for the game from the local people that has me and the rest of our Club really excited about bringing the NRL back to Gosford in 2018,” Solly said.“Central Coast Stadium is one of the best stadiums in the State and we’re expecting to see a lot red and green support in the stands in April.“We have a strong Membership base in and around the Central Coast with about 10% of our Members coming from this region.“Central Coast Stadium is an important part of Rabbitohs history.

Whether your child has just started ‘big school’ or doing their HSC, Central Coast Council Library Service has the resources to help students excel in 2018.Council Unit Manager Libraries, Ms Michelle Swan-Beardmore, is encouraging parents of young children to take advantage of the range of electronic educational resources available.“We have a suite of online programs available to introduce children to learning in an interactive and enjoyable way,” Ms Swan-Beardmore said.“With coding so prevalent these days we have introduced Rainforest Coding, where children as young as five are introduced to the programming language ‘Scratch’.“Those six to 10 years struggling with their maths will benefit from 10 Monkeys, our new learning tool where they will learn basic skills in a fun game like environment.“To assist with literacy development children can enter the vibrant and interactive online ‘reading room’ of Story Box Library.“Here children can connect, engage and be inspired by a diverse range of Australian storytellers, with access to activity ideas to help make reading fun.“All you need to access any of these great resources is your membership number!”Ms Swan-Beardmore added there was also an array of in house and online resources to assist older students.“Our most popular homework help tool for students in years 3-12 would have to be the amazing online resource Studiosity,” Ms Swan-Beardmore said.“With just a click of a button, students are connected to professional tutors who offer real-time assistance with homework, assignments, essays, study skills and more.“The best thing about it is students aren’t given the answer, but rather the tools to figure out the answer themselves, developing their problem solving skills and helping to reinforce what they have learnt.“Studiosity also provide a free writing feedback service where students can upload draft essays and reports to obtain expert advice to help maximise their marks.“To help users get the most out of this fantastic program, Erina Library will be hosting a live demonstration for parents, carers, teachers and students Thursday 22 February, 5.30 until 6.30pm.”Bookings are essential and can be made via centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraryeventsStudiosity guarantees a safe online learning environment for all students.

Central Coast Council will shortly commence consultation with the community on a series of projects in and around the Terrigal commercial precinct.

Excitement is building on the Central Coast for the arrival of the Queen’s Baton Relay this Saturday, 3 February.The Queen’s Baton Relay is a Commonwealth Games tradition that celebrates the Commonwealth’s diversity, inspires community pride and excites people about the world-class event of sports and culture to come.To celebrate the arrival of the Baton, Central Coast Council will be hosting a free Family Fun Day at Central Coast Stadium.The Stadium will be a hive of free activities and live entertainment, including headline acts The Ruiins and the Sea Gypsies, from 10am-2pm.The Relay will start at Laycock Theatre at 11am and make its way through Gosford towards the Stadium for a special ceremony, before leaving and making its way along the waterfront towards the historic Gosford Pool.Seventeen local heroes have been nominated to carry the baton as part of this historic occasion for the Central Coast.To keep them safe on the trip, road closures will be in place throughout the Gosford CBD.

Central Coast Council is calling on local community groups, not-for-profit organisations and individuals with great ideas to improve the community to apply for funding as part of the 2017/18 Community Grants and Sponsorship Program.Having awarded more than $600,000 to projects in Round 1, there is still more than $700,000 available for allocation to community projects and initiatives across seven funding categories in Round 2 – which opens on 1 February.Council’s Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard, said each of the categories have been tailored to deliver the greatest benefit to the community.“This program is all about giving the community more opportunities to apply for funding to enable their great ideas, community projects, events, programs and initiatives,” Mr Cannard said.“We want to hear all ideas, no matter how big or small, for dynamic, responsive initiatives that support and grow local community development, sporting, environmental, tourism and economic development capacity.“In this round of funding, on top of our other funding options, we also have more than $250,000 to give away with the final instalment of the Stronger Communities Funding from the NSW State Government.“Before you put your application together, come along to one of our information sessions and find out more about the program and which category best suits your needs.”To help applicants get a better understanding of each category and how to apply to make their project happen, information sessions will be held on:Thursday 1 February 1.30-3.30pm – Gosford Smart Work HubThursday 1 February, 5.30-7.30pm – Central Coast Council, Wyong officeMayor Jane Smith said this is a chance to think outside the square to deliver unique projects or events to the Coast that really makes a difference.“There’s never been a better time to help improve the lifestyle on the Coast through targeted community project funding or projects made possible through the Stronger Communities Fund,” Mayor Smith said.“We recently awarded more than $600,000 in round one to over 70 Central Coast based groups, clubs and organisations through our community grants and sponsorship program.“Looking through the list of recipients, the sheer breadth of projects they cater for in our community very comprehensive.“I really encourage anyone that needs that extra financial assistance to make their idea happen to get their application in by the end of February.”To find out more on Council’s Community Grants and Sponsorship Program and the funding opportunities available, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/makeithappenFunding applications close 28 February 2018.

