It has been a big week for Wyong’s Little Creek Cheese company with owners Russell and Sue Parsons shipping off their special entries to the Royal Sydney Easter Show yesterday.The award-winning Central Coast cheese artisans hope to add to the company’s medal tally in 2017.Last year they won 27 medals in competitions across Australia, including five Gold’s at Royal Shows around the country.Russell is most proud of winning Highest Scoring Club Cheddar in Australia at the prestigious 2016 Dairy Industry Association of Australia competition, with Little Creek’s sensational Onion Cheddar.“We beat ‘em all,” Russell says proudly, “all the big names like South Cape and Margaret River, and we did it producing cheese right here on the Central Coast.”A proud Coastie, Russell is an ambassador for the Central Coast’s This is the life promotion.“We really have the best of all worlds here on the Coast.  I encourage all Coasties to tell their friends and families how wonderful the place is,” said Russell“We’ve received great backing from the local community and local businesses stocking our products.“The support we’ve received has just cemented why we love living where we do, it’s all about the people and the community.”“When we are at markets outside the region, such as in the Hunter Valley, and people try our products and see our awards, they are surprised we come from the Central Coast.“A certain amount of pride comes out of that not only for us, but for the region which doesn’t yet have a big reputation for gourmet produce.“Together with other Coast food producers we’ve formed the Central Coast Food Collective to try to change all that!  We hope in our own small way, we are making a difference.”As for the Royal Sydney Easter Show, Russell expects stiff competition and is hoping for at least one Gold medal.“I’m a little bit superstitious about revealing what our entries are, but we will definitely have another crack with the Haloumi and a few other varieties,” Russel said.“I know it’s a bit cheesy to say but it’s true – even if we don’t win, the real winner is cheese itself.In 2017 Little Creek Cheese is expanding into gourmet flavoured salts, starting with a grinder pack of “chilli, basil and garlic” and “lemon myrtle, peppercorn and garlic” flavoured salts.“We’re working on a few other varieties too,” Russell hints.  So watch this space!Little Creek Cheese can be found at the Wyong Milk Factory on Alison Road, Wyong.

Our Council leaders have the answers to your queries about our organisation and our plans for the Coast, and are keen to chat with you.

Central Coast Council has outlined key regional issues and delivered its ‘wish list’ for the coast as part of the NSW Government’s Community Cabinet, held at the Mingara Recreation Club this morning.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds opened the meeting with a short presentation on the progress of the new organisation and a list of high priority issues for the Central Coast.Community members were also given the opportunity to raise their concerns and issues directly with new Premier Gladys Berejiklian and her Ministerial team.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the Community Cabinet was a positive and productive forum to discuss regional matters.“The Community Cabinet is an important vehicle for residents to have their say on issues including transport infrastructure, coastal management, economic development and planning,” said Mr Reynolds.“It’s fantastic Premier Berejiklian chose the Central Coast as her first stop and illustrates our important status as a key developing region of New South Wales.“We are the only Council in the state that is a region in its own right, putting us in a unique position to work with the State Government and ensure we move the Central Coast forward.“The Central Coast is a vibrant, growing community filled with promise - we’re excited about opportunities to develop transport infrastructure, and see improved planning to foster local job creation and thriving town centres.Central Coast Council CEO, Rob Noble, said it was pleasing to be able to share the organisation’s key priorities as part of the morning’s meeting.“I’d like to thank Premier Berejiklian and her team for allowing us the opportunity to outline what we feel are key regional issues,” said Mr Noble.“Many local residents were also able to meet with Government representatives and I’m looking forward to the potential outcomes for the Central Coast as a result of this meeting.”Items presented by Council include the Link Road to connect Wyong and Warnervale as well as roads planning overall, Coastal Management Plan, Langford Drive and returning more of the NSW Waste Levy to the Central Coast.

