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email us at ourplace@penrith.city This issue of was proudly produced by Penrith City Council in July 2024. The General Manager, Andrew Moore, instructed this edition of Our Place to be printed, published and distributed. This publication was printed by Zipform Pty Ltd in Western Australia.
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WORDS FROM COUNCIL’S GENERAL MANAGER
As the first signs of spring are appearing, preparations for Real Festival are now well underway. Council is proud to deliver Penrith City’s iconic outdoor festival again in 2024.
Held along the banks of the Nepean River, Real Festival attracts crowds from all over the region who flock to its unique blend of performance, immersive art installations, photoworthy food trucks, artisan market stalls and riverside experiences such as the roller rink and circus workshops. I truly cannot think of another festival like it; we are so fortunate that it’s right on our doorstep and we can take it in for free.
One of the most unique aspects of Real Festival is that it caters to everyone in the family,
across the spectrum of ages and interests: toddlers and young children will have group workshops and roving performers to keep them engaged, teenagers can get stuck into the viral food offerings and immersive art, and the older crowd will love browsing the market stalls, taking in the music and enjoying a drink in the waterfront bar.
To maximise your Real Festival experience, I encourage everyone to take advantage of the shuttle bus and public transport options. For more information, turn to page 4.
Also coming up soon are the Local Government elections to be held on 14 September 2024.
If you are on the electoral roll in Penrith City, it is compulsory for you to vote.
Enjoy the spring everyone!
Andrew Moore
General
Manager Penrith City Council
Friday 20 September 4pm–10pm
Saturday 21 September 12pm–10pm Tench Reserve, Jamisontown
@realfestivalpenrith
@realfestival
EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF PENRITH’S R IVER, E NVIRONMENT, A RTS & L IFESTYLE FESTIVAL
Save the date and head to Tench Reserve, Jamisontown with your family and friends for another unforgettable weekend.
Nestled along the picturesque banks of the Nepean River, the FREE TO ATTEND Real Festival will offer a jam-packed
program including the return of the hugely popular open-air Roller Rink by Busways, interactive art installations, arcade games, performances, workshops, on-water activities, market stalls and a drool-worthy line up of food trucks and pop-up Festival bar!
During the day Tench Reserve will be a wonderland of sound and colour, and as dusk falls, watch the riverbank transform into an illuminated playground. Grab your loved ones and join in the fun at this year’s Real Festival on 20–21 September 2024.
FESTIVAL GUIDE
The free family-friendly event has experiences curated for people of all ages, such as:
» An open-air roller rink
» Interactive and illuminated artworks
» Artisan market stalls
» Pop-up festival bar
» Selection of Sydney’s greatest food trucks
» Hands-on workshops
» On-water activities
» Performances and live music
Performances
A diverse line up of familyfriendly entertainment including pop up performances and side show stages. Don’t miss your Friday night treat for pure entertainment – with a passion for entertaining, the Stacey Street band will take to the stage. Experience the Stacey Heat, dance to the Stacey Beat with your new favourite yellow band Stacey Street!
Kids’ Zone
Young visitors are in for a treat. Unleash energy and creativity with the return of Silent DisGLOW, circus skills, face painting, and more to be announced – all for free!
Art
Interactive art displays by day, illuminated playground by night! This year’s mustsee installation is The Guardians, pictured above – giant, whimsical wildflower sculptures bursting with vibrant abstract patterns in the sunshine and glowing brilliantly by night.
Food & Drink
Join the feast with some of Sydney’s best food trucks. Little Tokyo and Penrith favourites Burgerhead are back again and parking next to newbies like The Big Big Aloha and Irie-Caribbean. Enjoy a culinary journey with Italian, Australian First Nations, Greek, Sudanese,
South Indian, Turkish, Hawaiian and Caribbean delights. And don’t forget your caffeine fixes and desserts! Be sure to come hungry.
Markets
Browse a curated collection of clothing, crafts, jewellery and produce that have been made, grown, sewn, picked, and harvested in the local region.
Water activities
Hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard or try your hand at dragon boating – you’ve probably never experienced the Nepean River like this.
Workshops
Some workshops have limited availability. Head to realfestival.com.au to book ahead.
Book at realfestival.com.au
Plan your travel ahead of time
– large crowds are anticipated throughout the weekend, but these hacks will help you maximise the fun in your festival experience.
GETTING THERE
Public Transport
The closest railway stations are Penrith or Emu Plains, both offering free Busways shuttle buses to Real Festival.
