In the lead up to the 11 October 2022 Ordinary Council Meeting, there were a number of agenda items which received significant media interest, resulting in national media coverage on these matters.

It is not uncommon for Council meetings to generate interest from the media and community, which I note is a good thing, as it shows engagement with the local government decision-making process. 

However, what was unfortunate about the media coverage in the lead up to the 11 October Council meeting was the blatant misinformation shared about Council’s position on flying the Australian Flag. It was reported that Council has ‘banned the Australian Flag’ which is categorically not true. 

Understandably, members of the community were upset by these incorrect media reports, and I am deeply disappointed such mistruths were so blatantly promoted. Had these media outlets checked the facts or read the Council Paper, they would have clearly understood Council was not banning the Australian Flag. 

At the meeting, Council reconfirmed its commitment to proudly fly the Australian Flag on flagpoles on the Central Coast through various recommendations which were adopted, including the installation of additional flagpoles in Umina Beach to allow the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags to be flown. I was also pleased to resolve that the National Flags can now be displayed on town centre banner infrastructure to acknowledge Australia Day in accordance with the National Flag protocol.

I encourage all community members who may be concerned about information they hear about Council in the media to reach out to Council to confirm or find out more, as this type of misinformation is not only misleading, but damaging to our society. 

You can contact Council via the 24/7 online customer service centre, by emailing ask@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or by phoning Council on 1300 463 954. 

You can also contact me directly via theadministrator@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or by writing to PO Box 20, Wyong NSW 2259 or PO Box 21, Gosford NSW 2250.

Rik Hart, Administrator