Our Place Spring 2023

Spring

Real Festival Returns

Hands On With Plants

Our Accessible City

WORDS FROM OUR MAYOR

I’d like to extend my thanks to the many community members who contributed ideas for the updated Our River Masterplan, either by attending listening sessions, via the interactive map and the online survey. Your input is so valuable in ensuring the updated Masterplan aligns with the evolving needs and aspirations of our community.

The revitalisation of the river precinct hasn’t stopped while the new Masterplan is being developed – major works are almost complete at Tench Reserve, just in time for Real Festival 2023. These include new

pathways, water’s edge decks, a new wharf precinct, public art and a playground, which will provide a stunning location for our beloved festival’s return after a three-year hiatus.

Real Festival is a unique waterside event that activates and showcases Penrith’s greatest natural asset. I am so thrilled that our City’s largest festival is back for both locals and visitors to experience and enjoy.

I’d also like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the recipients of the 2023 Local Celebration Awards. The next issue of Our Place will do

a deeper dive into these seven amazing individuals, so stay tuned for that.

This issue of Our Place celebrates plants, trees and all-things horticultural, which is timely as the first green shoots of spring appear. I hope you enjoy this issue as we strive to provide something for everyone from across our wonderfully diverse and incredibly beautiful City. Have a fantastic spring, and I look forward to seeing you at Real Festival!

Cr Tricia Hitchen Penrith Mayor

RETURNS

After a three-year hiatus, Real Festival is heading back to the Nepean River. Over three days in September, the newly upgraded festival site at Tench Reserve will come alive with visual, interactive and illuminated experiences, completely transforming

the riverbank and creating unforgettable moments for people of all ages.

Real Festival is a major event for Western Sydney and beyond, bringing together celebrated performers, artists, musicians and creative minds at the Nepean River.

This year’s program builds on the success of past programming of Real Festival, featuring new and popular market stalls, food trucks, an exciting program of entertainment, experiences and handson activities that we know people will love. And best of all, it’s free.

THE FESTIVAL PROGRAM CELEBRATES OUR R IVER, E NVIRONMENT, A RTS AND L IFESTYLE

REAL FESTIVAL 2023

FRIDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 4PM–10PM

SATURDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 4PM–10PM

SUNDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 10AM–3PM

TENCH RESERVE ON THE NEPEAN RIVER TENCH AVENUE, JAMISONTOWN

Real Festival 2023 will once again be a family-friendly, all ages event that brings the foreshore into focus, celebrating the landscape during the day with a Roller Rink by Busways, hands-on workshops, onwater activities and popup performances. By night, the riverside will become a neon playground of fun and fantastic art installations, a pop-up bar, silent disco, performances by local talent, and an outdoor arcade featuring all the classics like Pacman, Street Fighter and Air Hockey.

Sydney’s best food trucks will dish up all sorts of deliciousness both day and night; and when you’re ready to unwind, stroll through the markets or grab a drink at the riverside bar and dance the night away under the stars.

FESTIVAL GUIDE

ACCLAIMED ARTISTS, ENTERTAINERS, LIVE MUSIC, ACTIVITIES AND ADVENTURES COME TOGETHER AT REAL FESTIVAL

PERFORMANCES

We’ve assembled an epic lineup of family entertainment, live music, spectacular stage shows and popup performances.

ART INSTALLATIONS

MARKETS

Wander around the markets and browse unique goods that have been made, grown, sewn, produced or harvested in our local region. A great place to get started on your Christmas gift shopping!

KIDS’ ZONE

This area will be packed with opportunities for kids to unleash their energy and creative side. They can strap on some skates at the Roller Rink by Busways, or develop new skills in circus or crafting. Numbers are limited for some workshops, so book early.

Interactive works from emerging and established artists will transform the foreshore when night falls. The collection of illuminated installations will shine, move, twinkle, twist, glow and project sound.

FOOD & DRINK

A riverside bar and an array of food trucks transform the riverbank into a vibrant outdoor dining precinct. Good food plus drinks in a stunning location is the recipe for a memorable night.

GETTING THERE

There is so much happening at Real Festival and large crowds are anticipated throughout the weekend – plan your travel ahead of time for the best experience.

SHUTTLE BUSES

You can leave the car at home, because Busways shuttle buses will operate on a continuous loop throughout the festival. The shuttle buses are accessible and can accommodate prams and strollers. Check the Real Festival website for more information.

The drop off and pick up locations for the shuttle buses are:

» Penrith Station (Stand E)

» Jamison Park at Batt Street (near the netball courts)

» At the festival site, Tench Reserve

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

The closest railway station is Penrith Station, approximately 3km from the festival event site. The free Busways shuttle buses will operate on a continuous loop, picking up and dropping off passengers from Stand E at Penrith Station.

