RDA Central Coast

14/10/2026

Showcasing Central Coast innovation on the national stage

Our Chair, Gail Cottrill, presented the Central Coast Food Innovation Hub at the National Economic Development Conference (NEDC 2026) in Hobart.

Hosted by Economic Development Australia, NEDC is Australia’s premier conference for economic development professionals, bringing together leaders, practitioners and urban planners committed to strengthening the prosperity and growth of our cities and regions.

The three-day program featured expert presentations, practical case studies, interactive panels, masterclasses, study tours and valuable networking opportunities. It was a fantastic opportunity to share the Central Coast’s innovative approach and connect with economic development professionals from across Australia.

Central Coast Industry Connect

11/10/2026

🌱 Australian-Grown Innovation Engage Session

Registrations are open for a free, practical innovation workshop for growers, producers, researchers and horticulture supply chain professionals.

Learn practical tools to test ideas, explore real-world horticulture innovation and connect with industry experts. No previous innovation experience is required.

📅 Tuesday 27 October 2026 | 10 am–2:30 pm
📍 Central Coast Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub, Ourimbah
🎟️ Free

Register now:

The Australian-Grown Innovation Program Engage workshop is a dynamic, in-person workshop designed for growers and supply chain participants to explore…

08/10/2026

Join AFAM ITAB for a free online webinar connecting NSW small businesses with government-funded skills, training, workforce and business support programs.
Hear directly from representatives across the NSW Government about practical programs, services and resources available to employers across agriculture, food and animal management industries.

Further Info:
https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/nsw-small-business-month/connecting-small-business-skills-support-opportunity

08/10/2026

Retail Butchery: Have Your Say

Retail butchery business owners, managers and industry stakeholders are invited to a free, face-to-face workshop at the Central Coast Food Manufacturing Hub.

Hosted as part of MINTRAC’s NSW Small Business Month initiatives, this free Industry Connect event will share practical business support programs and industry insights to help shape the future of the red meat processing sector.

The Retail Butchery Stream will cover:
• Retail Butchery - Buying or selling a business
• Food Safety & Hygiene
• Leveraging Social Media
• Workplace Safety

Connect with industry peers, share your perspective and access practical information to support your business.

Have your say and be part of the conversation.

Further info & to register:
https://mintrac.com.au/events/view/mintrac-industry-connect-nsw-central-coast

07/10/2026

Building with AI but unsure how to take your idea live?
Join Gosford Innovation Hub’s Lunch + Learn and discover how to turn an idea into a deployable MVP—fast.

Matt and Sahil will lead a practical masterclass on using AI to build something that is easy to launch and ready for developer support when you need it.

Let’s get your idea live!

Stay afterwards for networking and a free lunch.

LUNCH + LEARN: From Vibecoding to Developer
• Tuesday 13 October
• 12 pm–1 pm, followed by networking and lunch
• Gosford Innovation Hub, Level 2, Gosford Library

Book your place:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/lunch-learn-gosford-innovation-hub-tickets-1985403924584?aff=oddtdtcreator

06/10/2026

Celebrate local creativity at Art at Work 2026! 🎨

As part of the Festival of Creativity, more than 20 local artists will showcase original paintings, prints, ceramics, sculptures and more at The Red Tree Theatre in Tuggerah.

Explore the exhibition, enjoy artist workshops and demonstrations, and purchase original works directly from the artists—without commercial gallery mark-ups. A gift shop will also feature a broad selection of smaller works.

📅 16 October–1 November 2026
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am–3pm
📍 The Red Tree Theatre
2/160–162 Pacific Highway, Tuggerah NSW 2259

Come along and celebrate the creativity of our community!

Further information https://www.artatwork.org.au/exhibition/2026-festival-of-creativity/

02/10/2026

BizCover Tools of the Trade Grant

Are you an apprentice or trainee who needs essential tools and safety equipment? The BizCover Tools of the Trade Grant awards $1,000 each month to help eligible tradies across Australia build their toolkit and kick-start their careers.

Open to apprentices and trainees aged 18+ who are studying through TAFE or a registered training provider and undertaking an Australian trade qualification.

Applications close: 11:59pm, Wednesday 31 March 2027.

Learn more and apply:

The BizCover Tools of the Trade Grant helps tradespeople get the equipment they need to start their careers with confidence. $1,000/mo. 1 winner/mo.

30/09/2026

RDA Central Coast CEO visited ’s Point Clare facility today, catching up with Fairhaven CEO Sam Sooialo and touring the organisation’s impressive operations.

From its extensive op shop to the Fare Cravin’ Cafe and Green Pathways Nursery, the facility showcases the many ways Fairhaven supports the Central Coast community.

For more than 60 years, the not-for-profit registered disability provider has been creating opportunities and making a positive local impact.

29/09/2026

Congratulations on your appointments!

📢 Central Coast Council has elected a new Mayor and Deputy Mayor

At today's Extraordinary Council Meeting, Councillor John McNamara was elected Mayor of the Central Coast, with Councillor Rachel Stanton elected Deputy Mayor.

Congratulations to both councillors on their appointment.

Council also extends its sincere thanks to outgoing Mayor, Councillor Lawrie McKinna and outgoing Deputy Mayor, Councillor John Mouland for their leadership and service to the Central Coast community.

29/09/2026

Regional Not-for-Profit Scholarship 2026–27

The Australian Institute of Company Directors is offering up to 175 scholarships for new and aspiring directors and leaders of small to medium regional not-for-profit organisations. The scholarship covers the full cost of AICD’s 1.5-day Governance Foundations for Not-for-Profit Directors course, valued at up to $1,800, with NSW programs available in Wollongong and Gosford as well as online.

Eligible applicants must be aged 18 or over, an Australian citizen or permanent resident and involved with an organisation with annual income below $3 million.

More information:
https://www.aicd.com.au/courses-and-programs/scholarships/nfp-scholarship.html