Entries are now open for the 35th annual Grandma Moses Art Competition and Exhibition, showcasing the best of the Central Coast’s artistic seniors.Central Coast Council is offering a prize pool this year – with over $3000 on offer and the chance for residents, fifty years and over, to have their artistic talent recognised.Council Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said the competition proves age is no barrier to success.“This annual competition provides an opportunity for our local seniors to let their artistic talent shine,” Ms Vaughan said.“There are five different categories, including novices, for those who are new to painting.“The prestigious competition has been running for 35 years and continues to attract more entries each year and we are looking forward to seeing what this year brings.”The competition takes inspiration from the life and work of Anna Mary Robertson Moses, better known as Grandma Moses, who took up painting as a career at the age of 78.

Central Coast Council is encouraging local producers to register to be part of the 2018 Harvest Festival following a fruitful first event this year.More than 10,000 people attended the two day Festival in June, despite the unfavourable weather, with visitors hailing it a success and keen to come back next year.Council Connected Communities Group Leader, Ms Julie Vaughan, is calling on local farmers, businesses and event organisers to be a part of the popular Festival promoting the hidden gems of our valleys and mountains to be held in June 2018.“We will be reproducing the Harvest Festival next year that celebrates the fantastic local produce and the producers in our region, showcasing their diversity through a range of events and activities,” Ms Vaughan said.“We are looking to support a range of unique events and activities that will add to our diverse Festival calendar for the Coast.“It’s a great time to make your next big idea happen for the valleys and mountains, as we also have just opened our new-look grants and sponsorship funding program so the timing is perfect to look for funding for your event.”Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open to participate in the Festival – which could be as simple as farm gate sales, markets, ticketed and dining experiences, music events, art installations or community events.Events will be held across six hubs at Peats Ridge, Calga, Somersby, Mangrove Mountain, Kulnura and Yarramalong.

Woy Woy Library has received more than $188,000 under the Public Library Infrastructure Grants 2016/17 program, to create an exhibition space within the library which will showcase a unique collection of original Spike Milligan family memorabilia.The proposed museum-quality Spike Milligan Exhibition Space (SMES) is set to attract visitors from around the globe, due to the culturally significant collection of photographs, recordings, video, realia and diaries.Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said the exhibition space is an opportunity to honour the legacy of the world-famous comedian who took Woy Woy to the world stage.

Central Coast Council has today welcomed the NSW Minister for Transport, the Hon Andrew Constance MP’s, announcement of an on-demand commuter shuttle bus service trial on the Peninsula.The announcement comes as a NSW Parliamentary inquiry into commuter car parking across NSW is currently underway.

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 under the new Community Grants and Sponsorship Program.The program amounts to over $1.4 million.Council’s revamped funding program aims to simplify applications and better support and build capacity across the entire Central Coast community.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said Council’s Community Grants and Sponsorship Program is all about giving the community more opportunities to apply for funding to support their community projects, events, programs and initiatives.“This is a chance to think outside the square to deliver unique and innovative projects or events to the Coast that really make a difference,” Mr Reynolds said.“No matter how big or small, we want to hear all your ideas as we want to see programs come to life that will highlight the Central Coast.”There are a number of new categories in Council’s community grants program:Community Partnership GrantCommunity Development GrantPlace Activation GrantCommunity Support GrantHeritage GrantAwarding Sponsorship ProgramChan Valley Colliery Community Funding.Applications are now open and will close on Friday 15 September.To help applicants get a better understanding of each category and how to apply to make their project happen, Council is hosting a number of information sessions across the Coast.

Parking on all four levels of the Wilson Road Carpark is now available following completion of construction works, creating 110 extra parking spaces for the Terrigal CBD.Finishing touches are continuing on the $2.3 million project that include a lift within the carpark and CCTV cameras.The official completion of works – as of Wednesday 16 August – follows the re-opening of Levels 1 and 2 of the carpark on Thursday 27 July.Council will now focus on the investment of almost $2.2 million for improvements to the Terrigal CBD’s pedestrian and traffic flow – thanks to the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund.Works will also be undertaken on revitalising the Terrigal Lagoon Foreshore, with $825,000 invested into the redevelopment of the play space in the Rotary Park as well as the proposed construction of a skate park.Council will continue to work with local residents and the business community to keep them informed on the progress of these upcoming infrastructure upgrades.Council would like to thank the Terrigal community for their patience and understanding during these important upgrade works.