Shuttle Buses
Leave the car and catch a free Busways shuttle bus operating on a continuous loop throughout the weekend. The shuttle buses are accessible and can accommodate prams, strollers, wheelchairs and mobility aids.
The drop off and pick up locations are:
» Penrith Train Station
» Emu Plains Station
» Jamison Park
» At the Festival site, Tench Reserve
Parking
Festival parking is available at:
» Tench Reserve via Jamison Road, near the Eastbank Restaurant precinct. A limited number of accessible car spots available at this location. Keep your eye on Real Festival social channels for ‘car park at capacity’ notifications throughout the Festival.
» Shuttle Bus stops: Jamison Park, Penrith and Emu Plains Stations
If you do decide to drive, we recommend carpooling!
Walk or Cycle
Live locally or prefer to get your steps up? Real Festival welcomes walkers and cyclists to the Festival site. Please check distance and route options via your preferred map provider. We recommend allowing plenty of time and taking the scenic route via the Yandhai Nepean Crossing from Emu Plains station, or the M4 bridge to take in the gorgeous views of the Nepean River.
GIPPS STREET
RECREATION PRECINCT
OFFICIALLY OPENS
Our City has an incredible new sport and recreation destination! At 32 hectares, Gipps Street Recreation Precinct is similar in size to Jamison Park, and it’s packed with plenty of exciting features to entertain everyone in the family.
YOUTH ZONE
A floodlit skate park with beginner and intermediate bowls, ramps, rails, and other obstacles are key features of the youth zone. There’s also a 245-metre pump track, parkour, a half court, two basketball courts, table tennis, bike racks and space to hang out with friends.
CHILDREN’S PLAYSPACES
There are three playspaces for families and children of all ages. In the centre of the precinct, close to parking and bathrooms, you’ll find an inclusive playspace and water play area. Features include a flying fox, climbing tower, slides, accessible spinners and
trampolines and balance beams, while the water play area with a series of fountains and water jets is bound to be a popular spot in the warmer months. These areas are fenced and shaded so kids can stay and play for longer.
On the eastern side of the precinct, there’s a nature playspace with features like log swings, a maze challenge, boulder stacks and cubby frames. Children and adults alike can enjoy a stroll along the nature trail while learning more about some of our local flora and fauna.
WORLD-CLASS SPORTS FACILITIES
Sports clubs including the Nepean District Cricket Association, Penrith District Junior Rugby League Club, the Nepean Ducks and St Marys Convent Football Club will love the new floodlit sports facilities available in the
Gipps Street Recreation Precinct. There are four full size rectangular grass fields, one junior size field, and two full size ovals with synthetic wickets for cricket and AFL available. Two netball courts and cricket practice facilities
are located next to the youth zone. A central amenities building is also fitted out with everything clubs need for training and game days including a canteen, change rooms, storage and accessible toilet facilities.
When we said something for everyone, we meant our four-legged friends too! There’s a fenced off-leash dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs, doggy drinking fountains, bins, waste bag dispensers, trees and shaded picnic tables.
A series of outdoor fitness equipment have been installed along a short trail. There’s a range of cardio and strength equipment, with instructions on how to use each item properly.
There’s also an art hill, picnic and BBQ areas, more than 500 parking spaces, toilets, pathways, and plenty of open space.
DOG PARK
OUTDOOR FITNESS TRAIL
Find out more at penrith.city/gippsstreet
The $44.5 million Gipps Street Recreation Precinct project is proudly funded by Council with the support of the NSW Government, which is contributing a combined $13.5 million through:
» Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program ($7 million)
» Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund ($5 million)
» Greater Cities Sport Facility Fund ($1 million)
» Places to Play Program ($500,000).
WHERE IS GIPPS STREET RECREATION PRECINCT?
You’ll find it at 34 Gipps Street, Claremont Meadows, between the Great Western Highway and Sunflower Drive.
CAN I PARK THERE?
Yes! There are more than 500 parking spaces throughout the precinct. Vehicle entry is via the intersection of Gipps Street and the northern end of Sunflower Drive.
WHAT IF I WALK OR RIDE MY BIKE?
Pedestrians and bike riders can access the precinct via two entry points on Gipps Street. One is located near the Fowler Street intersection and the other is located at the northern end of Sunflower Drive. Bike racks are available in the youth zone.
IS IT ACCESSIBLE?
