School holidays start next week, and once again Central Coast Council has lots of free and affordable activities and events. 

Council Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said our popular school holiday program is delivered from a range of facilities including the Gosford Regional Gallery, libraries, leisure centres and theatres.

“This winter we have a mix of activities to entertain and capture the interest all ages – from a supersized gym room, stop motion workshop, glow rooms, art and craft, gaming, indigenous virtual reality and lots more,” Ms Smith said.

“One of the highlights of this holiday program is the celebration of NAIDOC week through virtual reality technology, as the Pamagirri group transports viewers (in a full 360-degree view) to Far North Queensland where they will demonstrate songs, legends and art.

“Gosford Regional Gallery events often book out fast, and this winter program looks to be no different. Some events including expressive drawing for teens, Avatar mask painting, recycled paper weaving, and patterns in nature workshops. Our leisure centres once again have learn-to-swim programs running and water slides open in our heated pools, and other activities to keep young bodies active.

“Our Libraries are bringing back the ever popular glow room, gaming and crafts but this winter’s program is more than just fun and games. These holidays we are supporting students’ curricular activities by providing a range of STEAM programs, to bring an educational approach that combines science, technology, electronics, engineering, arts and maths with a mix of fun!

“We understand that students in year 12 are likely to be focused on their studies these holidays, so our libraries have study spaces for students and a free HSC talk discussing strategies to boost results; presented by Dr Bruce Dennet. He is co-author of 11 textbooks and has over 45 years teaching experience.”

To make it easy for parents and carers to find out what’s on and where, we’ve listed school holiday events on our website at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/whats-on

Council Administrator Rik Hart said the inclusive school holiday program has great activities without breaking the budget.

“With the cost of living a big concern for our community right now, I’m pleased that our school holiday events and activities are either free or affordably priced to help families entertain and keep their children busy,” Mr Hart said.

“Council’s school holiday program demonstrates the quality of Council’s community services that support families and foster creativity and community connectedness.” 

View the full school holiday program on Council’s event web page at 
centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/whats-on (select ‘school holiday’ as a category to refine listings).