Central Coast Council is holding an Open Day aimed at showing the community a number of creative possibilities across the Coast to help them manage stress and anxiety.Experience, Explore, Be More will be held on Thursday 24 August and will see 22 different creative classes, activities or workshops held at 16 venues across the Coast – and it’s all FREE!Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said this is a great way to bring the community together and improve the quality of life on the Coast.“Our centres offer a diverse range of possibilities to help our community, but many of our residents may not know they exist,” Mr Reynolds said.“This Open Day will help the community to explore the Coast and experience new ways of managing their anxiety and stress and connecting with each other.”One of the highlights will be an author talk by Belinda Ingels on her book:

Central Coast Council celebrated Early Childhood Education Week across its eight education and care centres that involved, educated and inspired the entire industry.Early Childhood Education Week is a chance to showcase Council’s invaluable service to the community with the provision of high quality early childhood education and care that supports the needs of local families.Council Connected Communities Group Leader, Ms Julie Vaughan, said Council’s eight centres have planned a massive week of events for their children, families and the community.“The families who attend our childcare centres know we are passionate about providing a nurturing and inspiring environment in which children can play learn and explore,” Ms Vaughan said.“This week’s special program of events will highlight the services we provide to the children’s families and wider community.“We have a great program for our children that not only encourage their imagination and build on their interests, but also promote a healthy and active lifestyle through fresh cooked meals and daily fun exercises.“Some of our centres also have their own herb and vegetable gardens, where the children get great enjoyment from seeing the food they grow end up in their daily cooked meals – a popular feature with parents and carers.“We are also currently expanding our bush kindy program that takes the children ‘beyond the gate’ to explore the natural environment around them.”These programs, and more, will be on show this week as the Council centres highlight the quality care, teaching and learning programs available across the centres at Kanwal, Kariong, Niagara Park, Northlakes, Terrigal, Toukley, Wyong and Umina.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said it’s great to see each of the centres so actively involved in the local community.“Council’s education and care centres are all not-for-profit – which means you’re getting your value for money,” Mr Reynolds said.“Being a Council-run childcare centre, the centres work closely with other departments to give children in their care important tips on surf safety, recycling, road safety, and so much more.“If you’re looking for quality care for your child, I encourage you to call us today and make an appointment to pop in and see for yourself the great programs and quality care we can provide to help your child grow.”Find out more on Council’s education and care centres by calling 4350 5181 or visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/childcare

Artists from around the nation are invited to enter the 2017 Gosford Art Prize and Gosford Ceramic Prize, for a chance to share in over $20,000 in prizes.Now in its 18th year, the annual program offers artists the opportunity to showcase their talents in a competition recognised across Australia.Central Coast Council’s Connected Communities Group Leader, Julie Vaughan, said that local and national artists are encouraged to enter this prestigious competition.“Last year we received over 560 entries from over 420 artists across Australia, so we are very excited to see the creativity and variety or works in this year’s competition,” said Ms Vaughan.“The exhibition is a fantastic platform for artists, as it’s an opportunity for locals to compete with artists from around Australia.“We are also excited about the increase in the number of contemporary ceramics entries after the addition of the Gosford Ceramic Prize in 2014.