PARKING

Festival parking is located adjacent to the restaurant precinct and accessed from Tench Reserve via Jamison Rd. Once the car park is full, all cars will be directed to park at Jamison Park and catch the free Busways shuttle buses. There are also a limited number of accessible car spots available at Tench Reserve. If you do drive, we recommend carpooling!

PICK UP & DROP OFF

For taxis, rideshares and people getting a lift, there will be a designated passenger drop off and pick up area located at the northern end of Tench Avenue, accessible from Jamison Rd.

With thanks to our sponsors Destination NSW, Busways and KIIS 1065

RECREATION UPGRADES

The new Gipps Street Recreation Precinct in Claremont Meadows is taking shape, with construction now underway for the main amenities

building. It has been designed to be inclusive and accessible for all future users, visitors and residents, so that everyone can enjoy this fantastic new precinct.

This facility will be at the heart of the 32-hectare recreation precinct, with floodlit sports fields, netball courts and cricket nets. Gipps Street Recreation Precinct will also feature children’s play areas, a floodlit dog park, youth precinct with floodlit skate park, pump track and multisport courts, walking trails, outdoor fitness equipment, picnic areas and car parking once complete.

This building will enable our local sports clubs to train and compete in state-ofthe-art surroundings, with access to eight contemporary change rooms, space for officials, storage, plus scoring, administration and first aid rooms.

Families will find it is conveniently located next to the children’s play areas and includes a parent’s room. There will

also be accessible toilet and changing facilities, and a largescale canteen offering refreshments and snacks.

Council’s Sport and Recreation Strategy, which is a 15-year road map for the future provision of sport, play, recreation and open space facilities across our City, helped to create the vision for this landmark project.

THE AMENITIES BUILDING IS PROUDLY FUNDED BY PENRITH CITY COUNCIL AND THE NSW GOVERNMENT WHO ARE CONTRIBUTING $1 MILLION THROUGH THE GREATER CITIES SPORT FACILITY FUND

HANDS ON WITH PLANTS

Many of us long to spend less time behind a desk and more time outside in nature. For those of us with a knack for growing plants, a career in horticulture or a related field makes perfect sense – why not turn something we enjoy

into a full-time gig? And even for those of us who don’t have a natural aptitude for plants and trees, the good news is that green thumbs can be learned and trained.

In this issue we’re profiling just a few

of the many people who work with plants and trees at Penrith City Council, some of whom are based at our Nursery, a state-of-the-art facility that plays an integral role in our City’s ongoing sustainability efforts.

Mark manages a team based at Council’s Nursery. There are two teams working there – the Nursery team and the Bushcare team – and they work closely together, with the Nursery producing the plants for Bushcare’s projects.

Mark sees it as his role to build a team of like-minded people who are passionate about growing plants. He and his staff feel a sense of pride when they see plants thriving around Penrith; in parks and public spaces, residential nature strips, or a bushland area that’s been

revegetated – it’s a good feeling to know they have grown those plants from seed or cuttings in Council’s Nursery.

Mark supervises apprentices as they gain experience in a wide range of skills, including how to collect seed and cutting material, propagation, managing a glasshouse, pests and diseases, potting, pruning and more. He points out that it’s typical of horticulture to be a second career – Mark didn’t start working in this field until his 30s, like many people in the industry.

Raychel, a former Penrith City Council Nursery apprentice, was recently awarded the 2023 Apprentice of the Year award for the Western Sydney and Blue Mountains NSW Region at the Greater Sydney Training Awards. Raychel received the honour for her exceptional performance, commitment and passion during her twoyear apprenticeship journey at Council, completing a Certificate III in Nursery Operations. Amazingly, she also received the Apprentice of the Year Award at the 2022 Nursery and Garden NSW and ACT Industry Awards. She has moved on to the next step of her career now and is working in the field; Council is proud to have played a part in training Raychel for this in-demand industry.

MARK NURSERY COORDINATOR

With an apprenticeship in horticulture already under her belt, Jen came to work at Council as a labourer, trimming street trees, whipper snipping and maintaining public green spaces. In her initial job interview, Jen mentioned her interest in native plants, and it wasn’t long before she was transferred into bush regeneration. In the Bushland team, Jen built up her experience learning about our critically endangered

YOU MIGHT REMEMBER JEN FROM THE COVER OF THE FIRST ISSUE OF OUR PLACE IN MARCH 2020

Cumberland Plain vegetation while working with the community at weeding and planting events.

During the pandemic, Jen studied a Certificate III in Conservation Ecosystem

Management at TAFE NSW Richmond. Jen believes that her job is good for the soul – being outside with nature and seeing a variety of flora and fauna every week keeps her grounded.

