Our Place Winter 2024

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL COMMUNITY NEWS WINTER 2024

Winter 2024

Meet our 2024 Local Celebration Award winners Winter gardening tips Events, exhibitions and much more penrith.city/OurPlace

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was proudly produced by Penrith City Council in June 2024.

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PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS WINTER 2024 • 2

WORDS FROM OUR MAYOR As we get settled into the cooler months – a time of year that undoubtedly has fewer risks from natural disasters such as fires and floods – now is a great time to plan and prepare. Council’s teams have been busy supporting communities and residents affected by the most recent flooding events, holding pop-up events in Wallacia and in Londonderry throughout autumn. In late May, residents enjoyed a guided bushwalk and emergency services expo which encouraged preparedness for future disasters, connecting people with services such as the Red Cross, the Rural Fire Service and the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

While Council is not a response combat agency for disasters, we do support the incredible State Emergency Service; in

the April flooding event, Council delivered bulk sandbags to drop-off points for residents at Londonderry, Jamison Park and Wallacia, and also assisted NSW Police in local road closures when flooding from nearby creeks caused local roads to become unsafe.

Over the winter while things are quiet on this front, I encourage everyone to check out essential resources, including apps, a go-bag checklist and our real-time Disaster Dashboard, by visiting penrith.city/ emergencyready In this issue of Our Place, we have the pleasure of introducing you to our 2024 winners in the Local Celebration Awards.

Their dedication to serving and supporting our local community is humbling. Check out Council’s social media platforms to watch

•3•

interviews with these amazing people and find out where they draw inspiration from. And perhaps start thinking about who you could nominate next year!

Cr Todd Carney Penrith Mayor

IMAGE TC

LOCAL CELEBRATION AWARDS

4

UPGRADES IN MY AREA 14 TIPS FROM OUR NURSERY

20

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR CITY 26

OUR

LOCAL HEROES The Local Celebration Awards are an opportunity to come together as a community, once a year, and celebrate the people who inspire us. It could be for volunteering, sporting or academic achievements, or involvement in activities and innovation that has led to the betterment of the people within the Penrith community – there’s no shortage of worthy nominees every year.

MEET OUR SEVEN OUTSTANDING RECIPIENTS FOR 2024!

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS WINTER 2024 • 4

TROY DODDS

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Troy Dodds is a familiar face to many.

You’ve heard him on the radio, relied on his commentary and read his bylines in the Western Weekender, the cornerstone of local news which Troy has steered to success at a time when many local papers have been forced to close their doors. Penrith is incredibly fortunate to still have this platform for local voices and stories.

What you may not know about Troy is that through his work at the Western Weekender, he’s helped to launch the careers of many local

rookie journalists. The newspaper has been a training ground for fresh, young talent who have gone on to work at major national and international media organisations.

Troy also gives back by lending his skills to charity events, hosting and emceeing a lot of events such as the WestCare annual fundraising dinner and the Nepean Business Network Melbourne Cup breakfast, among other charity events, balls and fundraisers.

For one individual, Troy’s impact on the Penrith community has been enormous.

From his early days •5•

as the founder and editor of a theatre website in the early 2000s, he has both disrupted and stabilised how news is covered and valued at the local and national levels.

Troy’s strategy has always been to champion local individuals and organisations, not just to report hard news.

A lot of communities around Australia don’t have their stories being told anymore, and Penrith is lucky to be an exception, thanks in no small part to Troy and his commitment to our community.

YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Jack has excelled in just about every area a young person could. The former school captain has achieved accolades in athletics, swimming and cross country, has volunteered extensively, and even scaled Mount Kosciuszko for a good cause. These would be remarkable accomplishments for anyone, but Jack has reached these milestones while living with disability.

He has represented NSW at athletics and cross-country championships, taking home multiple medals from these events.

Having played for the Nepean Dragons Football Club for 13 years, he was named both Junior and Senior Dragon’s Player of the Year for his exceptional sportsmanship, as well as Brothers Try Time Most Improved Player and Senior Try Time Player of the Year.

