Last night Central Coast Council won the Innovation in Special Events Award at the Annual RH Dougherty Awards held as part of Local Government Week

The Award recognises a special event produced and owned by a Council in the 2015 calendar year that delivered excellence in fulfilling its objective.

The first Wyong Lakes Festival made a big splash in November last year with a nine day program featuring sporting, family, cultural, educational and live music events on and surrounding the Tuggerah Lakes Catchment area.

When presenting the award for Council’s Wyong Lakes Festival, the Judges said the campaign was an outstanding, innovative event that had a great partnership approach to activating places and spaces as well as and generating significant economic returns for the region.

Council’s Manager Community Partnerships and Planning, Ms Julie Vaughan, was thrilled with the win and said it was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the events staff to make the dream a reality.

“We were committed to delivering a Festival that showcased the Lakes and we certainly delivered, attracting people from the Central Coast and beyond,” Julie said.

“We had five event hubs set up that were identified as being key locations in activating, educating and celebrating the Tuggerah Lakes system.

“Over the nine days we held 35 events that promoted our area and provided elements of participation that were free to spectators, with opportunities for others to participate.

“Some of the events included an evening light show on the lake and concert, breakfast by the lake, stand-up paddle boarding competition, skate competition, painting by the lake, art exhibitions, markets stalls, a triathlon and much more.”

Wyong Lakes Festival provided options for forging ground-breaking partnerships between many community groups, residents, business owners and sponsors across the Coast to activate and enliven the Tuggerah Lakes system.

“It was great the judges noticed the strong sustainability focus the Festival had as well as the partnerships we created to make this event a success,” Julie added.

“And it was a great success! We are already planning this year’s Festival and have more events locked in."

This year’s festival will run from 12-20 November 2016 and the program will be announced at the end of the month.