Our Place Penrith Issue 13 2023

WORDS FROM OUR MAYOR

We are in the midst of exciting times in Penrith City, with St Marys recently holding a dazzling community festival called St Marys Lights Up. And the next Penrith Producers event is just around the corner, bringing its unique mix of delicious food, local brews and live music back to High Street.

But these transformations aren’t just for one night: this issue of Our Place highlights upgrades underway in every corner of Penrith City. Our shared vision of cooler, better-connected and more liveable neighbourhoods is taking shape – from shaded playspaces, to new recreation precincts, state-of-theart athletics facilities and sustainable roads.

I’d also like to make a special mention of our inaugural Mayoral Charity Ball, which celebrated the life-

changing work of The Haven – Nepean Women’s Shelter. This cause is close to my heart, and I encourage everyone to reflect on the role each one of us can play in ending domestic and family violence within our community.

Recently, Andrew Moore was announced as Council’s new General Manager. I’d like to congratulate Andrew, a longstanding Council employee who has moved through the organisation, most recently holding many senior leadership roles.

Andrew’s strong financial stewardship, leadership skills, and passion for delivering positive results for the community means Penrith City is in capable hands for our next stages of growth.

Cr Tricia Hitchen

PRODUCERS PE N R ITH

Food

Penrith Producers is back and bigger than ever, with more to see, taste and experience as you enjoy the food trucks,

(west of Station

entertainment and market stalls alongside our many wonderful restaurants.

Discover our local producers making

An incredible range of world-class producers, makers and artists call Penrith City home. Be sure to grab your Find

free tote bag to store all the gems you find browsing the market stalls. In addition to the stalls, artists, food

and drinks, there will also be live music on stage and a dedicated kids’ zone with free activities.

TRANSFORMING ST MARYS

It’s an exciting time for St Marys with the development of the Western Sydney International Airport, and the new metro rail line connecting the City Centre from day one of operations, soon to open. Council wants to ensure the community is prepared and can harness the expected opportunities

this significant transformation will bring. Our first step was to create the St Marys Town Centre Structure Plan, which was adopted last year. This sets out Council’s and the community’s shared vision to transform the area into a vibrant, welcoming, sustainable

and authentic urban centre over the next 20 years.

The second step is the St Marys Place Plan, which is in development and will be shared soon for community consultation and will detail the steps needed to achieve the shared vision of the Structure Plan.

Find out more at yoursaypenrith.com.au/stmarys2041

In addition, Council is delivering several projects across St Marys, including:

» Sport and recreation infrastructure is being upgraded at Cook Park, Boronia Park and Monfarville Reserve, and several playspaces are in the pipeline to be renewed, including Robin Wiles Park, Jack Jewry Reserve, Adelaide Street Reserve, and Poplar Park

» St Marys Community Centre has received a much-needed facelift to ensure it continues to be a hub for social groups, local not-forprofit organisations, gatherings, and events for years to come

» And planning is underway for St Marys Central Park, which will become the heart of the CBD and will bring the community together to socialise, relax and enjoy local events

Left: An aerial view of St Marys Right: The playspace upgrade at Cook Park

SHOWCASING OUR WESTINVEST PROJECTS

Council has secured a combined $180 million in funding through the NSW Government’s $5 billion WestInvest program for transformational projects which will ensure our City continues to be the best place to live, work, and play for current and future generations.

An indoor multi-sports arena at Claremont Meadows will feature multi-sport courts, multi-use program rooms, an outdoor roller-skating rink and more.

Funding: $106.7 million

St Marys Central Park will be a new civic heart, with green space and facilities where the community can meet, socialise, enjoy events and entertainment.

Funding: $21 million

The Cook Park upgrade at St Marys will elevate the park into a premier sport and recreation hub with exciting new amenities, complementing recent upgrades.

Funding: $19.1 million

City Park in Penrith will feature a central lawn with significant tree canopy cover, themed gardens, public artwork, shaded areas, water features and more.

Funding: $8.2 million

An artist’s impression of the indoor multisports arena at Claremont Meadows

21 playspaces across our City will be upgraded with new equipment, seating, tree planting and pathways for young people and families to enjoy.

Funding: $7.5 million

The Gipps Street Recreation Precinct at Claremont Meadows is becoming a landmark sport and recreation destination with new facilities to excite the entire community.