Jack’s school, Mater

JACK CONROY Dei School in Camden, awarded him the 2023 Peace Prize, bestowed on someone who demonstrates exceptional leadership and devotion to serving others. The award recognised Jack’s status as a positive role model within the school and wider community.

Jack also volunteers at the Daily Break Cafe in Glenmore Park, and at the Anglicare Retirement Village in Oran Park, where he organises games and activities. He loves spending time with the residents and bringing joy to their day.

On International Day of People with Disability in 2022 Jack climbed Mount Kosciuszko, overcoming anxiety, physical and mental challenges to do so.

He was the highest fundraiser on the trek, raising funds and bringing awareness to Everyone Can Dance, a charity providing free dance classes for people living with disability.

Everyone who knows Jack has been inspired to watch him overcome obstacles and reach the highest levels of sporting, educational and community achievements.

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS WINTER 2024 • 6

MAYOR’S LOCAL HERO Julie is admired by everyone who knows her and has witnessed her tenacity and strength.

Despite facing significant challenges all her life, Julie sets no limits on her capabilities. Born without arms and one much shorter leg, Julie found competitive swimming and excelled at a young age. She took home 13 state and national gold medals; at one time she was the second-best butterfly swimmer in the world.

To this day she holds 12 Australian records.

Her early success garnered national media attention, with appearances on the pages of popular magazines and newspapers and on national TV.

due to family responsibilities. Then, when Julie was 22, she lost both her parents within six months of each other.

As an incredibly determined individual, these challenges did not stop Julie from continuing to set her sights high. She pursued a successful corporate career until a workplace accident left her wheelchair bound.

Ever resilient, Julie then turned her focus on volunteering, initially at

Community Junction Learning Lounge helping local kids with their homework.

These days you can find her volunteering at Blackwell Primary School, tutoring kids in literacy and numeracy and presiding over the Parents and Citizens Association.

Julie seizes every opportunity to give back to her community, making it her life’s work to serve others in whatever capacity she can.

JULIE PARSONS

Sadly, Julie’s dreams of reaching the paralympics would be cut short as she was ultimately unable to pursue swimming

•7•

MAYOR’S LOCAL HERO Mike’s visibility in our community as an organiser and advocate is almost unmatched. You can spot him at BBQs, fundraising galas and raffles, walks, marches and relays, and even busting some moves at our local Dancing with the Stars. As a resident of Penrith and Managing Partner of Outback Steakhouse, Mike works tirelessly to reach out to support local schools, sporting clubs and charitable organisations.

CBD Corp, Panthers on the Prowl, Penrith Community Kitchen and dozens of local schools – if you are a local organisation, chances are Mike has supported or worked alongside you. He especially enjoys fundraising for the smaller causes which might otherwise be overlooked, and for whom a relatively small financial boost will make a massive difference.

Mike appreciates that there are so many communityminded people in Penrith who are open to collaborating. The pandemic taught us valuable lessons about supporting local, and Mike’s on a mission to keep that idea alive. As Penrith continues to grow, Mike believes we need to keep investing in the grassroots.

Mike first fell in love with Australia as a young backpacker in 1987, later returning with his family to settle here, finding a warm and receptive welcome in Penrith.

He’s forged close ties and excellent rapport with the other local leaders and groups, having worked alongside them to build a stronger community for many years running now.

From Penrith’s Chamber of Commerce to the

MIKE HICKS

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS WINTER 2024 • 8

MAKING A DIFFERENCE – COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD Empathy is a superpower and Angela has it in spades.

Angela’s young life was defined by loss and struggle; as a child, she looked up to her Mum for modelling the strength to be kind and caring to others, even when the family was facing their own difficulties.

The importance of support systems became clear to Angela when the people closest to her faced health crises. It is difficult enough to go through dark times, but far worse to experience them in isolation.

walk for women. When she realised that no such group existed, Angela resolved to start one.

Supported by dedicated volunteers from the men’s group, Angela began volunteering her time to run the Penrith Women’s Walk and Talk almost four years ago. The weekly event provides a safe, social space for women of all ages to gather, connect and find support from their

community. In 2023, the group was able to hold accredited Mental Health First Aid Training, enabling its members to further improve their skills.

