The concept of a Marine Centre on the Central Coast has been initiated through a number of parallel processes.

Early in 2004, a committee comprising a number of the partner organisations met for initial discussions and to identify possible functions of the Marine Centre. This committee included representatives from community, environment education and marine research sectors and resolved to seek opportunities to pursue the establishment of the Marine Centre.

Concurrently, Central Coast Tourism initiated a study of nature based tourism on the Central Coast, co funded by the Central Coast Area Consultative Committee, State and Regional Development and Business Central Coast. The study was launched in November, 2004 with one of the recommendations being the establishment of a Marine Discovery Centre.

In 2005, a working group was formed to further develop the concept of the Marine Centre.

Partnerships

The Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre proposal brings together a range of stakeholders with diverse interests, including environment and conservation, education, tourism, economic development, scientific research and development, natural resource management, business and industry.

Through cooperation and a shared vision, stakeholders have engaged in the development of this proposal.

The proposal through its multi-faceted approach recognises the marine and coastal environment and its social and economic values for the Central Coast. It seeks to provide benefits to each of these values.

Pacific Australis - Odyssey of life; The CCMDC's big crab.

In 2022 CCMDC was blessed to receive a generous art sculpture donation by artist Christopher Diaz. After many volunteer hours and lots of support from our partners we have now installed the sculpture at the front of the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre.

The Pacific Australis is a great photo point. When taking photos please do use the social media hashtags #CCMDCbigcrab and #Pacific Australis.

For more about the project see here