Central Coast Council has secured new funding to strengthen social connections and support inclusive communities across the region.
Central Coast Council has welcomed funding through the New South Wales Government’s Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government program to deliver Connected Communities, an initiative designed to strengthen community connections, particularly for people from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
The New South Wales Government’s Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government program is designed to strengthen local communities by building the capacity of community leaders and groups, measuring and monitoring social cohesion, and encouraging greater civic participation. It also supports cultural inclusion, helps create places and spaces that reflect diverse local identities and stories, and fosters strong partnerships and networks to reinforce social connection and resilience.
Central Coast Council’s Connected Communities focuses on strengthening inclusion and connection by gathering community insights, co-designing solutions and supporting community-based initiatives. The program supports Council’s commitment to fostering a prosperous and accessible place to live, work and play for current and future generations.
Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna, said the funding would help address local challenges and ensure the Central Coast remains welcoming and inclusive.
“Our community is home to people from many different backgrounds and life experiences, and that diversity strengthens who we are as a region,” 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 community needs and deliver programs that genuinely make a difference.
“Every person on the Coast deserves to feel welcomed, valued and able to contribute.”
As part of the 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 emerging community groups are heard.
Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith, said the partnership and community survey would help shape future programs.
“Our partnership with Mosaic Multicultural Connections strengthens our ability to engage inclusively with diverse communities and ensure emerging groups feel supported and empowered,” Smith said.
“Their insights are essential to shaping a more welcoming, connected Central Coast.
“The Connected Communities Survey is now open, giving residents the opportunity to share what belonging and safety mean to them.”
Council is inviting residents to complete the Connected Communities Survey, which closes on 19 April 2026.
The feedback will help Council better understand local experiences and plan future community programs.
For more information, or to take part in the survey, search ‘Connected Communities’ at yourvoiceourcoast.com.