Yes! The car park includes accessible spaces, the central amenities building has accessible bathroom and adult changing facilities, plus some of the playspace equipment is accessible.
HOW TO GET EMERGENCY READY
In Penrith, we as a community have experienced natural disasters including storms, floods, bushfires and heatwaves. These disasters impact our everyday lives and create additional stresses on our finances, health and wellbeing.
Knowing your risks, staying informed and preparing for emergencies can help you to:
» Feel more in control
» Make an emergency less stressful
» Potentially reduce the impact on you and your household
» Assist you to recover more quickly, and
» Build your resilience for future emergencies
EMERGENCY READY WEEK IS 16–22 SEPTEMBER 2024. THIS IS THE IDEAL WEEK TO START PREPARING YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY FOR EMERGENCIES AND TO DEVELOP AN EMERGENCY HOUSEHOLD PLAN.
When an emergency happens, you may need to leave your home quickly. Having a bag of essential items packed and ready to go for yourself, your family and your pets is a must.
Council is giving away a limited number of Emergency Ready Go-Bags to Penrith residents who would find a go bag useful. The Go-Bag has emergency ready information, a checklist, and some handy items to get your Go-Bag started, including a waterproof document pouch. If you would like one, please contact Council’s Sustainability team on sustainabilityteam@ penrith.city
Download the Emergency Ready Go-Bag checklist and find plenty more handy resources at penrith.city/emergencyready
FIND WELLNESS AND COMMUNITY
AT RIPPLES
Ripples has a comprehensive range of programs designed to support your health and wellness journey, no matter your age or fitness level, and the team are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
The warmer weather is a great opportunity to check out the exceptional range of programs on offer.
» Our Young at Heart program is tailor-made for the over 50s, focusing on low-impact exercises that promote mobility and strength.
» Group fitness classes are a fantastic way to stay active, make new friends, and enjoy a structured workout.
» Our team of Exercise Physiologists provide treatments in the Hydrotherapy centre at St Marys to improve mobility, manage injuries and improve overall health outcomes.
» Ripples’ Learn to Swim programs are taught by experienced instructors and cater to all ages and abilities, from infants to adults.
» Our Squad Swimming programs are the perfect next step for Learn to Swim graduates, with professional coaches providing rigorous training sessions focusing on technique, endurance and race preparation.
UPGRADES IN MY AREA
SPOTLIGHT ON ST MARYS
St Marys is quickly becoming a strategic centre in Western Sydney, especially as the new Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport rail line comes closer to opening. Here are just a few of the projects we have planned to help revitalise and strengthen this important area.
ST MARYS CENTRAL PARK PROJECT
The St Marys Central Park project will connect Coachmans Park through to Kokoda Park, bridging the gap between Queen Street, local shopping precincts and other facilities. It will feature an entertainment area, play areas, a central lawn, trees, gardens, shade, public artwork and more. The community will have the opportunity to share their feedback on the draft design later this year.
TOWN CENTRE REVITALISATION
New initiatives underway include lighting and streetscape improvements, programs to help prepare local businesses for future growth, and support for events celebrating local culture.
COOK PARK
A lead designer has been appointed for the Cook Park project. The precinct will undergo a significant transformation including new football facilities and playing surfaces, upgrades to Bill Ball Oval and the playspace, plus additional improvements like pathways, lighting, bathrooms and landscaping.
MONFARVILLE RESERVE
Students from St Marys South Public School are co-designing a new playspace for Monfarville Reserve, as part of the Penrith Mayoral Challenge. Planning is also underway for upgrades across the reserve including the sports infrastructure, landscaping and more. These projects are funded through various NSW Government and Australian Government grant programs, in partnership with Council.
MASTER PLAN
Council is preparing the St Marys Town Centre Master Plan, which will help to inform Council’s capital works program and potential amendments to planning controls. The Master Plan will be on public exhibition later this year.
Cook Park from above
UPGRADES COMPLETED
NEW SCULPTURE INSPIRED BY ENDANGERED FOREST
A unique sculpture adds to the tranquility of the space. Called Crown Shyness, the artwork is named after the natural phenomenon that sometimes occurs in forests where tree canopies do not touch. It represents the endangered Cumberland Plain Forest in the reserve and is a reminder to discover what is in the canopy and beyond.
THE KINGSWAY TURF AND IRRIGATION UPGRADE
A new irrigation system has been installed across 17 fields at the Kingsway and a two-year turf establishment program is now complete, increasing performance and safety for sporting groups. This is part of a series of multi-million dollar upgrades for the Kingsway, transforming it into a premier sports precinct.
