Our Place Summer 2024

Emma Griffiths, taken at Ron Mulock Oval

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL COMMUNITY NEWS SUMMER 2024–25

Summer 2024-25

Meet Our Local Creatives Where to Find Water Play What’s On in Penrith City penrith.city/OurPlace

INSTAGRAM WALL Use hashtag

This issue of

#OurPlacePenrith

to be featured here

@JOHNMLAFFAN2

@STEVENCOTTEEPHOTOGRAPHY

@ALICIABARRETTPHOTOGRAPHY

@SPEAKE53

@PENRITHEATS

@KALYAN_B

was proudly produced by Penrith City Council in December 2024.

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

Browse back issues and sign up for a fortnightly email snapshot at penrith.city/OurPlace

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SUMMER 2024-25 • 2

WORDS FROM OUR MAYOR Happy New Year!

2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year.

The new Council was sworn in towards the end of 2024, and I am absolutely honoured to be serving as the Mayor of Penrith for a second consecutive term.

I also look forward to continuing to work with the newly elected Council.

Please turn to page 31 for Councillor details.

It’s an incredibly exciting time for Penrith and our region. The unprecedented investment in Western Sydney is bringing development and employment opportunities across a vast range of industries. It’s up to us to embrace the opportunities to

make sure we get it right for Penrith.

We have the chance to create a legacy for future generations. To lay the foundations for an increasingly prosperous, happy and healthy community. By getting this right, we’ll give our kids and grandkids the choice to build their lives in the most liveable City in Western Sydney.

That goal is at the heart of my vision for Penrith.

In this issue of Our Place we introduce you to some of the amazing people working in our local creative industries.

We provide an overview of how you can take part in our City’s resource recovery revolution, as well as provide tips on what to do this summer. Enjoy!

•3•

Cr Todd Carney Mayor of Penrith

IMAGE TC

WE CREATE PENRITH 4 ALLIED HEALTH SERVICES

13

WHERE TO FIND WATER PLAY

19

WHAT’S ON IN PENRITH CITY

24

WE CREATE

PENRITH

Penrith City is home to thriving artists and creatives, working across graphic and product design, digital content creation, fine arts, photography, sustainable reuse and more. The term ‘creative industries’ is a broad brush,

encompassing many unique, individual people practising their trades and artforms.

Making art in a studio or working as a freelancer can be a lonely pursuit, and being absorbed in creative work can be quite isolating.

That’s why artists

prioritise building a community, which is happening now in Penrith City.

Read on to meet some of our local artists and creatives who are growing their community, creating incredible work, and who have kindly agreed to share some hard-won wisdom.

Find out more at penrith.city/cultureandcreativity

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SUMMER 2024-25 • 4

JULIAN, CO-FOUNDER AND DESIGNER OF EMPIRE3D

The Thinker exhibited at Sculpture by the Sea Bondi 2024. Photographer: Daniel Varrica

A familiar face to many, Julian runs a local 3D printing and design business which has many weird and wonderful projects coming through its doors. An example of his work are the five life-sized panthers in Council’s Civic Centre foyer. He also creates

sculpture and art installations for large-scale outdoor exhibitions such as Vivid Sydney and Sculpture by the Sea. Julian sees Penrith as a growing and developing City with plenty of opportunities – but finding them can take some work,

and sometimes that means creating your own. Just start doing whatever it is that excites you, even from your kitchen table, he says. For Julian, who lives with disability, working from home and having the support of family is vital to his success.

IN APRIL 2024, PENRITH CITY COUNCIL ENDORSED THE WE CREATE PENRITH: CULTURAL STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 2024-28. THE PLAN IS ABOUT SUPPORTING LOCAL ARTISTS, CREATING MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN ARTS AND CULTURE, AND MAKING LOCAL STORIES MORE VISIBLE. @empire3Dprinting

•5•

Images: Emma Griffiths

DIVYA, FELIX AND HOLLY-LEE, FOUNDING ARTISTS, RIFF RAFF ARI Holly-Lee, Divya and Felix met through the Ancher Points Emerging Artist Intensive run by Penrith Regional Gallery last year. They formed an Artist Run Initiative (known as an ARI) to foster opportunities for local artists, and called it Riff Raff ARI. The three artists work across different disciplines. Divya draws, paints, photographs and performs; Felix is a visual and performance artist whose first solo exhibition debuted at

Penrith Regional Gallery this summer; and Holly-Lee is currently focused on new media, sculpture and interactive installations.

