The Central Coast has long been recognised as a region of extraordinary artistic talent, with our lifestyle and natural beauty attracting and inspiring art, design and creative practitioners and professionals.This weekend, Gosford Regional Gallery opens three new exhibitions by local artists, further strengthening our region’s reputation as a centre for artistic excellence.Australian artist Jocelyn Maughan was encouraged to draw from an early age, and at fifteen, much to the annoyance of her headmistress, left school to begin five years study at the National Art School.

Central Coast Council Libraries are continuing to inspire a love of learning and reading in the community with the installation of two all-weather Little Free Libraries on the shores of Tuggerah Lakes.There are now 15 of these free, accessible libraries across the Coast as a result of the overwhelming positive community response to their use.Council’s Section Manager Library Services, Ms Andrea Edwards, said this was just one of the many ways libraries are delivering free and affordable resources to the community, beyond the doors of their branches."The newly installed Little Free Libraries are located at Saltwater Creek Reserve, Long Jetty and Canton Beach.

Plenty of nature play opportunities and grassed areas along with modern play equipment and sculptures are now ready for local families to enjoy at the brand new, $370,000 Narara Valley Precinct Park.The new park and playground on Willari Avenue in Narara will be opened by Central Coast Council next Thursday afternoon 28 July 2016 with a community get together and barbecue between 3.30pm and 5pm.Council’s Group Leader of Customer and Community Relationships Judy Jaeger said it was pleasing to see that the Narara Valley community now has access to the precinct park it deserves.“With the new Narara Valley Precinct Park funded from the sale of the area’s old community hall, this is a great example of how Council is reinvesting funds back into vital community services and facilities, “ Ms Jaeger said.“The spacious, multi-use playground is located in a large reserve with plenty of open space for recreational and group activities.“We’re very proud of the playground’s strong focus on nature play and the highly vegetated environment the park provides for children to explore.”Narara Valley Precinct Park offers great accessibility for a broad range of ages and capabilities, as well as fantastic complementary facilities including public amenities, barbecues and picnic furniture.“This new park and playground truly has been a collaborative community effort, with over 200 local residents leaving their mark on the facility either via hand printing in the pathways or tree planting,” Ms Jaeger added.“We’d like to see as many people from the Narara Valley area down at the community get together next week to celebrate this wonderful piece of community infrastructure.”

Central Coast Stadium will be hosting six American football games later this year as part of the newly-formed National Gridiron League.The National Gridiron League consists of four teams in Queensland and four teams in New South Wales – including the Central Coast Cyclones.In its inaugural season, the League will feature top American football athletes from North America, Australia and around the world.Tickets are now on sale for the first ever American football games to be played at Central Coast Stadium, which are:Sunday 30 October 2016 – Sydney Express v Newcastle Miners (1pm) and Central Coast Cyclones v Wollongong Devils (6pm)Sunday 4 December 2016 – Sydney Express v Brisbane Outlaws (1pm) and Newcastle Miners v Logan Wolverines (6pm)Sunday 11 December 2016 – Wollongong Devils v Gold Coast Kings (1pm) and Central Coast Cyclones v North Coast Heat (6pm)Residents and visitors can experience the excitement of two professional American football games – as well as a live concert between games – on a single ticket.Tickets available through Ticketek.

Central Coast community groups and other local, eligible organisations can now apply for grants worth up to $50,000 from the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund.As part of the $10 million provided to the newly formed Central Coast Council under the Stronger Communities Fund, $1 million has been earmarked for local community group grants over the next three years.Eligible groups and organisations can apply for the first round of grants from today until Friday 26 August 2016.View the Funding Guidelines, Application Forms and Eligibility Details.Administrator Ian Reynolds said the substantial grant program is a great chance for the new Council to work directly and collaboratively with the Central Coast community.“This funding will play a vital role in helping local groups deliver much needed community-oriented projects and initiatives that enhance Central Coast residents’ lives,” Mr Reynolds said.“We value the major contribution made by the many sporting, cultural, environment and other groups to ensure our community is a vibrant, socially inclusive and modern place for residents and visitors.“I’m looking forward to seeing as many community development projects as possible come to fruition, whether it be buying new equipment or giving a facility a facelift.”“Successful applications will deliver social, cultural, economic or environmental benefits for our community,” Mr Reynolds added.“Applicants must have a clear project objective, demonstrate a capacity to manage funds and deliver the project, and show the benefit their project will have for the community.“A Stronger Communities Fund Assessment Panel will be set up to assess and recommend projects for funding.”Council is also holding a series of presentations and drop-in sessions to provide community groups with more information about the funding program and how to apply.Information PresentationsWyong Council Chambers – 20 July 2016 (5pm-7pm)Smart Work Hub Gosford – 22 July 2016 (1.30pm-3.30pm)Drop-In Information SessionsBlue Haven Community Centre – 26 July 2016 (2pm-4pm)The Entrance Community Centre – 28 July 2016 (10am-12pm)Umina Surf Lifesaving Club – 28 July 2016 (1.30pm-3.30pm)Erina Centre (adjacent to Erina Library) – 4 August 2016 (5.30pm-7.30pm) 

