Our Place Penrith Autumn 2022

LOCAL POOLS MAKE A SPLASH FOR 60TH BIRTHDAY KICKING SUSTAINABILITY GOALS PENRITH’S WINNING WILDLIFE

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PENRITH CITY COUNCIL COMMUNITY NEWS ISSUE 9

AUTUMN 2022

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PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS AUTUMN 2022 • 2

WORDS FROM OUR MAYOR I am honoured and

the last 60 years. Our

Captain, Pat Cummins,

excited to have been

Ripples Leisure Centres

has launched with Penrith

elected to serve Penrith

have become a central

Cricket Club.

as Mayor. Our amazing

part of our community,

City has come so far

providing affordable

in the decade that I

and accessible health

have been on Council

services, and quality

and looking ahead I

sport and recreation

see so many incredible

facilities. Offering so

transformative projects

much more than just

promising Penrith

swimming pools, Ripples

a bright future. I

teach lifesaving swim

am excited by the

skills, facilitate rehab and

opportunities that will

recovery from physical

come through having

injury and bring people

the new Western Sydney

together with community

International (Nancy-

programs.

Bird Walton) Airport on our border, connected to St Marys by the new Metro rail line.

My great love for Penrith and its people will drive all that I do as I lead a Council that cares for its people, that listens to their concerns and that acts to improve all aspects of living in our vibrant City.

Mayor Tricia Hitchen

Something I am equally proud of is our City’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. Throughout

While we welcome

the stories in this issue,

new additions and

you will see a celebration

upgrades, we must

of what we have achieved

also take the time to

in this area and how we

celebrate what our City

are looking to take the

has achieved so far. Our

next steps to protect our

cover story on page 4

local environment and

looks back at where our

our planet. On page 10

public pools started

read all about Vegepods,

and the impressive

electric vehicles and the

transformations that

ground-breaking climate

have taken place over

work our Aussie cricket

•3•

MILESTONE FOR LOCAL POOLS

4

14

OUR NEW COUNCIL

WILDLIFE WEDNESDAY WINNERS LOCAL EVENTS

FERNHILL ESTATE’S

16 20

26

FASCINATING PAST

SERVING OUR CITY

RIPPLES’ POOLS MARK MILESTONE 2022 marks the 60th anniversary of the opening of Penrith War Memorial Swimming Pool and Penrith City Council taking over

the management and operation of the first public pool in St Marys.

These swimming pools would grow to become the

successful community facilities we now know as Ripples Penrith Leisure Centre and Ripples St Marys Leisure Centre.

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS AUTUMN 2022 • 4

The original pool on the Ripples St Marys site was built

by Eric Cuckson, a philanthropist with a successful zipper factory in the St Marys Industrial

Penrith War Memorial Swimming Pool welcomed the public on 24 January 1962 and was officially opened on 31 March 1962 by Alderman B.N.

OAM. Alderman Fowler played a pivotal role in the pool’s development, in 1957 acting in his official capacity as Mayor he formed a

Estate. Cuckson was given permission by Council to construct a public pool next to St Marys High School in 1961. Initially managed by a public committee, the Council was approached by the committee in 1962 to take over the pool. In August 1963 Council prepared plans for a new pool and additional facilities, which was the precursor to the amazing facility the community now has at Ripples St Marys.

Fowler – the father of former Mayor and current Penrith City Councillor, Ross Fowler

Committee of Local Citizens to help raise funds for the project.

Top: St Marys first pool under construction in 1960

Bottom: Paul Whiteman aged 7 (pictured) was first through the gates when Penrith’s pool opened, waiting at the gates from 4:45 am, photo from The Nepean Times.

•5•

The community embraced Council’s swimming facilities from the outset, welcoming a safe and affordable way to escape the summer heat, and the opportunity to develop essential swimming skills and build social connections within the community. In making these pools available to the community, Council provided a wealth of new opportunities for the City’s people.

As the new millennium approached, the need for a local hydrotherapy pool to provide greater community access to health services became increasingly clear.