Applications for the second round of the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund - Community Grants Program opened on Monday 30 January.The funding is part of the $1 million earmarked for local community group grants over the next three years, as a result of local government amalgamations.The Community Grants Program fosters projects that help create a more vibrant, sustainable and inclusive community.More than $250,000 has already been shared among 14 local not-for-profit groups under the first round of the grants program.Successful round one recipients have been using their funding to build community gardens, improve sports facilities and amenities, enhance community centres, and support a healthy and happy community through a range of programs and activities.Davistown Progress Association was one successful group from round one, where the Stronger Communities Fund has enabled residents to come together to participate in the Davistown Progress Hall Centenary Restoration Project - providing a much-needed makeover for the historic hall.The 100 year anniversary of the hall is approaching in a few years, and locals have banded together to reinvigorate this facility as a community focal point and meeting place.The grant has enabled them to carry out works including refurbishments, improved drainage and landscaping to help restore the venue.We want other community groups, just like the Davistown Progress Association, to apply for second round program funding.Round two is open to not-for-profit organisations to apply for funding to continue in their endeavours to make the Central Coast a great place to live, work and play.So if you or anyone you know is involved in a local community group, spread the word about applying for the second round of the Stronger Communities Fund – Community Grants Program to help make your projects happen.To be successful for funding, community projects must meet the following criteria:Deliver social, cultural, economic or environmental benefits to the local community;Address an identified community priority;Be well defined with a clear budget;Demonstrate that any ongoing or recurrent costs of the project can be met by the community group once grant funding has been expended;

The countdown has begun for the Gallery Precinct 2259 Love Lanes Festival this weekend.The inaugural Festival will showcase Wyong in a new light on Saturday 11 February, and kicks off at 4pm.Festival-goers will be able to immerse themselves in the abundance of colour, sounds and smells of this unique event.There is sure to be something for everyone as the town comes to life with three music stages, aerial circus performances, live art, free kids activities, great food and much, much more.For more details, search Love Lanes Festival 2017 on Facebook.To help make this Festival a success and safe for motorists and visitors alike, road closures will be in place at:Alison Road (between Pacific Highway and Hely Street) from 6am-11.30pmBakers Lane (between Pacific Highway and Rankins Court) from 11am-11.30pmRobley’s Lane Wyong (between Pacific Highway and Hely Street) from 11am-11.30pmPeters Lane from 11am-11.30pm (business access only).

Central Coast Council wishes to advise that road closures will be in place on McMasters Road, Woy Woy on Sunday 5 February 2017, as the Peninsula Leisure Centre hosts the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon.The closure will run from John Hoare Crescent to Blackwall Road, starting at 5am and reopening at 1pm.Welcome Street, Drew Street and Fairview Street will also be closed for the duration of the event.Warning signs will be in place during the road closures to notify motorists of the changed traffic conditions, Council encourages everyone to take care if driving nearby.Council would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their patience and understanding during this road closure. 

Central Coast Council congratulated 2016 scholarship and internship students and welcomed the 2017 scholarship students at a well-attended ceremony yesterday.With the number of young Coast residents with university qualifications less than half the state average, these innovative programs aim to inspire locals to stay committed to their studies.Council’s Executive Manager of People and Culture, Ms Kellie Reeves, said the programs served the dual purpose of encouraging tertiary education while assisting students to get a head start in their chosen careers.“Although youth unemployment on the Coast has dropped 2.5 per cent, from 17 per cent in July 2016 to 14.5 per cent in November 2016, we are keen to see this figure drop even further, as we are still higher than the national average,” Ms Reeves said.“Our scholarship program looks to address the current disconnect in the transition from schooling to training or employment.“Open to local high school graduates and students who have completed their first year of university, this program encourages students to continue their education and look towards their future.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said council’s internship program was open to third or fourth year students.“Our internship program equips students with skills and hands-on experience needed to get their foot in the door of a very competitive workforce,” Mr Reynolds said.“Both programs provide financial support to pursue tertiary study which may otherwise be unattainable for individuals.“Job creation is one of Council’s top priorities and this is one way Council is working to help the community establish careers locally and keep our talent here on the Coast.”The four graduating interns for 2016 are:Emily Rindfleish – Environmental Science & ManagementJeremy Jones –Engineering/Engineering PracticesMitchell Knox – Civil Engineering.James Wilkinson – Civil Engineering2016 Scholarships have been involved in a number of community projects and exposed to a wide range of skills and experiences within their allocated areas within the business.

Council is urging residents to do their part in taking care of Tuggerah Lakes to mark World Wetlands Day which is today.World Wetlands Day, 2 February, is an international celebration to increase public awareness of the vital functions wetlands play in the environment and to promote conservation and the wise use of wetlands.Council is committed to preserving and maintaining our remaining wetlands in the Tuggerah Lake catchment, with some 50 per cent having been lost due to draining and clearing for agriculture and housing over the past 200 years.Council’s Group Leader of Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, said World Wetlands Day presented a timely reminder that Tuggerah Lakes, a 1620 ha catchment, needed constant care.“The wetlands are like the purifiers for water entering the lakes, in that they are important filters for water before they enter our lakes.

