Central Coast Council has won the Sport NSW Local Council of the Year Community Sports Award, which recognises contributions to the community in sport and active recreation.

The Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of community coaches, officials, administrators, organisations and local councils of the past year.

Central Coast Council was described as continuing to deliver innovative approaches to participation, access and inclusion and promotion of local sport and active recreation.

Council’s Unit Manager, Open Space and Recreation, Brett Sherar said the Award is a recognition of the outstanding efforts of many individuals and teams across Council.

“Our submission to the Awards highlighted the many ways we collaborate with local clubs, associations, and partners to not only promote our region's variety of sport and active recreation providers, but also connect our community with sports matching their own wants, needs, abilities and interests," Mr Sherar said.

“Significantly, despite enduring the highest number of COVID lockdown days outside Greater Sydney, Council provided over 34,000 opportunities for our community to engage in sport and recreation through the delivery of programs, lessons, initiatives, social sports sessions and the hosting of over 700 events across community, elite and professional sports.

“Council also provided opportunities for local sporting clubs or associations to receive support to implement adjustments to make their sport or active recreation programs more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities, with five local associations receiving assistance to provide modified equipment or deliver accessible programs in our community."

Mr Sherar added that Council’s investment into infrastructure and facilities which promote active lifestyles for all, including a combined $16m upgrade of 16 local sportsgrounds and facilities for netball, swimming, skating and amenities for all abilities, was also recognised.

“Council is committed to supporting all community members to have access to open spaces and recreational activities and supporting healthy lifestyles here on the Central Coast," Mr Sherar said.

ENDS

Central Coast Council's Community Sports Award Win, (L-R) Mick Dennis, Brett Sherar, Adam Kidd, Jodie Frost-Foster, David Norbury