Building Riff Raff together has been empowering, they agree. As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise an artist – no one should attempt it alone!

The workload involved with running an ARI is substantial, but when one of them needs to step back, there’s always another member able to take the reins.

“MAKE FRIENDS, MAKE ART. BE PREPARED TO SPEND A LOT OF TIME ON ADMIN AND WRITING APPLICATIONS. GET COMFORTABLE WITH REJECTION. KEEP APPLYING FOR THINGS ANYWAY. BE PATIENT. MOST IMPORTANTLY, FIND YOUR PEOPLE.” – FELIX

Divya says the DIY approach is exciting and the arts sector in Penrith feels like a relatively blank canvas.

This comes with its own challenges, but if you find the right people to do it with, the journey can be even better than the outcomes.

We’re a community full of rich stories waiting to be told, says HollyLee; the spirit of the underdog is strong here, and it pushes us to be innovative and elevate the local arts scene.

@riffraff_ari Sign up to Riff Raff’s mailing list via the link in their Instagram bio to be notified of future artist events.

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SUMMER 2024-25 • 6

ANNETTE, OWNER OF TRASHY PENRITH CREATIVE REUSE SHOP Trashy Penrith is an antidote to the fast fashion industry. Materials rescued from landfills are upcycled for use in artmaking and sewing. Trashy also offers workshops and is centrally located in Penrith’s CBD. The brain behind this homegrown social enterprise is Annette, who was inspired by Reverse Garbage, the iconic Inner West reuse centre, when

she was studying design.

Although Annette had grown up watching her grandmother reuse and recycle, visiting Reverse Garbage was the first time she heard the term ‘upcycling’ and saw it practiced as a movement.

Annette is excited by the creative industries in Penrith, with opportunities to develop concepts and like-minded people to brainstorm with.

Trashy Penrith’s mascot

STEF, PRODUCT DESIGNER Stef is a user experience, or UX, product designer, a job which involves making peoples’ dayto-day tasks in digital settings more seamless.

Stef puts herself in a user’s shoes to ensure the journey is smooth and easy to navigate.

She says that UX product design is a process of first understanding needs, developing ideas, and in the final stages using her creativity.

After studying a degree in psychology, specialising in psycho biology, Stef applied her learning in the corporate world with a range of clients from trading to investment and healthcare. Now running her own agency, Stef works hard to maintain strong professional networks with clients, industry and with other creative professionals.

•7•

Product designer Stef; photo courtesy of Emma Griffiths

TIM, CONTENT CREATOR AND PRODUCER

Local content producer Tim; photo courtesy of the artist

Tim advocates just making things, regardless of whether anyone is asking you for it. He says people would be amazed at how many opportunities are out there – all you need to do is be the person who goes out and gets involved.

As a busy musician, Tim played all over Sydney with well-known artists and made a good living from his base in Penrith City. Music was, and still is, his passion; but an unexpected opportunity changed the course of his career. In the midst of lockdowns three years ago, the opportunity arose to work with Sean and Marley.

Sean and Marley are local creatives, living with disability, who have a huge online audience of over 5.6 million followers across Instagram and Tik Tok as well as

700,000 YouTube subscribers.

Together they create video content, with Tim contributing to ideas and then filming, editing and producing it for Sean and Marley’s platforms.

For Tim, this partnership has been an entry point into the creative industries outside of music, and has underlined the importance of dabbling in different creative pursuits.

Follow at @hans.video

And see his work with Sean and Marley @GetDownwithSeanandMarley

Going Viral: harnessing the true power of social media Thursday 20 March 2025 5.00pm – 8.00pm Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre Free.