As such, Ripples’ Hydrotherapy centre opened opposite Ripples St Marys in 2001, extending the services to include

warm water rehab to assist a greater cross-section of our community.

From such humble beginnings, our Ripples Leisure Centres have grown to become community hubs which bring people

together to participate in sporting pursuits, recreation, functions, and community programs, and contribute to the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of our community members.

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS AUTUMN 2022 • 6

Right: Ripples Penrith features two outdoor pools, splash park, kiosk, and a function room for events.

T O D AY P E N R I T H C I T Y COUNCIL WELCOMES MORE THAN HALF A MILLION VISITORS AND 100,000 SCHOOL STUDENTS EVERY YEAR THROUGH THE DOORS OF ITS LEISURE CENTRES.

Below: Ripples St Marys offers one indoor and one outdoor pool, splash park, spa, sauna, kiosk, a full-service gym, kids club and hydrotherapy centre.

•7•

Ripples Penrith and St Marys play a vital role in ensuring the safety of the next generation of swimmers, with year-round learn to swim programs for all

ages and abilities from babies and children to adults.

Future swimming champions can stay local with squad training there are currently

more than 100 swimmers aged 8 to 24 in the Ripples Squad Program which helps swimmers continuously improve, build fitness, and prepare for competitions.

“ W E A I M T O I N S T I L VA L U E S L I K E R E S P E C T, TEAMWORK AND PERSISTENCE INTO OUR SWIMMERS AND TO TEACH THEM HOW TO SET AND STRIVE FOR G O A L S – S O M E T H I N G T H AT W I L L H E L P T H E M A C H I E V E S U C C E S S A N D H A P P I N E S S I N E V E R Y PA R T O F L I F E . ” RIPPLES HEAD COACH, KAZ SUZUKI

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS AUTUMN 2022 • 8

Ripples St Marys today offers so much more than a pool, with an expanded range of health services. Members have access to a fully equipped gym with accredited Exercise Physiologists and Dietitians available to offer guidance on training, nutrition, and recovery. Locals can enjoy fitness classes, personal training, and other specialised training programs.

“MY TEAM AND I ARE ALL SUPER PA S S I O N AT E A B O U T H E L P I N G PEOPLE AND OUR MEMBERS ARE AMONG THE MOST ENTHUSIASTIC AND SUPPORTIVE Y O U C O U L D E V E R M E E T. ” RIPPLES FITNESS PROGRAM C O O R D I N AT O R , R YA N E L S O N

For more on Ripples Leisure Centres and all the services on offer visit ripplesnsw.com.au

•9•

SUSTAINABILITY SUCCESS Penrith City has developed a reputation for being at the forefront of innovative sustainability efforts,

the unofficial title of “sustainability champion of the west”, well within our sights. Taking a look at just a little

of what’s happening in this area in our City, it’s safe to say Penrith is doing its part to protect our future.

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS AUTUMN 2022 • 10

Children grow their own lettuces, tomatoes and cucumbers at Council’s childcare centres

OUR

P R E PA R I N G T H E N E X T G E N E R AT I O N Education is vital for a sustainable future, and Penrith Council’s childcare centres are taking this responsibility very seriously with the introduction of Vegepod garden beds.

The initiative is part of Council’s Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO)/ Circular Economy project managed by Council’s Resource Recovery Education Team and funded by the Environmental Protection Authority.

Penrith was the first

Children not only learn about growing their own healthy food, but they also learn about the value of composting leftover food and using compost to grow more vegetables.

metropolitan council in Australia to introduce the innovative FOGO system – otherwise known as the greenlidded FOGO bin and kitchen caddy, with Council providing free, green compostable bags to all residents.The

program has been very successful at diverting food and garden waste from landfill for over 12 years. Leading the way in this space Penrith City Council have been actively encouraging other councils and tiers of government to get on board.

Visit penrith.city/childcare for more information on Council’s quality childcare services.

• 11 •

USING THE TOOLS OF TODAY Technology is a valuable tool in the mission for sustainability and Penrith City Council recognises the role it can play in creating positive customer experiences that ensure support for environmental initiatives. One of the best examples of this is Council’s Waste Champion App, which harnesses the power of the smartphone to make it easier for residents to reduce waste by sorting it correctly and recycling more.