Around being Mum to a young son and her passion for photography, Angela hopes to continue building the Penrith Women’s Walk and Talk, while looking for more opportunities to foster social connections.

ANGELA LAMBROS

These formative experiences led Angela towards working in the mental health sector, providing professional support to clients in times of need. It was on behalf of a client that she initially reached out to the Penrith Men’s Walk and Talk, inquiring whether they held a

•9•

MAKING A DIFFERENCE – COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD At only 20 years old, Bailey already has an impressive CV of volunteer work under his belt.

Even as a kid, Bailey loved contributing to community causes such as bushfire relief or park run. He learned to assume a caring role in life through adversity in his childhood; after the loss of his mother, Bailey took on extra responsibilities caring for his younger siblings, who are among his closest friends today.

Bailey found a second family when he began volunteering at Mama Lana’s Community Foundation, a notfor-profit organisation that assists people in our community facing challenges such as homelessness. The motto of Mama Lana’s is ‘kindness with no strings’, and Bailey lives that principle, volunteering up to

BAILEY HAND three shifts a week serving and preparing meals for people in need, plus organising pick-up and delivery of donations. He is now a team leader, running a night service weekly.

According to the person who nominated him, Bailey makes every single patron at Mama Lana’s feel at ease, from toddlers to grandmothers.

Chatting and joking to lighten the mood and offering a compassionate approach are his specialties.

Around his job at the Log Cabin, Bailey is at Western Sydney University studying science and majoring in physics. His particular interest is astrophysics, which he’d be keen to research or even teach one day. Teaching has already become a passion for Bailey, who has worked teaching music to kids.

Bailey embodies qualities we value as a nation and as a community – mateship, self-sacrifice and a cheerful willingness to give helping others a go.

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS WINTER 2024 • 10

MAKING A DIFFERENCE – COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD Lucinda will proudly tell you that she’s never lived or worked anywhere but the heart of Penrith. And yet she is a country girl through and through – her family, originally from Oberon, came to Penrith when her grandad Gary Harvey was graded

by Panthers in 1969.

The family property in Oberon is where Lucinda learned agricultural and farm skills like four-wheel driving, fishing and operating heavy machinery.

contemplating how to create something positive and productive after a close friend lost their mental health battle.

She wanted to fight feelings of isolation among her peers, spread awareness and forge stronger connections.

Saving True Blues organises camping trips for young people to go fourwheel driving, get out into nature, gather around a campfire and connect. These

Lucinda also donates funds for mental health charities such as Lifeline, never missing an opportunity to continue giving back.

Based on the number of people who nominated Lucinda for this award, her tireless work has touched the lives of many.

LUCINDA HARVEY

Lucinda counts herself as lucky to have attended a local school that instilled a passion for community service in students from kindergarten onwards.

Her upbringing, both at home and at school, taught her to live by the words ‘If you can give back, you should’.

The idea for Saving True Blues, the charity Lucinda founded, was borne out of a tragedy.

In 2021, Lucinda began

gatherings create a safe space for participants to talk openly, breaking down the stigma of discussing mental health.

Learn more about these incredible people at penrith.city/local-celebration-awards • 11 •

Have you spotted our new flags up around Penrith?

Join our Flag Bingo for the

One community

Many abilities

Campaign!

Test your knowledge of this campaign by filling in the missing words

below for your chance to win one of three $50 Westfield Gift Cards*.

Spotted Julian?

Insert the missing words: Julian created light installations at

V S

Spotted Lauren?

Insert the missing words: Lauren balances two part time roles

D

S S W

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS WINTER 2024 • 12

and

Spotted Madeleine?

Spotted Jesse?

is the visionary founder of a theatre

R

Insert the missing words: Madeleine company tailored specifically for

N

Insert the missing words: Jesse is a

L

player

P

Spotted Marley?

Insert the missing words: Marley is a rising star on

Y

and T *Terms and conditions apply.

