The Central Coast Community Congress is an ongoing partnership between Gosford and Wyong Councils, various State Government agencies, the Central Coast Community Council, Central Coast Neighbourhood and Community Centres Forum, the Benevolent Society and various community members to strengthen and nuture communities on the Central Coast.

The Community Congress working party is involved in many projects aimed at building healthy communities across the Central Coast. 

Along with projects the Congress Working Party organises a bi-annual Community Conference.  CONGRESS 2008 was held at Gosford Race Course, 12th & 13th August 2008.  Over 300 delegates participated in the Conference this year making our 4th Congress Conference a huge success.

The 3^rd Annual Real People Doing Real Things Community Building Awards were held on Thursday 23^rd October at Terrigal Surf Club. More than 200 people attended to celebrate those from the community taking steps to find solutions to issues within their communities, using their community’s own strengths and assets. 

After the success of last year, the Central Coast Community Congress Working Party (CCCCWP)looked forward to awarding more people, groups, and businesses doing community building through the Central Coast region.

Community Building is about people from the community taking steps to find solutions to issues within their own communities, using their community’s own strengths and assets.  This can involve anyone from an individual through to government or business groups in either paid or unpaid capacities. 

With over 60 nominations this year the judging panel had a difficult time in selection and some categories were so close that a "Highly Commended" Award was also presented 

This year’s award winners are:

Individual In a voluntary capacity  Yvonne Lamont - founder of WOW Girls (Waves of Wisdom)

Highly commended awarded to 

 - Karen Knight - Coordinator of Brooke Avenue Public School Good Start Breakfast Club

- Sue Bournes for work with 2261 Out of the Box Program

Award Sponsored by Frazer Howard and Partners

Individual in a paid capacity Nada Potter - Coordinator Chertseydale Schools as Community Centres

Highly Commended awarded to Collette Baron - Coordinator Leadership Program Central Coast Community Council

Award Sponsored by Gosford City Council

Project within a Government organization – Housing NSW (Building Stronger Communities at Killarney Vale & Tumbi Umbi)

Award Sponsored by Central Coast Community Congress

Project within a Business – Shelley’s Surf Bar Restaurant for providing disability access key to local playground

Award Sponsored by The Benevolent Society

Not-for-Profit organisation – Central Coast Multicultural Children’s Resource Centre

Award Sponsored by NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet

Voluntary group/organisation – Kincumber Men’s Shed

Award Sponsored by Housing NSW

Art & Culture  - Yakkalla Theatre Group

Highly Commended awarded to Nick Baron for work with Coastfest

Award Sponsored by Wyong Shire Council

Young person (12-25 years of age) – Jasmine Hodgson (aged 13)

Award Sponsored by Central Coast Community Congress

The selection panel consisted of 2 members of the CCCCWP, 2 of last year’s nominees and an independent judge from the Premier’s Department.

Further Information

Further information is also available from Jodi Livesley, Community & HACC Development Officer on 4304 7072 or email jodi.livesley@gosford.nsw.gov.au. 

For more information on these projects and the Community Congress please visit www.communitycongress.org