Our Place Penrith Spring 2022

NEW RECREATION PRECINCT OUR PENRITH PANTHERS WHAT’S ON

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PENRITH CITY COUNCIL COMMUNITY NEWS ISSUE 11

Spring 2022

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This edition of Our Place was proudly produced by Penrith City Council in October 2022. We would love to hear your feedback. You can email us at ourplace@penrith.city

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SPRING 2022 • 2

WORDS FROM OUR MAYOR Spring is always a special time in our City as we see the gardens bloom, evenings that stay lighter for longer and a sense of adventure that the warmer weather brings.

these city-shaping projects to the Penrith community in the years to come, including a new Central Park in St Marys which you can read about on page 10, along with Council’s $397 million WestInvest project list that could transform the city.

Our cover story on Gipps Street Recreation Precinct is a timely reminder that our City is undergoing an exciting period of renewal to ensure Penrith evolves into a world-class city and destination. Our mission to create innovative and accessible spaces that improve the quality of life for our community remains an important objective. We look forward to delivering

I would like to extend my congratulations to the 12 recipients of this year’s Local Celebrations Awards.

Despite facing challenging times in recent years, the award winners have volunteered countless hours for the benefit of our community and our City. Turn

GIPPS ST RECREATION PRECINCT

4

10

ST MARYS CENTRAL PARK

14

LOCAL CELEBRATION AWARDS

18

OUR PENRITH PANTHERS LOCAL EVENTS

22 •3•

to page 14 to see this year’s winners.

I am always heartened to find that Penrith is a place where our positive community spirit shines through.

This springtime, I encourage you to enjoy our City’s many offerings (turn to page 22 to read what’s on!) and connect with our community through creativity, nature and play. It’s a great way to reconnect with why we have one of the most enviable lifestyles in the region.

Cr Tricia Hitchen

OUR

GIPPS STREET Recreation Precinct Gipps Street Recreation Precinct is being transformed, with Council converting the former landfill site into a landmark sport and recreation destination.

The Gipps Street site in Claremont Meadows was used as Council’s main waste facility from the mid-1950s to the mid-1980s. It has been earmarked for use as a recreation

precinct since the 2000s but required extensive remediation before it could be developed. The realisation of this site is now underway with the official sod-turning taking place in August 2022.

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SPRING 2022 • 4

NEVER HEARD OF A PUMP TRACK?

The Youth Precinct will provide hours of active play, even in the winter months

It’s a progressive riding track suitable for bikes, scooters, and skateboards. Its unique design is made up of rolling, banked turns and features a fun riding flow that propels riders around the track without pedalling or pushing.

The vision for the dynamic 32-hectare site came out of Council’s 2020 Sport and Recreation Strategy, a 15-year road map for the future provision of sport, play, recreation and open space facilities across our City. The Gipps Street Precinct not only represents

an innovative repurposing of facilities and space, but more importantly, directly responds to what the City’s residents have asked for in their local area.

Over the past two years Council has undertaken various forms of community consultation

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regarding the project, including a community codesign workshop that directly shaped the design for the site’s Youth Precinct. This area will boast the City’s first ever “pump track” along with a floodlit skatepark and multi-sport courts.

resident feedback. It’s a demonstration of the fantastic outcome we can achieve when working collaboratively to create spaces that improve the quality of life for people living in Penrith.

“I am extremely proud of what Council will deliver at the site in response to

“Gipps Street Recreation Precinct offers so much to so many different people, from children

and families to sporting clubs and players, from dog owners and nature lovers to those who just enjoy a nice walk in the fresh air. It was important to us that everyone could enjoy the space, so inclusivity and accessibility were a particular focus when planning the Precinct,” Cr Hitchen said.

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SPRING 2022 • 6

A variety of exciting play spaces will be created for children of all ages and abilities

Penrith Mayor, Councillor Tricia Hitchen, says it is exciting for Council to be able to deliver a project of this scale that will have a positive impact on so many in the community.