Central Coast Council have distributed 1,200 keep cups to local cafés to provide to their customers free of charge in an effort to reduce single use coffee cup litter.The initiative forms part of Council’s commitment to the Hey Tosser!

Lifeguards from Central Coast Council’s 15 beaches will take part in the annual Lifeguard Challenge on Wednesday 31 January.From 6.30pm, Council’s lifeguards will gather on Shelly Beach to demonstrate their talents, as well as sportsmanship and team camaraderie, during the friendly competition.Mayor Jane Smith said the historical event, now in its 36th year, showcases various abilities of the staff who patrol our beaches.“This long standing annual event that previously pitted lifeguards from the former Gosford and Wyong Council’s against each other, displays the competencies of our valuable lifeguards who are dedicated to keep our beaches safe.“It’s also a great opportunity to bring staff together in a social context and thank them for their efforts following the busy summer lifeguard period.“Originally held at Terrigal Beach in 1982, the fun and important Lifeguard Challenge will follow on from last year’s format whilst continuing the heritage of the event.

Council appoints Davidson to assist in the recruitment of a permanent General Manager and establishes selection panel Davidson has been appointed to assist the Council to recruit a permanent General Manager for Central Coast Council.

Central Coast Council will hold an Extraordinary Meeting (today) Monday 29 January 2018 at the Gosford Chambers of Central Coast Council starting at 6.30pm.Items for discussion will beMotion to alter part of a resolution of 18 December 2017Report to determine a preferred provider for the purpose of conducting the recruitment process for a permanent General ManagerReport to determine the process for the recruitment of a permanent General ManagerNotice of Motion – Ordinary Council Meeting 12 February 2018The meeting will be open to the public and live streamed.

 Central Coast Council has successfully secured NSW Government funding to help tackle the issue of public safety and beach erosion at Ocean and Umina Beaches.As part of the Gosford Beaches Coastal Zone Management Plan, the funding, to be matched by Council, will ensure nearly $500,000 is put towards addressing the risks of erosion.Central Coast Council Director, Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling, said that the rate of erosion was drastically exacerbated in April 2015 during a significant coastal storm.“Council has a short-term strategy in place to protect The Esplanade, as a result of the storm in April 2015,” he said.“This includes the ongoing beach monitoring program, a temporary wall covering over 100m of beach and an ongoing beach scraping program that brings available sand further up the beach.“This new funding will enable us to identify a long-term protective option for The Esplanade and the vital infrastructure located in it - including water and drainage systems and electricity and telecommunications services.“It will also investigate the feasibility of beach nourishment by understanding the complex sediment transport system within Broken Bay.”The funding received will allow the first two phases of a larger project to go ahead, this includes an analysis of:

A dedicated volunteer who developed a surf program for children with additional needs has been named the 2018 Central Coast Citizen of the Year.Kate Broadhurst has been involved with Surf Life Saving, on many levels, for more than 25 years, but the highlight would be the implementation of the Shark Nippers Program which is now being used Coast-wide.Shark Nippers is all about developing the skills of children, who would never have been given the opportunity to participate in mainstream nippers, to a point where they can integrate into the mainstream program at their local beach.Mayor Jane Smith said the judges couldn’t look past Kate’s nomination and the outstanding level of service she provides to the community.“Kate is a great example of volunteering in our community – giving up her own time to help make the Central Coast more inclusive,” Mayor Smith said.“Shark Nippers caters for children with additional needs and provides a supportive environment in surf lifesaving.“She has won many medals during her time with surf lifesaving, but her dedication to developing this program has to be one of the highlights with rewarding benefits.“I would like to congratulate Kate and all our other award winners on their contribution to our community, making the Central Coast a better place to live, work and play.”This year’s Central Coast Australia Day Award winners are:Kate Broadhurst – Citizen of the YearCrystal Russom – Winner Youth of the YearKai Darwin – Highly Commended Youth of the YearPaul Johnson – Winner Community Volunteer of the YearLeslie Smith – Highly Commended Community Volunteer of the YearColin Laing – Highly Commended Community Volunteer of the YearFred Leake - Highly Commended Community Volunteer of the YearNorman Harris – Winner Environmental AwardTracey Howie – Highly Commended Environmental AwardJohn Oates – Winner Arts, Culture and Entertainment AwardDarryl Davis – Winner Arts, Culture and Entertainment AwardRichelle Ellis – Winner Business Connecting Communities AwardShelly Luck – Highly Commended Business Connecting Communities AwardLeasha Craig – Winner Community Service and Activity AwardMargaret Smith – Highly Commended Community Service and Activity AwardJemma Smith – Winner Sportsperson of the YearCarley Chapman – Highly Commended Sportsperson of the Year 