CAPELLA RESERVE IN ERSKINE PARK
The natural beauty of Capella Reserve in Erskine Park has been revitalised, with new pathways improving the connectivity of the space. The landscaping has been enhanced with new plantings of trees, shrubs and native grasses.
CapellaReserveinErskinePark
CHILDREN’S WEEK
Children’s Week is an annual event celebrated across the country to shine a light on children, their rights, and their achievements.
This year, Children’s Week will be held between 19 October–27 October, and the theme is children having the right to a clean and safe environment.
Council will run several activities to celebrate Children’s Week, including a
JAMISON PARK DOG PARK
The new small dog area is now welcoming four-legged visitors, with air-locked gates for small dogs to improve the safety and usability of the park for all. A picnic shelter and additional seating, new bins, waste bag dispensers and a doggie drinking fountain have been installed, with new trees also planted as part of the upgrade. This project was funded by the Australian Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and delivered by Penrith City Council.
special event in The Mondo on Thursday 24 October from 10am–12pm.
Keep an eye on Council’s website and social media channels to find out more.
TIPS FROM OUR NURSERY
Spring is in the air and Council’s Nursery Coordinator, Mark, has some great tips to get the best out of your garden this season.
Time to rejuvenate the lawn
There are some mustdo jobs to maintain your lawn and ensure it is healthy for summer. Remove all the brown thatch –or built-up organic matter in the top layer – with a stiff rake, then puncture the lawn with a garden fork to aerate the soil, followed up by spreading a thin layer of topsoil. Water in well. Remember to lift your mower blades so you don’t scalp the lawn.
Revive those tired potted plants
Now is the best time to repot your indoor and outdoor potted plants. Buy quality premium potting mix – it’s the one with the five white ticks on the bag. Give roots a good trim, gently rub and remove any old potting mix, and refill pots with fresh mix. Don’t forget to add some extra controlled release fertiliser, which will feed your plants over the coming months.
Planting
It’s time to plant all those spring and summer veggies. September is perfect for starting beans, peas, carrots, lettuce and herbs. Don’t be tempted to plant tomatoes, eggplant, capsicums, and zucchini too early though – wait until October when the soil warms up. In the meantime, pot your seedlings up and wait patiently.
PENRITH YOUTH ORCHESTRA AND VALDA SILVY ENSEMBLE IN CONCERT
Prepare to be swept away as Western Sydney’s finest young musicians from Penrith Youth Orchestra and the Valda Silvy Ensemble join forces to perform an afternoon of vibrant music spanning eras and nations. Encompassing Mozart, Bartók, Tchaikovsky and Beethoven, this concert will delight music lovers of all ages.
Sunday 1 September at 3pm
Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre thejoan.com.au
@the_joan
Image: Eddy Summers
THE ROBBIE MANN QUARTET
Don’t miss the master of stride piano style, Robbie Mann, along with Australian jazz veterans Geoff Allen, Paul Furniss and Sam Dobson, as they pay tribute to the iconic Thomas Wright ‘Fats’ Waller. Expect an evening of explosive jazz, sultry swing and sophisticated lyricism of prohibition-era New York.
Friday 13 September at 7pm
Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre thejoan.com.au
ARC
Prepare to be spellbound by an unforgettable encounter with rare and vulnerable species in this immersive visual and physical theatre experience, perfect for ages 5+ and their families. Nominated for the 2022 Sydney Theatre Award for Best Production for Children, this captivating show will ignite your imagination and raise important questions about our natural world.
Monday 16 September at 6pm
Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre
CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS
Be mesmerised these October school holidays as the Richard Bonynge Ensemble perform two classic works in this family-friendly concert. This show is a wonderful introduction to music for kids aged three and up and their families, with audience members invited onto stage at the end of the concert to learn about the instruments and the sounds they make.
Wednesday 2 October at 11am (Relaxed Performance)
Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre
Image:JacquieManning
Image:ClaireBernoth
GUARDS AT THE TAJ
The critically acclaimed season comes to Penrith City for a limited time. Featuring a heartbreakingly funny friendship put to the ultimate test and existential banter reminiscent of Beckett and Stoppard, Guards at the Taj mixes witty black comedy with the bloodiest deeds of Greek tragedy.
