Central Coast Council has been named a finalist in the “Marketing and Communications for Impact Award” category in the Banksia Foundation’s 34th National Banksia Sustainability Awards.  

The announcement of Council as a finalist in the long-running, prestigious National Banksia Sustainability Awards for 2023 is recognition of Council’s leadership within the Australian sustainability landscape and achievements in pursuit of the Central Coast’s ECO Destination certification with Ecotourism Australia. 

Central Coast Council Community & Recreational Services Director, Melanie Smith, said this year’s submission was Council’s first-ever entry to the National Banksia Sustainability Awards.

“Council is thrilled to be a finalist in this Award category, alongside four other nominees including the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Hunter Water Corporation, Life Unhurried, and Paradigm Foods,” Ms Smith said.

“Council’s Marketing and Tourism team’s submission titled ‘Rewilding Destination Marketing from the Inside Out’ illustrates an innovative sustainability journey, that has seen Council lead a regional commitment to reshaping and growing a successful evergreen destination marketing strategy with sustainability at the heart of it through rebranding as Love Central Coast.

“With the support of our dedicated tourism operators on the Central Coast pursuing ECO Certification and work by several strategic areas in Council, there is a unified approach to developing a meaningful destination brand ‘Love Central Coast’ with positive ripple effects on the economy, community and environment.

“ECO Destination status is helping to attract an increasing number of more conscious visitors seeking sustainable travel experiences. 

“These visitors stay longer, spend more, and are attracted to experiences that contribute to the local economy and connect with local culture, resulting in a more sustainable higher yielding visitor profile that is notable in the Central Coast’s latest visitor research. 

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the National Banksia Sustainability Awards, now in their 34th year, align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which form the foundation of Council’s Community Strategic Plan 2018-2028 and its ONE – Central Coast themes.

“Council is committed to working with key partners to advocate on behalf of our community,” Mr Hart said. 

“Ultimately, every person who lives on the Central Coast has an opportunity and responsibility to create a sustainable future from which everyone can benefit. 

“Working together we can make a difference.”

For more information visit Love Central Coast at lovecentralcoast.com.au/ecotourism