Funding: $7 million

Council’s nursery upgrade and Cumberland Plain improvement project will ensure a larger growing area in the nursery, more plants and a greener Penrith.

Funding: $5 million

The Parker Street Reserve upgrade in Penrith will further transform this athletic space into a highquality sport and recreation precinct.

Funding: $2.4 million

Andromeda Oval in Cranebrook will be significantly improved with an upgrade to the amenities building, better playing surfaces and much more.

Funding: $1.7 million

The Bennett Park mixed recreation space in St Marys will feature a skate park, pump track, play zones, multi-sport court, kick about area and new amenities.

Funding: $1.5 million

Above: The playspace upgrade at Cook Park

Right: The final design concept for Bennett Park in St Marys

The takeaway coffee cup that you had your coffee in this morning could be in the road you drive on tomorrow, under a revolutionary Australian-first recycling project for sustainable road surfaces.

TODAY’S COFFEE

WILL PAVE

TOMORROW’S ROADS

Council partnered with State Asphalt Services for the resurfacing of 390 metres of Jamison Road at South Penrith, and 350 metres of Swallow Drive, Erskine Park where the PAK-PAVE™ road surface included a mixture containing almost 136,000 coffee cups.

In addition to the cups, the asphalt included over 1.2 million glass bottles – a mix that has proven successful in the resurfacing of 8.4 kms of pavement throughout the Penrith Local Government Area.

Approximately:

» 72,000 coffee cups were used in the road surface on Jamison Road, South Penrith

» 64,000 coffee cups were used in the road surface on Swallow Drive, Erskine Park

» 136,000 takeaway cups have been diverted from landfill for this project

» 1.2 million glass stubby bottles were also used for the two roads

The cups are collected through Simply Cups, an initiative by Closed Loop. To find a collection point, head to

simplycups.com.au/locations

BETTER ROADS FOR PENRITH

THE COMMUNITY CAN LOOK FORWARD TO SAFER, MORE EFFICIENT AND MORE RELIABLE TRAVEL ON TWO OF PENRITH’S MOST CONGESTED ROADS, WITH PLANS FOR MAJOR INTERSECTION UPGRADES.

DUNHEVED ROAD

This $128 million upgrade is set to overhaul the heavily congested four kilometre corridor between Richmond Road and the Werrington Road/Christie Street intersection. Funded by the Australian Government’s Infrastructure Investment Program, it will transform the existing two-lane undivided road into a median separate fourlane carriageway with a shared user path for pedestrians and cyclists.

THE DUNHEVED ROAD UPGRADE WILL BE COMPLETE BY THE END OF 2026

Find out more at yoursaypenrith.com.au/coreenavenueupgrade

COREEN AVENUE

If you’re one of the thousands of motorists who use Coreen Avenue daily, you’ll be pleased to know the long queues at

intersections will soon be a thing of the past, as plans for a $13 million upgrade to six intersections between Castlereagh Road and

Lemongrove Road gets underway. The upgrade is funded by the Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan –Local Roads Package.

WILL BE COMPLETE BY

THE COREEN AVENUE UPGRADES

MID-2025

Penrith’s own Jessica Fox OAM is a canoe and kayak world champion, an Olympic success story, an Aussie household name, and an outstanding ambassador for our City.

Penrith City Council recently acknowledged the athlete’s achievements and

OUR LOCAL HERO

contributions to the community with a plaque unveiling at Penrith Whitewater Stadium.

Next year, Jessica will defend her Olympic C1 crown and strive for the K1 gold at the Paris Olympics.

The Kayak Cross, a new head-to-head format, will make its debut at the Games which could

see her chase an historic three gold medals in France, potentially competing against her training partner and sister, Noemie.

The Penrith community will have the chance to see Jessica in action again when the City hosts the International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Championships in 2025.

COUNCIL HONOURS JESSICA FOX OAM WITH PLAQUE AT ‘OLYMPIC PLAYGROUND’

CELEBRATING

16 YEARS

OF TREES FOR MUM

16 ANNUAL EVENTS

MORE THAN 1500 ATTENDEES OVER 2500 TREES PLANTED

Sweet

Find out about more community events at penrith.city/events

This project is part of the Greening Our City grant program that is proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Local Government NSW.

• 19 •

A MUCH-LOVED WEDDING VENUE AND COMMUNITY SPACE

CASTLEREAGH HALL

Castlereagh Hall is a historical gem, built in 1895 as the original Castlereagh Council Chambers. You may have seen it along the Penrith Valley Heritage Drive.

