Our Place Autumn 2024

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This issue of was proudly produced by Penrith City Council in March 2024.

We would love to hear your feedback. You can email us at ourplace@penrith.city

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WORDS FROM OUR MAYOR

This issue of Our Place showcases another side of our City – our vibrant inner urban areas. With the opening of City Park before Christmas, the Penrith City Centre finally has its green heart; an oasis for workers, shoppers and residents to pause, relax and be entertained. With this new green space, Penrith joins the ranks of world-class cities, and a huge milestone has been achieved which was years in the making.

And in 2024, the design for a new green heart in St Marys will take shape. The $21 million St Marys Central Park will feature a large central lawn, an outdoor performance stage, natural shade, public artwork and civic space for the community. The park will build an important connection between Queen Street, Lang and Kokoda Parks, Ripples, the local shopping precincts

and infrastructure connections, while also stimulating the day and night-time local economies.

This issue of Our Place provides an overview of upgrades underway near you –including sports and recreation facilities, play and open spaces. I couldn’t be prouder that despite several years of extremely challenging conditions, Council is well ahead of schedule in our program to improve facilities across our City. Turn to page 9 to find out what’s happening near you.

And lastly, a 2023 audit revealed that in the last five years, Penrith households have reduced the amount of waste we are sending to landfill. As we are working towards a goal of a 70% reduction by 2026, this is excellent progress; however, changing our

habits can be tricky at times. Turn to page 18 to have some of your waste-related questions answered.

Enjoy the autumn!

Cr Todd Carney Penrith Mayor

DISCOVER OUR

CITY CENTRES

As the weather gets cooler and the evenings get shorter, it’s a great time to explore the urban centres of Penrith City. With excellent shopping, an array of dining options and so many different ways to treat yourself, visiting the Penrith or St Marys City Centres is a great way to spend an afternoon.

This project was funded through the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program and Public Spaces Legacy Program, in partnership with Council.

A WORLD-CLASS CITY PARK

Penrith now has its very own vibrant, communal space in the City Centre for enjoying some alfresco time during the day and taking in special events in the evening.

City Park is a new focal point for Penrith, providing amenity and encouraging more visitors to explore our exciting shops, restaurants, bars and cafes.

Tall native habitat trees have been planted such as Brush Box, Ironbarks and Red Gums. Eventually, the height of these impressive trees will mean they are

visible from all around Penrith. As flowering trees, the fauna they will support include native bees, flying foxes, honeyeaters and jewel beetles.

There are also deciduous trees –ginkos and pears –which turn gold and scarlet in the autumn and lose their leaves, letting more light into the area to ensure people sitting under them during the colder months can bask in the winter sun. And in the summer, water features will also help to regulate the ambient temperature of the park, with misting sprays, or ‘fog

fountains’, throughout the park which people can walk through to refresh.

Allen Place laneway has also been widened and revitalised, with a vehicle loading bay area, mountable kerb and raised pedestrian thresholds, which will ensure City Park is a top-quality events venue.

Find out more at penrith.city/citypark

Historic bricks find a new home in City Park

Bricks used in the amenities building were salvaged from the former Rodley House in Penrith, made by St Marys local William Fleming in the mid-1800s.

Fleming owned and operated Nepean Brick and Tile Company from 1866 until 1897, which was considered the most successful brickyard in Penrith. His bricks were stamped with either the letter ‘F’ or a diamond, which visitors will be able to see in the façade.

Discover public art

Visitors to City Park may have already seen Wonder Walks, a work of art sculpted from layered paint salvaged from a demolished graffiti wall. It’s by Leesa Knights, a Sydney-based, multidisciplinary artist known for reimagining reclaimed materials into works of art. Individually, each hand-carved sculpture connects us to a moment in time evoking memories, imagination and the magic of storytelling. Collectively, the pieces form a trail embedded into the pathway through City Park.

This map leads you to eight amazing murals in and around the St Marys City Centres

UPGRADES IN MY AREA

When it comes to shaping a healthy City of the future, Penrith is kicking goals.

Since adopting our 2020 Sport and Recreation

Strategy, Council has delivered an extensive program of sport, recreation, play and open space projects across our City. To date, 93 projects

have been completed, which more than meets our initial goal of completing 80 projects within five years. And there are plenty more projects underway this year.