Bookings are essential Tim Hans shares his experience as a viral content producer to help devise a strategy that works for you to find your people, your customers, your audience through social media.

Find out more at timhansvideo.com

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SUMMER 2024-25 • 8

Pheany is an artist, potter and educator who also holds the post of Secretary of the Nepean Potters Society. It’s important to find people on the same wavelength, she says – they don’t teach you how to run a business in art school, but you can pick up so much about technology, finances, freelancing and marketing from fellow creatives.

The Potters Society provides a regular routine, prompting Pheany to dedicate consistent time and space for practice.

They hold two group exhibitions

a year which keeps up the momentum to create new work.

In her personal practice, Pheany’s work explores themes around the female body, healing and health.

After high school, Pheany studied at the College of Fine Arts in Paddington. While it was wonderful, four hours a day of travel took its toll, and coming from Western Sydney Pheany didn’t always feel that she belonged.

But ultimately this experience made her more motivated to help activate the local arts scene here in Penrith.

NEPEAN POTTERS SOCIETY Operating out of the St Marys Arts and Craft Studio, this friendly group of pottery enthusiasts meet every Tuesday to share techniques, news and events, to prepare for exhibitions and to support each other’s practice.

Next year will be the 50th anniversary of the Nepean Potters Society. The dedication of its members – to keep the group going, build a community, raise funds to continue investing in new equipment, and above all to keep creating new work – is plain to see.

Pheany (pronounced Penny) is a visual artist and educator; photo courtesy of Emma Griffiths

If you have an interest in pottery or could contribute to the Society, get in touch.

Plans to hold a Saturday group are underway.

Nepean Potters Society Inc @nepeanpotters nepeanpottersinc@gmail.com

•9•

Members of the Nepean Potters Society

PHEANY, VISUAL ARTIST AND EDUCATOR

As a kid, Amor was always drawing comics and cartoons in the back of notebooks. Fast forward to 15 years later and after training at Kingswood TAFE, Amor is a designer and illustrator who has worked with major international brands and in the public sector.

She says that Penrith does a fantastic job of developing creativity in our youth, particularly our creative high school and gallery programs for young people. Playing her part in the community, Amor also volunteers her time mentoring the next generation of designers.

“DON’T FORGET TO MAKE TIME FOR YOUR CRAFT OUTSIDE OF THE HUSTLE – AMOR

Between family, volunteering, and work, Amor can’t always find time to meet with the creative community.

She has found online spaces to be valuable in bridging the gap, allowing her to connect with creatives locally and across Australia.

Visual communicator Amor; photo courtesy of Emma Griffiths

AMOR, VISUAL COMMUNICATOR

‘Ancreative Avenue’ is Amor’s free mentorship program for students and emerging graphic designers. For more details visit amorvilla.graphics/mentorship

Two decades into a career in tourism marketing, Margaret took some courses which changed her outlook completely, and opened the door to a new world of digital art. Instead of using physical materials like canvas, brushes and paint, Margaret uses a stylus to paint on a digital canvas. Like a huge box of art supplies,

software provides her with a wide range of tools to achieve various styles and textures, from watercolour to oil painting. Her main focus now is creating custom portraits of pets, homes and families.

natural beauty which are a source of inspiration.

Margaret predicts that many opportunities will emerge as our City grows, with the arts playing an increasingly important role in the life of our community.

Everything you need to be a working artist is right here in Penrith City, says Margaret. She is grateful for the easy access to places of

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SUMMER 2024-25 • 10

Digital artist Margaret; photo courtesy of Emma Griffiths

MARGARET, DIGITAL PAINTER AND PHOTOGRAPHER

LINDA, POTTER Photographer Emma took many of the portraits for this article

When Linda was unexpectedly made redundant from her corporate job 18 months ago, she saw an opportunity. Linda already had a home pottery studio up and running, but realised she could run classes for aspiring students with her newfound free time.

Linda says she works harder now than she did in her previous corporate career, but teaching feels far more rewarding. She also sells her creations at local markets – you may have seen her stall at REAL festival and Penrith Producers. Linda regularly takes part in local events and seminars, even joining the Penrith Chamber of Commerce. It’s good advice, she says, to constantly look for opportunities and use local resources as much as possible.