Did you know that Castlereagh Hall underwent renovation in 2019 as part of Council’s Building Asset Renewal program?

Just some of the improvements made include:

» A new large deck to the south of the building providing impressive views over the valley and towards the mountains, fully accessible from the hall and to the garden

» A bathroom refurbishment including full accessibility, ambulant and baby change facilities

» New split-system air conditioning

» Various cosmetic improvements such as painting and joinery

» Updated landscaping works with new garden seating and tree planting. Looking for the perfect place for your next big event or group activity? With almost 40 facilities across the city, Council has the right place for you.

Whether it’s for a wedding, birthday, christening, or a space to run group activities, we can help you find what you need.

For more information visit Council’s website at penrith.city/halls

Or get in touch with our Community Facilities & Recreation team on 4732 8021 or email facilities@penrith.city

WHAT’S

HAPPENING

IN OUR CITY

Penrith Producers

Triangle Park will come alive with street food, a beer garden, unique market stalls featuring local artisans and producers, as well as live music and a kids activity zone to keep little ones entertained.

FRIDAY 23 JUNE, 5PM–9PM

A free event in Triangle Park, Penrith

Mini MAKERS

Holiday Activities

This super fun and free event will feature arts and craft, hula hooping, face painting and live music for the kids. What a wonderful way to beat the school holiday blues.

WEDNESDAY 5 JULY, 10AM–1PM

Triangle Park, Penrith

NAIDOC Week 2023

This is our annual celebration of the oldest continuous culture on Earth and the incredible contribution Penrith’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow

Australia’s biggest and best comedy festival is hitting the road for a huge 25th year! Featuring the best and brightest of the 2023 Melbourne International Comedy

make to our community. The program includes Council’s flagship NAIDOC community event, which will return to Jamison Park and feature performances from First Nations artists, workshops, stalls, a free BBQ and much more.

2023 NAIDOC Week Celebration

FRIDAY 7 JULY, 10AM–3PM

Jamison Park, Penrith

Find

Festival, all from the comfort of The Joan.

Get ready for a stellar line-up with Roadshow favourites alongside the most talked-about breakthrough stars of the moment, together in one jam-packed show that’s sure to leave our sides hurting.

TUESDAY 20 JUNE, 7.30PM

@the_joan

Best In The West

Come and support some of western Sydney’s best singer-songwriters as they perform their original songs in a chance to win a top prize.

Contestants will progress based on audience vote, so be sure to arrive in time to see all the acts, as every vote counts!

ONE FRIDAY A MONTH

AT 6PM

UNTIL THE GRAND FINAL

ON 21 JULY

THANK YOU TO THE COMMUNITY FOR SUPPORTING THE INAUGURAL MAYORAL CHARITY BALL!

THIS FANTASTIC EVENT PROUDLY SUPPORTED THE HAVEN – NEPEAN WOMEN’S SHELTER.

@penrithregionalgallery

Jeannie Baker: Desert Jungle

A travelling exhibition of artworks by renowned children’s book author and artist, Jeannie Baker, exploring the complex biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert in Mexico.

6 MAY–9 JULY

Penrith Regional Gallery

YOUR CONTRIBUTION HELPED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN IMPACTED BY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY.

Jeannie Baker. Artwork from thebookDesertJungle.

Photo credit: Jaime Plaza

OUR LIBRARY

@penrithcitylibrary

THESE RECOMMENDED READS ARE WAITING FOR YOU AT PENRITH CITY LIBRARIES. MEMBERSHIP IS FREE FOR NSW RESIDENTS.

Amazing Grace Adams

By Fran Littlewood

One hot summer’s day, stuck in traffic, Grace Adams snaps and walks away from her life. A novel for anyone who has ever considered doing the same thing!

Bad Cree

By Jessica Johns

This paranormal coming-of-age tale will delight fans of supernatural fiction and have you gripped from start to finish. Not for the faint hearted.

Odder

By Katherine

Applegate, illustrated by Charles Santoso

Inspired by a true story, this poignant tale examines bravery and healing through the eyes of one of nature’s most beloved and charming animals.