Friday 4 October at 7:30pm
Saturday 5 October at 2pm and 7.30pm
Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre
Find out more and book at penrithregionalgallery.com.au
@penrith regionalgallery
THE INTERIOR
Natalya Hughes’ immersive installation combines sculptural seating, richly patterned soft furnishings, and uncanny object d’art, nestled around a hand painted mural to generate a stimulating space.
SPRING STORY TIME IN THE GARDEN
Preschoolers and their families will enjoy stories, songs, and art outdoors in the tranquil heritage garden setting of the Penrith Regional Gallery grounds. Bookings not required – just come along.
Saturday 14 September from 10am–11am
Penrith Regional Gallery For more information call 02 4732 7891
Installationview,NatalyaHughes: TheInterior,2022,InstituteofModernArt. PhotographybyCharlieHillhouse
Until 27 October
Penrith Regional Gallery
LIVING WELL WITH OR WITHOUT DEMENTIA
At this informative workshop, Anglicare will provide evidencebased information to enable you to understand the brain and dementia, and lifestyle factors which impact this condition. Nepean Dementia Alliance members living with dementia will share strategies they use to maintain their brain health and live well.
DEMENTIA ACTION WEEK: DANCE FOR DEMENTIA PREVENTION
Wednesday 18 September from 11am–12:30pm
St Marys Library Free, but bookings are essential. Book via penrith.city/events
This dance class is specifically aimed at improving physical and cognitive function in seniors over 65. Prevention is better than cure, and dance has been proven to enhance quality of life as well as develop social cohesion and awareness in a group setting.
Thursday 19 September from 10am–11am Free, but bookings are essential. Book via penrith.city/events
COMMUNITY EVENTS
ST MARY MACKILLOP PRIMARY SCHOOL FETE
Enjoy a wonderful day out while shopping at the fete’s markets, eating from delicious food stalls, plus experiencing side show alley games, exhilarating rides, a giant slide, raffles, face painting and much more.
Sunday 20 October from 10am to 3pm
St Mary MacKillop Primary School 150 Fragar Road South Penrith
Your community event in Penrith City can be featured here! Email us the details to ourplace@penrith.city
OUR LIBRARY
@penrithcitylibrary
Have you visited our local libraries recently?
Pop into a branch at Penrith, St Marys or St Clair to discover a range of books, DVDs, toys, computers, study rooms, events, Justice of the Peace services and more, or log in at home using our Library App to enjoy our vast eLibrary,
which includes eBooks, eAudiobooks, music and film streaming.
Library membership is free for all NSW residents and only takes a few minutes to sign up for in person, or you can join online to access our eLibrary instantly.
Find out more and join at penrith.city/library
Our Libraries are safe spaces for everyone – whether you want to browse through books or catch up with some friends, these welcoming spaces are available to everyone in our community.
KEEPING UP WITH RIVER ROAD
The Nepean River is our region’s greatest natural asset, and Council is committed to ensuring its health and protection to ensure that current and future residents can share in its beauty.
Council’s Our River Master Plan, developed in consultation with our local community,
identified vegetation management along the river corridor as a key issue. In response, we launched two River Roadfocused groups as part of our Bushcare Program.
The two groups – a Working Group and a Bushcare Group –give residents with an opportunity to provide
ideas and feedback to Council while contributing to the conservation and regeneration of our local environment.
It’s clear that there is no quick fix or simple answer, but we are committed to exploring new solutions and identifying new initiatives.
WHAT ARE THE TWO RIVER ROAD BUSHCARE GROUPS?
WORKING GROUP
This group is an opportunity for River Road residents to provide ideas and feedback to Council about proposed vegetation management work and to support the local Bushcare Group. There is a one-hour meeting held on the banks of the river twice a year. We also have a quarterly email newsletter exclusively for River Road residents.
BUSHCARE GROUP
This group meets every fourth Thursday of the month for three hours, undertaking various activities such as weeding, planting, watering, litter collection and general site care. It’s open to everyone, and all age groups are welcomed!
If you’d like to be part of the River Road Working Group or Bushcare Group — or you are a River Road resident and would like to subscribe to the email newsletter — don’t hesitate to say hello via bushcare@penrith.city
Voting is compulsory for everyone on the electoral roll and fines apply if you fail to vote. DON’T FORGET TO VOTE IN THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS ON SATURDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2024 BETWEEN 8AM AND 6PM. For further information on where to vote, or how to apply for a postal vote, visit elections.nsw.gov.au/lge24
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Have your say on Council’s latest projects and activities at yoursaypenrith.com.au
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