About

About our organisation

The Central Coast Community Council (CCCC) is the peak body for community service organisations on the Central Coast of New South Wales.

For more than 30 years, we have worked alongside community organisations, government agencies, and local leaders to strengthen the community services sector and improve outcomes for people across our region. We provide a trusted platform for collaboration, connection, advocacy, and collective action.

CCCC represents the interests of the community sector in local, state and national discussions, ensuring that the voices of services, workers and communities help shape policy, planning and service delivery.

Our work is grounded in the belief that stronger connections between organisations lead to stronger outcomes for communities.

What We Do

We support the community services sector by:

  • Facilitating interagency groups, communities of practice and sector forums that strengthen professional networks and collaboration.
  • Identifying emerging community needs, challenges and opportunities through ongoing engagement with local organisations and stakeholders.
  • Advocating for equitable, accessible and sustainable services across the Central Coast.
  • Supporting organisations to build capacity, share knowledge and develop innovative approaches to community challenges.
  • Bringing together government, community and industry partners to develop coordinated responses to local issues.
  • Contributing to policy development, planning processes and community-led initiatives that create positive social change.

Our Programs and Intiatives

CCCC delivers and supports a range of initiatives that strengthen individuals, families and communities.

This includes the planning, organisation and delivery of Thrive Together, a respectful relationships education program for young people aged 11–17 that promotes healthy relationships, emotional wellbeing and the prevention of relationship violence.

We also lead and support a range of regional networks and collaborative projects that help organisations share information, identify priorities and work together to address complex social issues.

Our Vision

A connected and collaborative community services sector working together to improve the wellbeing of everyone on the Central Coast.

Our Commitment

We are committed to promoting inclusion, equity and social justice across our region.

By fostering partnerships, supporting sector leadership and amplifying community voices, we work to create a stronger, more connected Central Coast where all people can access the support, opportunities and services they need to thrive.

Central Coast Community Council Annual Report
Central Coast Community Council Strategic Intent

Our Story

Interagencies

The Central Coast Community Council (CCCC) facilitates and actively participates in a range of interagency meetings and forums across the region. We lead and support the Youth, Early Years & Families, Seniors, and Peninsula Interagencies, creating opportunities for organisations and professionals to connect, share information, and build strong working relationships.

Interagencies play a vital role in strengthening the community services sector. They provide a space for organisations to learn from one another, identify emerging community needs, and work together to develop coordinated responses to local challenges.

Collaboration is at the heart of every interagency. By bringing together people from different organisations, we can combine knowledge, expertise, and resources to solve problems more effectively. Through shared decision-making and collective effort, interagency members develop initiatives and solutions that deliver better outcomes for the Central Coast community.

The New South Wales Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) and the CCCC are parties to an Agreement for Funding for the Services – Program – Community and Family Support (CAFS).  The program scope includes Education and Skills Training delivering healthy relationship training to young people, children and families. CC Community Council also funds Community Sector Coordination activities such as interagency meetings, Communities of Practice, Symposiums and other collaborative events.

The Central Coast Community Council (CCCC) has been supporting community service organisations since 1993 as a regional organisation to disseminate information and co-ordinate area responses for service providers/groups on the Central Coast. Woodport Retirement Village was the location where the Central Coast community, represented by community groups as well as Local, State and Federal government departments, decided that there was a need for a regional body and that it would be given the name of Central Coast Community Council.  Finally, on 21 December 1994 the CCCC became an incorporated body. The first funding received was $10,000 through NCOSS in May 1994 which allowed us to employ a worker for 10 hours per week to provide support to the working party. 

We work to promote inclusion, adequacy and equity in the delivery of services to disadvantaged communities on the Central Coast.

Meet Our Team

We have a highly skilled team whose talents encompass enterprise, governance, social inclusion, human resources, marketing and vast experience working with Government at local, state and federal levels.

Our Board

President

Beth Bolte

President

Christine Burge

Vice President

Nerida Turrise

Treasurer

Veronica Nash

Veronica Nash

Secretary

Souzan Yates

Committee Member

Jayden Golfis

Committee Member

Nicholas Baistow

Committee Member

Placeholder1

Liz Beaumont

Committee Member

Our staff

Dr Penny Newson

Regional Development/ Chief Executive Officer

Placeholder1

Miranda Dines

Project Manager - Thrive Together

Placeholder1

Shem Bolte

Facilitator - Thrive Together

Placeholder1

Dylan Bladergroen

Facilitator - Thrive Together

Placeholder1

Liv Young

Cofacilitator - Thrive Together

Placeholder1

Coming soon

Cofacilitator - Thrive Together

Beth Bolte

Beth has lived on the Central Coast for most of her life and has long been active in local community organisations on a voluntary basis. Her work has been driven by a sustained commitment to social justice, equitable access to education and health services, and building inclusive, resilient neighbourhoods.

Professional roles have included registered nurse and midwife at local hospitals; nursing tutor at the University of Newcastle; high school teacher in both the public and private sectors. Beth held the position of TAFE Teacher Consultant (Learning and Mental Health) at Gosford and Ourimbah campuses for over 4 years, and worked as a voluntary literacy tutor at The Glen for 3 years.