TO UNDERSTAND THE SHEER SCALE OF THE PRECINCT, THINK OF THE SYDNEY SHOWGROUND AT SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK WHICH COVERS 30 HECTARES – TWO HECTARES LESS THAN THE GIPPS ST PRECINCT.

The Precinct’s dog park will offer separate areas for large and small dogs

•7•

The Precinct is expected to be open to

the community by the end of 2023 and

will incorporate both active and passive sport and recreation spaces, including:

»

Floodlit grass sports fields to suit multiple sports

»

Inclusive children’s play, water play,

and nature play areas, including fixed and natural shade

» » »

Youth precinct Floodlit netball courts and cricket nets Outdoor health and fitness gym equipment for all ages

» »

Off-leash floodlit dog park Pedestrian connections, including walking loops and nature trail

»

Passive recreation, picnic and viewing areas, including barbeques, shelters, and public art

» »

Tree planting and landscaping Main amenity building and supporting

toilet facilities throughout the precinct.

The main amenity includes a large-

scale canteen, storage, multi-purpose area, accessible toilets, officials and

player change rooms to suit multiple sports

»

Car parking, including accessible

spaces and coach drop off/parking.

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SPRING 2022 • 8

To find out more about the Gipps Street Recreation Precinct and to register for updates on the project, visit yoursaypenrith.com.au/gippsstrecreationprecinct

•9•

OUR CITY

TRANSFORMING ST MARYS

Penrith is undergoing some exciting changes as it evolves into a world-class city and destination.

Extensive planning and work are underway for cityshaping projects in our eastern city

centre, such as the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport rail link, which will start in St Marys.

To enhance liveability for existing and future

residents and to welcome visitors in the coming years, St Marys will be transformed into a modern and connected city centre, complete with a new green civic heart, Central Park.

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SPRING 2022 • 10

THE NEW PARK WILL FEATURE A LARGE CENTRAL LAWN, OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE STAGE, NATURAL SHADE AND PUBLIC ARTWORK, PROVIDING THE PERFECT PLACE FOR PEOPLE TO RELAX, PLAY, MEET FRIENDS AND BE ENTERTAINED.

• 11 •

A central park will see St Marys evolve into a vibrant destination by building an important connection between Queen Street, Lang and Kokoda Parks, Ripples and the shopping centre.

It will also help to stimulate both the day and night-time local economies.

St Marys Park is just one of 37 local projects worth $397 million, that Penrith City Council has submitted for consideration to the NSW Government’s $5 billion WestInvest program.

THE $5 BILLION WESTINVEST PROGRAM INCLUDES $2 BILLION AVAILABLE TO 15 COUNCILS AND COMMUNITIES TO CREATE A MORE CONNECTED, LIVEABLE AND WALKABLE COMMUNITY.

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SPRING 2022 • 12

Each of Council’s selected projects is grounded in identified Council strategies, developed through extensive consultation with community members and designed to meet the City’s long-term needs and goals.

The list includes the transformation of Regatta Park on the Nepean River and a new Rooftop Garden at Soper Place which will provide a unique destination for work, leisure and play.

Penrith Mayor,

Councillor Tricia Hitchen, says that the projects

submitted to WestInvest will help to ensure

Penrith continues to be the best place to live, work and play.

“Council estimates that by 2036 the

population of our Local Government Area

will grow by another

70,000 residents. This time of incredible

growth requires smart

investment to enhance

our community facilities and build additional

infrastructure. The plans we have identified

as priority projects

complement existing

work and speak to the vision we have for the

City. They will continue to drive economic

growth, provide more local jobs and job

diversity and deliver

better transport and

access around the City.”

To read more about Council’s projects and to view a full list, visit: penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ news/1281-council-reveals-397-millionwestinvest-wish-list or scan the QR code.

• 13 •

OUR

LOCAL CELEBRATION AWARDS 2022 Recipients

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SPRING 2022 • 14

To read about each of our incredible 2022 award recipients, visit penrith.city/local-celebration-awards

Penrith is home to many dedicated, selfless and inspirational people and Council’s Local Celebration Awards are the perfect opportunity to recognise and celebrate their incredible volunteering efforts.

