Celebrated journalist and creator of the recently launched Coasties magazine, Amy Nelmes Bissett has been announced by Central Coast Council as the 2021 Australia Day Ambassador for the Central Coast.

A Central Coast local, Amy is a freelance writer, editor and digital content creator whose work is regularly featured in international publications including Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Refinery 29 and Grazia.

In September 2020 when COVID-19 restrictions were impacting businesses across the Central Coast, Amy launched the Coasties lifestyle magazine and website with an aim to inspire locals to support local.

Since then, Coasties has introduced the Coasties Card – a membership card which provides special deals and discounts to encourage the community to spend local across eateries, activities, and shopping, as well as beauty and wellness.

Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said that Amy has worked tirelessly to support local businesses through Coasties magazine, creating several platforms for the community to engage with and show support during difficult times.

“Australia Day Ambassadors are high achieving Australians who provide inspiration and pride to our local community, and there is no doubt that Amy fits this brief,” Ms Vaughan said.

“In a time when small businesses are struggling, Amy’s work through Coasties magazine has helped drive traffic into almost 400 local businesses, in just over three months!”

Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM congratulated Ms Nelmes on being selected for the special honour.

“Amy is certainly someone the community can look up to at our Australia Day events,” Mr Persson said.

“Not only is Amy a strong advocate of supporting local businesses, she has also established an impressive career in journalism, which has seen her words grace the pages of some of the world’s most reputable publications.”

As 2021 Australia Day Ambassador for the Central Coast, Amy will be attending and speaking at local Australia Day celebrations.

Following careful consideration of public safety, Central Coast Council will not be holding any public events or fireworks displays this Australia Day.

We encourage community members to keep safety at top of mind when planning Australia Day celebrations this year. This includes following current COVID restrictions, limiting group numbers and avoiding busy public spaces if possible.