Business NSW - Central Coast

Last Wednesday, Business NSW - Central Coast hosted 120 industry leaders, government representatives, and regional stakeholders for the Business NSW Central Coast Visitor Economy Forum. The forum focussed on the NSW Government’s ambitious Visitor Economy Strategy, which aims to position NSW as the premier visitor destination in the Asia-Pacific by 2030, with regional communities projected to share in a $44 billion economic windfall. Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna officially opened the event, followed by keynote addresses from David Farmer, CEO of Central Coast Council, Rachael Glendinning, Industry Relations Manager Tourism Australia, and Hayley Peacock-Gower from the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner. We had the privilege of hearing from a diverse group of expert panellists who shared valuable insights on key topics: ✔️ Amplifying our cultural tourism ✔️ Enhancing current and future accommodation and conferencing capabilities ✔️ Creating unique, sellable experiences through collaboration ✔️ Maximising opportunities in the night time economy It was truly inspiring to see so many industry leaders come together, united by the shared vision of boosting our regional visitor economy. Aligning with the Central Coast Visitor Economy Forum and in partnership with Gosford Erina Business Chamber, we were thrilled to announce the launch of the 2025 Central Coast Visitor Economy Awards, set to debut in late January 2025! These awards will celebrate the very best of Central Coast tourism, showcasing operators and businesses that demonstrate dedication, innovation, and exceptional customer service across 17 categories. With a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and eco-tourism, they will spotlight the region's commitment to excellence in the visitor economy. More information on this exciting awards program will be revealed soon! Thank you to our event partners Central Coast Council and Gosford Erina Business Chamber and venue host, Drifters Wharf for your warm hospitality. 📸 Michael Wolfe Scott Goold / Paula Martin / Ashleigh Papasavvas / Zoe Bose / Amanda Denichilo

⚠The Business Conditions Survey closes this Monday, 11th November at 11:59 pm Central Coast businesses, your participation in past surveys has provided crucial insights into our region’s unique challenges and opportunities. As the festive season approaches, we want to know how your business is doing. The 5minute survey will help us champion your needs and identify valuable support opportunities. 👉 https://lnkd.in/g9V4rGXZ Paula Martin / Sherman Chan / Scott Goold / Ashleigh Papasavvas / Amanda Denichilo

What are your plans next Wednesday morning? Join us for breakfast at Drifters Wharf, overlooking the sparkling Gosford Waterfront, for the 2024 Central Coast Visitor Economy Forum. Tourism is set to become the $91 Billion Dollar cornerstone of the NSW Economy. The accelerated growth is expected to provide a big economic windfall for regional communities, with $44 billion (48%) of the $91 billion expected to be spent in Regional NSW. THE FORUM WILL:  🔵 Bring together existing and emerging tourism stakeholders. 🔵 Create a cohesive narrative for the Central Coast, showcasing our strengths and competitive advantages in the tourism and visitor economy space. 🔵 Spotlight challenges, identify areas for improvement, and explore growth opportunities. 🔵 Provide industry-specific input to inform Central Coast Council’s Destination Management Plan. 🔵 Offer game-changing insights on how AI is reshaping tourism marketing strategies. Book your seat here 👉🏼 https://lnkd.in/gpVisuCa Paula Martin / Scott Goold / Ashleigh Papasavvas / Amanda Denichilo / Zoe Bose / Lee Toomey / Barbara Ketley / Gosford Erina Business Chamber

Is your business feeling the inflation slowdown yet? Last quarter’s Business Conditions Survey identified major barriers to expansion, including high costs and low customer demand. With the headline CPI reading at 2.8%, consumer confidence may be on the rise. As we approach the festive season, we want to hear how your business is faring. Participate in our 5-minute survey to help us advocate for you and unlock potential support. 👉🏼 https://lnkd.in/g9V4rGXZ Scott Goold / Ashleigh Papasavvas / Amanda Denichilo

