Central Coast Council has announced a brand new, four-part innovation series that will roll out free events across 2020. The purpose of the series is to unearth shared community and industry ideas and encourage the Central Coast community to consider how innovation could improve the region and generate local solutions.

The first of the four-part series, ‘Big and Bold Ideas,’ will be held on 20 February 2020 at The Entertainment Grounds in West Gosford. The free event is open to anyone, including students, who have ideas for how to improve innovation on the Central Coast as well as surrounding areas including Sydney, the Hunter region and Lake Macquarie.

Council Executive Manager Innovation and Futures, Ricardo Martello said the flagship series of events will use a new open engagement model to explore the big question – what are the big opportunities on the Central Coast?

"The format of the events aims to encourage two-way conversations and diverse thinking with opportunities for break-out sessions, networking and group discussions, fuelled by disruptive and thought-provoking keynote speakers," Mr Martello said.

“Whether you’re a business owner, an entrepreneur, a school student or just someone who’s passionate about the growth of our community, then this event is for you.

“We want people to bring their ideas and open their eyes to potential growth, collaboration and opportunities."

To kick off the event, attendees will hear from Belinda Campbell Comninos and Michael Comninos from Sydney-based Astrolabe Group, a strategic consultancy firm who use strategy, engagement, research and technology to work with their clients to manage change and deliver a positive impact for people and places.

Attendees will also hear from disruptive thinker, Richard Duncan of Liminal Solutions, who will share his insights and practical tools to help deliver innovation in communities whilst empowering attendees to think out of the box.

The final speaker will be Jessica Christiansen-Franks, co-founder and CEO of Melbourne-based Neighbourlytics, a global urban tech company drawing on public social data to capture the digital footprint of cities, giving real-time insight into neighbourhood life. She’ll open attendees’ eyes to what’s possible for the Central Coast’s urban and modern landscape.

“We’re excited to be bringing this series to the Central Coast community. It’s the perfect platform for our residents to have their say and bring their innovative ideas to light”, said Central Coast Mayor Lisa Matthews.

The ‘Big and Bold Ideas’ event is to be held Thursday 20 February 2020 from 8-11.30am in the Panorama Room, The Entertainment Grounds, 4 Racecourse Road, West Gosford. The event will be accessible for people, with lift access to the Panorama Room and an Auslan interpreter will be in attendance.

Council encourages people to register their attendance in advance.

Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/bigideas and follow the prompts to register.