Send a photo of your activity sheet by 15 August to community.capacity@penrith.city.

For more information visit

penrith.city/manyabilities

• 13 •

UPGRADES

IN MY AREA JIM ANDERSON PARK Council has transformed a playspace on Brookfield Avenue in Werrington Downs, with a castle-themed play unit featuring slides, climbing equipment, a bridge and turrets.

It also includes a maze with interactive play panels, balance trail, and swing set including a basket swing. The existing shade sail was retained,

while picnic tables, bench seating, tree planting, pathways and landscaping were also included in the upgrade to create a welcoming space for families and children.

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS WINTER 2024 • 14

MAX BAKER RESERVE A new playspace has opened in the renamed Max Baker Reserve in Jamisontown, which sits between Harris Street and Willoring Crescent.

The reserve was named to recognise the late Max Baker, who

made a significant contribution to our local community over the course of his life.

The new shaded playspace features a 25-metre flying fox, large multi-play unit,

swing set, inclusive airplane springer, balance trail, and interactive equipment for young children including a musical play panel, speedboat, flower talk tube and play café shop front.

To find out more about Council’s latest playspace upgrades, visit yoursaypenrith.com.au/ playspaceupgrades

A new Bus Shelter has been completed, east of French Street in Kingswood.

This project was funded by TfNSW and delivered by Penrith City Council for the benefit of the community.

• 15 •

Complete the survey to go in the draw to win a $250 voucher! See www. yoursaypenrith.com. au/mycity for terms and conditions.

Have Your Say

Towards Penrith 2036 Help build a shared vision for future Penrith Council is reviewing our Community Strategic Plan to ensure our vision for the future of the Penrith Local Government Area (LGA) still suits the community.

What is a Community Strategic Plan (CSP)?

• The CSP is the vision and plan for

the whole community – it sets our collective goals for the future

• The CSP informs our future planning

– it’s the overarching guide which Council, Community Groups and State Government use to shape Penrith into the City you want to live in

Your input matters! 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.

• The CSP is how community vision is

Print survey (attached)

Online survey

Please return the printed survey by:

Visit yoursaypenrith.com.au/mycity to complete the survey online.

• Posting to Council – no stamp or envelope

required, simply tear out and fold the survey, and sticky tape it closed with Council’s address and the postmark facing outwards.

• Dropping off to the Council Civic Centre

translated into action!

Click the ‘follow’ button to register for updates.

at 601 High Street, Penrith between 8.30am and 4pm, weekdays.

• Dropping off to the St Marys

Business Office, 207-209 Queen Street 9am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-4pm, weekdays.

Translation service If you need an interpreter please call TIS National on 131 450 and ask them to phone Penrith City Council on (02) 4732 7777.

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS WINTER 2024 • 16

Five key priorities emerged during our extensive community consultation in 2020-2022:

The Community Strategic Plan review process

OUTCOME 1- We protect and enhance an ecologically sustainable environment

April-July 2024

In 2036, our city has grown thoughtfully, maintaining the open spaces and rural charm that we value, for the enjoyment of our community and the protection of our native plant and animal populations. We have taken steps to adapt to our changing climate while continuing to embrace technological advancements to ensure our energy use and waste generation is smart and clean.

Seeking community feedback

Key priorities for the future of Penrith

OUTCOME 2 - We are welcoming, healthy, happy, creative and connected In 2036, our community is resilient, where everyone is valued, feels safe and supported to participate in community life. We have access locally to the services and spaces we need for recreation and for mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.

OUTCOME 3 - We plan and shape our growing city In 2036, Penrith is a popular and attractive place to live, work and visit, with a thriving local economy. Good planning, investment, advocacy and partnerships has improved liveability and opened up opportunities for our community to reside and work where we want to. Well designed and sustainable development complement its surroundings while maintaining and enhancing our unique local character and heritage.

