PENRITH CITY COMMUNITY NEWS The official newsletter of the Penrith City Council June 2012 edition
OFFICE LOCATION & SERVICES: Penrith Civic Centre 601 High Street, Penrith Ph: 4732 7777 Fax: 4732 7958 Queen Street Customer Service Centre 207-209 Queen Street, St Marys Ph: 4732 7777 Fax: 4732 7958 Email: penrith@ penrithcity.nsw. gov.au
A BRAND IN THE PEOPLE’S HANDS Penrith City Council has taken a bold approach to putting itself on the map with a new community brand. Before its launch, the brand’s striking declaration, ‘PENRITH IS HERE’, had gained ticks of approval from a range of local organisations. Now people power and online engagement are elevating Penrith’s profile further. When Penrith Council decided to revitalise Penrith’s place brand last year, it began working with key community groups to identify the characteristics that make Penrith the place to live, learn, visit, work and invest in. The result was a bold orange P shaped logo, inlaid with the words ‘PENRITH IS HERE’. Whether used as a pointer on a map or superimposed
on candid snapshots of Penrith locals, the icon celebrates the friendship and uncompromising ‘can-do’ attitude of the people who are Penrith’s heart and soul. Thanks to community buy-in and social media hype generated through a public photo competition at www.penrithishere.com. au, the community brand is positioning Penrith as
JUNE 2012 COMMUNITY NEWS
Penrith’s new community brand featured on the Sunrise TV program on Friday, 4 May in Sydney’s CBD.
a magnet for economic investment, offering jobs and an adventurous, familyoriented lifestyle. Penrith Mayor Greg Davies said Penrith’s community brand championed people ahead of Penrith’s picturesque landscape and would uncap Penrith’s economic potential. “This brand is for every individual to say; ‘I’m from Penrith and proud of it!’ “Those who know the area well understand its strengths, but Council saw the need to promote these beyond Penrith’s borders to bolster new industry, job growth and tourism into the future.
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Penrith City Council has played a caretaker role in developing this brand but it’s our City’s residents who will take up the ‘PENRITH IS HERE’ mantra to express their own achievements and their pride in being Penrith. “Through Council’s work with stakeholders to jointly promote Penrith, everyone stands to benefit. It’s not just Council saying Penrith’s the place to be; it’s a whole chorus of residents, businesses and organisations representing various interests.
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EAST WARD
Kaylene Allison 0401 995 843
NORTH WARD
Kevin Crameri OAM 0401 995 825
SOUTH WARD
Jim Aitken OAM 0418 288 488
Mayor
Greg Davies 0419 177 259
Tanya Davies
0434 609 406
Jackie Greenow 0407 464 088
Marko Malkoc 0401 678 512
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Ross Fowler OAM
Robert Ardill
Ben Goldfinch
Prue Guillaume
0419 738 484
0401 678 509
Kath Presdee
0401 678 505
0401 678 520
Mark Davies
0401 678 508
0416 085 597
John Thain
Karen McKeown
0411 427 812
0401 995 945
JUNE 2012 COMMUNITY NEWS
MAYOR’S MESSAGE I’m really excited about the new ‘Penrith is here’ brand Council launched last month and it has already created a lot of interest from people outside our City. We’ve taken the focus off a geographic place – our old brand was about river, mountains, lakes – so now the spotlight is on our community – you, the people of Penrith. The orange logo is not just a brand, but a living, breathing symbol in a vibrant orange that will really put Penrith on the map. The shape and colour is akin to the symbols used in mapping, and highlights our willingness to stake our place and say ‘Penrith is Here.’ It’s a bold P for Penrith, it’s proud and aligns with the way we think and feel about ourselves – it’s genuinely a brand for all of us that says ‘We dare to be different’. How’s that, you ask? Council hasn’t just invested in a brand mark for the organisation, but a brand for Penrith covering the whole local government area. This approach is something of a first for the local government sector and will drive interest and investment, sharing with others what we already know. We are a community of innovators, we enjoy our lifestyle and have a can-do attitude. The development of the new brand captured the thoughts
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and ideas of hundreds of people from all walks of life, living and working here and further afield. We have already received enthusiastic support from local businesses and organisations who are embracing the symbol and the concept so it becomes synonymous with our City.