The App can be downloaded from the Google Playstore or the Apple App Store. It has many features including encouraging residents to send their problem waste to the right place by utilising Council’s special events like our e-Waste drop-offs and Chemical CleanOuts.

REDUCING OUR IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT As a trailblazer in the environmental protection field, Council constantly seeks ways to take a proactive approach.

While electric vehicles are slowly gaining more of a profile in Australia, Council has just marked the third anniversary of their electric vehicle (EV) in the fleet. The Renault Kangoo is a small van, that is

used for work like inspecting and fixing bins, transporting small items and at events. Council have found that staff getting out and about in the EV are able to start conversations about the vehicle and help increase community awareness of their effectiveness, playing an important part in environmental education.

The introduction of the EV has been a great success, in three years it has covered a mileage of 44,500km, costing just $911 to recharge.

Not only that, but it’s also emissions free! The vehicle is 100% electric and is recharged from renewable energy sources like wind and solar.

Council’s EV runs on green power and creates zero emissions

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS AUTUMN 2022 • 12

CARBON NEUTRAL CRICKET – LOWERING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT Before he became Australia’s 47th men’s Test Captain, Pat Cummins played for Penrith Cricket Club.

Despite his meteoric rise to fame, Cummins hasn’t forgotten where he came from, returning to his old club to launch an important climate initiative.

“I’m on a mission to change mindsets, to drive action, to educate and inspire others to stand beside me and make a commitment to doing better to look after our environment,” says Pat Cummins.

Cricket for Climate supported by the Australian Sport Climate Fund, aims to drive zero net emission outcomes for cricket in Australia by 2050. The plan is to unlock the potential of rooftop solar at the 4,000 community cricket clubs across the country. Penrith was the inaugural club to install solar infrastructure in January 2022. A 10kW solar system is reducing carbon emissions and saving the Penrith Cricket Club $3,000 a year on their electricity bill allowing funds • 13 •

to be redirected into resources such as coaches and offseason programs for female cricket.

The Australian Captain hopes to encourage other elite players to give back to the cricket community by supporting their local clubs to secure the funding to go solar and protect the future of the game.

ABOVE: Photo by Getty Images Australia: Paul Goldsmith (Penrith Cricket Club), Todd Greenberg (Australian Cricketers’ Association) and Pat Cummins (Australian Men’s Cricket Captain) unveiling the solar installation at Penrith’s Howell Oval.

OUR

Following the Local Government election in December 2021, Penrith has welcomed five new Councillors with a further ten Councillors being reelected. The City’s new Mayor and Deputy

Mayor were elected in January 2022 at Council’s first Ordinary Meeting for the year.

The 2022 Mayoral election will be embedded in Penrith’s great story as a historic moment, with the

outgoing female Mayor, Councillor Karen McKeown OAM passing the baton to another female, Councillor Tricia Hitchen, for the first time in Council’s 150year history.

Mayor, Cr Tricia Hitchen Cr Hitchen, a retired police officer who was first elected to Council in 2012, has served two terms as Deputy Mayor since 2016. Cr Hitchen is currently a volunteer director of The Haven – Nepean Women’s Shelter. She is an active member of Council’s Access Committee, Local Traffic Committee and is on the board of St Marys Town Centre.

Deputy Mayor, Cr John Thain Cr Thain has been a Penrith Councillor since 1999. He first served as Deputy Mayor in 2004-2005 and has been in the Mayoral role twice, in 2005-2006 and again from 2016-2018.

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS AUTUMN 2022 • 14

Above: Cr McKeown presents Cr Hitchen with the Mayoral Chains

NEW COUNCIL

SOUTH WARD

EAST WARD

COUNCILLOR MARK DAVIES

COUNCILLOR TRICIA HITCHEN

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

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

COUNCILLOR KAREN MCKEOWN OAM

COUNCILLOR TODD CARNEY

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

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

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 JIM AITKEN OAM

COUNCILLOR MARLENE SHIPLEY

E jim@jimaitken.com.au P 0418 288 488

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

COUNCILLOR AND IMPORTANT COUNCIL CONTACTS

NORTH WARD

Photos courtesy of Penrith City Council Bushcare.