Young rugby league players at the recently upgraded Doug Rennie Field,

Playspaces

Explorers Way and Henley Grove Reserve St Clair Complete

Glengarry Drive Reserve Glenmore Park Complete

Goldmark Crescent Reserve Cranebrook Complete

Illawong and Kareela Avenue Reserve Kingswood Park Complete

Ridgeview Crescent Reserve Erskine Park Complete

Trinity Drive Reserve Cambridge Gardens Complete

Wilson Park Llandilo Complete

Jim Anderson Park Werrington Under construction

Willoring Crescent Reserve Jamisontown Under construction

Dorothy Radford Reserve St Clair In planning

Eileen Cammack Reserve South Penrith In planning

Gilmour Street Reserve Colyton In planning

Henry Brigden Park Penrith In planning

Londonderry Park Londonderry In planning

Monfarville Reserve St Marys In planning

Ridge Park Reserve Oxley Park In planning

SPOTLIGHT ON WILSON PARK

Congratulations to Llandilo Public School students, who have co-designed a new playspace at Wilson Park, in partnership with Council. Features include climbing

equipment, a multiplay unit with slide, a three-bay swing set with an accessible swing, outdoor fitness equipment, and a revitalised multi-sport court.

By taking part in the Penrith Mayoral Challenge program, the students played a key role in improving this playspace for their local community to enjoy.

A Llandilo Public School student enjoying the

Sports Facility Infrastructure Upgrades

Boronia Park New cricket amenities building, upgraded cricket practice facility, floodlighting for all netball courts, upgraded rugby league amenities building, upgraded irrigation for fields 3-5 and floodlighting for all fields

North St Marys Complete

Location Upgrades

Woodriff Gardens Tennis Complex

Parker Street Reserve

New amenities building

Stage one – new amenities building, floodlighting and playing surfaces upgrade

Stage two – upgrade to existing amenities building, new playspace, car parking, landscaping and tree planting

Andromeda Oval Amenities building, playing surfaces and car park

Cook Park

Monfarville Reserve

Refurbishment of existing football grandstand and new amenities building, playing surface upgrades including new synthetic surface, new public toilets, sports infrastructure upgrades, lighting, playspace upgrades, car park upgrades, landscaping, seating and tree planting

New amenities building

SPOTLIGHT ON SURVEYORS CREEK SOFTBALL FACILITY

This softball facility in Glenmore Park has received upgrades to floodlighting to enable night-time competition, an accessible pathway around the facility

creating a ‘loop walk’ experience, new seating installed around diamond one, upgraded player dug outs and the reconstruction of infield playing surface.

Suburb Status

Penrith Under construction

Penrith Stage one - complete

Stage two – in planning

Cranebrook In planning

St Marys In planning

St Marys In planning

The upgrades are a winner for young champions from Penrith City Softball Association

Recreation and Open Space

Site name Suburb Status

Capella Reserve Erskine Park Stage one - complete

City Park Penrith Complete

Cook Park outdoor fitness equipment St Marys Complete

North St Marys Dog Park North St Marys Complete

Regatta Park Emu Plains Stage one - complete

Trinity Drive Reserve mixed recreation space Cambridge Gardens Complete

Gipps Street Recreation Precinct Claremont Meadows Under construction

Bennett Park St Marys In planning

Chameleon Reserve Erskine Park In planning

SPOTLIGHT ON TRINITY DRIVE RESERVE

Two new playspaces have been delivered in Cambridge Gardens. An upgrade to the junior playspace includes new play equipment, shade sails, trees, a pathway and seating. Meanwhile a new mixed recreation space features a skate bowl and pump track, parkour zone, a traversing wall, basket swing, flying fox, an inclusive spinner and trampoline, and social spaces.

Student leaders from Cambridge Gardens Public School test out the new swings in the junior playspace

COUNCIL SEEKS EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR GIPPS STREET

Penrith City Council is encouraging local sporting clubs and associations to submit their Expressions of Interest (EOI) for formal use of the new sports facilities in the Gipps Street Recreation Precinct.