Central Coast Council is calling on local women to step up and become part of their Status of Women Advisory Group to represent all women on the Central Coast.Members of the Group will provide advice, advocate and raise awareness of issues that affect women on the Central Coast as well as promote local networks and events that celebrate women in the community.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said Council wants to empower and support women across the Coast.“We want to see the Status of Women Advisory Group develop connections and networks across the Coast as well as promote women in leadership positions,” Ms Vaughan said.“The aim of the Group is to have them identify strategies to develop social, economic and personal leadership opportunities for women.“We want the Group to comprise a diverse range of women who represent our community and can provide feedback to Council on how Council’s planning processes and actions can better support issues affecting women in our community.”Mayor Jane Smith said the Group will also engage women on the Central Coast and ensure their voices are heard.“The Status of Women Advisory Group will work to foster participation from women to establish networks, create and participate in organised women’s events and promote a regional focus,” Mayor Smith said.“In recent decades, women in Australia have made significant strides towards achieving equality.

Central Coast Council is investing more than $1.7 million in one of the Coast’s most iconic assets, Central Coast Stadium, this financial year to boost the economy and promote sport, recreation and tourism on the Central Coast.Recent enhancements include the installation of a world-class video screen and upgrade to the sound system – improvements that will support the drive to provide a world-class venue for premier sporting events along with elevating its capacity to host major recreational events and entertainment acts.Mayor Jane Smith said that Council’s continued investment in the stadium is validation of the tremendous value it brings to the local community.“In terms of bringing people together and fostering community spirit, the Stadium is an incredibly important asset”, Mayor Smith said.“By improving our infrastructure, we can better support our partners to improve the quality of experience to all who visit the Stadium”.Council Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling, said investing in the Stadium is also a key component of driving tourism and economic development across the Central Coast.“These upgrades will offer our community the ultimate in visitor experience and prove our reputation as a leading sporting and entertainment venue”, Mr Dowling said.“Continual improvement is key to the longevity of the Stadium and a demonstration of Council’s commitment to providing a quality sporting, entertainment and recreational venue for the Central Coast.”CEO of the Central Coast Mariners, Shaun Mielekamp agreed, saying that the upgrades were a timely and welcome development for the growth and development of sport on the Central Coast.“The Central Coast Mariners have been proudly representing the Central Coast since 2005, and are the only sporting franchise that represent the region on a national and international sporting stage,” Mr Mielekamp said.“As a club, we are proud to call Central Coast Stadium home and are extremely excited for our supporters who will be offered the ultimate visual and sound experience when we play against Brisbane Roar this weekend.”The Stadium will boast a busy schedule of high calibre events in the coming months, with 5 Central Coast Mariners home games still to be played in the 2017/2018 season;

Central Coast Council will celebrate Australia Day across the Central Coast with free family-friendly events at The Entrance and Woy Woy on Friday 26 January.Memorial Park at The Entrance will be a hive of free activities along the popular waterfront from 12pm including live entertainment from headline act, Ash Grunwald.

Copacabana, Umina and Soldiers Beach have all been given a facelift with the help of Council’s Waterways and Coastal Protection Beach team, local surf clubs and community groups.Residents and visitors will reap the benefits and have access to a cleaner, more inviting beach area free from debris and ageing infrastructure.Council Director, Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling said the community and Council had pulled together to deliver a great outcome and the feedback from local businesses was immediate and positive.“Copacabana shopkeepers have complimented us on the fence repairs to the whale watching platform and said that the improvements have really enhanced the area,” Mr Dowling said.“There is no rubbish left lying around now and people are using and enjoying the area again.“The picnic area has been cleaned up and the shower drains unblocked, and local residents are now enjoying the rejuvenated space.“Umina Beach now has a rubbish and vandalism free viewing area.“Council worked closely with the local community and surf club to find the best way to enhance this area and the results speak for themselves.”At Soldiers Beach natives have been planted around and under the main access stairs and a large area of Bitou bush and other noxious weeds have been removed.Council installed new rail fencing along the beachfront, garden edging, mulching and re-planting of natives providing a more pleasant viewing area.

