Central Coast Council is celebrating National Youth Week, held from 16-24 April, with a wide range of events that will allow young people across the region to connect, build skills, show off their talents, be inspired – but most of all have fun! The theme this year is ‘Together More Than Ever’, encouraging young people aged 12-24 to express their ideas and views, act on issues that affect their lives as well as create and enjoy activities and events. Council Director Connected Communities Julie Vaughan said Council has collaborated with local young people and youth service providers to help create an incredible calendar of events.“Youth Week is a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on the contribution young people make to our community and allow for their voices to be heard,” Ms Vaughan said. “What makes Youth Week unique is events are organised for young people, by young people, which helps build lifelong skills that assist with future employment opportunities, while simultaneously ensuring events on offer are what young people want and need. “Whether you’re a skater, creator, athlete or simply want to connect and relax with friends, there is something on offer for all ages, interests and abilities.”Throughout the week there will be music events showcasing our talented local performers and musicians – including the grand final of Discovered – as well as creative skills and skate workshops, fitness activities, a workshop on how to start a social enterprise to help kick-start young people’s business ideas and more. Council Administrator Dick Persson AM said Youth Week provides an opportunity for all of us to celebrate the many and varied contributions of young people to our community. “There are over 50,000 local young people living on the Coast,” Mr Persson said. “We are committed to creating and providing opportunities for our young people to connect and access activities that are fun, showcase their talents as well as help them to build skills that they can use in the future.“With such a great range of activities, events and celebrations taking place, I would encourage our young people to find out what’s happening and get involved.”For a full copy of the Youth Week Calendar, visit Council's Youth Week event page. Oasis Youth Fest, Make Your Way and Create Youth Week events are funded through Department of Communities and Justice Youth Week 2021 Grant.

Central Coast Council Administrator, Mr Dick Persson AM has today released Mr Angus Gordon’s report ‘Review of The Entrance management Policies and Practices for the Central Coast Council’s Open Coast Lagoons’, supporting the key findings and all five recommendations made.Two weeks ago at the peak of the March floods, Mr Persson requested Council engage Mr Angus Gordan, Australia’s leading coastal engineering expert to review the policies and practices governing the open coast lagoons, particularly Tuggerah Lake, and provide recommendations if necessary on future management of the lake.

With the fine weather over the Easter weekend, Council crews continued clean-up efforts to restore the coast’s roads, waterways and foreshores following the recent severe weather.

Most Central Coast beaches, ocean baths and estuarine swimming locations will open for the long weekend, however Council is advising residents and visitors that they swim at their own risk.Copacabana, Killcare and Umina beaches will however remain closed due to water quality concerns.The following swimming locations will also remain closed:-    Avoca Lagoon-    Canton Beach -    Chain Valley bay -    Gwandalan -    Pearl Beach-    Summerland Point (Sandy beach).Due to the extreme wet weather conditions and flooding events, storm water pollution may be impacting all swimming sites.

The Sports Hub has launched providing a new comprehensive online directory which showcases the Central Coast’s variety of sport and active recreation opportunities and makes it easy for the community to find something that suits their needs, abilities and interests.This website is part of Activate Central Coast is an exciting new initiative developed in partnership between Council, the Office of Sport and Sport Central Coast to encourage our community to participate in sport and active recreation whilst also supporting local sport and active recreation businesses, clubs and associations.Council Director of Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said this initiative will provide a range of benefits for the Central Coast community.“It is well established that an active lifestyle contributes greatly to people’s wellbeing.

