Central Coast Council’s project ‘The Rough Story’: Three Initiatives to Prevent Homelessness was honoured at the NSW Local Government Professionals Australia Awards held in Sydney last night.

Additionally, the ‘Safer Cities – Her Way’ project, aimed at improving the perception of safety for women, girls, and gender diverse people in public spaces around transport precincts, received a highly commended award.

‘The Rough Story’ was developed by Council in partnership with the Central Coast Homelessness Interagency to bring awareness to, and to address, homelessness on the Central Coast.

Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said it was an honour to be recognised among so many Councils across the state for such important, and impactful projects.

“Behind every statistic is a real person with a unique story for why they have become homeless," Ms Smith said.

"Central Coast Council is proud of our Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy. The Transitional Housing Pilot program utilises underused and vacant cottages owned by Council to provide a safe and supportive environment for homeless individuals, helping them transition into the private rental market.

"Furthermore, our Assertive Outreach Partnership has been working to connect rough sleepers with specialty homelessness services, ensuring they have access to housing options and crisis relief.”

Gosford was selected for Council’s participation in the NSW Government’s $30 million Safer Cities – Her Way program. By identifying areas where women, girls, and gender-diverse community members felt unsafe. Council used a co-design approach to identify and enhance the Gosford CBD and waterfront precinct. This will create safer connections and spaces for people who live, work, and play in the area. Council greatly appreciates the community's participation in the co-design of this initiative which will inform planning for other locations on the coast.

Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart praised the recognition.

“The recognition of these important community projects not only honours Council’s hard work and dedication, but also underscores our commitment to creating a safer, more inclusive community," Mr Hart said.

"Council is dedicated to supporting vulnerable people, including people experiencing hardship or homelessness across the Central Coast."

Several Central Coast Council projects were also finalists at the Excellence Awards, including:

• Asset and Infrastructure
  Mangrove Creek Dam Visitor Centre – Rebuilding after the Bushfires - Charmhaven Sewage Treatment Plant (CSTP) Aeration Tank Grit Removal Project
• Community Development
  'Invisible Disability and Shared Pathways are for EVERYONE’: changing attitudes/ behaviours towards people with disabilities.
• Community Partnerships
  'The Rough Story': three initiatives to prevent homelessness on the Central Coast - WINNER
• Innovative Leadership
  Organisation leadership making it real - Customer experience is not a department, it's everyone's job!
• Partnerships and Collaboration
  Safer Cities: Her Way – How collaboration and partnerships revitalised Gosford city – HIGHLY COMMENDED
• Risk Management
  Beyond Compliance: Security of Critical Infrastructure (SOCI)
• Special Project Initiative
  Community Memorial Trees - A Place for Always

ENDS