The Central Coast’s reputation as a gourmet foodie destination continues to grow with the Central Coast named ‘Outstanding Region’ in this year's delicious Harvey Norman Produce Awards.
 
The Award announced on 18 August, is the latest in a string of achievements by Central Coast Council and the Destination Central Coast team that are elevating the region nationally and globally as a world-class destination to live, work and play.
 
Spokesperson for Destination Central Coast and Council Director, Melanie Smith said it was thrilling that the work the team has been doing to support and grow the visitor economy is being recognised at such high levels, particularly in the food, wine and gourmet experiences sector.
 
“In a relatively short period of time since bringing the function of tourism marketing and management in-house in July 2020, Council has developed a powerful Destination Central Coast brand that has united our industry, elevated our tourism offering and is turning heads.
 
“This latest accolade puts the spotlight on our brilliant producers, restaurateurs and our foodie industry, which the team have been focusing on growing and developing.
 
“From research we knew that food and gourmet experiences was the second biggest reason for travel and yet the traveller perception for the Central Coast was that our food and wine offerings were ‘stuck in the 70s’ with 0 percent of survey respondents believing they could have a quality food experience in region.
 
“We knew this wasn’t a true reflection of the Central Coast industry, considering we had several Hatted restaurants and many casual dining options that wouldn’t be out of place in Surry Hills. So the team have worked to tell the Central Coast foodie story better and this award is recognition of their success.
 
“The team are continually finding new ways to support industry opportunities and grow the visitor economy – I congratulate them, and our passionate local operators who bring our region to life through great produce, on this fantastic achievement.”
 
Since the Love Central Coast brand launched, Council has propelled the Central Coast region onto the world stage receiving a number of accolades including:

• ECO Destination Certification, one of only four regions in Australia and second in NSW.
• Central Coast named in Green Destinations’ international 2021 Top 100 Sustainability Stories list. The only NSW Destination to be named and one of only five Australia-wide.
• Highly Commended ‘NSW Local Government Excellence Awards – Special Project Initiative’ for Love Central Coast
• Bronze Award ‘Local Government Award for Tourism’ at the NSW Tourism Awards 2021
• 3 x Finalist ‘Top Tourism Town’ in the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards 2022 (Long Jetty, Wyong and Woy Woy)
• Winner ‘Most Compelling Itinerary’ at the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards 2021
• Finalist in Wotif's Aussie Town of the Year Awards 2021

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said he was proud that the Central Coast visitor economy is supported by such a strong, resourceful and passionate Marketing and Tourism team at Council.
 
“The past few years have seen the Central Coast impacted by severe weather events and an ongoing pandemic. Tourism is a growing industry on the Central Coast, and key to helping the Central Coast economy recover and flourish.
 
“The Marketing and Tourism team have been able to develop a brand that resonates with locals and visitors to the region, and one which has shown resilience throughout recent emergency situations. We have a clear roadmap for the continued growth and development of the visitor economy, and look forward to continuing our work with the tourism industry, tourism funding bodies and other regional stakeholders to ensure the success of the Central Coast.”
 
In its 17th year, the Harvey Norman Produce Awards delicious are Australia’s most prestigious food industry campaign celebrating the country’s new, innovative, native and consistently outstanding Australian ingredients grown, caught, sourced or produced with dedication, passion, knowledge and regard for the environment.
 
The ‘Outstanding Region’ award recognises an Australian region or place that has successfully established itself as an outstanding culinary destination.
 
Learn more about the Central Coast’s unique makers, creators, producers and innovators at lovecentralcoast.com