The 32-hectare precinct will offer a variety of high-quality, floodlit sports infrastructure when it opens in mid-2024 including:

• Four full-size rectangular fields and one junior size field suitable for a variety of sports

• Two full size cricket/AFL ovals with synthetic wickets

• Two netball courts

• Four lane district-level cricket practice facilities

• An amenities building equipped with a canteen, multi-purpose area, change rooms, storage space and accessible facilities

• Car parking including designated coach drop off areas

This is a fantastic opportunity for local sports groups to be the first to use the landmark facilities. EOIs can be submitted until 15 April 2024.

For more information and to apply, visit penrith.city/gippsstsportsfacilities

In the Gipps Street Recreation Precinct, we’ve combined sustainability and safety by installing softfall in the children’s play areas which have been created by Play Matta using recycled PVC from things like traffic cones, wire insulation and even pool toys.

The softfall can also be returned to Play Matta at the end of its lifecycle to be recycled for future projects.

The play areas will feature equipment for children of all ages including swings, slides, climbing equipment, a flying fox, accessible spinner, rockers, accessible trampolines, balance beams, water play, shade and more.

The Gipps Street Recreation Precinct is expected to open in mid-2024.

This project is funded by Council and the NSW Government through the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program, Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund, Greater Cities Sport Facility Fund and Open Spaces Program.

Image caption: The Gipps Street Recreation Precinct children’s play areas are under construction

WHAT’S YOUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF PENRITH?

Council is reviewing our Community Strategic Plan to ensure our vision for the future of Penrith still suits the community. The Plan is the roadmap which Council uses as an overarching guide to shape Penrith into the City you want to live in – it’s how community vision is translated into action. We want to hear your ideas and priorities, what you love about our City and want to see more of, and the opportunities you believe will make Penrith even better.

“More cultural events, and more youth centres, for kids to go to and make friends”

Jenny Lee

“Safety. That’s the #Number 1 important thing for me and my community”

Adem

“More connected bike paths, so

I

can go on long bike rides”

Liz

Have your say at yoursaypenrith.com.au/mycity

WASTE Q&A

NSW is responsible for nearly one-third of Australia’s total waste production, and here’s a concerning fact: landfills accepting household waste across Greater Sydney will reach capacity by 2037 – if current waste trends continue. That’s according to the 2021 State of the Environment Report.

So it’s not surprising that Penrith City Council – a leader in sustainability – is taking a proactive approach, and working towards a 70% diversion rate of waste from landfills by 2026.

DOWNLOAD THE PENRITH WASTE CHAMPION APP IN THE GOOGLE PLAY OR APPLE STORE

So how are we tracking?

Q. Q.

What else can we do to reduce landfill?

A. A.

An audit in 2023 showed that Penrith households have reduced the amount of waste in the kerbside bins over the past five years. That’s a win!

However, the data revealed that the most common items residents put in red bins – over 20% – are food items and kitchen scraps.

In the interest of reducing landfill, it’s worth reminding ourselves that as part of the 3-bin service, all food scraps in your household, including meat and bones, dairy products, fruits and veg, cooking fats and oils, and any out-of-date foods, should be removed from any packaging and placed into your green-lidded FOGO (Food Organics Garden Organics) bin, along with your garden waste.

Organic waste collected from your FOGO bin is composted and reused locally on parks, sporting fields, and gardens to improve soil health and promote new growth.

Contact Council if you’d like to discuss your household’s waste service options. Call Waste Services on 4732 7777 or learn more at penrith.city/3bins

You can take advantage of the many accessible waste services available to residents.

Register for regular collections of soft plastics at recyclesmart.com

Sign up to have soft plastics and textiles collected from your door every 4–6 weeks with RecycleSmart Power Pickups. It’s free for Penrith residents who are booking recurring collections.

Get to know the Supporting Sustainable Choices Scheme at penrith.city/sustainablechoices

Penrith households can claim financial rebates of up to $250 for purchasing reusable nappies, sanitary items, rechargeable household batteries and more.

Find out about free drop-off events at penrith.city/waste

Council holds regular community dropoff events so residents can responsibly dispose of problem items, including household electronic waste, chemicals, textiles and even bicycles.