• 15 •

In July, Council awarded 12 residents who have dedicated countless hours to making our City a great place to live, or who work tirelessly for the benefit of others.

2022 Citizen of the Year: Steven Green

2022 Mayor’s Local Heroes: Lisa Harrold

2022 Mayor’s Local Heroes:

2022 Community Service Award:

2022 Community Service Award:

2022 Community Service Award:

Ditte Kozak

Kenani Banda

David Andersen

Michelle Barnes

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SPRING 2022 • 16

2022 Community Service Award:

2022 Community Service Award:

Alan Fowkes

Milton Lazarus

2022 Community Service Award:

2022 Community Service Award:

2022 Community Service Award:

2022 Community Service Award:

Maria Quartiero

Vivienne Ross

Irene Rossetto

Jim Ward

• 17 •

OUR

PENRITH PANTHERS BACK-TO-BACK PREMIERS

It’s been a stellar couple of years for our City’s rugby league team, the Penrith Panthers, who took home the minor premiership title in 2020 before claiming victory against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the 2021 NRL Grand Final.

This year, the Penrith Panthers have done it again, becoming back-to-back Premiers after a convincing win

against the Parramatta Eels. Beyond this, the Penrith Panthers rugby league team have achieved what no other team has accomplished in the 113-year history of the NRL. They won all four grades in one season, taking out the SG Ball, the Jersey Flegg, the NSW Cup and the first-grade Premiership title.

It’s an extraordinary achievement and a credit to the players, staff and coaches’ fearless determination, tremendous talent and incredible hard work.

They inspire many within our City and make us proud to be part of Penrith.

Go the mighty Penrith Panthers!

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SPRING 2022 • 18

Left: 2021 Penrith Panthers fan day celebrations

2022 Penrith Panthers official team, photo Credit: Penrith Panthers

Photo Credit: Penrith Panthers

DID YOU KNOW? THE PENRITH PANTHERS ACHIEVED THEIR FIRST GRAND FINAL APPEARANCE IN 1990 BUT WERE BEATEN BY THE CANBERRA RAIDERS. THE FOLLOWING YEAR, THE PANTHERS ONCE AGAIN TOOK ON THE RAIDERS IN THE GRAND FINAL BUT THIS TIME WERE VICTORIOUS, WINNING THE GAME 19-12.

• 19 •

OUR

NURSERY Celebrating and Honouring our Loved Ones with Trees

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SPRING 2022 • 20

This year, Penrith City Council celebrated the special mother and father figures in our lives with our 15th annual Trees for Mum event on Mother’s Day and our 4th annual Trees for Dad event on Father’s Day. Participants were provided with a choice of native trees or shrubs, grown at Council’s very own

nursery, to plant in honour of their loved ones. The events are a great opportunity for participants to learn about our local environment while also playing a key part in helping to restore our endangered bushland. To date, more than 1,700 people have travelled from near

and far to our region to take part in these special events which have been led by Council’s dedicated Bushcare team since its inception by Landcare Australia in 2002. Penrith Council is the only council to continue hosting a planting day in honour of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

OUR ‘TREES FOR’ EVENTS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF COUNCIL’S COOLING THE CITY STRATEGY – PLANTING TREES IS A SIMPLE YET BENEFICIAL WAY TO HELP COOL OUR CITY’S OPEN SPACES. Sign up to the Bushcare Bulletin to keep up to date about future events at penrith.city/bushcarebulletin.

• 21 •

WHAT’S

HAPPENING

Christmas Cinema SATURDAY 10 DECEMBER Triangle Park, Penrith

Bushcare Events

IN OUR CITY YOUR LATEST DIARY DATES FOR A PENRITH SPRING/ SUMMER TO REMEMBER!