Central Coast Council’s Your Voice Our Coast online consultation hub provides opportunities for the coast community to have their say on projects that interest them.Projects open now for feedback include:Helen Reserve, Gorokan - dog park (until 31 March)Active Lifestyles Strategy (until 5 April)Policy for Development Application Functions (until 7 April)Draft Works-in-Kind Policies (until 16 April)Amended Code of Meeting Practice (until 21 April)Streets as Shared Spaces:

Central Coast Council’s premiere multicultural event, Flavours by the Sea, will return to The Entrance on Saturday 17 April, bringing the tastes, sights and sounds of the world to the Central Coast. Council Director Community and Recreation Services Julie Vaughan said community members and visitors are invited to come together for this special event that celebrates the rich cultural diversity of our region. “Flavours by the Sea is an opportunity to celebrate the many cultures that make up our community, embracing the ‘everyone belongs’ message of Harmony Day by showcasing sensational music, art and cuisine from across the world,” Ms Vaughan said. “While the event needs to look a little different this year due to restrictions, attendees will still be able to enjoy free live entertainment from Christine Anu, Salsa Kingz and Dogma, as well as community groups Afro Moses, the Multicultural Fijian Association and the China Australia Friendship Association.“Foodies will be excited to taste the flavours of the world at the Spanish, German and Vietnamese food stalls or enjoy a drink at the Six String Brewery Beer and Wine Bar.

Central Coast Council is delivering a jam-packed program of online and face-to-face activities and events throughout the April school holidays, giving Central Coast families plenty of ways to keep young minds entertained and bodies active over the Easter break. Parents, carers and guardians can head to the School Holidays what’s on page on Council’s website to see everything that’s taking place - from nature tours, live entertainment and escape rooms to sports challenges, Easter crafts and skills workshops, there’s something on offer for all ages, interests and abilities. All face-to-face programs will operate in a COVID-safe way, including limited numbers in each workshop to ensure the health and wellbeing of participants. Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/schoolholidays for the full list of events, details and bookings.What's on at our Town CentresBring the kids down to any of our four town centre locations for a range of fun activities for all ages.

People often ask me what it’s like to be Administrator of a Council.Clearly there are challenging aspects, particularly when hard and unpopular decisions need to be made.By far the biggest positive about the job is the ‘window’ it gives you into the community.

All Central Coast beaches will remain closed this weekend due to concerns over water quality and floating debris following the recent severe weather.All beaches and ocean baths will remain closed until Tuesday 30 March, while Central Coast Council conducts further water quality tests and inspections of local beaches.Council is strongly advising all residents and visitors not to swim or make contact with our waterways as it may be detrimental to health.Council will provide an update to the community early next week, once further water quality samples are analysed.

Central Coast Council is progressing plans to redevelop Green Point’s Sun Valley Park with the construction of a safe, functional, inclusive regional playspace.The project is proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Central Coast Council and is expected to be completed by June 2021.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said the vision of the redevelopment is to produce a regional playspace that will create opportunities for play and social engagement.“The community will benefit from upgrades to the basketball courts and carpark, as well as the construction of an inclusive regional playspace consisting of play equipment, park furniture, barbeques, drinking fountain, pathways, landscaping, fencing and a new amenity building,” Ms Vaughan said.Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the redevelopment would result in a safe, functional, high quality regional playspace for the Green Point community.“Providing this new community asset will encourage an active outdoor lifestyle for a wide range of ages and ability levels,” Mr Crouch said.“This is exactly what the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund is designed to deliver, and I’m thrilled to see it becoming a reality.”Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM said this project delivers on a number of community nominated goals outlined in Council’s Community Strategic Plan.“Council continues to listen to the community and delivering facilities and infrastructure based on community’s needs,” Mr Persson said.“The community can have confidence that important projects like this have been budgeted for as part of Council’s revised Operational Plan, and they will continue to progress as Council moves towards financial stability.”

Central Coast Council is reminding the community to jump online and fill out the survey on water, sewer and stormwater pricing by 28 March.Water, sewer and stormwater prices are set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

Central Coast Council is supporting emergency services and assessing the initial impact of the recent severe weather event on the Coast’s roads, water and sewer services and waterways.Council Acting Chief Executive Officer, Rik Hart said safety of road users and the community remains a priority, with crews on the ground surveying damage and responding to multiple incidents across the region.“As a result of the recent heavy rainfall and flooding across the Coast, many road surfaces have deteriorated due to water penetrating and weakening the underlying pavement.