Central Coast Council has appointed Council’s General Counsel, Mr Brian Glendenning, as the interim Chief Executive Officer following an extraordinary meeting held tonight.  The appointment follows the resignation of the current Chief Executive Officer, Mr Brian Bell, who resigned last week due to personal health reasons.

One of Australia’s most recorded musicians and songwriters, Rod McCormack, has been officially appointed as the Central Coast’s Australia Day Ambassador for 2018.Rod is one of the most in-demand record producers in the country and has been responsible for many high selling and award winning albums, as well as being named CMAA (Country Music Association of Australia) Producer of the Year in 2004, 2008 and 2010 and has more recently has produced several Top 10 hits.Rod is proud to call the Central Coast home and his recording studio at Erina, The Music Cellar, has played host to some of Australia’s best artists such as Paul Kelly, Stan Walker, Jimmy Barnes, Shannon Noll, Kasey Chambers, The Wiggles, Casey Donovan, Gina Jeffreys, Adam Harvey, Beccy Cole, Anthony Callea and many more.Rod and his wife, Gina Jeffreys, are ambassadors of Central Coast Council’s This is the Life campaign – helping promote all the things they love about the Coast and showing off the remarkable people that live here.“When you’re in such a beautiful environment all the time, with such a great lifestyle, I think your creativity just flows out of you much more naturally – and that works for me,” Rod said.“I have always lived on the Central Coast and love it so much that I convinced Gina this is the best place to raise our family.“So when I was asked to be the Central Coast’s Ambassador for Australia Day, I was really honoured.“I’m really looking forward to getting out and about on Australia Day and celebrating everything that’s great about this country, but especially living here on the Coast.“I think one of the great things that the Central Coast affords is being able to maintain a great lifestyle that doesn’t overstretch everybody.”Find out more on Rod’s story by visiting thisisthecentralcoast.com.auRod will be joined by Council’s Mayor, Jane Smith, to officiate at community events at The Entrance and Woy Woy as well as help present the Australia Day Awards on Thursday 25 January.Mayor Jane Smith said it’s fantastic to have a local representative like Rod McCormack involved in the Central Coast’s Australia Day celebrations.“Rod has gained the reputation as one of Australia’s finest music producers and song writers and proudly shares his passion for music here on the Coast,” Mayor Smith said.“He continues to produce and write music, but is now also giving back to the industry by running performance workshops to help mentor new and young performers.“Rod embodies what it means to be a Coastie and he will share his pride and passion for the area as he takes part in all our Australia Day events.”Central Coast Australia Day events for 2018 include:Thursday 25 January – Australia Day Eve celebrations at Canton Beach.Friday 26 January – Australia Day celebrations at Woy Woy and The Entrance and the annual Citizenship Ceremony.Find out more on community events for Australia Day by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/events 

What was once a barely recognisable track is now a fully functioning fire trail thanks to an upgrade by Central Coast Council and the Rural Fire Service (RFS).The Pleasant Valley Fire Trail in Fountaindale provides safe access for Council and the RFS to manage bush fire risks and emergency situations.Central Coast Council Director, Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling, said the Council had completed an extensive upgrade to the previously impassable fire trail.“The Pleasant Valley Fire Trail is in a particularly rugged, steep and dense bushland area in an extreme bushfire zone,” Mr Dowling said.“Council has undertaken extensive work to regrade and seal parts of the trail with gravel, bitumen and concrete, improve surface drainage and installed passing bays for emergency management vehicles.“This upgrade will allow the local RFS and Council to better manage the extreme bush fire risk in this area, allow for Hazard Reduction burning to take place and provide safe access for fire fighters should an emergency arise.Council and the Rural Fire Service have funded the much needed upgrade to the Pleasant Valley Fire Trail to the tune of $450,000.Central Coast Mayor, Jane Smith, said the upgrade would benefit residents, emergency services and land management crews.“Fire trails are an essential part of our landscape and vital for firefighters to be able to access and contain fires safely,” Mayor Jane Smith said.“They are also vital for the management of bush fire risks and the safety of residents and their property.“Council is committed to working with the RFS and investing in infrastructure to keep our community accessible and safe.”The 1.2km upgrades included:Approx.