July-August 2024 Reviewing and actioning feedback

August-October 2024 Refreshing the Community Strategic Plan

March-April 2025 Exhibiting the revised Community Strategic Plan for comment

May-June 2025

OUTCOME 4 - We manage and improve our build environment In 2036, we can move through our city with ease, knowing that our places and infrastructure are well planned, safe, maintained, and inclusive. We enjoy the abundant facilities available in each locality, designed and upgraded in consultation with our community.

OUTCOME 5 - We have open and collaborative leadership In 2036, Council and community have a strong relationship built on trust and respect. Our city is governed responsibly and sustainably balancing current and future needs. Every voice is being heard and every decision is being driven by our empowered community.

• 17 •

Adopting the revised Community Strategic Plan

UNLOCKING

ADVENTURE AT OSHC

We understand the importance of convenience for busy families, and offer flexible attendance options, nutritional meals and snacks, and safe transportation to and from school

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS WINTER 2024 • 18

The Outside of School Hours Care (OSHC) program, run by Council’s Children’s Services, offers a dynamic, safe and stimulating environment at 21 locations across Penrith.

The range of engaging activities – from educational endeavours to pulsequickening adventure

pursuits – are tailored to children aged five to 12.

Coming up this term at OSHC: your child can dive into the world of aquatics with swimming lessons at Ripples St Marys, soar to new heights at iFly indoor skydiving, crack codes in exhilarating escape room outings, or

even master the art of agility as a true ninja.

Our experienced educators aren’t just supervisors; they’re mentors, guides, and champions of your child’s potential. With a tapestry of activities designed to stimulate learning and foster social and emotional skills, your child will blossom during their time at OSHC.

To learn more and secure your child’s spot, contact our dedicated team at 02 4732 7844 or visit penrith.city/childcare

• 19 •

TIPS

FROM OUR NURSERY Do you want to get your garden ready for the warmer months, but aren’t sure where to start?

Council’s Nursery Coordinator and resident green thumb, Mark, has shared his tips for what to do in the garden now so it’s blooming in spring!

Spray your lawn

If you want to avoid bindis in the summer, now’s the time to spray your lawn. You should use a bindi or clover killer spray as soon as you start to see the plants emerge.

Prune

Your shrubs and ground covers are ready for a good prune in late July and early August, so they’ll be at their best in spring.

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS WINTER 2024 • 20

Flowers in Memory Park Eagle-eyed flower lovers may have noticed new floral displays in Memory Park. These engaging new displays are designed to

Prepare your existing soil beds

Rake up mulch, remove weeds, top dress with aged cow manure, and reapply mulch. You can also water in a seaweed-based liquid solution for an extra nutrient boost.

coincide with important dates and awareness campaigns. See if you can spot red flowers for Anzac Day in April, pink flowers to

promote breast cancer awareness in October, and white flowers to commemorate White Ribbon Day in November.

Prepare new soil beds using the ‘no dig’ method Remove or spray out any unwanted grass or weeds. Lay sheets of overlapping newspaper or cardboard to form a blanket on the soil. Then sandwich layers of straw, compost, straw, compost and straw again. Finally, sprinkle with garden lime, blood and bone, and pelletised manure, and water in with a seaweed-based liquid solution.

• 21 •

SAVE THE DATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS ARE HAPPENING ON SATURDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2024.

Voting is compulsory if you live in Penrith and are on the electoral roll – fines apply if you don’t cast your vote for any reason.

Local Government elections do not allow absentee voting, so if you are not going to be in Penrith on election day, you will need to either request a postal vote or cast a pre-poll vote.

»

Applications for a postal vote are available from 6 August 2024

»

If you are over 18 and haven’t yet registered to vote, you can do so at aec.gov.au/enrol

»

Nominations to be a candidate in the elections close 14 August 2024

Polls will be open from 8am to 6pm on Saturday 14 September 2024.

Find out more at elections.nsw.gov.au/lge24

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS WINTER 2024 • 22

TREES FOR DAD 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 increasing tree canopy in Penrith and helping to cool our City. The trees have been propagated in Council’s Nursery, with the species chosen for their habitat value.

