Central Coast Council\u2019s project \u2018The Rough Story\u2019: Three Initiatives to Prevent Homelessness was honoured at the NSW Local Government Professionals Australia Awards held in Sydney last night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, the \u2018Safer Cities \u2013 Her Way\u2019 project, aimed at improving the perception of safety for women, girls, and gender diverse people in public spaces around transport precincts, received a highly commended award. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018The Rough Story\u2019 was developed by Council in partnership with the Central Coast Homelessness Interagency to bring awareness to, and to address, homelessness on the Central Coast. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said it was an honour to be recognised among so many Councils across the state for such important, and impactful projects.
\u201cBehind every statistic is a real person with a unique story for why they have become homeless,” Ms Smith said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Central Coast Council is proud of our Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy. The Transitional Housing Pilot program utilises underused and vacant cottages owned by Council to provide a safe and supportive environment for homeless individuals, helping them transition into the private rental market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Furthermore, our Assertive Outreach Partnership has been working to connect rough sleepers with specialty homelessness services, ensuring they have access to housing options and crisis relief.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gosford was selected for Council\u2019s participation in the NSW Government\u2019s $30 million Safer Cities \u2013 Her Way program. By identifying areas where women, girls, and gender-diverse community members felt unsafe. Council used a co-design approach to identify and enhance the Gosford CBD and waterfront precinct. This will create safer connections and spaces for people who live, work, and play in the area. Council greatly appreciates the community’s participation in the co-design of this initiative which will inform planning for other locations on the coast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart praised the recognition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe recognition of these important community projects not only honours Council\u2019s hard work and dedication, but also underscores our commitment to creating a safer, more inclusive community,” Mr Hart said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Council is dedicated to supporting vulnerable people, including people experiencing hardship or homelessness across the Central Coast.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several Central Coast Council projects were also finalists at the Excellence Awards, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Asset and Infrastructure<\/strong> Community Development<\/strong> Community Partnerships<\/strong> Innovative Leadership<\/strong> Partnerships and Collaboration<\/strong> Risk Management<\/strong> Special Project Initiative<\/strong>
Mangrove Creek Dam Visitor Centre \u2013 Rebuilding after the Bushfires – Charmhaven Sewage Treatment Plant (CSTP) Aeration Tank Grit Removal Project<\/p>\n\n\n\n
‘Invisible Disability and Shared Pathways are for EVERYONE\u2019: changing attitudes\/ behaviours towards people with disabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
‘The Rough Story’: three initiatives to prevent homelessness on the Central Coast – WINNER<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Organisation leadership making it real – Customer experience is not a department, it’s everyone’s job!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Safer Cities: Her Way \u2013 How collaboration and partnerships revitalised Gosford city \u2013 HIGHLY COMMENDED<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond Compliance: Security of Critical Infrastructure (SOCI)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Community Memorial Trees – A Place for Always<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Central Coast Council\u2019s project \u2018The Rough Story\u2019: Three Initiatives to Prevent Homelessness was honoured at the NSW Local Government Professionals Australia Awards held in Sydney last night. Additionally, the \u2018Safer…","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7796,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","episode_type":"audio","audio_file":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","filesize_raw":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[41],"tags":[],"series":[115],"class_list":["post-7794","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-events","series-coffee-with-a-coastie"],"episode_featured_image":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastover55\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/local-awards.jpg","episode_player_image":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastover55\/wp-content\/plugins\/seriously-simple-podcasting\/assets\/images\/no-album-art.png","download_link":"","player_link":"","audio_player":false,"episode_data":{"playerMode":"dark","subscribeUrls":{"apple_podcasts":{"key":"apple_podcasts","url":"","label":"Apple Podcasts","class":"apple_podcasts","icon":"apple-podcasts.png"},"stitcher":{"key":"stitcher","url":"","label":"Stitcher","class":"stitcher","icon":"stitcher.png"},"google_podcasts":{"key":"google_podcasts","url":"","label":"Google Podcasts","class":"google_podcasts","icon":"google-podcasts.png"},"spotify":{"key":"spotify","url":"","label":"Spotify","class":"spotify","icon":"spotify.png"}},"rssFeedUrl":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastover55\/feed\/podcast\/coffee-with-a-coastie","embedCode":"Central Coast Council Wins Award for Homelessness Initiative!<\/a><\/blockquote>