Central Coast Council has welcomed funding through the NSW Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government to deliver ‘Connected Communities’ – an initiative designed to strengthen community connections, particularly supporting people from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
The grant is part of a state-wide program designed to support local councils to build stronger, more resilient and more cohesive communities by addressing issues like hate, division and social isolation.
Connected Communities focuses on strengthening inclusion and connections by gathering community insights, co-designing ways forward and supporting community-based initiatives. It supports Council’s commitment to fostering a prosperous and accessible place to live, work and play for today and future generations.
Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said funding for the Connected Communities initiative will help Council address local challenges and is important to ensure that the Central Coast remains a place where everyone feels safe, valued and able to contribute.
“Our community is home to people from many different backgrounds and life experiences and that diversity strengthens who we are as a region,” Mayor McKinna said.
“This initiative plays a vital role in building Council’s capability to design, implement and evaluate social cohesion initiatives. It helps us better understand the needs of our community and deliver programs and initiatives that genuinely make a difference.
“Every person on the Coast deserves to feel welcomed, valued and able to contribute.”
As part of this initiative, Council is partnering with Mosaic Multicultural Connections – a not-for-profit organisation supporting culturally diverse communities across the Hunter and Central Coast – to deepen grassroots engagement and ensure that emerging community groups have their voices heard.
Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said that this survey will help shape future programs and initiatives.
“Our partnership with Mosaic Multicultural Connections strengthens our ability to engage inclusively with diverse communities and ensure emerging groups feel supported and empowered. Their insights are essential to shaping a more welcoming, connected Central Coast,” Ms Smith said.
“The Connected Communities Survey is now open, giving all residents the opportunity to share what belonging and safety mean to them.”
Council is inviting all residents to complete the Connected Communities Survey, closing on 19 April 2026.
This survey will help us understand experiences of local people and better plan ways forward.
For more information, or to take part in the survey, search ‘Connected Communities’ at yourvoiceourcoast.com.