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

SUNDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 8.30AM–12.30PM

Find the location and more info here

Find out more and register at penrith.city/events

• 23 •

NEW TRAIL SHOWCASES

TRADITIONAL FOODS A new bush food trail has opened in Cranebrook along the Great West Walk, a collaboration between Council, Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services and local Aboriginal organisation MuruMittigar.

The creation of the bush food trail

enhances existing plantings along the section of the walk adjacent to Ariel Crescent in Cranebrook, while offering a glimpse into the foods traditionally sourced from the land by Aboriginal peoples, along with educational signage.

In addition to the edible shrubs and

grasses, 140 trees were planted to provide more shaded areas and contribute to our City’s growing tree canopy.

The trees planted were grown by Council’s Nursery, with other plants installed along the trail grown in MuruMittigar’s nursery.

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS WINTER 2024 • 24

Find out more at greatwestwalk.com.au

THE BUSH FOOD TRAIL IS PART OF THE GREAT WEST WALK, WHICH STRETCHES FROM PARRAMATTA TO THE BLUE MOUNTAINS. Plants on the trail include: »

Bunya Pine » (Araucaria bidwillii) was used at gatherings that held cultural significance to Aboriginal communities.

Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra) was harvested and ground into a nutritious flour.

»

Spiny-head Mat-rush (Lomandra longifolia) was turned into various items such as baskets, bags and mats.

»

Sandpaper Fig (Ficus coronata) was used as natural sandpaper to smooth and shape wooden tools and utensils.

The Greening the Great West Walk project is co-funded between Penrith City Council and the NSW Government.

• 25 •

WHAT’S

HAPPENING IN OUR CITY

ARC From the award-winning creators of Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo comes a magical new production for kids aged five and up and their families. Featuring exquisite puppetry, an enigmatic host and audience interaction, ARC gives you the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with a menagerie of rare and vulnerable species, whilst exploring the importance of conserving our natural world.

16 September thejoan.com.au

@the_joan

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS WINTER 2024 • 26

@penrithregionalgallery

@the_joan

Image: Lucy Parakhina

THIS PLACE WHERE THEY DWELL

SUN RISING The Birth of Rock & Roll

Diana Baker Smith

Since their first show a decade ago, Melbourne’s Sun Rising has become Australia’s premier rock and roll show, paying homage to the timeless music of Sun Records – the official birthplace of rock and roll.

You’ll be transported to 1950s Memphis, where legendary artists such as Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, BB King, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and many more icons got their start.

This major new contemporary art commission was performed and filmed in the former home of Gerald and Margo Lewers – a home that has since become Penrith Regional Gallery, through the Lewers Bequest in 1980. With a sensory approach to colour and light, a holistic view of Margo Lewers’ life is created, reflecting on her movements, motivations and life experience in the place where she lived for almost three decades.

Until 4 August Penrith Regional Gallery

3 August

penrithregionalgallery.com.au

Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre thejoan.com.au

We’re bringing Australia’s most celebrated performers, artists, musicians and creative minds back together.

Real Festival is returning in 2024 and will once again transform Tench Reserve into a spectacular fusion of fun.

The Festival program for 2024 is still to be announced, so save the date!

• 27 •

CHESS CLUB WITH SYDNEY ACADEMY OF CHESS This after-school Chess Club is an excellent opportunity for beginners wanting to learn, pros looking for an opponent, and everyone in between.

Sydney Academy of Chess will lead this eight-week series on Tuesdays at 4.30pm–5.30pm, geared for children and young people aged 8–14 years.

Bookings are essential and it costs $100 per student for eight sessions, which run from Tuesday 30 July to Tuesday 17 September. Participants must book for the term in full.