Central Coast Council has expressed its disappointment today at the decision by the Minister for Planning to keep the Warnervale Airport Restrictions Act in place.Warnervale Airport, now Central Coast Airport, is the only airport managed by a Council in Australia that is subject to such restrictions, particularly relating to aircraft movements.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said Council had been up front about its desire to develop the airport for general aviation and leaving the Act in place could impact on this possibility.“The airport is a major asset for Council and the community with the potential to create hundreds of jobs and opportunities for our growing community,” Mr Reynolds said.“We know this because we recently tested the market with our Expression of Interest process to turn the airport into an general aviation hub and the response was positive.“We are currently developing a masterplan out of this EOI process which was always going to subject to rigorous community consultation and state government scrutiny.“This announcement today has significant potential to affect this process and our ability to promote employment on the Central Coast.General aviation includes pilot training, corporate aviation, emergency services and search and rescue, charter, aerial work, survey and monitoring, private flying, commercial operators and tourism related charter operators.General aviation is a significant industry in Australia representing 65 percent of all aircraft hours in Australia and there is currently a high demand for airside general leaseholds close to Sydney.“This is due to general aviation being squeezed out of the Sydney basin, so there are many operators looking for an alternative and the Central Coast is the perfect location,” Mr Reynolds added.“We are not talking major passenger movements here, we are talking about genuine opportunities for smaller operators and aviation manufacturing expertise to become a major industry for the Central Coast.”Council will continue with the master planning process for the airport and is seeking an urgent meeting with the Minister for Planning to discuss the decision.

To download the EOI form and find out more about the Festival, visit the Harvest Festival Central Coast page.

Feel the magic of the new season as Laycock Street Community Theatre comes alive with two of William Shakespeare’s classics – A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Merchant of Venice – this spring.Playing over two nights, on Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 September, Melbourne City Ballet returns with their magical neoclassical ballet interpretation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.Suitable for all ages, this whimsical and enchanting Shakespearean adaption explores three different stories:

Do you experience anxiety, or are you looking for different ways to relieve stress?Come along to an Open Day on Thursday 24 August 2017, and book into one of many free creative classes, activities or workshops.The day is aimed at showing our community the number of creative possibilities available across the Central Coast, which can help to manage stress and anxiety in all its forms.All classes are free to join or just to observe.View the Full 'Experience, Explore, Be More' Anxiety Program

Central Coast Council is aware the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is investigating issues arising from the use of the site at Spencer.

Central Coast Council has announced Cleanaway Pty Ltd as their new partner to deliver essential waste services to the community from 1 February 2018.As one of Australia’s leading providers in waste management, Cleanaway believe in partnering with local government and the community to deliver a sustainable future.  Cleanaway best met all the criteria of the tender process particularly in price and service and will have all equipment ready to go for the start of the new contract.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the community could look forward to a more streamlined waste service due to the economies of scale from amalgamation and the technology advances in waste services.“One of the great benefits of amalgamation is Council’s ability now to negotiate better rates and services for the entire Central Coast and we can see that with this new contract,” Mr Reynolds said.“Previously there were two contracts with different service specifications operating and a border on the Central Coast for waste services – that is no more,”“Cleanaway ticks all the boxes in experience, customer service, technology advances, equipment and local employment.“Local jobs will also be protected with Cleanaway agreeing to employ the garbage drivers at the rate Council negotiated previously with the Transport Workers Union.”The popular six free kerbside collections for each residence are included and residents will be able to book one via a dedicated call centre, website and for the first time via a phone app.Bin sizes will be standardised across the Coast with every residence entitled to a 140 litre bin and a recycling and green waste bin as well.  Residents can also request a larger, 240 litre bin which attracts an extra fee.An independent probity advisor was engaged by Council to oversee the process and the opinion of the tender panel was unanimous for Cleanaway.“I am confident Council has followed due process and has negotiated the best possible outcome for the community who will benefit from the delivery of a superior waste service.Remondis will continue to deliver waste services to the Central Coast until 31 January with Cleanaway taking up the reins from 1 February 2018.