Check out the Community Recycling Centre at penrith.city/crc

Penrith Community Recycling Centre is open year-round to help you sort, dispose of and recycle household problem waste items like paint, batteries, gas bottles, and light globes.

START UP SUCCESS

Following the success of a series of pilot events to promote innovation in Penrith, Council commissioned a program to build capacity in our community for launching new businesses and enterprises. The program aimed to develop the skills of participants in launching a startup, including knowledge of product development, finding funding and negotiating regulations.

It was extremely helpful. I got to learn about Angel and VC funding as well as government grants.

Startup Success, delivered by the Sydney School of Entrepreneurship in late 2023, offered six ‘microcredentials’ focusing on the identified skill gaps:

• Small Business Startup

• Test Your Business Idea

• Structuring your Small Business Startup

• Building a Customer Base

• Finance and Funding

• Present your Small Business Startup

The program provided a solid introduction to the fundamentals of establishing a business, with a focus on practical steps to take an idea into action.

I enjoyed learning the difference between cost, price, revenue and funding. I am most scared of money and accounting, but this module had some great simple examples that made it easier.

All modules were valuable, be they about minimal viable product, business structures or regulatory barriers. They were all necessary information.

Participants were joined by mentors from local businesses, who could provide real-world examples and insights into everyday business operations. Over several weeks of in-person and online meetings, participants were able to workshop and develop their ideas.

Ideas included a digital health platform, a personal privacy app, and a travel planning app.

Council will continue to find ways to support startups in Penrith, helping our community to build the skills and knowledge it needs to thrive.

THE WAY WE DELIVER OUR PLACE IS CHANGING

Since 2020, Our Place has kept our community informed and championed what makes our City unique, helping residents to feel more connected regardless of what stage of life or what part of Penrith you are in.

Our Place will continue to arrive in your letterbox and online four times a year, plus the email version will be in your inbox every fortnight. If you haven’t already signed up for that, head to the link below.

From the start of 2024, it will no longer be possible for residents to opt out of receiving the print version of Our Place. Due to the rising cost of sending addressed mail, a more financially sustainable model has been sought.

Residents who have previously opted out of receiving Our Place will now likely find it in their mail. The Our Place team appreciates the effort residents have made to opt out, and regrets that we cannot continue to provide this service due to changing market conditions.

PENRITH LEADS THE WAY IN GREENING

Throughout 2019 to 2022, Penrith City’s tree coverage has significantly increased — and according to the NSW Government’s recently released mapping, we’ve seen more trees planted and flourishing than any other local government area in Greater Sydney!

The survey revealed that 18 councils

increased their tree coverage since 2019, while 14 unfortunately lost tree coverage. Penrith led the way with the greatest gains — an increase of 6.36%!

It’s wonderful to hear that Council’s projects, including Greening our City, a project funded by the NSW Government which continues to see trees planted in residential streets,

key transport corridors, and parklands in heataffected areas in our local government area, and our beloved tree planting days such as Trees for Mum and Trees for Dad, are setting the benchmark for sustainability. Those are just a few projects we’ve been leading to see more trees planted across Penrith.

Trees for Mum

SUNDAY 12 MAY 2024

Our beloved Trees for Mum event turns 17! Celebrate your mum, mother figure, grandmother or aunt with a special day of planting a tree in their honour. Sessions will run for half an hour. Book your slot between 8.30am and 12pm.

Creating Canopies

We’re partnering with Greater Sydney Landcare and Landcare NSW to host more Creating Canopies events across Penrith! Join us for our first session:

ELLISON AVENUE RESERVE

Sunday 20 April, 9am–12pm

Ellison Reserve, John Oxley Avenue Werrington.

Find out more at penrith.city/events

Two volunteers planting one of the 500 trees at Grey Gums Reserve in November

Penrith City Libraries is offering a range of exciting school holiday workshops for children and teens. Scan the QR code or visit penrith. city/library to find out what’s on and book your tickets today!

WHAT’S ON

IN OUR CITY IN AUTUMN

BELL SHAKESPEARE’S A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

Shakespeare’s classic comedy is reawakened in this breathless production brimming with magic, mirth and mayhem.

