We’ve been working with young people across the Central Coast to create a new Youth Strategy for 2026–2031. Now we're asking you to let us know if we’ve got it right.
The Youth Strategy is Council’s 5-year plan for young people. It guides how we will work with young people, youth services, schools and the community to create programs, spaces and activities that matter to young people.
It aims to make the Central Coast a place where young people feel supported, included and heard and can shape decisions that affect them.
This Strategy is based on what young people told us matters most.
We heard from over 550 people across the Central Coast through surveys, workshops and pop-ups.
We heard from a diverse range of young people, including:
Some of the biggest themes we heard were:
That feedback helped shape:
A Central Coast where every young person feels valued, supported and empowered to thrive.
Young people shared a vision of a region where they experience belonging, wellbeing, opportunity, connection, a strong voice and sense of pride.
Our vision places young people at the centre of community life, recognising their strengths and potential as key to the region’s future
Our work is grounded in a set of guiding principles that reflect what young people told us matters most. These principles shape how we plan, make decisions and work alongside young people across the Central Coast.
Youth Voice at the Centre
Young people’s voices, ideas, lived experiences and leadership are central to our decisions, programs and advocacy for youth-related initiatives.
Equity, Inclusion and Diversity
Every young person regardless of background, identity, ability, gender or circumstance has the right to feel safe, respected, valued and able to participate fully in community life.
Connection, Belonging and Wellbeing
Strong relationships, cultural safety and community connection are essential to building resilience, emotional wellbeing and fosters positive youth development.
Opportunity and Growth
Young people should have equitable access to learning, creativity, employment and pathways that support a positive future.
Partnership and Collaboration
Council, community organisations, the youth services sector, schools, local industry, tertiary education providers and young people work together to create meaningful and lasting change.
Accountability and Transparency
We commit to clear actions, shared responsibility and ongoing improvement, ensuring young people can see the impact of our work.
Belonging, inclusion and voice are central to young people feeling connected to their community. This focus area supports safe and inclusive environments and opportunities for leadership, celebration and co-design, ensuring diverse youth voices shape decisions that affect them.
Feeling safe, supported and respected is essential for young people to thrive. This focus area strengthens environments, services and partnerships that promote physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
Young people can build skills and access education, training and employment pathways that support independence, financial wellbeing and long-term security.
Affordable housing, transport and opportunities for active living enable young people to participate fully in community life. This focus area supports access to the spaces, services and activities that keep young people healthy and connected.
A healthy environment that supports the wellbeing and future prosperity of young people. This focus area encourages sustainable practices, climate awareness and opportunities for young people to contribute to a greener, more resilient Central Coast.
A strong, connected and capable youth sector that supports the wellbeing and success of young people. This focus area strengthens collaboration, builds sector capacity and improves coordination across the Central Coast.
Complete the quick poll below to share your feedback on the draft Youth Strategy!
If you have more to say about the draft Youth Strategy, we want to hear it!
You can share any further feedback on the Strategy by:
You can share your feedback until 29 June 2026.
Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback in our first round of engagement. We heard from over 550 young people, youth workers and community members, and your feedback was thoughtful, honest and powerful.
Support for mental health, feeling safe, valued and connected and having a sense of belonging in the community.
Access to affordable, local and youth-friendly activities and events that support connection and wellbeing.
Safe, welcoming and well-designed public spaces where young people can gather, relax and spend time.
Education pathways, access to jobs, skills development and support for major transitions such as primary to high school, study to work or alternative post school options and independent living.
Protecting the natural environment, responding to climate change and caring for local places such as beaches, lakes and bushland.
Reliable, affordable and safe transport to access education, work, services and opportunities.
View the full engagement report to learn more!
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Central Coast Council is building a new Youth Strategy, and we need your help!
Between August and October 2025, we asked young people aged 12-24, youth sector professionals and interested community members to share what matters to them, and how Council can make the coast even better for young people.
You could get involved by completing the survey or adding a comment to the ideas board below.
Pick a category (or multiple!) and share your thoughts and ideas.
😃 I enjoy… what's great about being a young person on the Coast? 😃
🤞 I hope… what do you want to see change or improve? 🤞
✨ I dream of… what ideas do you have to make the Coast even better for young people? ✨
30 October, 2025
Anonymous says:
To see more community spaces opened to the community. More markets, more fun day outings for kids. Make the central coast lively again!
30 October, 2025
Anonymous says:
I hope to see more 24 hour study spaces for students on the Coast, especially for those who don’t live near Gosford !
26 October, 2025
Anonymous says:
Better playgrounds and more inclusive. We need a waterpark.
24 October, 2025
Anonymous says:
I hope that there is more attractions like theme parks and more family friendly free activities to do on the central coast 2259 2263
24 October, 2025
Anonymous says:
The central coast has amazing family friendly climbing areas across the LGA. This includes roped climbing and bouldering.
23 October, 2025
Anonymous says:
I enjoy living on the Coast, the beaches, local markets & friendly people make it the best place for young families.
20 October, 2025
Anonymous says:
i'd love to see more bar/club options on the coast and more reliable public transport
20 October, 2025
Anonymous says:
more opportunities and experiences. more cafes and trendy culturally diverse places. you have to now travel to newcastle or sydney
20 October, 2025
Anonymous says:
Would love to see more free, youth-friendly and youth-focused events — like organised activities, tournaments and community hangouts!
18 October, 2025
Anonymous says:
I hope the council can clean our beaches of seaweed every morning so we can have clean beaches
18 October, 2025
Anonymous says:
I dream of safe & free spaces for young people to spend their time together, offline & face to face with their friends
18 October, 2025
Anonymous says:
I hope the coast gets a better public transport system for going out at night. I also wish there was more options for bars and clubs in tez
Survey open
Attend Council's Youth Day Out event and chat with the youth team about the strategy!
Location: Bato Yard - Bateau Bay Skatepark 460 The Entrance Rd Bateau Bay NSW 2261
Central Coast Council collects information on the Your Voice Our Coast website to understand community views and help inform Council decisions. Providing information is voluntary. If you provide feedback anonymously, Council will not be able to contact you further.
Your feedback will be accessed by authorised Council officers and may be shared within Council, and with Council’s agents and contractors, where lawful and necessary to support Council functions and service delivery. Any written feedback may also be de-identified and published in reports.
Your personal information will be kept in Council's Information Management System in accordance with the relevant legislation. Council's address is 2 Hely Street Wyong NSW 2259. Your information will also be held by Open Point (the Your Voice Our Coast platform provider) and Council recommends you read their privacy statement.
You may access, correct or update your personal information by visiting Council’s website, contacting Council's Privacy Contact Officer on 02 4306 7900 or by sending an email to ask@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au.
Information is managed in line with:
For more information, view our Privacy Policy.
Have questions or want to learn more about a current engagement project? Contact us below:
| Name | Community Engagement Team |
|---|---|
| engagement@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au | |
| In writing | PO Box 20, Wyong, NSW, 2259 |
For general feedback and enquiries about Council, contact Customer Service:
| Name | Customer Service Team |
|---|---|
| Phone | 02 4306 7900 |
| ask@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au | |
| Website | centralcoastcouncil.custhelp.com |
| In writing | PO Box 20, Wyong, NSW, 2259 |