Residents are advised that the poppy sculpture in Rotary Park, Gosford, has been moved so that inspections can be undertaken.This week, sculptor Margrete Erling has been overseeing the removal of the artwork, so that council and the artist can check on its condition.As the sculpture was created and installed to mark the World War 1 centenary, it was never intended to be exposed to the elements for the longer term.Unfortunately, the piece has started to show signs of deterioration.Council will be working with the artist to determine how it can hopefully be restored for future use, but in the meantime, please be assured that it has been stored safely. 

Environment protection guarantee for Warnervale developmentCouncil has engaged Eco Logical Australia (ELA) to prepare biodiversity certification and offset strategy to ensure current greenfield sites, south of Sparks Road, Warnervale are developed sustainably.The strategy will identify areas of high value vegetation and habitat for permanent protection and the areas that will deliver the best employment generating development.An appropriate development footprint will be established for land around the Warnervale Airport and Education Business Precinct so potential developers and landowners know up front where development will be allowed.As council itself is a major land holder in the area, it will be able to ensure that significant environmental offset land is secure, protected and managed effectively.The proposal will require the approval of the NSW Minister for the Environment who will need to be satisfied the conservation measures result in an overall improvement in biodiversity values.Administrator Reynolds said:

Today the 2016 Garden Competition officially opens with local green thumbs making final preparations.This year signifies the end of an era for the three decade strong event;

Central Coast Council’s northern most residents are set to benefit from a $300,000 investment in new multi-purpose courts at Tunkuwallin Oval.The need for the new courts was identified in the Tunkuwallin draft Masterplan and will cater for basketball, netball and handball as well as an overflow carpark.Administrator Ian Reynolds who will officially open the court next week said the courts were the first of many new sporting facilities and other infrastructure planned to meet the needs of the Coast’s growing population.“Our population is expanding rapidly, particularly in the north and so too must the services and infrastructure we provide.“Recreational facilities are particularly important as we want our community to be strong, happy and healthy and these enhanced facilities will deliver that.“These new courts have been championed by all local sporting clubs, particularly the Summerland Point/Gwandalan Netball Club, who need these facilities to cater for their expanding membership base.“This is a great example of Council and interested local groups working together to deliver the facilities our community need, want and value.“I am looking forward to more of that to come in this new Central Coast Council.”Other sporting and recreational facilities to be finished soon include a new BMX track at San Remo, the regional skate place at Bateau Bay and the first stage of the Magenta Shared Pathway.

The push to bring the V8 Supercars to the Central Coast has stalled at the starters’ flag.Central Coast Council today announced it would not continue investigations into the opportunity following advice that disruption to traffic and freight would be too great and ratepayers would potentially be left with significant costs to host the event.Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Rob Noble, said it was disappointing that the Coast would miss out on such an amazing opportunity but in the end the numbers simply did not stack up.“On paper this looks like a fabulous opportunity for the Coast,” Mr Noble said.“Then you drill down and realise we would have to close one of the main arterial roads on the Coast for more than four days.“I know residents would rather we spent the money on roads they actually drive on every day.“In the end it just didn’t stack up for us.”Mr Noble also expressed his gratitude to Destination NSW and the NSW Government for their desire to bring the opportunity to the Central Coast.“It demonstrates that the tourism potential of the Central Coast is recognised by Government,” Mr Noble said.“We know that discussions regarding other opportunities to grow the profile of the region will continue.”A priority for council is to support, develop and grow major events which are an important catalyst for economic development and offer positive experiences and economic contributions to local businesses and the wider community on the Central Coast.The Central Coast is well equipped to host events utilising the natural assets in the region as well as the wealth of existing infrastructure available.

In a huge coup for the Central Coast sporting scene, Niagara Park Stadium has been selected as the host venue for the 2016 Hockey NSW U13 and U15 Boys and Girls State Indoor Championships.The first of these major events will be held over two four-day periods in October (14-17) and November (4-7) this year.Council’s Team Leader at Niagara Park Stadium, Scott Attwood said the Championships offer a prime opportunity to showcase our region and will provide a significant boost to our local economy.“The Championships attract over 120 teams from across NSW, who will stay, eat and shop in the region during the four day events,” said Mr.