Central Coast Council will be presenting some of the greats of the country music scene at The Entrance in August.Now in its 17th year, the Central Coast Country Music Festival will take place over a number of local venues on the Coast, with the free main event at Memorial Park, The Entrance on Sunday 13 August.Council’s Connected Communities Group Leader, Ms Julie Vaughan, said the Festival continues to impress visitors each and every year.“It’s great to see the Country Music Festival embraced by the whole region with local venues getting on board with the theme and hosting country artists,” Ms Vaughan said.“This is one event Council is excited to be hosting and is sure to be a weekend of great music and entertainment.“This year we have a great line up of artists, including some of the country’s best.”Memorial Park is in a prime position to host fabulous events, such as this one, situated along the popular waterfront at The Entrance.The headline act on Sunday at The Entrance will be Australian country music legends, Adam Harvey and Beccy Cole – who are stopping off at The Entrance as part of their Great Country Songbook Volume 2 tour.Adam is a proud resident of the Coast who has won many ARIA and CMAA awards, including a number of Golden Guitars and will be joined on the Memorial Park stage by one of Australia’s most successful singer-songwriters, Beccy Cole, who also has won a number of ARIAs and Golden Guitar awards.Memorial Park’s main stage will also have a stellar line up of great local and interstate country music artists including award-winning trio The Wolverines, Tori Darke, Hurricane Fall and 2017 Toyota Star Maker winner, Rachael Fahim.The live music will start from 10am, amongst buskers, amusement rides, food and market stalls.The festival will also provide fans with an opportunity to get up close and personal with the artists with a signing tent after their performances, and festival-goers will be able to purchase artist merchandise.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the festival is anticipated to draw in country music fans from near and far, providing a great tourism boost for our region.“The Entrance is already a popular tourist destination, and it’s free events like this that really make our region even more attractive to residents and tourists alike,” Mr Reynolds said.“So bring along your chair or blanket to listen to some of Australia’s best country musicians in one of the best outdoor entertainment venues the Coast has to offer.”In conjunction with the free Country Music Festival on Sunday, the weekend will be filled with entertainment in nine local licensed venues across the region featuring 24 local performers which is sure to appeal to all country music fans, on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 August.The full Central Coast Country Music Festival program is available online at theentrance.org.au

Central Coast Council has been recognised for Excellence in Communications at the Annual RH Dougherty Awards, held last night as part of NSW Local Government Week.The Excellence in Communications Award, a state-wide category, sponsored by News Corp Australia, recognises a communication campaign or event that shifted community attitudes and behaviour to achieve special outcomes during the 2016 calendar year.Council was awarded for their work on the successful opening of the popular Bato Yard in August 2016.RH Dougherty Award judges were quoted as saying:

A section of Wells Street, Springfield – between Coburg Street and Tangerine Avenue – will be closed on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 August as Central Coast Council undertakes important drainage upgrade works.All travel lanes will be closed to general traffic and compulsory detours will be in place to allow the project to be completed efficiently and effectivelyEast bound traffic will be redirected to a detour via Coburg Street, Lynnette Crescent, Emma James Street and Tangerine Avenue.West bound traffic will be redirected to a detour via Spring Avenue, Maitland Road, Althorp Street and Brougham Street.Works will be undertaken between 8am – 4pm and crews will manage the project schedule to ensure there is minimal impact on local traffic and nearby residents.Wells Street will re-open following the completion of works on Saturday, before the project recommences on Sunday morning.Warning signs and traffic controllers will be in place for the duration of the closure to notify motorists of the changed conditions;

Central Coast Council is seeking feedback on a proposal to waiver storage fees associated with community halls and centres.The storage fee was adopted in the 2017-18 Fees and Charges, in Council’s Operational Plan.  Following community feedback, Council proposes to permanently waive those storage fees for the 2017-18 year, and has given public notice of that proposal as required by the Local Government Act.The community has an opportunity to review and provide feedback, before the Council considers whether or not to approve that permanent waiver.The proposed introduction of the fee was to ensure all regular user-groups had access to some storage on site.  However with a number of groups having recently rationalised their storage, this fee is no longer considered necessary.Information on the proposed permanent waiver of the storage fee and how to comment can be found at yourvoiceourcoast.com

Central Coast Council has welcomed the NSW Government’s wide-ranging fire safety package as a positive step towards addressing the concerns of high-rise building residents.Council Group Leader, Environment and Planning, Mr Scott Cox said senior Council staff had attended the briefing last week with the Department of Finance, Services and Innovation to hear first-hand the progress of the Taskforce on External Cladding and the next steps for local authorities.“The ten point plan outlined by the Minister is certainly comprehensive, tackling the issue from the aspect of product safety as well as compliance and education for building owners,” said Mr Cox.“Currently, fire safety requirements are set out in the National Construction Code of Australia which addresses minimum requirements for design, construction and performance of buildings throughout Australia.“All buildings on the Central Coast are certified in accordance with this Code.