Bass Sydney Fishing Club Bushcare Group Volunteer Day SATURDAY 26 NOVEMBER

Lunchtime Tunes

St Marys Cinema

Enjoy some lunchtime

SATURDAY 19 NOVEMBER, 6 - 9pm - The Croods:

Bee Bonanza

A New Age

TUESDAY 29 NOVEMBER

SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER,

Bellbird Reserve,

tunes with local artists.

5 OCTOBER -

15 DECEMBER Memory Park, Penrith,

Coachmans Park, St Marys

6 - 9pm - Elf

Tuesdays

12noon - 2pm Coachmans Park, St Marys

Wednesdays 11am - 1pm

Triangle Park, Penrith, Thursdays

12noon - 2pm

Penrith Producers Christmas Edition FRIDAY 2 DECEMBER Triangle Park, Penrith

Emu Green Reserve, Emu Heights

Emu Plains

Mountain View Reserve Bushcare Group Volunteer Day SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER Mountain View Reserve, Cranebrook

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SPRING 2022 • 22

Xtreme Bulls Penrith

Council’s ROAM Festival

SATURDAY 12 NOVEMBER

SATURDAY 26 NOVEMBER

From 5pm

Penrith Paceway See the toughest bull riders

from across Australia battle it out. Book via oztix.com.au.

5 – 10pm

SUNDAY 27 NOVEMBER 11am – 9pm

Penrith City Centre Discover, play and ROAM Penrith in the heart of the city with live music, art

installations and kid’s activities with

entertainment and roving performers and tasty treats from food trucks.

52 ACTIONS: Made in Penrith ENDS 20 NOVEMBER 10am-4pm

Penrith Regional Gallery 52 Actions: Made in Penrith invites leading artists from

across Australia to bring their insights and perspectives

A Portrait of Australia Exhibition ENDS 28 NOVEMBER 9.30am-4pm

Museum of Fire Celebrates the bush, the

outback, the coast and the

remarkable people who live

there. Visit museumoffire.net.

to share with the people

of Penrith, in dynamic and participatory ways. Visit

Brook Andrew, Against all odds, Hope and Peace Series, 2005, screenprint.

Courtesy of the Artist

penrithregionalgallery.com.au.

Find out more penrith.city/event • 23 •

OUR

LIBRARIES Roger Federer: The Definitive Biography

by Chris Bowers

Author Talk with Christine Courtenay

“A comprehensive, balanced insight into the

long-awaited memoir ‘Bryce

champion. As Roger negotiates the twilight

covers the remarkable life of her

a timely reminder of just how great he has

WEDNESDAY 9 NOVEMBER

the game, and off the court as a respected

6.30pm

Christine will discuss her

life and achievements of my favourite tennis

Courtenay: Storyteller’ which

of a long and impressive career, this book is

late husband.

been, both on the court as a sublime artist of role model and philanthropist.”

Spring read - check out this must-read book from our Library team.

Adam Miletic Library Technician – Operations

Bookings essential via

library.penrith.city

Christmas Wreath Workshop FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER 10am - 12noon Cost: $25

Bookings essential via

library.penrith.city

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SPRING 2022 • 24

Bilingual Story Time

Our Anniversaries

Penrith City Library now offers

The community of Penrith is rich in diversity, and we strive for our City to be a place where everyone has access to equitable opportunity to participate in community life.

Bilingual Story Time sessions in

Tagalog, Mandarin and English for 2 to 5 year olds. Join us as we share stories, songs and rhymes.

Bookings essential via

library.penrith.city

Our Library App A quick way to access the Library

is through our app. You can search the catalogue to find what you

want, reserve and renew items,

Formed in 1992, the Access Committee was one of Penrith City Council’s earliest initiatives to embed lived and professional experience of disability in our decision-making processes. Since then, it has encouraged Council to strive beyond compliance with legislated standards and shape a more accessible Penrith for all.

This year, we recognise the longstanding contribution of the Access Committee and the many diverse members who for over 30 years, have given generously of their time to support Council in delivering positive outcomes for our community.

download eBooks and much more.

It works on phones and tablets too – simply search Penrith Library in

the App Store or Google Play Store on your device.