EMMA, PHOTOGRAPHER AND ARTIST For Emma, an early-career photographer and artist, it’s valuable to take things at her own pace.

Rushing doesn’t necessarily produce quality work, and there’s no sense in getting burned out. She feels fortunate to pursue methods and processes in her artmaking that she finds fulfilling.

Her final piece of advice is that creative fields are not just for younger folks – it’s never too late for a creative career change!

Emma’s practice includes both colour and monochrome photography, exploring the environment she lives in. She aims to make work that is uniquely her own, using interesting compositions and techniques to craft a distinctive style.

She makes the point that you shouldn’t be too influenced by what works for others. No one has an instruction manual for creativity – forge your own path.

Linda teaching a class in her pottery studio. Image courtesy of the artist.

• 11 •

REGISTER AS A CREATIVE SUPPLIER ON VENDORPANEL VendorPanel is a platform used by Council to advertise opportunities.

Suppliers on VendorPanel are notified when creative opportunities come up.

We send regular callouts

for suppliers to deliver public art commissions, art installations or performances at REAL festival, workshops, market stalls at events like Penrith Producers,

plus video, photography and graphic design services.

If you work in the creative industries, VendorPanel is how Council can find you!

Register at info.vendorpanel.com/workwithpenrithcitycouncil/

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SUMMER 2024-25 • 12

COUNCIL’S CHILDREN’S SERVICES NOW OFFER ALLIED HEALTH SERVICES

TO THE COMMUNITY Is your child facing challenges with speech, language, feeding or motor skills? We’re excited to announce the launch of Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy services designed to support children’s growth and development, right here in Penrith.

• 13 •

Our Services »

»

Speech Therapy: helping children improve communication, pronunciation, feeding and language skills, empowering them to express themselves confidently.

Occupational Therapy: assisting children in developing fine motor skills, coordination and independence, so they can thrive in everyday tasks at home and school.

Choose Us? OurWhy Services »

Expert care with a personalised approach

»

Convenient, local service in Penrith

»

Support for children aged 0–12 years

»

Medicare, NDIS Care Packages and private healthcare patients all welcome Get Started Our Services Early intervention is key to unlocking your child’s abilities. Scan the QR code and complete the Expression of Interest.

Our experienced, compassionate therapists create individualised plans tailored to meet your child’s unique needs, ensuring they reach their full potential in a fun and nurturing environment.

Find out more at penrith.city/childcare

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SUMMER 2024-25 • 14

OUR

CIRCULAR FUTURE

The resurfacing of Jamison Road with PAK-PAVE™, a mixture containing almost 136,000 coffee cups.

RECOVERING RESOURCES FROM OLD OR UNWANTED ITEMS IS AN IMPORTANT STEP TOWARDS MINIMISING WASTE AND MOVING TOWARDS A CIRCULAR ECONOMY HERE IN PENRITH CITY. A circular economy aims to reduce waste by keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible and is based on three principles:

» »

»

‘Design out’ waste and pollution

Reuse products and materials at their highest value for as long as possible Regenerate natural systems and let nature thrive

Making the transition to circular practices creates many benefits for our community, such as new employment opportunities, improved accessibility of goods and services, reduced emissions and a more efficient waste sector.

Check out some local case studies of circular economy in action at penrith.city/circulareconomy • 15 •

SAVE THE DATE THE NEW YEAR BRINGS NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO TAKE PART IN THE RESOURCE RECOVERY REVOLUTION IN PENRITH.

CLOTHES SWAP AND STYLE PARTY

E-WASTE DROP-OFF DAY

HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL CLEANOUT DAY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

A thrifty way to refresh your wardrobe, save money and help fight textile waste. Registered attendees can bring up to five clothing items to add to the swap pool. Nina Gbor, sustainable fashion expert, will provide tips on refreshing your wardrobe.

Responsibly dispose of unwanted, broken or old household electronic items. Items dropped off at the event are disassembled, sorted and recovered for recycling into new products.

