We are seeking the community's feedback on the Draft Central Coast Thematic History. A Thematic History provides a broad historical context for understanding the patterns and forces that shaped an area over time while identifying locally distinctive themes to structure the history. The proposed Thematic History intends to achieve this while also uniting two existing histories from the former Gosford City Council and Wyong Shire Councils.

The objectives of the Draft Central Coast Thematic History are:

• To prepare a new thematic history to reflect the course and pattern of Aboriginal occupation, land use and the development of the Central Coast as it exists today.
• To specifically include Aboriginal occupation, history and heritage, landscape heritage, the impact of post war and modern (post- 1960) development and all other relevant aspects of cultural and natural heritage.
• To examine, identify and characterise what is unique about the Central Coast in a thematic context.
• To create specific local themes relevant to contemporary communities, that have regard to the 36 NSW State Themes.
• To explain the major factors that have influenced the history and heritage of the Central Coast and shaped its distinctive character in an engaging, ‘contemporary’ and usable format.
• To provide a thematic history that can ensure the historical development and unique character of the Central Coast can be reflected in Council’s subsequent studies recommended by the Central Coast Heritage Gap Analysis and Action Plan.
• To identify gaps in the current heritage schedule for the Central Coast, and to ensure where possible, that all identified historic themes are represented.

All relevant feedback will be considered before the Thematic History is proposed for adoption at a future Council meeting.

Between 11 December 2023 and 11 February 2024 we sought community feedback and encouraged written submissions.