Councillors to attend financial briefing and meeting with Council’s CEOAs the Order made by the Minister for Local Government under Sections 438M and 438O of the Local Government Act 1993 expires on 29 April 2021, it is appropriate that steps be taken to transition back to an elected Council.Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM said it was imperative that should Councillors return to office, they must understand their role and the systems that have been implemented to achieve good financial outcomes.“In my 30 day Interim Report I stated that Central Coast Councillors had not come to terms with the fundamental role of their position and their functions under the Local Government Act.

As of Monday morning, it is clear this major storm event will repeat the flooding of many of the homes damaged last year.

With a state of natural disaster declared for the Central Coast region, Central Coast residents are being advised to remain alert as severe weather continues to impact the region. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Weather Warning for Tuesday, which includes the Central Coast.

Following a weekend of very heavy rainfall and flooding across the Central Coast, Central Coast Council is urging residents to exercise caution when out on our roads, obey road warning and closure signs and avoid driving in and around floodwaters, with multiple local roads impacted by flooding. The Central Coast has experienced average rainfall of 350mm over the severe weather event, with expected moderate rainfall over the next few days.As at 5.45am this morning, flood levels at Tuggerah Lakes peaked at 1.52 metres and are currently at 1.48 metres and steady.

A selection of works from outstanding local ‘Makers and Creators’ will be featured across April as part of the inaugural creative activation 'Blank Canvas Central Coast'.Community members and visitors can experience and purchase works created by a group of world-class local artisans at pop-up retail spaces in Ettalong and Long Jetty.Central Coast Council Director Corporate Affairs, Natalia Cowley said ‘Blank Canvas’ is an exciting opportunity for local creators to take over a prime retail location.“This fantastic initiative is about providing a platform for local talent to showcase their bespoke work and reach new customers,” Ms Cowley said.“We have an impressive and growing creative community on the Coast but many of our makers and creators don’t have their own shop front – ‘Blank Canvas’ provides that opportunity."This project is fully funded through the Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery grants program, an Australian Government bushfire recovery initiative.Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM said featuring the work of talented locals would enhance the vibrancy of two major Central Coast town centres.“The ‘Blank Canvas’ pop-up shops are yet another reason for locals and visitors to head to Long Jetty and Ettalong,” Mr Persson said.“This initiative is a win-win for the Coast – not only are we creating employment pathways for local creators but we’re also helping to stimulate the local economy by driving visitation to two of our major business hubs.”A diverse selection of makers and creators will be featured across the month including indigenous artists Garry Purchase and Kylie Cassidy, surfwear designer Bird + Hill, Central Coast Drones, and fashion designer Carlie Ballard.The ‘Blank Canvas’ pop-up shops will be open from Thursday 1 April to Friday 30 April 2021 and are located at Long Jetty (Shop 11, 314-316 The Entrance Road) and Ettalong (199A Ocean View Road, Ettalong Beach, behind Lords of Pour).Find more information at lovecentralcoast.com/blankcanvas

With heavy rainfall expected to continue across the Coast today, Central Coast Council is reminding residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay well away from flood waters as it continues to respond to and monitor impacted areas across the region. Council Acting Chief Executive Officer Rik Hart said Council workers have been on the ground managing road closures, responding to water and sewer interruptions and supporting emergency services, as severe weather and flash flooding impacts the region.“250-300mm of rain has fallen across the Coast over recent days, with further rain expected today and over the next few days,” Mr Hart said.“As at 9am today, flood levels Tuggerah Lakes are at 1.32 metres and may reach around 1.50 metres by Sunday afternoon. “This is higher than the April 2015 flooding event when levels peaked at 1.45 metres, but less than the February 2020 event which reached 1.67 metres when many roads and properties were flooded.“The flood peak may last 12 to 24 hours and the lake level may remain above the minor flood level (0.90 metres) until late Monday.

Central Coast Council continues to monitor and respond to areas across the Central Coast impacted by heavy rainfall and flooding as part of the current severe weather event. Council workers have been on the ground managing road closures, responding to water and sewer interruptions, inspecting beaches for erosion issues and supporting emergency services.Residents requiring flood assistance or support can contact SES on 132 500.Council crews are securing some landslips, which have occurred today.