Bring your unwanted, out-of-date, and unused household chemicals to this event for safe and responsible disposal.

5.30pm–8.30pm Thursday 13 February Werrington Downs Neighbourhood Centre 2 Brookfield Ave, Werrington Downs

9am–3.30pm Saturday 8 March

9am–3.30pm Saturday 26 April The Kingsway Playing Fields, Werrington

The Kingsway Playing Fields, Werrington

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SUMMER 2024-25 • 16

For updates on future resource recovery events:

As Australia’s population grows, so too does the amount of waste we generate. With many NSW landfills nearing capacity, efficient waste management is crucial.

»

Check Council’s website penrith.city/events

»

Download the Penrith Waste Champion App from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store

»

Follow Council on social media @penrithcitycouncil @penrithcitycouncil

COMPOST GIVEAWAY

TEXTILE DROP-OFF DAY

FASHIONABLY SUSTAINABLE

MAY

MAY

MAY

Celebrate International Compost Awareness Week by collecting two free bags of compost for your plants. The compost you’ll receive is crafted from organic material collected through Penrith City’s green-lidded FOGO bins.

As we transition into the cooler seasons, take this opportunity to clear your wardrobe of unwanted clothing and textiles. Items dropped off at this event will be sorted, then either donated or recycled to make new resources.

Sustainable fashion is crucial for our planet, so let’s explore ways to make better choices.

Look and feel your best by shopping with sustainability in mind.

Check for date and location closer to the event

Check for date and location closer to the event • 17 •

Check for date and location closer to the event

MAKING FOGO AVAILABLE TO UNITS AND APARTMENTS Following a successful trial, a Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) service has now been rolled out to over 900 multi-unit complexes across our City.

Residents of individual units throughout Penrith are now provided with kitchen caddies, green bags and sorting information for their green-lidded bins in communal bin bays.

Council is currently in the process of rolling out FOGO to apartment buildings. By mid2025, all households in Penrith City will have access to FOGO.

FOGO

Australia’s ancient soils are naturally low in nutrients. Adding organic matter to our soils in parks, gardens and public green spaces improves the health of our urban ecosystems and enables us to grow a more diverse range of plants.

FOGO-powered soil enrichment at Mulgoa Rise Fields in Glenmore Park

SOILS

For any residents of Penrith who don’t yet have access to the service, get ready: FOGO is coming!

For more info about all our local waste services visit penrith.city/waste

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SUMMER 2024-25 • 18

WHERE TO FIND

WATER PLAY Find some relief from the mid-summer heat at these water play facilities across our City. They are all free to enjoy.

GIPPS STREET RECREATION PRECINCT 34 Gipps Street, Claremont Meadows This large, shaded water play area features water fountains and jets in a fun range of colours and sizes for kids of all ages. It’s also fenced, has picnic tables nearby, and is close to the toilets so you can make a day of it. From September through April, this water play area operates from 9am until 8pm, with shorter hours in the cooler months.

REGATTA PARK Corner of River Road and the Great Western Highway, Emu Plains Nestled on the banks of the Nepean River, Regatta Park is the perfect summer spot with an adventure playspace, junior cricket oval, kayak launch decks, over-water viewing platforms, and plenty of green open space. The recently completed 112-metre undercover pavilion includes a water play area with lots of fun features for kids. You’ll find fountains, a pump see-saw, pedal pump, water flow trays, and even a sandpit.

• 19 •

TENCH RESERVE SOUTH Tench Avenue, Jamisontown

PLAYSPACES WITH SPLASH PADS »

Pacific & Phoenix Reserve, Erskine Park

»

Livvi’s Place, Jordan Springs

»

Ron Mulock Oval, Thornton

»

Werrington Creek Park, Werrington

Don’t forget to be sun safe when you’re outside, and please don’t use any water play if you or your children are feeling unwell.

Find out more at penrith.city/playspaces

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SUMMER 2024-25 • 20

A seesaw and balancing beam activate the water sprinklers at Livvi’s Place

At the southern end of Tench Reserve, not far from the amphitheatre and boat ramp, you’ll find an inclusive playspace with water play including a tipping bucket and misting spray features.