OUR MAYOR

OUR DEPUTY MAYOR COUNCILLOR JOHN THAIN

PENRITH CIVIC CENTRE

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

601 High Street, Penrith Opening hours at penrith.city

COUNCILLOR ROSS FOWLER OAM

ST MARYS CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE

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

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

COUNCILLOR JONATHAN PULLEN

council@penrith.city

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

penrith.city

COUNCILLOR KEVIN CRAMERI OAM

4732 7777

penrith.city.council

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

penrithcouncil penrith-city-council

COUNCILLOR GLENN GARDINER

Interpreting assistance is available at Council or by phone.

E glenn.gardiner@penrith.city P 0407 214 719 • 15 •

OUR

WILDLIFE WINNERS

#Penr

ithwild Photo: Insect by Donna Stockton

Penrith’s wild side has been celebrated on social media over the last few months with a search for #penrithwild returning hundreds of stunning, inspiring and jaw-droppingly beautiful images of nature around our LGA. The images were entries for the Wildlife

Photo: Kangaroo at Glenmore Park

by Jason Inskip

Wednesday photo competition run by Council’s Bushcare and Biodiversity teams to encourage residents to explore and protect the local environment and its creatures. Featured here are the 13 lucky winners who received gift vouchers to a local nursery.

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS AUTUMN 2022 • 16

Photo: Blue Bower by @birds.we.see

Photo: Rainbow Lorikeets

by Mis Mina

Photo: Male and female Superb Fairywren by Martins Nature Photography

Photo: Melaleuca thymifolia by @liljimjim

Photo: Bug at Weir Reserve

by Ross Kiellor

Photo: Frog by @simone84

Photo: Lady Bug by @stevencotteephotography

Photo: Let it Bee at Cranebrook

by Tim Rowe

Photo: Red-browed finches at Nepean River by Kirsten Hutton

For more incredible entries search #penrithwild on Instagram or Facebook

Photo: Tawny Frogmouths by @wan59optland

Photo: Eastern Water Dragon by Zoheb Ali

• 17 •

CARING

FOR OUR CREATURES

Penrith City Council’s Bushcare team have celebrated an exciting first — partnering with a local wildlife carer to return four ringtail possum joeys to the wild.

Separated from their mothers, the possums required

hand raising and arrived weighing only 80-90 grams each.

They were released in late December 2021 after six months of rehabilitation, at a healthy 400-450 grams. Council’s Bushcare team selected a suitable bushland reserve as the perfect location

for their new home.

The bushland reserve provides distance from homes and roads, has plenty of bushy trees for possum movement above the ground and is not home to any Powerful Owls who feed on possums.

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS AUTUMN 2022 • 18

Penrith Mayor, Councillor Tricia Hitchin praised the release of the possums into Penrith’s bushland.

“Penrith City Council is grateful to be able to provide a safe new home for the joeys in one of Penrith’s bushland reserves, and our team has done a great job in monitoring the reserve and ensuring it is the right location,” she said.

Moving the possums to a new location also introduces the possibility of the possums mating with other possums with different genetics, resulting in a healthier population.

DID YOU KNOW THAT DURING THE DAY, THE POSSUMS WILL SLEEP IN THEIR SOCCER BALL-SIZED NEST (CALLED A “DREY”) WHICH IS LOCATED SEVERAL METRES HIGH IN DENSE FOLIAGE? SOMETIMES, THERE’LL BE MORE THAN ONE POSSUM INSIDE THE DREY SLEEPING!

WA N T Y O U R O W N U P - C L O S E WILDLIFE ENCOUNTER? Join over 200 Bushcare volunteers who work at over 11 different sites throughout Penrith protecting natural bushland. Visit penrith.city/bushland to find out about joining Bushcare today!

