CITY SUPPORTING THOSE IN NEED While the Civic Centre may have been eerily quiet due to COVID-19 restrictions, we’ve been far from closed, with many of Council’s services operating as normal via Online
Services. We’ve also been busy working with businesses, community leaders and residents to coordinate a proactive approach to address the impact of the pandemic on our City.
BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR COUNCIL Many of Council’s services operate as normal, even during lockdown, however if you are unsure or would like further information, please contact Council via our ‘Online Services’ available through our website or call our Customer Experience team on: (02) 4732 7777. Online Services are available to access 24/7 allowing residents to report problems and lodge requests online at a time that’s convenient to them. Our online services cover information and queries related to bins and waste, parks, buildings and venues, roads and footpaths, trees, and vegetation. Visit penrith.city/onlineservices
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Three separate surveys were conducted at the start of the lockdown with residents, businesses, and community leaders to reveal the most pressing issues. This enabled Council to gather an evidencebased perspective for decision making. Feedback from local schools and community organisations saw the establishment of an emergency food relief hub for those struggling in lockdown. The contactless Hamper Hub in North St Marys helped some of our City’s most
vulnerable residents with emergency food supplies delivered through a ‘drive and collect’ style service. The Hub was coordinated by Council and delivered in partnership with local services, including FoodBank, WestCare and Community Junction, and with support from volunteer group Turbans 4 Australia. Staff from Ripples Leisure Centre were on hand operating the Hamper Hub. A welcomed opportunity for them to help the community in a different way, while the Ripples facilities remained closed under the Public Health Order.
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The Hamper Hub opened on Thursday 2 September, with over 30 food hampers distributed on the first day. Feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. The food hampers included nonperishable, essential items such as rice, pasta and beans, sauce tins, canned fruit and vegetables, longlife milk, tea bags and freeze-dried coffee. With bookings essential, the drive-in only service mean staff could load hampers into car boots ensuring the safety of our staff and community members.
Ripples staff operating the Hamper Hub at North St Marys
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When 12 suburbs in our LGA were identified as areas of concern due to public health orders. Council engaged early with local businesses and community leaders to identify core needs and challenges. There had never been a more important time to pull together our resources and community services to respond.