MAKE A SPLASH AT RIPPLES Make the most of the extended hours at your local pool this summer! With longer days and extra time to enjoy the sunshine, it’s a great way to spend your time. Whether you’re lounging, swimming, or playing in the splash pad, the extended hours give you more opportunities to relax and have fun with friends and family. So, pack your sunscreen and dive into a summer of fun, relaxation, and good times!

Entry to our splash pads is included free, with pool entry. The pool’s opening hours are:

St Marys Ripples Monday to Friday: 5:30am to 9pm Saturday: 6:30am to 6pm Sunday: 7:30am to 6pm

Penrith Ripples Monday to Friday: 5:30am to 7pm Saturday and Sunday: 8am to 6pm

Find out more at ripplesnsw.com.au Ripples, St Marys

SOMETHING FOR THE PUPS TOO Local dogs and their owners have a new space to explore, with the opening of a fully fenced dog park at Gipps Street in Claremont Meadows.

It features: »

Separate areas for small and large dogs

»

Dog-friendly drinking fountains

»

Shaded picnic tables

»

Bins and wastebag dispensers

• 21 •

The Gipps Street Recreation Precinct project was funded by Council with the support of the NSW Government.

Find out more at penrith.city/gippsstreet

POOL SAFETY THIS SUMMER The National Drowning Report 2024, released

by Royal Life Saving Australia, shows that drowning is a persistent and traumatic issue that affects thousands of families, first responders and communities every

year. That is why Council is calling on residents to take immediate action when it comes to pool safety and help us make a difference. It’s easy to check whether your pool is safe

for you and any children by making sure that there is an effective child resistant barrier, pool gates and latches are in working order, and gates are never propped open.

For more information, visit penrith.city/pools or contact Council’s Swimming Pool team on 4732 7864 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SUMMER 2024-25 • 22

TIPS FOR

SUMMER GARDENING The summer months can be a tough time for your garden and plants. Here are a few tips from Council’s Nursery Coordinator, Mark, to help keep your garden in good shape.

Try a soil wetting agent

Don’t forget to mulch

Water low and slow

Lift those mower blades

Wetting agents are good for potted plants and garden beds.

They help to disperse water evenly through the soil to keep your plants hydrated.

Reapply every six weeks.

Lay a thick layer of coarse woodchip or bark mulch, about 75–100mm, and then give your garden a deep water.

Plants draw water from their roots, so make sure you’re watering your soil or potting mix and not the leaves of your plants. It’s best to water either early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce evaporation.

After you mow the lawn you should be able to stick your hand straight down into the grass and have the grass reach to about your middle knuckle. This helps the lawn from drying out too fast and reduces weeds.

ELECTRIC MOWER BRINGS SUSTAINABLE BENEFITS Council is dedicated to embracing cleaner and greener technologies, and

we are excited to have acquired a state-ofthe-art electric mower as part of our commitment to sustainability.

The electric mower is expected to provide numerous environmental • 23 •

and operational benefits such as: » »

»

Reduced noise pollution Lower operating costs

Zero emissions

WHAT’S

HAPPENING IN OUR CITY

Image: Anna Louise Richardson

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE What’s the difference between fact and fiction? Can you spot the difference? Artists from Penrith and beyond explore the origins and retellings of the myth of the panther in our region through drawing, painting, sculpture, fashion and installation.

@penrithregionalgallery

Until 16 February Penrith Regional Gallery

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SUMMER 2024-25 • 24

Image: Felix Jackson

TRANSCRIPT

MAGICAL MALFUNCTION

Join us for the first solo exhibition by St Clair-based artist Felix Jackson. Felix’s autobiographical work uses sculpture, installation and performance to transform familiar materials, inviting audiences to rethink their relationship with the everyday.

Known as mischief makers, Sydney artists Marian Abboud and Vicki Van Hout blend performance, installation and traditional art forms. Magic Malfunction is a roaming experience uniting women’s work, symbolisms and mediated dance, revealing the ancient and modern magic within daily life.

