Council is helping to improve the community’s health and wellbeing by bringing free talks and Buddhist mediation sessions to the local Library.Central Coast Libraries regularly host meditation sessions facilitated by a local Khedruje Kadampa Buddhist teacher.These sessions give the community an opportunity to experience mediation and learn about the Buddhist way of life firsthand.Council’s Library Services Manager, Ms Andrea Edwards said, the Buddhist sessions have proven to be extremely popular with local residents and shows there is a strong need for this type of event in the region.“Meditation has been proven to lessen worry, reduce stress and improve optimism and that is certainly what we want for our community,” said Ms Edwards.“If you are looking for ways to destress, improve your quality of life and develop inner peace meditation just might be what you need.“The next two sessions will talk about overcoming stress and solving life’s problems in this modern world we live in,” Ms Edwards added.“Meditation can be practiced by any member of the community, no matter what race, culture, gender or age so come and join us to experience a new way of life as everyone is welcome.“The next Khedruje Kadampa sessions are on 9 November at 2.30pm at Tuggerah Library and 6 December at 10.30am at Lake Haven Library.Booking for these sessions are essential and can be made by calling the library branches directly.

110 new parking spaces are being created close to the heart of Terrigal, with work commencing on the $2.7 million upgrade to the Wilson Road parking station.

The popular Bato Yard will be closed off in sections next week as maintenance works are carried out across the freestyle riding facility.Central Coast Council and Convic will be working on the Yard from Monday 7 to Friday 11 November.Works are being done to improve the Yard and users can expect temporary closures in certain areas during this time.Council apologises for any inconvenience during these works.Since opening in July, Bato Yard is used by hundreds of riders each day from when the lights come on at 5am until they switch off at 10pm.The facility is growing in popularity and has already secured three major events for the 2017 calendar.

It’s less than two weeks before the award-winning Wyong Lakes Festival kicks off its nine day program to entertain, delight and educate.Once again, Tuggerah Lakes will take centre stage when more than 30 events make a splash from 12-20 November.Council’s Event Officer, Ms Cobey Linsley, said the first weekend is set to light up The Entrance and will kick start the festival with a five hour lakeside event.“The festival kicks off with the Light up the Lake event on Saturday 12 November at Memorial Park and will be jam packed with great food, entertainment and activities,” Ms Linsley said.“We have a silent disco, photo booth, glow forest, roving entertainment that will light up, facepainting and much, much more.“But the highlight would be the main stage that will feature a line-up of artists including our headline act, Thirsty Merc.“The night will finish at 9pm with a firework spectacular over the lake and the best news of all, it’s free!”A brunch by the lake will be held the next morning, Sunday 13 November, where festival goers can indulge in a free breakfast.There will also be more free activities, a bubble pond and roving entertainment including a special appearance from the stilt lifesavers to enjoy.All eyes will be on the main stage in Memorial Park for the free music and entertainment including celebrity chef, Courtney Roulston, who we all know from MasterChef.Other events on the opening weekend include Painting by the Lake, Storytelling, Remondis Open Day, Colour Ya World, Saltwater Festival, Pedal to Paddle and the popular TriWyong.“The festival program is varied so it doesn’t matter whether your interest is sport or cultural experiences, family or educational activities or just getting out and enjoying the magnificent lakes and catchments, this festival is for you,” Ms Linsley addedCouncil’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said while the festival is fantastic for locals, it is expected to attract lots of visitors to the region as well.“With a full program of more than 30 free events, it’s no wonder our Festival is winning awards!” Mr Reynolds said.“The Festival is a great way for locals and visitors alike to take part in a wide range of interesting events and explore our beautiful lakes at the same time.”For a full program of events, visit wyong.nsw.gov.au/wyonglakesfestival