JEN

BUSH REGENERATOR

Ryan manages a team of 26 staff who look after public spaces including Memory Park, Triangle Park, and the gardens outside the Civic Centre, while also maintaining playing fields and many other green spaces across our City. With a background in landscape construction, Ryan gained experience in looking after street

trees, mowing and all aspects of open space maintenance at Council before being promoted to Field Supervisor.

Ryan says community feedback is a big part of job satisfaction. In Lawler Park on High Street, he and his crew recently trimmed an overgrown Maraya hedge to a manageable size, planting new species suitable for

the microclimate; the response from residents was rewarding. In Glenmore Park, Ryan and his team have been trimming and planting trees, mowing and mulching, which has garnered positive feedback from the community, who often compliment the team while they work.

Plus, as Ryan says, it’s awesome to work outside every day.

To learn more about career opportunities with Penrith City Council, visit penrith.city/careers

RYAN

FIELD SUPERVISOR

OUR SUSTAINABLE CITY

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL’S INNOVATIONS IN SUSTAINABILITY ARE WINNING AWARDS.

Council’s ‘Let It Bee’ wildflower meadow has been recognised in the Small Projects category at the 2023 NSW Landscape Architecture Awards. Between the

Summer of 2021 and the Autumn of 2022, you may have noticed a temporary meadow pop up along the Great West Walk near Grey Gums Oval in

Cranebrook. It was designed to improve the soil in this area so the 78 trees that were later planted would have access to more nutrients.

Once the flowers reached the end of their life, seeds were collected for propagation in Council’s Nursery. The plants were cultivated back into the soil, enriching it as they broke down. The wildflower meadow also provided habitat for insects and birds and helped to mitigate urban heat in the vicinity. It’s just one of the many innovative ways Penrith is increasing canopy, encouraging habitat and cooling our City.

This project was designed by Council’s Landscape Architecture team and proudly funded by the NSW Government.

Council’s awardwinning City Planning team has received a new accolade, winning the Climate Change and Resilience category at the Planning Institute of Australia’s National Awards for Planning Excellence.

This award recognised the team’s Urban Heat Planning Controls Package, which introduced planning provisions to reduce urban heat impacts from the urban environment and provide our community with a liveable, active and healthy lifestyle throughout summer.

OUR ACCESSIBLE CITY

Social stories are short descriptions of a particular situation, event or activity, specifically identifying what to expect and why.

They support people with a range of disability, including autism, neurodiversity and dementia. They can help to develop self-care skills, assist with understanding how others might behave and respond, and support people in coping with changes to routine.

People with disability and their families asked for more information to assist with planning their attendance at Council events and activities when we asked for feedback in developing our Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2022-26. We’re proud to present these three stories as part of our DIAP’s mission to make Penrith more accessible.

Council commissioned social stories to support individuals and families when attending three of our inclusively designed local playspaces:

» David Currie Play Space in St Clair

» Livvi’s Place in Jordan Springs, and

» Tench Reserve in Penrith

We encourage you to create your own social story with the template on our website. If you develop one and would like to share it with the community, email it to community.capacity@penrith.city

I enter Livvi’s Place through the main gate

I can try out the see saw

I can play on the climbing frame

Or jump on the trampolines

I can explore textures in the sensory corner

After a busy day, I head home

TREES FOR DAD

WE’RE CELEBRATING FIVE YEARS OF TREES FOR DAD THIS FATHER’S DAY!

What’s a more perfect gift than planting a tree in honour and celebration of your dad, grandfather, uncle or father figure?

At the same time, you’ll be contributing to adding more trees to increase the canopy cover in Penrith and helping to cool

our City. The trees have been propagated at Council’s Nursery, with the species chosen for their habitat value.

Sessions on the day will last 30 minutes, with the final session available for booking at 12pm. Trees for Dad is a free event, but registrations are essential so our Bushcare team can ensure that enough trees are available.

If you’ve never been to Trees for Dad before, this is your opportunity to get your hands dirty and make a lasting contribution to our local bushland!

Penrith City Council was the first council to introduce Trees for Dad, and it has become a beloved part of our Bushcare program. We’re excited to see you join us for another great day of planting.

CELEBRATE AND HONOUR THEIR IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE BY NURTURING SOMETHING THAT WILL LIVE LONG INTO THE FUTURE

WHAT’S

HAPPENING

IN OUR CITY

Learn more and book at penrith.city/events

Free Energy Efficiency Consultation

Penrith residents are invited to book a free one-on-one consultation with Ian Moxon, an independent sustainability consultant. Ian can advise on reducing your energy bills, solar panels and batteries, electric vehicles and more. Spots for these 45-minute sessions are limited.

