Central Coast Council has been recognised for Excellence in Communications at the Annual RH Dougherty Awards, held last night as part of NSW Local Government Week.

The Excellence in Communications Award, a state-wide category, sponsored by News Corp Australia, recognises a communication campaign or event that shifted community attitudes and behaviour to achieve special outcomes during the 2016 calendar year.

Council was awarded for their work on the successful opening of the popular Bato Yard in August 2016.

RH Dougherty Award judges were quoted as saying: “The opening of Bato Yard, the newest skate place on the Central Coast, was innovative, exciting, engaging and impressive.”

Council’s Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, agreed with the judges’ comments.

“I’m thrilled we have won this prestigious award – it’s a real testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff who came together and worked on this truly amazing project,” Ms Vaughan said.

“The successful collaboration between staff from different departments across Council was the catalyst to develop a creative communications campaign for an opening event that attracted more than 3,000 people!

“Since the opening of Bato Yard, there are countless riders using this international-standard facility from sunrise until the lights go out at 10pm.

“For those who haven’t seen this fantastic facility please make some time – its located opposite Bateau Bay Square at the EDSACC sporting precinct.”

“A huge congratulations to everyone involved in all facets of the Bato Yard project – this is a wonderful piece of recreational infrastructure for the Central Coast community.”

This year’s Local Government Week theme – Discovery, Diversity, Democracy – reflects the incredible breadth of activities carried out by councils across NSW.