Now semi‑retired, Beth holds a casual position in local libraries for Central Coast Council, where she continues to support community learning and connection. She remains actively involved in volunteer projects and local initiatives that address disadvantage and promote wellbeing.

To the Board, Beth brings broad local knowledge, understanding of community relationships across the Central Coast, and a lifelong passion for education and care. Beth focuses on practical, collaborative approaches and community groups to remove barriers to opportunity.

Beth’s experience and dedication provide a strong platform for ongoing leadership in community endeavours that advance equity, dignity, and opportunity for all Central Coast residents.

Christine Burge

Christine is a dedicated community advocate who spent her career in the heart of welfare service. Whether working with youth ,the aged, or people with disabilities, her mission has always been simple – to ensuring everyone knows what services and support are available and how to access them.

Her deep compassion was most evident during her time managing a community restaurant for those in need, where she researched and applied her knowledge of support services, empowering those less fortunate in our community. 

Christine is now pursuing her passion of creating, whilst remaining a dedicated community advocate.

Christine Burge image

Wandid Young

I am a proud Wadi Wadi and Jerrinja woman with ancestral ties that stretch from Kangaroo Valley to Wallaga Lake, both located within the Yuin Nation. Having spent the majority of my life on Darkinjung Country on the Central Coast, my journey has been deeply rooted in community and cultural heritage. With over 20 years of experience in the aged care and hospitality sectors, I transitioned from running my own café and catering business, serving the Blak Markets, to my current role as CEO of Garawa Aboriginal Corporation. I am passionate about providing advocacy and support to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities within the Gosford LGA and the Peninsula region of the Central Coast. Currently, I am furthering my commitment to community development by pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Community Development.

Nerida Turrise

Nerida brings to the board a varied range of experiences spanning multiple sectors and roles. Holding degrees in science, accounting and teaching, her journey has taken her through a dynamic mix of endeavours, including military service, banking, retail, wholesale, vocational education, and high school teaching, alongside active involvement in community and sporting organizations.

This has equipped Nerida with a unique set of skills and insights. From financial acumen gained in banking and accounting to teamwork and resilience cultivated in the ADF, she has a holistic understanding of organizational dynamics and community needs. Her experience in retail and wholesale sectors has honed her customer-centric approach and strategic thinking, while her teaching background underscores her commitment to education and community empowerment.

In Nerida’s roles within community and sporting organizations, she has learned the importance of collaboration, communication, and effective decision-making. Her dedication to service and community development drives her to seek innovative solutions and promote inclusivity and engagement.

She is passionate about leveraging her diverse experiences and skills to contribute meaningfully to the board and the broader Central Coast Community by supporting people and organisations to be able to care for themselves and others, to have excellent relationships and be kind, empathetic, happy and healthy.

Veronica Nash

Veronica was raised on the Central Coast. She left to study economics and sociology at university, later working in the government sector. She then travelled extensively, finally returning to live on the Central Coast and gaining a law degree. She practiced law for many years on the Central Coast whilst raising her family. She continues to reside on the Coast and has maintained her passion for community and social justice.

Veronica Nash

Jayden

Jayden is a proud Central Coast Youth with a background in Business Administration and working for a not-for-profit in the education sector. He is currently studying Commerce and Security Studies in University and takes pride in his volunteer work and experience. He has served on the Central Coast Council’s Youth 4 Youth Action Team initiative and has continually worked towards representing and supporting other Youth and the Central Coast community as a whole, continuing to provide support as an alumni.

nicholas baistow

Nicholas has lived on the Central Coast since 2020 and has built a strong connection to the region and its communities. He has worked primarily in the disability, mental health and community services sectors, supporting people experiencing disadvantage across the Central Coast and wider NSW.

Nicholas has held senior leadership roles across both the private and not‑for‑profit sectors, with experience spanning aged care, NDIS services and a range of block‑funded community programs. His career has focused on improving access to services, strengthening collaboration between organisations, and supporting people to live safely and independently within their communities.

He continues to live on the Central Coast and maintains a strong commitment to community development, inclusion and social justice. Nicholas is pleased to contribute his experience and local knowledge as a Board Member of the Central Coast Community Council.

Brendan Jansen

Brendan was born and raised on the Central Coast and is always looking forward to making new connections in the community. He is passionate about mental health and youth wellbeing and has recently completed his Mental Health Cert IV at TAFE. Brendan has begun exploring this sector and is looking forward to building a career around these respective areas. He is also a volunteer youth mentor with the Raise Foundation.

Dr Penny Newson

Penny has lived on the Central Coast most of her life, teaching at TAFE, lecturing at University of Newcastle and being involved in community through various organisations.

Penny’s interests lie in the development of pathways and community infrastructure that can support and facilitate the potential of all community members.

Penny has lectured at University of Newcastle (Psychology), taught at TAFE (both in the disadvantaged and higher education sectors) and has also been a local business owner.

TAFE teaching in the Outreach section at Gosford, Ourimbah and Wyong campuses, as well as running her own not-for-profit, Happiness Habits Inc, has involved working closely with community members.

Penny‘s many years of community involvement along with longstanding local knowledge and connection, can hopefully enhance and advance the organisation’s promotion of community and social justice for all residents of the area.

Shem Bolte

Coming soon

Skip to content