Last Wednesday, Business NSW Central Coast hosted the Central Coast Housing Summit – Building for the Future event at the newly renovated Gosford RSL Club. Industry leaders, developers, and policymakers gathered to discuss transformative housing opportunities, with a focus on infill, medium to high-density, and affordable housing for the Central Coast. The event began with opening remarks from Scott Goold Regional Director of Business NSW, followed by an insightful welcome message from newly elected Mayor Lawrie McKinna. The Hon. David Harris MP – Minister for the Central Coast, officially opened the event and shared his vision for government support in addressing the housing crisis. Other key speakers included: David Borger – Business Western Sydney, who provided an update from the Western Sydney Housing Now! model. Kevin Stanley - CBA, discussed key commercial factors driving future development and provided insights into the current state of the economy Daniel Simpkins – Prometheus Planning, discussing mixed-density focus areas on the Central Coast. Scott Rudgley – ALAND, provided an update on the Archibald development in Gosford's CBD, highlighting its success story and imminent completion. Ian Lynch – Pacific Link Housing offered valuable insights, clarifying what affordable housing truly means and debunking common misconceptions surrounding it. Madeline Neely – Pacific Link Housing, provided an overview on the Pacific Link project. Thomas Copping – Vivacity, unveiled plans for the redevelopment of the Oasis Caravan Park in Kanwal with 15% of the planned 675 appartments designated for affordable housing. Iain Wood – Conscious Investment Management, covered Build-to-Rent funding options. Martin Karm – Mecone, discussed site opportunities on the Central Coast. Angus Witherby – presented an overview on current development opportunities with Darkinjung. Brett Elliss – Doylo Lifestyle Group presented a comprehensive 20-year redevelopment plan constructing low-density housing, developing a seniors' village, and adding various recreational and medical facilities to the existing site.  #BrisbaneWaterSecondaryCollege - Presented their award winning presentation on housing solutions for the Peninsula. With over 130 attendees, this summit marked a significant step towards practical housing solutions for the future of the Central Coast. Thanks to our partners and everyone who contributed to making this event a success!

A huge congratulations to FunHaus Factory for winning the 2024 Business NSW award for Outstanding 24-Hour Economy Collaboration with their Origami Folding Light & Sound Festival. This dusk-to-dark garden party showcased Gosford in a light which challenged perceptions, expanded possibilities and allowed the region’s beauty to be experienced through the lens of night-time contemporary culture. The festival helped place Gosford on the East Coast touring map for night-time arts exploration amongst artists and visitors with innovative, bold and cutting-edge entertainment. We are also immensely proud of Australian Reptile Park for being highly commended in the Outstanding Visitor Economy Experience. We would also like to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of all our Central Coast finalists going into this year's highly competitive state awards. Your hard work and commitment to business excellence places the Central Coast squarely on the state, national and international stage. ✨ Employer of Choice (21+ Employees): Pacific Link Housing ✨ Employer of Choice (Under 20 Employees): Seton Family Lawyers ✨ Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion: Allcare Nursing & Community Services ✨ Excellence in Innovation: Signarama Tuggerah ✨ Excellence in International Business: 4id Solutions ✨ Excellence in Large Business: Central Coast Mariners Football Club ✨ Excellence in Micro Business: Key2 Realty ✨ Excellence in Small Business (Hall of Fame): LEP Digital ✨ Excellence in Sustainability: Signarama Tuggerah ✨ Outstanding Business Leader (20 Employees and Under): Suzy Miller, Suzy Miller Leadership Specialists ✨ Outstanding Business Leader (21+ Employees): Paul Chapman, Central Coast Sports College ✨ Outstanding Community Organisation: Allcare Nursing & Community Services ✨ Outstanding Employee (Hall of Fame): Melinda McCrone, LEP Digital ✨ Outstanding Local Chamber: CTBC - CTBC - Coastal Towns Business Chamber ✨ Outstanding New Business: Renew Projects ✨ Outstanding Visitor Experience: Australian Reptile Park ✨ Outstanding Young Business Leader: Robert O'Donoghue, CCTS

Wishing our Central Coast Finalists the very best of luck this evening at the Business NSW State Awards, being held at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney). Our finalists will be competing against other outstanding businesses from across NSW. We are so proud to have these exceptional organisations and leaders representing our region: ✨ Employer of Choice (21+ Employees): Pacific Link Housing ✨ Employer of Choice (Under 20 Employees): Seton Family Lawyers ✨ Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion: Allcare Nursing & Community Services ✨ Excellence in Innovation: Signarama Tuggerah ✨ Excellence in International Business: 4id Solutions ✨ Excellence in Large Business: Central Coast Mariners Football Club ✨ Excellence in Micro Business: Key2 Realty ✨ Excellence in Small Business (Hall of Fame): LEP Digital ✨ Excellence in Sustainability: Signarama Tuggerah ✨ Outstanding Business Leader (20 Employees and Under): Suzy Miller, Suzy Miller Leadership Development Specialists ✨ Outstanding Business Leader (21+ Employees): Paul Chapman, Central Coast Sports College ✨ Outstanding Community Organisation: Allcare Nursing & Community Services ✨ Outstanding Employee (Hall of Fame): Melinda McCrone, LEP Digital ✨ Outstanding Local Chamber: CTBC - CTBC - Coastal Towns Business Chamber ✨ Outstanding New Business: Renew Projects ✨ Outstanding Visitor Experience: Australian Reptile Park ✨ Outstanding Young Business Leader: Robert O'Donoghue, CCTS Best of luck to to you all! Your hard work and dedication inspire our entire community, and we couldn’t be prouder to have you representing us this evening. A little throw back video to our Regional Awards night 🎉