4–5 April

thejoan.com.au

RE:CLASSICAL

Max Richter’s chart-topping global sensation, Four Seasons Recomposed, leads this performance of groundbreaking classical music from one of Australia’s most exciting chamber music groups, Omega Ensemble.

20 April

thejoan.com.au

Image:AshleydePrazer

THE PEASANT PRINCE

In a poor village in northern China, Li, a 10-year-old boy is taken away from everything he knows and sent to a ballet academy in the big city. He is afraid, but his mother urges him to follow his dreams.

11–13 May

thejoan.com.au

THE WHARF REVUE: PRIDE IN PREJUDICE

With over twenty-three years of experience in the political satire space, Australia’s most trusted revue-based practitioners continue the tradition with this year’s hilarious offering.

2–4 May

thejoan.com.au

Image:HeidrunLöhr.Photos from 2016 national tour featureperformersJenevieve Chang,JonathanChan,John GoodwayandEdricHong

Image: Saskia Wilson

TEPHRA

An immersive sound and sculpture installation which delves into the volcanic history of the Greater Blue Mountains Region. The first solo exhibition from western Sydney artists and sisters, Caitlin Dubler and Natasha Dubler, brings together their respective backgrounds in silversmithing, glass and music to explore gestures of listening and touch.

Until 28 April

penrithregionalgallery.com.au

COLLECTION IN FOCUS: BETWEEN URGENCY AND LEISURE

A group of photographic works from the collection of Penrith Regional Gallery, alongside newly acquired additions. The exhibition highlights the history of Gallery in commissioning and presenting social photography projects that connect leading contemporary artists with communities from our region.

Until 28 April

penrithregionalgallery.com.au

TWELVEFOLD

Showcasing twelve pieces of a whole stemming from the shared experience of the twelve artists who participated in the 2023 inaugural Ancher Points: Emerging Artists Intensive, these works reflect the experimentation and expansion from each artist.

Until 28 April

penrithregionalgallery.com.au

@penrithregionalgallery

Photo:NatashaDubler&CaitlinDubler,Tephra(detail), 2023.Photocourtesyoftheartists.

Image:ReserveBankSculpturein production,GeraldLewers,completed byMargoLewers,c1964,photographer unknown,PenrithRegionalGallery, HomeofTheLewersBequestcollection

Image: Jack Buckey, Banksia Oppidanus, fine point pen on hot pressed paper, 2023

BOOK LOVERS

by Emily Henry

Rom-com fans will love this sparky story from a New York Times bestselling author. One summer in a small town in North Carolina, Nora and Charlie keep bumping into one another. A delightful tale of rivals, romance and unexpected plot twists.

OUR LIBRARY

@penrithcitylibrary

THE ADVENTURES OF BILLY SHAMAN: THE WAR OF THE HEAVENLY HORSES

by Roland Chambers

An adventurous first book in an exciting new series for young readers. Billy hasn’t found his magic yet, until he wakes up one day on a battlefield and is snatched from the jaws of death. An edgeof-your-seat tale full of fantasy and magic.

MISS PENNY DREADFUL AND THE MALICIOUS MAZE

by Allison Rushby

A story of twists and turns, perfect for junior readers who love solving mysteries. Penny finds her family home in a state of disarray, and her parents nowhere to be seen. Racing against the clock, she must uncover the truth before it’s too late.

STAY

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Sustainability eNews penrith.city/sustainabilityenews

Find available parking ParkPenrith

The library at your fingertips Penrith City Library

Local waste and recycling information Penrith Waste

Have

SOUTH WARD

OUR DEPUTY MAYOR

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 penrith-city-council penrithcitycouncil

Interpreting assistance is available at Council or by phone.

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

EAST WARD

OUR MAYOR

Councillor Todd Carney

E todd.carney@penrith.city

P 0417 762 219

Councillor Tricia Hitchen

E tricia.hitchen@penrith.city

P 0417 365 313

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

Penrith City Council’s Local Celebration Awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the dedicated, selfless and inspirational people in our community. NOMINATIONS CLOSE 15 APRIL 2024.

So what are you waiting for?

There are four categories to choose from:

Citizen of the Year Young Citizen of the Year Mayor’s Local Heroes Award Community Service Award

Find out more at: penrith.city/local-celebration-awards