Central Coast Council is putting its support behind National Desexing Month this July and encouraging local pet owners to get their pets desexed to help prevent unwanted litters this spring.Council’s Section Manager Ranger Services, Ms Rennae Projceski, said there are a multitude of reasons to get your pet desexed.“Not only does it limit the number of abandoned and unwanted litters of puppies and kittens it can also drastically improve your pets behaviour and quality of life,” Ms Projceski said.“They are also less likely to stray looking for a mate and mark their territory, reducing the risk of becoming involved in fights, acquiring diseases, being hit by a vehicle and injuring native wildlife.“Furthermore, it decreases aggressive tendencies toward people and other animals and the development of certain types of cancers, meaning they tend to live longer and happier lives.“Another massive benefit to desexing your pet is the reduced lifetime registration cost, which lessons the fee by $140 or more.“Registration is a one off fee, so even if there are ownership changes or you move interstate and return, the pet is still registered in NSW.”All dogs and cats over the age of six months are required by law to be registered and must be microchipped either before sale, change of ownership or by 12 weeks of age, whichever occurs first.“Many pet owners aren’t aware, but they also risk a fine of up to $275 if their pet is not microchipped and registered or their details aren’t up-to-date,” Ms Projceski added.“Ensuring your pet is microchipped and registered with the correct details really is the best way to ensure they are returned to you if they are lost or escape.”As part of National Desexing Month some vets are offering reduced rates - interested pet owners, who want to know if their vet is involved should go to www.ndn.org.au/national-desexing-month.html

Central Coast Council libraries are calling all aspiring writers to get involved in this year’s annual Short Story Competition, one of the most anticipated library events on the calendar.Now in its fifth year, the competition offers an incredible opportunity for local writers of all ages to have their creative efforts recognised and published.Council’s Section Manager of Library Services, Ms Andreas Edwards, said this year will be the first time the competition has been expanded to all Central Coast residents.“I am absolutely thrilled we are extending this fantastic opportunity to our all of our region’s residents, following the formation of the new council,” Ms Edwards said.“We have so much amazing talent in our own backyard and love we are able to provide this chance for our creative literary community to shine.“The calibre of entrants gets better each year and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us this year.”Entries for the 2016 Short Story Competition will be accepted from Monday 11 July until 5pm Friday 5 August.Stories can be up to 1500 words and there will be four categories this year;

The Red-eared Slider Turtle may seem like a great idea for a pet, but it is considered a pest – one of the world’s worst invasive species – and one has been caught on the Central Coast.Central Coast Council’s Waterways Operations Team made the discovery yesterday during their routine water quality monitoring in a wetland at Hamlyn Terrace.Council’s Waterways Operations Supervisor, Mr Matthew Barnett, said the team is always on the lookout for pest species in our waterways.“My team was testing the water for nutrients and completing other water quality diagnostics when they saw a turtle basking in shallow water on the fringe of the constructed wetland,” Mr Barnett said.“On closer inspection they saw it was a Red-eared Slider by the red distinctive marks on either side of its head.“We are always on the lookout for pests in our waterways such as European Carp, Mallard Duck and Mosquito Fish as part of our monitoring, so that’s why we spotted the turtle.“Constructed wetlands are the natural filters of the catchment area and assist in cleansing the water before it enters Tuggerah Lakes or our natural wetlands, such as the unique Porters Creek wetland.“We use the results of the water quality testing to assist with analysis of the catchment areas to make sure there are no detrimental impacts on our local environment.“We also monitor the wetlands to make sure pests and weeds, such as this turtle, do not make their way further into our environment.”“We often come across species in our wetlands that have been released as unwanted pets or garden plants.

An independent facilitator will hold public meetings next month to review the potential reclassification of 12 land parcels flagged for possible sale by the former Gosford City Council.The potential reclassification of any parcels identified as community land must involve a rigorous, fully informed and transparent community consultation process.At the public meetings community members can speak for or against any individual land reclassification.