Bookings essential via

library.penrith.city

L-R: Penrith Councillor and Council representative on the Access Committee Robin Cook, current members Karen McIntyre with her guide dog, Sophie, Allan Windley, Matt Roger, Carole Grayson, Farah Madon and Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen, who is also Chair of the Access Committee.

• 25 •

OUR

PLACE IN HISTORY

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SPRING 2022 • 26

Sydney Olympic Games 2000

Penrith Whitewater Stadium

Penrith was privileged to play a pivotal role in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games by hosting the rowing and whitewater events at our two world class venues, the Sydney International Regatta Centre and the Penrith Whitewater Stadium.

Penrith Whitewater Stadium was the competition venue for the canoe/kayak

slalom events during the games and is the only manmade river of its kind in the southern hemisphere. It was constructed using a combination of both natural and man-made materials to recreate the characteristics of a wild river and still proves to be a challenging and

• 27 •

Above: Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith

exciting ride for even the best paddlers in the world.

The Sydney International Regatta Centre sprawls over 178 hectares and is one of the best rowing and sprint kayak courses in the world. During the Sydney Olympic Games, it won international acclaim while hosting 825 athletes from 56 countries.

YOU CAN SEE ONE OF THE OLYMPIC TORCHES USED FOR THE PENRITH LEG OF THE RELAY AND THE AMP COMMUNITY CAULDRON ON LEVEL 1 OF PENRITH CITY COUNCIL’S CIVIC CENTRE.

Both venues received an

On 3 September 2000, the

John Bateman

unprecedented amount

Olympic Torch Relay saw

OAM was the

of international exposure

thousands line the streets

Penrith Mayor at

during the games, helping

of Penrith to cheer along

the time and this

to establish the facilities

the torchbearers as they

year, has been

as major sporting and

made their way through

made an Honorary

recreation facilities in

the City to Jamison Park

Citizen of Penrith.

Western Sydney. The venues

for the lighting of the AMP

He remembers

continue to be a legacy

Community Cauldron. The

the time fondly

for our City, attracting

cauldron was lit by Kane

saying, “Penrith

thousands of visitors and

Towns who ran on behalf

was probably the

elite athletes each year

of his late father and local

happiest place in

and helping to boost our

legend, Ched Towns, who

the world that day.

tourism sector and the local

now has a reserve named

It was a magic time

economy.

after him in Glenmore Park.

for Penrith.”

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SPRING 2022 • 28

Kane Towns lighting the cauldron with the Olympic Torch at Jamison Park.

Above: The Olympic Torch relay on River Rd, Emu Plains.

• 29 •

ith

w t c e nn

Co

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ci n u Co

Read the latest news and events from our departments Our Place Fortnightly News Snapshot penrith.city/OurPlace Bushcare Bulletin penrith.city/bushcarebulletin Sustainability e-News penrith.city/sustainabilityenews Visit Penrith e-News visitpenrith.com.au/#email

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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

ONLINE SERVICES Manage bins, report potholes and book bulky waste collections online

my.penrith.city

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • COMMUNITY NEWS SPRING 2022 • 30

SOUTH WARD

EAST WARD OUR MAYOR

Councillor Tricia Hitchen

Councillor Mark Davies E mark.davies@penrith.city P 0416 085 597

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

Councillor Karen McKeown OAM

OUR DEPUTY MAYOR

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 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

4732 7777

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

council@penrith.city penrith.city penrith.city.council

Councillor Kevin Crameri OAM

penrithcouncil

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

penrith-city-council Interpreting assistance is available at Council or by phone.

Councillor Glenn Gardiner E glenn.gardiner@penrith.city P 0407 214 719

Want to know which ward your suburb falls into? Visit Penrith.city/wards • 31 •

It’s not just for visitors!

Download a copy of the Penrith Visitor Guide your invitation to discover positively adventurous Penrith visitpenrith.com.au

OF F I CIAL V IS IT OR GUIDE S Y DNEY A U S T RA LIA