I am pleased to announce that Council’s Marketing and Tourism staff have been named a finalist in the NSW Tourism Awards 2021 for their work with the local tourism industry, particularly responding with promotional activities to help local businesses during the pandemic.

Council has been focusing on key areas to assist the local business community over the next six months post the lockdown. Initiatives such as town centre activation which includes pop up dining with furniture pods for businesses, roving entertainment, and static buskers; outdoor lease fees being automatically waived for all businesses from 26 June to 10 October 2022 and businesses with an existing Outdoor Dining Approval will be able to increase their outdoor dining area up to 50% free of charge for a six-month period from November 1.   

Council’s partnership with the tourism sector is an important one and this recognition is a testament to our dedication to seeing it prosper. 

I also congratulate Australian Reptile Park, Ibis Styles The Entrance and Sydney Oyster Farm Tours at Mooney Mooney and Young Achiever nominee Amanda Woodbine, for being named finalists too

I wish all the Central Coast tourism finalists the best of luck at the awards announcement in February next year.

Rik Hart, Administrator