SATURDAY 2 SEPTEMBER

10AM–2PM

Peter Goodfellow Theatrette

Penrith City Library

Introduction to Solar Power and Batteries

This free workshop will help you get started on your solar journey. Learn how battery storage systems work, what to look for when buying quality products, understanding quotes and how the government rebates work. There will be an opportunity to ask questions, so bring them along!

THURSDAY 12 OCTOBER

6PM–7.30PM

Peter Goodfellow Theatrette

Penrith City Library

Introducing Toddler Time at the Library

Penrith City Libraries now offer a weekly Toddler Time session. Perfect for children aged 1–3 and their caregivers, Toddler Time is designed to engage participants in singing, stories, movement, language, and play and is a great introduction to the library.

MONDAYS DURING TERM TIME

10.30AM–11.15AM

Penrith City Library

Embracing the End Expo

Join us for a candid discussion about healthy end-of-life preparation.

Author Karon Coombs will discuss themes from her work, before ‘death doula’ Niki Read chairs a panel discussion. The Western Sydney Community Legal Centre will also present on wills and probate.

FRIDAY 8 SEPTEMBER

10.30AM–3PM

Penrith City Library

THE HUB OF PERFORMING ARTS IN PENRITH COMING UP AT THE JOAN

The Village

Originally commissioned in 2019, this work by acclaimed writer Tasnim Hossain was inspired by Council’s Village Café in Kingswood, which invites socially isolated residents to enjoy morning tea with their neighbours. This beautiful play explores the connections we make in seemingly unlikely places.

21–23 SEPTEMBER

Alphabetical Sydney: All Aboard!

Inspired by a bestselling picture book, buckle up for a whirlwind journey around Sydney. From the amusement park to our world-famous zoo, this new musical combines puppetry, theatre, songs, creative play and irresistible music to celebrate the ‘A to Z’ of what makes Sydney iconic.

29–30 SEPTEMBER

@the_joan

PhotobyMajaBaska

IllustrationbyAntoniaPesenti

Andrew Dickeson Trio

Drawing upon the sounds of classic swing, the Andrew Dickeson Trio return to The Joan for one night only. You’ll hear the Trio’s stylish arrangements of best-loved

standards from the Great American Songbook, classic tunes by jazz greats and some new original compositions too.

6 OCTOBER

The End of Winter

In our increasingly hot and bushfire-prone climate, Australia’s winters are becoming warmer and shorter. This new play explores a future when winter only exists in fairytales, paintings, and historical accounts. A powerful stage play written in the wake of the devastating 2019–20 bushfires.

6–7 OCTOBER

Are you holding a community event in Penrith City? Send in the details to be considered for inclusion in an upcoming issue. Email ourplace@penrith.city

OUR PLACE IN HISTORY

In keeping with the horticultural theme of this issue, we’re delving into the history of the gardens at Penrith Regional Gallery: Home of The Lewers Bequest. Circa 1905, this

riverfront property is blessed with rich alluvial soil. When artists Gerald and Margo Lewers began living there full time in 1950, the garden making began in earnest. At that time, the

old colonial house was surrounded by paddocks; a new citrus orchard and an asparagus patch were planted and a kitchen garden established to the north.

The garden pictured in the 1980s

Initially the flower and vegetable beds were kept separate, but over time they merged, with rows of vegetable and salad plants interspersed with flowering herbs and annuals. Gerald’s sculptures began to dot the garden. Enclosed courtyards are an enchanting feature of the garden. In 1956, modernist architect Sydney Ancher remodelled the old kitchen wing

of Lewers House and included a courtyard space – this is now a dramatic succulent garden. The adjoining Ancher House was built between 1961–64 and saw a second courtyard garden added to the property; both are highlights of the garden today and are open to the public.

On hot summer days, a pump brought water up from the Nepean River to fill the elevated water tank, which is still

there today, covered in vines. The children were asked to water the pumpkin patch and vegetable beds, or to collect fallen pecans and walnuts before they were allowed to go for a swim in the river.

The garden was an integral part of the family’s vibrant and creative social life. Upon arrival, guests would be handed a drink mixed with juice from their citrus orchard. Edible flowering plants such as Violas, Violets, Nasturtium, Calendula and Marigolds would be scattered through salads and platters of food. Parties and gatherings would spill out into outdoor spaces lit by homemade fairy lighting.

Margo and Gerald were ahead of their time in creating a naturalistic, art-filled, and productive garden, which we are so fortunate to still have access to today.

Margoworkingtoestablishthegardenin1956.Photoscourtesy PenrithRegionalGallery,HomeofTheLewersBequestcollection

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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

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

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penrithcitycouncil

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