On Friday night we came together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the Central Coast business community at the 2024 Central Coast Regional Business Awards presented by Business NSW. The evening honoured the hard work, resilience, and commitment of those driving growth and success across the region. Here’s a look at our incredible 2024 winners: Employer of Choice (21+ Employees): Pacific Link Housing Employer of Choice (Under 20 Employees): Seton Family Lawyers Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion: Allcare Nursing & Community Services Excellence in Innovation: Signarama Tuggerah Excellence in International Business: 4id Solutions Excellence in Large Business: Central Coast Mariners Football Club Excellence in Micro Business: Key2 Realty Excellence in Small Business (Hall of Fame): LEP Digital Excellence in Sustainability: Signarama Tuggerah Outstanding Business Leader (20 Employees and Under): Suzy Miller, Suzy Miller Leadership Development Specialists Outstanding Business Leader (21+ Employees): Paul Chapman, Central Coast Sports College Outstanding Community Organisation: Allcare Nursing & Community Services Outstanding Employee (Hall of Fame): Melinda McCrone, LEP Digital Outstanding Local Chamber: CTBC - Coastal Towns Business Chamber Outstanding New Business: Renew Projects Outstanding Visitor Experience: Australian Reptile Park Outstanding Young Business Leader: Robert O'Donoghue, CCTS Business of the Year: 4id Solutions Special congratulations to 4id Solutions, crowned 'Business of the Year' for their exceptional contributions to the local economy and innovative leadership in the international market. The evening was a celebration of the strong bond between business and community, shining a light on the individuals who contribute to positive change and make a meaningful impact every day in our beautiful region. A huge thanks to our Awards Partners: University of Newcastle, Central Coast Council, NeuroKind, Telstra, Central Coast Sports College, The Agency Real Estate Australia, Star 104.5 Central Coast, The Entertainment Grounds, North Construction & Building Pty Ltd, ACCESSNEWS AND MAGAZINES LIMITED 📸 Michael Wolfe Paula Martin / Scott Goold / Ashleigh Papasavvas / Amanda Denichilo / Zoe Bose / Lee Toomey

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We are thrilled to announce the final list of award category finalists for the Central Coast Regional Business Awards presented by Business NSW. Let’s give a huge round of applause to these incredible individuals and businesses for their outstanding contributions! 👏👏 ⭐ Outstanding Employee: Belinda Smith - CCTS Billy Collett - Australian Reptile Park Dominique Markwort - Seton Family Lawyers Erin Jacob - Coast Shelter Melinda McCrone - LEP Digital Sophie Georgas - NeuroKind ⭐ Outstanding Local Chamber: CTBC - Coastal Towns Business Chamber Gosford Erina Business Chamber ⭐ Outstanding New Business: Creating Waves Marketing Mindful Synergi MouldSafe NeuroKind Renew Projects Results Focus ⭐ Outstanding Visitor Experience (Regional Awards Only): Australian Reptile Park Broken Bay Pearl Farm Industree Group Stadium Iris Lodge Alpacas Sydney Oyster Farm Tours ⭐ Outstanding Young Business Leader: Daniel Richardson - Eat Street Cafe Gosford Matthew Craig - NeuroKind Michael Viglione - Salmon Buckets and Attachments Robert O’Donoghue - CCTS Samuel Lentini - Eastcoast Beverages ⭐ Outstanding Business Leader - 20 Employees and Under: Craig Giles – AAGilesberg Productions Andrew Smith - Central Coast Aero Club Kath Casey - Industree Group Stadium Melissa Marshall - Signarama Tuggerah Michael Seton - Seton Family Lawyers Suzy Miller - Suzy Miller Leadership Development Specialists ⭐ Outstanding Business Leader - 21 Employees and Over: Alyssar Narey - Central Coast Mariners Football Club Isaac Zoaretz - Daytoday Paul Chapman - Central Coast Sports College Tim Faulkner - Australian Reptile Park Stay tuned as we gear up for the big event at Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific next Friday night! 💃🏼