OUR

BUSHLAND

Bushcare Groups are dotted around the Penrith local government area. Each group is made up of community volunteers working with Penrith Council staff to conserve and rehabilitate publicly-owned natural

bushland. There are over 200 volunteers who work throughout Penrith assisting the survival of the ecological community that is native to our area: the Cumberland Plain Woodland, which is critically endangered.

By joining a Bushcare session, you can help to preserve what remains of the Cumberland Plain Woodland and support the many native animal species who depend on it.

For details of where and when your local group meets, visit penrith.city/bushcare

FIND YOUR LOCAL BUSHCARE GROUP!

OUR PLACE IN HISTORY

Our area has a proud history of being a leader and an innovator in providing healthcare for our community, a strength which continues to this day.

Penrith City’s first hospital opened to the public in 1860

after the sustained efforts of local people fundraising, campaigning and organising, namely the members of the Penrith District Dispensary and Benevolent Society (later the Penrith Hospital and Benevolent

Society). Located on Henry Street, this hospital served the community until 1870 or 1871, after which the Nepean District had no hospital for around two decades. During these years, the sick and the injured had to travel to Parramatta to receive treatment.

Nepean Cottage Hospital circa 1890s

In March 1890, a small premises in High Street opposite the courthouse was rented for £1 per week as a hospital. Outgrowing this site fairly quickly, the hospital was offered three acres at Lemongrove, and the new Nepean Cottage Hospital (pictured) was opened in 1895. This building became the beating heart of healthcare in our City, adding an operating theatre, housing for nurses, an isolation ward and maternity unit over the following decades. In the early 1960s it was remodelled extensively and reopened as Governor Phillip Special Hospital, with many new wings and facilities. The building still stands, on Glebe Place in Penrith, and operates as a nursing home. Many local residents were born in this living piece of our history.

Rhonda Cowderoy’s diverse nursing career spanned more than 40 years. She trained in midwifery, became an operating or perioperative nurse, worked in the operating theatres of several hospitals in the Penrith area and also volunteered for overseas humanitarian work.

Winifred Case devoted her life to the profession of nursing. She loved people, history, politics, nature, travelling, writing poetry, music and choral singing. When Winifred died at Springwood Hospital in 2002, a thanksgiving Service was held at Nepean Hospital in her honour.

Katherine Constance

‘Kit’ Neale was a nurse in the Second World War, returning to Penrith in 1943. Her contributions to our community, both locally and while nursing overseas during the War, are an inspiration and have not been forgotten.

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SOUTH WARD EAST WARD

Councillor Mark Davies

E mark.davies@penrith.city

P 0416 085 597

Councillor Karen McKeown OAM

E karen.mckeown@penrith.city

P 0401 995 945

Councillor Sue Day

E sue.day@penrith.city

P 0407 224 228

Councillor Mark Rusev

E mark.rusev@penrith.city

P 0466 897 210

Councillor Jim Aitken OAM

E jim@jimaitken.com.au

P 0418 288 488

COUNCILLOR AND IMPORTANT COUNCIL CONTACTS

PENRITH CIVIC CENTRE

601 High Street, Penrith

Opening hours at penrith.city

ST MARYS CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE

207-209 Queen Street, St Marys

Opening hours at penrith.city

4732 7777

council@penrith.city

penrith.city

penrith.city.council

penrithcouncil

penrith-city-council

Interpreting assistance is available at Council or by phone.

Want to know which ward your suburb falls into? Visit Penrith.city/wards

OUR MAYOR

Councillor Tricia Hitchen

E tricia.hitchen@penrith.city

P 0417 365 313

OUR DEPUTY MAYOR

Councillor Todd Carney

E todd.carney@penrith.city

P 0417 762 219

Councillor Robin Cook

E robin.cook@penrith.city

P 0428 056 619

Councillor Bernard Bratusa

E bernard.bratusa@penrith.city

P 0420 581 225

Councillor Marlene Shipley

E marlene.shipley@penrith.city

P 0407 290 537

NORTH WARD

Councillor John Thain

E john.thain@penrith.city

P 0411 427 812

Councillor Ross Fowler OAM

E ross.fowler@penrith.city

P 0419 738 484

Councillor Jonathan Pullen

E jonathan.pullen@penrith.city

P 0407 212 670

Councillor Kevin Crameri OAM

E kevin.crameri@penrith.city

P 0401 995 825

Councillor Glenn Gardiner

E glenn.gardiner@penrith.city

P 0407 214 719