Library events can be found in the programs section of

penrith.city/library

COSY READS CHALLENGE Settle into your comfiest chair, grab a cuppa and get involved with the Cosy Reads Challenge for your chance to win a $50 QBD Books voucher. Until Saturday 31 August, library members aged 16 years and older can borrow and read a book, fill in an entry form which includes a simple review and then pop it in a challenge barrel at any library branch. The more you read, the more times you can enter, and eBooks and eAudiobooks are included. Share your progress online with the hashtag #penrithcosyreadschallenge @penrithcitylibrary

Entry forms are available at Penrith City Libraries branch or online at

penrith.city/library

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS WINTER 2024 • 28

TALES AND TEA Our monthly Tales and Tea sessions are held at Penrith City Library on the second Wednesday of each month from 1pm to 2.30pm. A library staff member will read an interesting short story aloud; participants listen and then contribute their thoughts and reflections if they wish. Shared reading is an excellent way to improve your listening, speaking and group participation skills. This is an inclusive program for all skill levels, with no preparation needed and bookings not required. Just come along!

Find out more by calling (02) 4732 7891 or visit

penrith.city/library

THE LOST LETTERS OF ROSE CAREY Author Julie Bennett returns to Penrith City Library on Wednesday 24 July from 6.30pm to talk about her new novel inspired by the life of 1920s Australian film icon Annette Kellerman. The Lost Letters of Rose Carey is the story of a documentary filmmaker, Emma, who discovers a box of handwritten letters belonging to Rose, a golden girl of the 1920s silent film era.

Intrigued, Emma begins to read through them, slowly uncovering a deadly secret.

Copies of this absorbing historical novel will be available for sale and light refreshments will be provided.

Learn more and book your tickets at

penrith.city/events

• 29 •

CONNECT

Online

WITH COUNCIL

Services Portal my.penrith.city Your one-stop destination for Council services, requests and feedback

VISIT

STAY CONNECTED WITH NEWS ON EMAIL

DOWNLOAD FREE APPS FROM THE APP STORE OR GOOGLE PLAY

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Sustainability eNews penrith.city/sustainabilityenews

Local waste and recycling information Penrith Waste Champion

Visit Penrith eNews visitpenrith.com.au/#email

Have your say on Council’s latest projects and activities at yoursaypenrith.com.au

Council Can Help With » » » » » » » » » » » »

Abandoned vehicles Air pollution monitoring Animal services Approvals Asbestos Building applications or inspections Bus shelters Bushfire control Children’s service Citizenship ceremonies Clean-up bookings Council car parks

» » » » » » » » » » » » »

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PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS WINTER 2024 • 30

SOUTH WARD

EAST WARD

OUR DEPUTY MAYOR

OUR MAYOR

E mark.davies@penrith.city P 0416 085 597

E todd.carney@penrith.city P 0417 762 219

Councillor Karen McKeown OAM

Councillor Tricia Hitchen

E karen.mckeown@penrith.city P 0401 995 945

E tricia.hitchen@penrith.city P 0417 365 313

Councillor Sue Day

Councillor Robin Cook

E sue.day@penrith.city P 0407 224 228

E robin.cook@penrith.city P 0428 056 619

Councillor Mark Rusev

Councillor Bernard Bratusa

E mark.rusev@penrith.city P 0466 897 210

E bernard.bratusa@penrith.city P 0420 581 225

Councillor Todd Carney

Councillor Mark Davies

Councillor Marlene Shipley

COUNCILLOR AND IMPORTANT COUNCIL CONTACTS

E marlene.shipley@penrith.city P 0407 290 537

NORTH WARD

PENRITH CIVIC CENTRE

601 High Street, Penrith Opening hours at penrith.city

Councillor John Thain E john.thain@penrith.city P 0411 427 812

ST MARYS CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE

207-209 Queen Street, St Marys Opening hours at penrith.city

Councillor Ross Fowler OAM E ross.fowler@penrith.city P 0419 738 484

4732 7777 council@penrith.city

Councillor Jonathan Pullen

penrith.city penrith.city.council

E jonathan.pullen@penrith.city P 0407 212 670

penrithcouncil penrith-city-council

Councillor Kevin Crameri OAM

penrithcitycouncil

E kevin.crameri@penrith.city P 0401 995 825

Interpreting assistance is available at Council or by phone.

Councillor Glenn Gardiner

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

E glenn.gardiner@penrith.city P 0407 214 719 • 31 •

OFFI CIAL VISITOR G UIDE SYDNEY AUSTRALIA

visitpenrith.com.au