Photos courtesy of the PCC Bushcare Team

For more information about Penrith Council’s Bushcare program and to keep up to date with the latest animal news, subscribe to the Bushcare Bulletin at penrith.city/bushcarebulletin

• 19 •

WHAT’S

HAPPENING IN OUR CITY There is always so much happening in Penrith, from markets and performances to workshops and exhibitions there’s plenty to fill up your calendar over the next few months.

Before making plans, we advise you to check the current COVID-19 guidelines and health advice at nsw.gov. au/covid-19

L O C K I N T H E S E 2 0 2 2 D AT E S : COLLECTOR CON 27 MARCH

THE BLACK SORROWS 30 APRIL

9am-2:30pm

8:30pm

Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre

St Marys Band Club

Over 200 stalls of toy, hobby and pop culture goodness! visit collectorcon.com.au

Joe Camilleri and The Black Sorrows up close and personal. Book online at stmarysbandclub.com.au or call 9623 1211.

Bottom Right: Photo by Matt Hudson on Unsplash

Top Right: Photo by Tania Jovanovic

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS AUTUMN 2022 • 20

THE JOAN SUTHERLAND PERFORMING ARTS C E N T R E – FA M I LY- F R I E N D LY T H E AT R E GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU

BEEP

13-14 APRIL

6-7 MAY

Experience the enchanting adventure of Little and Big Nutbrown Hare in a dazzling new adaptation of Sam McBratney’s timeless children’s book.

An exciting show jam-packed full of exquisite puppetry and music.

An interactive, charming tale of unexpected friendship, Beep is a beautiful introduction to theatre, guaranteed to spark the imaginations of young audiences.

Photo by James D. Morgan

For more information on shows at The Joan and to book tickets visit thejoan.com.au

Below: Photo by Hanna Balan on Unsplash

MOTHER’S DAY CANDLE MAKING AND DIFFUSER WORKSHOP

FREE HELPING LEARNER DRIVERS BECOME SAFE DRIVERS WORKSHOP 4 MAY

29 APRIL 6:00-9:00pm The Creative Fringe, Unit 6/51 York Rd, Penrith

Supervising a young driver on their L plates? Register for this free online workshop by visiting Penrith.city/events

Workshop presented

by The Blue Mountains Candle Co. Find out more at creativefringe.com.au • 21 •

UNMISSABLE REGULAR EVENTS: BARISTA BASICS WORKSHOP

Take part at your own pace every Saturday at Tench Reserve at 7:45am, whatever the weather! Register today at parkrun.com.au/ neapeanriver

From now through to December 2022, run by Penrith’s Underground Coffee Roasters. Check out Underground Coffee Roasters on Facebook or call 0410 586 724.

MUSEUM OF FIRE GUIDED TOUR

A HAUNTING AT MAMRE HOMESTEAD

Second Saturday of every month throughout 2022. Tours are free after admission.

Call 4731 3000 or email mail@museumoffire.com. au to book.

Ghost Territory Tours.

Running throughout 2022. Visit stickytickets.com.au.

PENRITH REGIONAL GALLERY - MORNING MAKERS FOR SENIORS A free event held on the last Saturday of every month in 2022 from 10:00am12:30pm. Local seniors are invited to meet for morning tea in the beautiful Lewers Heritage Garden followed by a social art making workshop. Led by local artist, Naomi Oliver, the workshops will build basic skills in using smart phones and tablets. Community transport available.

THE SHOWGROUND MARKETS Every Wednesday morning (8:00am1:30pm). Information for stallholders and visitors at clubpacewaypenrith.com Below: Photo by Kyle Nieber on Unsplash

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS AUTUMN 2022 • 22

Left Middle: Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash

NEPEAN RIVER PARKRUN

PENRITH HARMONY -“A CAPPELLA FOR EVERY FELLA” Events are not the only way to be part of something in Penrith, with a range of local, communitybased interest groups on offer.

Penrith Harmony, a barbershop chorus group, prides itself on creating a space for men of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to come together for creative expression and to discover the joy of sharing a common interest. Penrith Harmony has been a contributor to the local cultural and arts scene since 1989, performing at shopping centres, Leura Gardens

Festivals, and many local community and charity events. The group’s Secretary, Paul Ryan, has been with the chorus since 2006 and says research has shown community singing can make people healthier and happier.