Former councillors given advisory role to council Eighteen former Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councillors have been appointed to a Local Representation Committee.The State Government strongly recommended the establishment of the committee to provide former Councillors, committed to the success of the new council, with an opportunity to continue to serve their communities until the elections in September 2017.The Local Representation Committee will not exercise any decision making function of the Central Coast Council, nor will its recommendations bind council – it will be there to provide important local advice only.The purpose of the committee is to:Advise on communications and engagement with the communityProvide advice on the vision and priorities of the Central Coast CouncilProvide assistance, as determined by the Administrator, to engage communities and partners in planning for the new Central Coast CouncilDue to the strong interest from former councillors, the Administrator has resolved to break the committee up into three Working Groups.A chair and five members will be appointed to each Working Group, which have been divided up into three key areas for optimal benefit to Council – Environment Working Group;

Central Coast Council has restored part of the Budgewoi Lake foreshore in direct response to community concerns about local erosion.Buff Point residents approached council about the severe erosion problem over the nearby popular shared pathway.Central Coast Council’s Manager Waterways and Assets, Peter Ham, said because foreshore works were already identified in the Tuggerah Lakes Management Plan, council and the community were able to come together quickly to deliver a great outcome.“The area at Buff Point was severely eroded, with trees and a large section of foreshore lost over the past few years,” Mr Ham said.“To address this, our staff reshaped and graded the foreshore and installed a stabilising rock wall to stop any further erosion.“More than 195 tonnes of rock and sandstone were used in the works to ensure long term stability of the area.“The regrading of the foreshore area also improved the access for pedestrians and ensures the nearby shared pathway will not be undermined by continuing erosion.“The Tuggerah Lakes Estuary Management Plan identifies stabilisation of the foreshore as a key priority, so the works were able to proceed quickly.”The restoration project also provided great professional development opportunity for one of Councils up and coming interns, Rohit Selvaraj, who was given responsibility for the management of the project.“A project such as this one, with a short planning and implementation timeframe, gives our internship students a great opportunity to experience what it’s like to work on projects that make a difference in the real world,” Mr Ham added.“In this example, the project was completed ahead of time and under budget, showing the next generation of engineers what can be done with efficient planning and great team work.“It’s exciting to be able to provide these opportunities to students and help them to develop the skills needed to work for our community in the future.”

July is the creative literary community’s time to shine and have their talents rewarded.Central Coast Council’s annual Short Story Competition is almost here, and to assist any passionate writers out there, free writing workshops will be held for each division.Council’s Section Manager of Library Services, Ms Andreas Edwards, urged anyone who has ever thought about entering to come along and get some handy hints and tips.“These free workshops will help inspire and encourage any budding writers across the Coast develop their story,” Ms Edwards said.“The workshops will be run by Gareth Beal, a published local freelance author and teacher of Creative Writing at Central Coast Community College.“Seats are very limited so make sure you book your spot today and don’t risk missing out on this rare and sought after opportunity for free expert advice.”The free short story writing workshops run for an hour 40 minutes and will be held on Monday 4 July at the Erina Centre (meeting room 3) or Tuesday 5 July at Tuggerah Library.For both locations, session times are;· Junior (5-8 years) at 9am· Children (9-12 years) at 11am· Youth (13-17 years) at 1pm· Adult (18+) at 3pmBookings are essential.

Central Coast Council is offering a variety of family friendly activities right across the region these holidays, the highlight of which will be a purpose-built outdoor ice rink in Gosford’s Kibble Park from 8-16 July.Suitable for the young and young at heart, the 19m x 12m rink will be open from 10am to 8pm daily, with 45 minute skating sessions starting every hour.

Chilling winter weather can make it a little more difficult to find affordable school holiday activities, but once again Central Coast Libraries will be hosting a variety of cosy events.Not only will young children and students be engaged with the massive range of events on offer, parents will equally love the strong education focus, helping to make learning fun.Council’s Group Leader Customer and Community Relationships, Ms Judy Jaeger, said the diverse and entertaining program brings back some old favourites plus plenty of the latest innovative activities.“Learning new creative skills really encompasses what our program is all about these school holidays,” Ms Jaeger said.“Our drawing workshops are always popular, so these holidays we’re hosting a number of sessions across the Coast.“Primary school students who prefer more hands-on activities will jump at the opportunity to get their hands dirty with our Dinosaurs Paleontological Excavation Workshop.“We’ll also be hosting a Bricks4Kidz session where students can build with gears, axles and electric motors, and a Forensic Science Half Day session that includes identifying hairs, fingerprints and fibres as well as investigating blood, bones and DNA.“Due to its success in April we’ve also brought back Game Training Roadshow, offering students in school years 4-12, the incredible opportunity to create their own video games.“If you can’t get your kids away from the screen why not use it to their advantage to learn code, as well as receive a free Getting Started Kit valued at $250.“The youngsters haven’t been forgotten with various Storytime sessions, helping to develop the value of reading from a young age.”A host of winter themed events and activities will also be run at various library branches to complement the outdoor ice rink in Gosford’s Kibble Park allowing young people to get crafty at making snow globes, knitted items, snow art, no-sew beanies or marshmallow snowmen.Bookings are essential for all events and must be confirmed with payment (if required) 48 hours before the scheduled event, excluding Game Training Roadshow which should be paid directly to the provider on the day.