Central Coast Builds Strong Local Connections Through Community Programs

Sixty-four per cent of Central Coast residents say they feel somewhat or very connected to their local area, according to the Council’s 2024 Wellbeing Survey. The figure breaks down to 49 per cent somewhat connected and 15 per cent very connected. That result sits alongside the finding that more than 60 per cent of residents agree the region offers a good sense of community and chances to take part in local life.

Why the survey result matters at this point

The survey captured resident views after Central Coast Council launched Neighbourhoods Connected, an initiative aimed at cutting isolation and building links street by street. The program grew from earlier council work on community wellbeing and followed repeated calls from residents for more ways to meet neighbours without travelling far. Today’s date, 15 July 2026, coincides with the Jingle Bell Rockout Christmas in July event at Davistown RSL, one of several gatherings listed on the council’s events calendar that give people a chance to meet face to face.

Named local spots already used for these connections include the Connect Café in Ulverstone, the Community Shed and the Ulverstone Community Garden. These sites were chosen because they sit inside existing neighbourhoods and require no special transport. Relationships NSW also runs counselling services across the region, including support tailored for LGBTQIA+ residents, adding another layer to the network that started with the Neighbourhoods Connected roll-out.

Evidence from the 2024 data

The 2024 Wellbeing Survey supplied the only recent percentage on resident connection. It remains the clearest public record of how many people feel tied to their area after the council began its street-by-street work. No newer survey has been released, so the 64 per cent figure continues to guide planning for events and services. The same survey recorded the separate 60 per cent agreement on community opportunities, confirming two linked measures of local life.

Residents who want to build on these numbers can check the council’s official What’s On page for upcoming markets and gatherings. The Central Coast Farmers Market at Gosford Showground runs every Sunday from 7 am, and the CCVintage Boot Market in East Gosford starts at 9 am on the same day. Checking the calendar before heading out remains the simplest next step for anyone looking to meet others in their own neighbourhood.