“It provides the adrenalin rush of performance, the satisfaction of remembering words

and notes, and the opportunity to make new friends,” Paul explains.

Photo courtesy of Paul Ryan

Creating positive community experiences for men is more important than ever given the high rate of male suicide in Australia (according to Beyond Blue, men account for an average of seven out of every nine suicides in Australia every day).

PENRITH HARMONY MEET EVERY MONDAY NIGHT 7:00PM-9:30PM AT THE JOHN LEES CENTRE, EVAN ST, PENRITH. NEW MEMBERS WELCOME, EVEN IF YOU’RE NEW TO SINGING! To learn more visit penrithharmony.com or ring Paul on 4735 2637.

• 23 •

VISIT

OUR EDIBLE GARDENS

In gardens all around Penrith, a quiet green change is taking

and being reassured by knowing what was involved in

some of the great food gardens across Sydney and to learn

place with more people choosing to grow their own food. From vibrant, red tomatoes to fresh, fragrant herbs and succulent fruit bursting with flavour – residents are discovering the incredible taste of homegrown food

growing it.

from their gardeners.

This year’s trail will feature gardens in the Penrith local area, including that of Nevin Sweeney, a St Clair resident and passionate home food gardener. Nevin says there are so many reasons he likes to grow his own food.

The Sydney Edible Garden Trail is providing ideas and inspiration for how you can get started on growing your own food by visiting other gardens. It’s a great way to open a door (or a gate!) into

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS AUTUMN 2022 • 24

“It’s good exercise and gets us outdoors and we can grow vegetable varieties not available in the shops. Growing our own fresh food saves us money and improves our resilience, providing us with food that has no pesticide residues.

But most of all, it’s fun!” enthuses Nevin.

Gardens will be open for visitors on the 26-27 March 2022. Learn more about the Trail by visiting sydneyediblegardentrail.com

TO CELEBRATE THE SYDNEY EDIBLE GARDEN TRAIL, COUNCIL IS OFFERING 20 FREE TICKETS TO LOCAL RESIDENTS (LIMIT OF TWO PER HOUSEHOLD). TO RESERVE YOURS, PLEASE CONTACT COUNCIL BY EMAIL TO ANDREW. HEWSON@PENRITH.CITY OR BY PHONING 4732 7983. TICKETS WILL GO TO THE FIRST 20 TO REGISTER SO DON’T DELAY! • 25 •

OUR

PLACE IN HISTORY

The iconic Fernhill Estate at Mulgoa, acquired by the NSW Government in 2018, has recently gained attention with the release of a new vision for its future. Its past though, is equally fascinating.

Situated on Dharug Country, close to Gundungurra Country at the base of the Blue

Mountains, Fernhill Estate was built by Edward Cox in 1843.

Cox was a Lieutenant in the NSW Corps and in 1814 supervised the construction of the first road over the Blue Mountains.

He was awarded the first land grant in the Mulgoa Valley in 1810.

The grant was officially in the name of his son, also named Edward, who was only four years old at the time. Over time the Cox family acquired the neighbouring land on which the current Fernhill homestead is built.

The house was originally designed to be twostorey; however, it seems

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS AUTUMN 2022 • 26

the 1840s recession changed the plans.

Made from Ashlar sandstone which was quarried on site the house was built by 20 stonemasons brought over from Ireland. The Greek Revival style of the house is thought to be the work of NSW Government architect, Mortimer Lewis. Edward Cox was a member of the Legislative Council and frequently entertained the Governor and other prominent citizens at the house.

Upon the death of Edward in 1863, the estate passed to his son, Edward King Cox of Mudgee, who turned the estate into a horse stud, producing several Melbourne Cup winners. The estate remained in the Cox family until 1896.

It wasn’t until 1911 that the house once again became a home, tenanted by Richard Beindge Baynes, who served as the Mayor of Mulgoa from 19031912. During the 1930s a Mr and Mrs Moyse ran a guesthouse out of the homestead.