Until 16 February Penrith Regional Gallery

Until 16 February Penrith Regional Gallery

REDIVINING Selected from the Gallery’s collection, ReDivining features artists Brook Andrew, Daniel Boyd, Lorraine Connelly-Northey and Tracey Moffatt. They use techniques like erasure, obfuscation, appropriation and reconfiguration to challenge national history myths and reveal beauty and power in the overlooked.

Image: Brook Andrew

Until 27 April Penrith Regional Gallery

Find out more at penrithregionalgallery.com.au

• 25 •

Alex Vaughan

THE WHARF REVUE 2025: THE END OF THE WHARF AS WE KNOW IT After 25 years of political satire, The Wharf Revue is making its final curtain call in Penrith. Expect appearances from familiar faces like Keating, Howard, Gillard, Abbott, Lambie, Dutton and Albo.

Your sides will be splitting from laughter.

27 February–1 March The Joan

JOSEPHINE WANTS TO DANCE Based on the book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley, this hilarious musical is about the importance of believing in yourself and realising your dreams... and a dancing kangaroo! Suitable for kids aged three and up and their carers.

20–22 March The Joan

THE BEACH BOYS EXPERIENCE Feel the good vibrations at this unforgettable tribute to The Beach Boys, featuring hits including Surfin’ Safari, Surfin’ USA, Surfer Girl, Little Deuce Coupe, Barbara Ann and California Girls.

7.30pm 30 March The Joan

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW James Taggart

Plan for some April school holiday fun and see over 75 magical puppets come to life on stage in this critically acclaimed show. Suitable for kids ages 18 months and over, this reimagining of a much-loved picture book should not be missed.

24 April The Joan

Find out more at thejoan.com.au

@the_joan

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SUMMER 2024-25 • 26

AUTHOR TALK: PENELOPE JANU

AUTHOR TALK: RACHAEL JOHNS

Join contemporary fiction author Penelope Janu as she introduces us to her compelling new novel The Summerfield Saddler. It centres around Mackenzie Henry, who loves her work as a saddler in the small town of Summerfield.

When her grandfather asks her to lead the fight to rehabilitate land destroyed by an open-cut mine, Mackenzie fears her life will be tipped on its axis – and she’s right. You can purchase a book from a QBD Books pop-up on the night to have it personally signed. Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided.

Join Australian romance writer Rachael Johns in conversation with Lauren McKellar as they discuss Rachael’s new book The Bad Bridesmaid, a heartwarming friends-to-lovers tale about the magic and mayhem of weddings. Tickets are $5 and include light refreshments.

6.30pm–7.30pm Thursday 30 January Penrith City Library

Village Café Kingswood

6.30pm–7.30pm Wednesday 12 February Penrith City Library

VILLAGE CAFÉ Come along to Village Café to meet new friends, catch up with your community and enjoy a free baristamade coffee. It’s also an opportunity to

connect with local support services and access advice on a range of health and wellbeing topics. Village Café is held monthly in Kingswood, North St Marys and Llandilo.

For more information visit penrith.city/villagecafe

@penrithcitylibrary

• 27 •

SUMMER READING GUIDE

All I Ever Wanted Was to be Hot

All Signs Point to You

By Lucinda Price

By Jordanna Levin

A laugh-out-loud

A roadmap for

Australia’s beauty

of astrology and better

creator and social

and the world around

Lucinda ‘Froomes’ Price.

as this book unpacks

and incisive cultural

each of the twelve

tells the unfiltered story

explaining their unique

an eating disorder and

can benefit from each

our cultural obsession

author Jordanna Levin,

holding a mirror up to

personal growth or

interrogation of

navigating the maze

standards from digital

understanding yourself

media superstar

you. You’ll be riveted

With her offbeat humour

the theory behind

commentary, Lucinda

astrological signs,

of a woman overcoming

traits and how you

rebuilding, illuminating

one. From bestselling

with appearance by

it’s either a toolkit for

her own beliefs.

maybe just a bit of fun!

