Our Place Penrith Spring 2022

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.

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

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. 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

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

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

OUR GIPPS STREET

Recreation Precinct

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.

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

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

NEVER HEARD OF A PUMP TRACK?

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

“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.

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

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 largescale 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

LOCAL CELEBRATION AWARDS

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.

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 Mayor’s Local Heroes: Lisa Harrold

2022 Community Service Award: David Andersen

2022 Mayor’s Local Heroes: Ditte Kozak

2022 Citizen of the Year: Steven Green

2022 Community Service Award: Michelle Barnes

2022 Community Service Award: Kenani Banda

2022 Community Service Award: Alan Fowkes 2022 Community Service Award: Milton Lazarus 2022 Community Service Award: Maria Quartiero

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!

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.

2022PenrithPanthersofficialteam,photoCredit:PenrithPanthers

Left: 2021 Penrith Panthers fan day celebrations

Photo Credit: Penrith Panthers

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.

12noon

Coachmans

11am

12noon - 2pm

Brook Andrew, Against all odds, Hope and Peace Series, 2005, screenprint. Courtesy of the Artist

Xtreme Bulls Penrith

SATURDAY 12 NOVEMBER

From 5pm

Penrith Paceway

See the toughest bull riders from across Australia battle it out. Book via oztix.com.au

Council’s ROAM Festival

SATURDAY 26 NOVEMBER 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 to share with the people of Penrith, in dynamic and participatory ways. Visit penrithregionalgallery.com.au

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

Find out more penrith.city/event

OUR LIBRARIES

Roger Federer: The Definitive Biography by Chris Bowers

“A comprehensive, balanced insight into the life and achievements of my favourite tennis champion. As Roger negotiates the twilight of a long and impressive career, this book is a timely reminder of just how great he has been, both on the court as a sublime artist of the game, and off the court as a respected role model and philanthropist.”

Author Talk with Christine Courtenay

Christine will discuss her long-awaited memoir ‘Bryce Courtenay: Storyteller’ which covers the remarkable life of her late husband.

WEDNESDAY 9 NOVEMBER

6.30pm Bookings essential via library.penrith.city Christmas Wreath Workshop

FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER

Miletic Library Technician –Operations

10am - 12noon Cost: $25 Bookings essential via library.penrith.city

Adam

Bilingual Story Time

Penrith City Library now offers 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, 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

Our Anniversaries

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.

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.

OUR PLACE IN HISTORY

Sydney Olympic Games 2000

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

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.

Penrith Whitewater Stadium

Above: SydneyInternational RegattaCentre,Penrith

Both venues received an unprecedented amount of international exposure during the games, helping to establish the facilities as major sporting and recreation facilities in Western Sydney. The venues continue to be a legacy for our City, attracting thousands of visitors and elite athletes each year and helping to boost our tourism sector and the local economy.

On 3 September 2000, the Olympic Torch Relay saw thousands line the streets of Penrith to cheer along the torchbearers as they made their way through the City to Jamison Park for the lighting of the AMP Community Cauldron. The cauldron was lit by Kane Towns who ran on behalf of his late father and local legend, Ched Towns, who now has a reserve named after him in Glenmore Park.

John Bateman OAM was the Penrith Mayor at the time and this year, has been made an Honorary Citizen of Penrith. He remembers the time fondly saying, “Penrith was probably the happiest place in the world that day. It was a magic time for Penrith.”

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.

Above:TheOlympicTorchrelayonRiverRd,EmuPlains.

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

It’s not just for visitors!

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

OFFICIAL VISITOR GUIDE SYDNEY AUSTRALIA