By the 1950s however, the house and estate had become extremely rundown. Between 1955 and 1980 under the ownership of the Darlings, the house was restored.

Renowned landscape architect, Paul Sorensen, did work for the Darlings in 1969 and it was at this time the swimming pool was added.

A view from Fernhill in 2012, photo by Vanessa Stockford

“A handsome stone house overlooks by far the most lovely and extensive landscape…I ever met with in Australia…” British army officer, Godfrey Charles Mundy on Fernhill Estate in Our Antipodes, 1852.

Fernhill as a guesthouse 1938 photo donated by Pat Leich

The house at Fernhill in disrepair in 1948, photo from Penrith City Library archives

• 27 •

Restoration underway at Fernhill 1970, photo from Penrith City Library archives

Tripp and his wife Brenda, had plans for an equestrian centre and reception venue.

However, by 2016 these plans had been abandoned and were never fully realised.

The future looks much brighter for Fernhill Estate, now under the management of Greater Sydney Parklands. The

THE BACKDROP FOR THE 2015 FINALE OF TV’S

NSW Government aims to return Fernhill to the public honouring its history and creating a place for everyone to enjoy. The plan includes a new playspace, circuit walk, restored gardens,

THE BACHELOR picnic amenities, barbecue areas, a 300m boardwalk around the dam, kayaking spots and much more. Plans for a new parkland on the site were released for public feedback in late 2021.

An event at Fernhill 2012, photo by Alison Spencer

Warren Anderson, a West Australian entrepreneur purchased the estate in 1980 and constructed several new buildings. Fernhill’s more recent history tells a sad tale with extensive fire damage in 2001. In 2011, the estate came into the control of receivers.

The estate’s last private owners, South African businessman Simon

F E R N H I L L WA S

RIGHT: Fernhill’s ballroom in 2012, photo

by Alison Spencer

For more on the plans for Fernhill Estate visit westernsydneyparklands.com.au

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS AUTUMN 2022 • 28

O U R PA R K S ARE NAMED AFTER DAVID CURRIE PLAYSPACE Residents will soon be able to enjoy a new inclusive playspace at Banks Drive Reserve, St Clair, named to honour the late David Currie, a passionate disability advocate who made a significant contribution to our local community.

David Currie lived in Penrith for over 70 years and for many decades devoted his time to several charities and campaigned for the rights of people with a disability. David was

a valuable member of Council’s Access Committee for many years helping to make Penrith more accessible for all community members.

In 2015 David was named Penrith’s Citizen of the Year. Mr Currie passed away in February 2019.

The David Currie Playspace will be a place that celebrates his life and creates a space for families and friends of all ages and abilities to play, relax and connect. David’s dedication and passion for helping others will live on in this new playspace, a constant reminder of the work he did, and the difference he made in Penrith.

The final design

• 29 •

was developed in consultation with local school children and other residents and will feature a variety of play equipment including an accessible spinner, toddler specific multi-play unit, sensory play and wheelchair accessible trampoline. David Currie Playspace is expected to open in mid-2022.

Find out more at Penrith.city/ playspace-upgrades.

Then Mayor Fowler OAM with David Currie at the 2015 Australia Day Celebration

PEOPLE

HOW CAN I UPCYCLE THIS?

Or place in the recycling bin

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PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS AUTUMN 2022 • 30

2022

RIES T N E SING O L C N! SOO

LET’S CELEBRATE THE HEROES IN OUR COMMUNITY Penrith is home to many dedicated, selfless and inspirational people and the Local Celebration Awards are an opportunity for us to recognise and thank these people in our community.

dedicates their time to make Penrith a special place to live or who works tirelessly for the benefit of others.

• There are four categories to choose from: • •

Citizen of the Year (over 18yrs old)

• •

Young Citizen of the Year (under 17yrs)

• •

Mayor’s Local Heroes Award (all ages)

• •

Making a Difference – Community Service Award (all ages)

Nominations are open until 29 April 2022. Find out how to nominate and learn more about the award program at penrith.city/local-celebration-awards.

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penrith.city

PENRITH IS BUILDING A B E T T E R T O M O R R O W, T O D AY.