All the Beauty in the World: A Museum Guard’s Adventures in Life, Loss and Art

By Patrick Bringley The fascinating story of a

former museum guard at New York’s Metropolitan

Museum of Art. Patrick kept a quiet vigil over some of

our greatest art treasures

while observing the life and

community of the hallowed institution. Who would

have thought that one

the greatest art books of

our time would be written not by a curator or an art

historian or even an artist – but by a museum guard?

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SUMMER 2024-25 • 28

Little Ash Sports Carnival, Sleepover Surprise, Puppy Playtime and Big Break

Braided

fairytales and their

four and up, following

By Ash Barty and

the forgotten little sisters?

of a tornado as it travels

sibling of Rapunzel

wreaking havoc. Don’t try

thrilling and mysterious.

tornados travel at

begin attacking both

flying debris as well as

herself with no one to

The stunning illustrations

Rapunzel herself. Will

take your breath away

her sister with the long,

readers about this

Jasmin McGaughey From Australian tennis

superstar Ash Barty, this

series is perfect for junior

readers aged five and up.

They’ll be drawn in by this

fun and exciting illustrated series about school, sport, friendship and family.

With ten books so far,

there’s enough to keep

the little ones in your life

entertained all summer.

Get them reading young

Tornado

By Leah Cypess

Jackie French

We all know the famous

A picture book for ages

heroines, but what about

the path of destruction

Cinna is the younger

around the world

and her story is just as

to outrun them, because

When magical creatures

400km per hour, causing

princesses, Cinna finds

powerful wind and rain.

trust…except maybe

and rhyming verses will

she risk everything for

while informing young

magical hair?

natural phenomenon.

with one of our most beloved athletes.

@penrithcitylibrary

Finds these titles and heaps more at penrith.city/library

• 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

Our Place Fortnightly News Snapshot penrith.city/OurPlace

Find available parking ParkPenrith

Bushcare Bulletin penrith.city/bushcarebulletin

The library at your fingertips Penrith City Library

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

» » » » » » » » » » » » »

Council meetings Disability services Environmental health Environmental planning Food handling Footpaths Garbage & waste Graffiti control Hall bookings Library services Local elections Local history Neighbourhood centres

» » » » » » » » » » » » »

Noise complaints Park bookings Parking control Planning approvals Public buildings Rates Recycling Report illegal dumping Senior citizen centres Swimming pool fences Tourism Tree planting or removal Youth services

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SUMMER 2024-25 • 30

SOUTH WARD

EAST WARD

Councillor Kirstie Boerst

OUR MAYOR

Councillor Todd Carney

E kirstie.boerst@penrith.city P 0497 521 403

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

Councillor Sue Day

Councillor Libby Austin

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

E libby.austin@penrith.city P 0424 000 657

Councillor Hollie McLean

Councillor Sabbie Kaur

E hollie.mclean@penrith.city P 0434 384 554

E sabbie.kaur@penrith.city P 0438 449 175

Councillor Vanessa Pollak E vanessa.pollak@penrith.city P 0447 846 322

Councillor Edwin Misfud E edwin.mifsud@penrith.city P 0408 247 707

Councillor Faithe Skinner E faithe.skinner@penrith.city P 0447 589 259

Councillor Garion Thain E garion.thain@penrith.city P 0416 233 335

COUNCILLOR AND IMPORTANT COUNCIL CONTACTS

NORTH WARD OUR DEPUTY MAYOR

PENRITH CIVIC CENTRE

Councillor Ross Fowler OAM

601 High Street, Penrith Opening hours at penrith.city

E ross.fowler@penrith.city P 0419 738 484

ST MARYS CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE

Councillor Robin Cook

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

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

4732 7777 council@penrith.city

Councillor Glenn Gardiner

penrith.city

E glenn.gardiner@penrith.city P 0404 834 646

penrith.city.council penrithcouncil

Councillor Reece Nuttall

penrith-city-council

E reece.nuttall@penrith.city P 0438 197 231

penrithcitycouncil Interpreting assistance is available at Council or by phone.

Councillor John Thain

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

E john.thain@penrith.city P 0411 427 812 • 31 •

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 31 MARCH 2025.

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