The Central Coast’s largest riding facility will be hosting one of the biggest skate competitions in the region to find how who will be named the inaugural King of Concrete Champion.Bato Yard will be hosting this prestigious event in the King of Concrete skate series for bowl riders on Saturday 11 February.The competition will see the best riders from all over the region – even the state and country – competing not only for a share of $5000 in prize money but for wildcards into the Bondi BOWL-A-RAMA, the peak world bowl competition that celebrates the skateboarding culture and attracts international pro riders, such as Tony Hawk.Event organiser and former world champion, Mr Renton Millar, said holding a King of Concrete round at Bato Yard gives top bowl skaters from the Coast a chance to showcase their skills.“Our team can’t wait to get up to Bato Yard,” Mr Millar said.“I was a part of the original workshops and had a say in the design of Bato Yard, so it’s exciting to bring these competitions to the Coast and watch the community improve their skating skills.“Bato Yard has the potential to attract top riders from around the country to the Central Coast as well as other major skating events.“You already have well-known riders Matt Kitai and Bryce McKean travel the country doing what they love, and now they can do it in their own backyard.”Riders will compete for $5000 in prize money as well as giving the chance to three junior riders and the top two masters and opens riders to compete in the popular Bondi competition on 18-19 February.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the facility was delivering on its promise to attract world class events and providing important opportunities for residents and visitors alike.“Since its opening, the riding facility has seen thousands upon thousands of people come through and test their abilities on some of the rare features the Yard has to offer,” Mr Reynolds said.“Bato Yard was built for local riders and to attract major competitions to our great region, just like this one.“Last month we had a YMCA skate event that was so popular they are looking at holding it over two days next year.“It’s certainly becoming well known as one of the premier riding facilities in the region, if not the state.”The King of Concrete skate series is a national event that has really injected energy into the bowl skating scene in Australia and next week’s event is one not to be missed.Street riders will also have a chance to show off their skills when the team brings the King of Street competition to Bato Yard on Saturday 22 April with winners getting a chance to win a share in $5000 and a pathway entry to an event in the USA.For more details on what’s happening at Bato Yard, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/batoyard

The best of Central Coast Council’s lifeguard service battled it out on Terrigal Beach last week for top honours in Central Coast Council’s inaugural lifeguard challenge.The annual challenge took a new approach this year following the amalgamation of the former Gosford and Wyong Councils in May 2016.Competitors contended individually in the Howard Jones Memorial Mission and in teams to take out the coveted Cook Cup trophy.Council’s Connected Communities Group Leader, Ms Julie Vaughan, said the competitive spirit was still there under the new format.“Thirty of our finest lifeguards took part in the two events that demonstrated their experience, skill and talent,” Ms Vaughan said.“Our Lifeguards do a great job keeping our beaches safe every summer and certainly showed off these skills at the challenge.”The Howard Jones Memorial Mission is an individual event consisting of an 800metre run, 400metre swim, 800metre run and 600metre board paddle.The Cook Cup is a team event which saw 10 teams of three compete in an 800metre run, 400metre swim and a 600metre board paddle.Shelly Beach’s James Koch was the man of moment taking home both the Howard Jones Memorial trophy as well as the coveted Cook Cup.The top five place getters in the Howard Jones Memorial Mission were:

Explore hidden gems and discover forgotten laneways when the Gallery Precinct 2259 Love Lanes Festival showcases Wyong in a new light.Festivalgoers to the inaugural event will be able to immerse themselves in the abundance of colour, sounds, and smells of this unique outdoor festival on Saturday 11 February 2017.Three laneways in the town centre of Wyong will be transformed for one afternoon — nothing like you’ve ever seen before.There will be live entertainment, aerial circus performances, live art, free kids’ activities, great food, markets stalls and much more including strange creatures set to excite the crowd, as interactive street performers make their way through the festival.See Wyong come to life on Saturday 11 February from 4pm–10pm at:Grand Hotel Lane (Robley’s Lane) will feature aerial circus performances, ‘La Toosh,’ tunes on the stage, a licensed bar area, as well as an outdoor cinema from 8.15pm on the Chapman Building Lawn.Coastwide First National Lane (Alison Road) will offer tastings from Wyong’s local favourites:

An awards ceremony for young book worms is being held at Erina Library on 14 February to celebrate the libraries' Summer Reading Competition.All 163 young book lovers who registered for this year’s challenge are invited to attend the event, which falls on Valentine’s and Library Lovers Day, and includes a silent disco.Council’s Group Leader of Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said the library children’s team from both ends of the coast are committed to making sure children keep learning by helping them discover the joys of readings.“We like to encourage children to keep developing and learning over the summer holidays by taking part in educational activities such as this one,” Ms Vaughan said.“Council libraries are committed to investing in educational activities for children in order to make sure they are well equipped for the life and the work force.”The competition was open to children aged 5 – 16 years, and has been running nationally for five years.

Anticipation is growing for the June long weekend when Central Coast Council hosts a unique event promoting the hidden gems in the valleys and mountains.The inaugural Harvest Festival will celebrate local produce on the Coast, focusing on this unique region, its people and culture over the long weekend – Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the festival will be the first of its kind on the Central Coast.“We received a lot of interest from our local producers wanting to show off their farms, produce and generally showcase what our picturesque valleys and mountains have to offer,” Mr Reynolds said.“Our staff have been working hard with our local producers, to create a great program of events with a bit of something for everyone from open farms to long lunches, bush tucker walks, live music, fruit picking, workshops and much, much more.“Festival-goers will be able to chat to local farmers, taste their produce and enjoy the sights and sounds of this unique aspect of the Central Coast.”The festival will take place over the June long weekend, with events held across the Calga, Somersby, Peats Ridge, Mangrove Mountain, Kulnura and Yarramalong areas.“The festival is a great way to help shine a spotlight on these areas and their importance as tourism and economic drivers for our region.“The Coast is known for its beaches and waterways, but we are also surrounded by a hinterland full of hidden treasures – which will be the centre of attention in June.”This event is proudly supported by Destination NSW.View the Full Harvest Festival Program

Applications for Round Two of the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund - Community Grants Program are now open, following the successful sharing of more than $250,000 among 14 local not-for-profit groups under round one program funding.The funding is available as part of the $10 million Stronger Communities Fund provided to Central Coast Council as part of the local government amalgamations, with $1 million earmarked for local community group grants over the next three years.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the Community Grants Program fosters projects that help create a more vibrant, sustainable and inclusive community.“Successful round one recipients have been using their funding towards building community gardens, improving sports facilities and amenities, enhancing community centres and supporting a healthy and happy community through a range of support programs and activities,” said Mr Reynolds.“Council is encouraging as many sporting, cultural, environmental and other not-for-profit organisations to apply for round two funding to continue in their endeavours to make the Central Coast a great place to live, work and play.”Round one recipient and Davistown Progress Association President, Mrs Jenny McCulla, said the Stronger Communities Fund grant has enabled residents to come together to participate in the Davistown Progress Hall Centenary Restoration Project.“The Stronger Communities funding has helped our local community provide a much needed makeover for the historic Davistown Progress Hall,” said Mrs McCulla.“The 100 year anniversary of the hall is approaching in a few years and locals have banded together to reinvigorate this facility as a community focal point and meeting place.“The grant has enabled us to undertake works including replacements and refurbishments, improved drainage and landscaping to help restore the venue.

Central Coast Council has issued a Request for Proposals seeking organisations to deliver tourism marketing and industry services for the Central Coast.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the timing was right for Council to examine its approach to tourism.“Destination NSW’s new regional tourism model and the projected population growth expected on the Central Coast has changed the tourism landscape.

Lifeguards from Central Coast Council will compete for the top honours at the annual Lifeguard Challenge at Terrigal Beach tonight.With action commencing at 6.30pm, competitors will contend individually in the Howard Jones Memorial Mission, and in teams to take out the coveted Cook Cup trophy.Beginning in 1982, the annual Lifeguard Challenge was previously a friendly display of sporting rivalry between lifeguards from the former Gosford and Wyong councils.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said with the formation of the Central Coast Council in May last year, the 2017 event sees a continuation of the 35-year tradition, with a fresh approach.“This year’s event sees a focus on collaboration and camaraderie among all athletes,” said Mr Reynolds.“Creation of teams for the Cook Cup will be through a random selection process, with competitors drawn from a hat.“For the first time in its 35-year history, the Lifeguard Challenge will be conducted with both former local government service areas competing together as one.”Community members are invited to come along and cheer on their favourite competitors.

