Central Coast Council has won the Environmental Leadership and Sustainability award at the 2018 NSW Local Government Awards for its Tuggerah Lakes Digital Resource and Communication Program.

The Council was also named Highly Commended in the Creative Communities category for its work with the community on the Maliga Indigenous Arts and Cultural Showcase.

The NSW Local Government Awards are hosted by Local Government Professionals Australia, NSW and are hotly contended. They shine the spotlight on excellence in the NSW local government sector, recognise outstanding achievements and promote innovation and continuous improvement.

As part of its Estuary Education Program for Tuggerah Lakes, the Council produced new and innovative education resources for the community including two free Multi-Touch Books for iPads – A first for an Australian Local Government – and three short films narrated by local children and featuring community members and staff. The films were screened at local cinemas and have been viewed by more than 121,000 residents.

The Maliga (‘shine’ in Darkinjung) Indigenous Arts and Cultural Showcase was held at The Art House during Reconciliation Week and this year included a new category for children aged 3-5. Over the past five years Maliga has enabled over 200 young Indigenous people on the Coast to share and interpret cultural stories that lead to their growth and development, guided and mentored by community leaders and recognised artists.

Central Coast Council Acting Chief Executive Officer, Brian Glendenning, said winning these awards was a great achievement for the Council that was only made possible because of the support of the Coast community.

“I am delighted that Central Coast Council has received these two awards and been recognised for our dedication to sustainability as well as our excellence in bring together communities through art and cultural creative projects.” Mr Glendenning said.

“We are dedicated to improving our community and to providing quality services to residents on the Coast. The NSW Local Government Excellence Awards are some of the most prestigious awards in the local government sector and I commend the teams involved in these key projects.

“Council was also named a finalist in four other categories: Innovative Leadership & Management for Central Coast Future Council, Community Partnerships and Collaboration for Harvest Festival Central Coast, Special Project Initiative for the Central Coast Community Strategic Plan and Service Delivery Initiative for Desexing Saves Lives – Responsible Pet Ownership on the Coast.

“Our success is only possible because of our dedicated staff who work hard to deliver these great programs and the supportive and passionate community who work with us to make the Central Coast the amazing place it is.”

For more information on Council’s free Multi-Touch Books for iPads, Maliga or on Central Coast Council visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au