An unwanted Queenslander has been found in the backyard of an observant Summerland Point resident.It was the dreaded Cane Toad.Cane Toads are an introduced invasive species, mainly found in Queensland and northern NSW.Central Coast Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, praised the quick thinking resident for contacting Council.“We rely on the Central Coast community to be our eyes and ears in their local area for things like this,” Mr Reynolds said.“It’s important our community let us know what they see - be it a pot-hole, a broken water main or a Cane Toad well out of its normal range – so we can respond quickly.“Our staff will now conduct a survey, with the help of specialists from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, for any further signs of Cane Toads in the area.”Council is also working with the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to make further investigations on how the Cane Toad came to the Coast.NSW DPI’s Technical Specialist of Vertebrate Pests, Mr Nathan Cutter, said as a result of the detection at Summerland Point, DPI has issued an alert for residents to be aware of Cane Toads in the area.“It is not known how the pest animal arrived on the Central Coast, however they can be accidently transported on vehicles, as well as in goods and materials like landscaping supplies,” Mr Cutter said.“Cane Toads are a major threat to our native animals because they can consume large numbers of wildlife and poison many native animals whose diet includes frogs, tadpoles and frogs' eggs.

Tumbi Road, between Bellevue Road and Woodbury Lane Tumbi Umbi will operate under changed traffic conditions from Sunday evening 29 January 2017 to 13 February when upgrades to the road are undertaken.Works are scheduled to start on 29 January and will be completed by 13 February weather permitting.The work will involve pavement strengthening, sealing and asphalting to provide a smoother and longer-lasting road surface.Most of the works will be done at night in order to minimise disruption to this busy road however motorists should still expect some delays and may wish to take alternate routes.Council’s Group Leader, Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling, said works will be staged to ensure that both traffic lanes are open during peak times in order to minimise disruption to motorists.“There will be a gravel road surface in the mornings following the night work with sealing of the gravel road surface taking place during the day between 10 am and 12 pm when the road will be reduced to one lane,” Mr Dowling said.“As part of these works Council is providing a more consistent breakdown lane width, widening a lane used by cyclists to 1.3m, and doing work on existing culverts along this section of road.”The road will be asphalted approximately one week after the pavement strengthening works and sealing have been completed.Council is investing $500,000 in the works and apologises to the travelling public for any inconvenience caused.

Australia Day on the Central Coast is more than just celebrating the great country we live in - it’s also a chance to recognise the unsung heroes.For the first time on the Central Coast, the annual Australia Day Awards were open to entries from across the region, seeing residents nominated for their outstanding dedication to our community.This year’s inaugural Citizen of the Year went to Mr Lester Pearson of Fountaindale - a man who has given countless hours to those less fortunate.Lester has been volunteering for more than 30 years across a range of projects, with his latest passion focused on helping local youth.He is a great example of how volunteering can make a difference in a community and has been instrumental in setting up a number of foundations to support our youth in crisis as well as those overseas.Lester and his wife, Sue, established Coats for Kids through their dry cleaning business collecting and cleaning more than 5000 coats, jackets and jumpers for Youth off the Streets programs to help keep young ones warm in winter.His most recent achievement, the establishment of Save Our Kids (SOKS) has saved more than 190 young lives across the Central Coast since it started in 2013.Lester conceived the idea of SOKS to address the issue of youth suicide on the Coast, through raising funds for Lifeline.

With the 2017 school year kicking off this week, Central Coast Council is reminding residents to slow down near schools and put the safety of children first.Friday 27 January is a gazetted school day which means 40km zones will be back in force, as will parking zones around schools.Parking zones around schools are in place for the safety of children, but also assist with traffic flow during busy drop off and pick up times – minimising possible sight obstructions.As the school term begins, Council Rangers and Parking Officers will carry out extra patrols to enforce parking restrictions around schools, ensuring a safe start to the new school year.Council is encouraging everyone to take care when driving through school zones, stick to the speed limit, follow directions from crossing supervisors and avoid any dangerous manoeuvres.Double Demerits will also be in force from Wednesday 25 until Sunday 29 January 2017 (inclusive) and will apply if a motorist is caught speeding in a designated school zone on Friday 27 January.For more information on how to park safely around schools, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au