Penrith City Mayor Cr Greg Davies
A BRAND IN THE PEOPLE’S HAND ... FROM PAGE 1
INFRASTRUCTURE AND INTEGRATION VITAL TO MAKE TRANSPORT PLAN WORK FOR PENRITH
Promoting Penrith becomes much more powerful when we’re all on the same page about Penrith’s stand-out qualities – whether the chamber of commerce, the regional arts centre or the local football club. “The community brand is a complete departure from Penrith City Council’s former River, Mountains, Lakes theme. Council’s former Penrith Valley brand was used and controlled by Council and promoted our picturesque natural setting rather than focusing on our people’s potential; the engine of Penrith’s economic and sociocultural development. “Council is in a unique position to coordinate our local networks with respect to rebranding opportunities for our community. “Now the community has a common stamp they can put on anything that makes them proud to be from Penrith. It’s the glue that strengthens our sense of identity and Penrith pride,” Councillor Davies said.
BEHIND THE BRAND PROFILING ‘PENRITH IS HERE’ Background to the brand The ‘PENRITH IS HERE’ community brand was driven by Penrith City Council and developed by Generation Alliance in conjunction with Council, drawing on extensive community consultation and feedback.
See the brand in action You can get a feel for the brand at www.penrithishere.com.au or at the social media sites www.facebook. com/penrithishere or www.twitter. com/penrithishere.
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Penrith City Mayor Greg Davies hands Council’s submission on the State Government’s Draft Transport Master Plan to the State Member for Penrith, Mr Stuart Ayres
Council’s submission in response to the NSW Government’s 20-year Transport Master Plan Discussion Paper conveys the ‘vital need’ for better transport services and infrastructure for Penrith City. The submission, endorsed at the Council meeting on Monday 23 April, was handed to Member for Penrith, Stuart Ayres MP outside Penrith Railway Station on Thursday 26 April and was sent to Transport NSW in time for its Friday 27 April deadline. Penrith City Mayor Greg Davies said as a Regional City we have welcomed growth in housing and employment.
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“Now we call on the State Government to clearly commit to timeframes and funding for the arterial roads and improved public transport services our growing community desperately needs,” Councillor Davies said. “We want to ensure this transport plan endures and delivers. We look forward to working with the State Government for seamless transport infrastructure and services throughout Penrith City,” he said. Council’s submission is available for viewing on our website www.penrithcity. nsw.gov.au.
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BETTER ROADS, SAFER FOOTPATHS
UWS teams up with Penrith Business Alliance and Council to bring knowledge jobs to Penrith on site of the future Werrington Park Employment Catalyst. (L-R) Susan Hartigan (Director, TAFE NSW. Western Sydney Institute), Ben Artup (Penrith Business Alliance), David Bradbury (Federal Member for Lindsay), Janice Reed (UWS Vice Chancellor) and Roger Nethercote (Group Manager, People and Places, Penrith City Council).
CREATING KNOWLEDGE JOBS A local consortium is seeking Federal Government Suburban Jobs Program funding that will help create about 400 new jobs immediately and about 6,000 new permanent education and research jobs longer term. The consortium comprises the University of Western Sydney (UWS), Penrith City Council and the Penrith Business Alliance (PBA), which Council set up. Penrith City Mayor Greg Davies said we seek to develop employment space and a corporate centre at Werrington, which will seed the longer term development of a comprehensive business park. “UWS has 58 hectares of land available for a business park,” Councillor Davies said. “The land is strategically located within the planned Werrington Enterprise, Learning and Living Precinct (WELL) and forms part of the
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Penrith Health and Education Precinct. “We are talking about the creation of 6,000 new local jobs that will include those in the knowledge industry such as education and research as well as creating jobs to support that industry. “This project will create an even greater diversity of employment, investment and business choices within Penrith, meaning less commuting and more time with family for a wide range of workers. “The Penrith Health and Education Precinct has been identified as a specialist employment precinct in the NSW Government’s Sydney Metropolitan Plan.” The consortium is seeking $14 million of federal funding to go with $14 million of UWS funding for the $28 million development.
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Penrith City Council’s maintenance strategy has seen many projects completed on urban roads, rural roads and footpaths with improvements set to continue over the coming year. Recent improvements to roads and pathways across the City mean motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are more likely to reach their destination safe and sound. Penrith City Mayor Greg Davies says maintaining the road system across the City is a high priority for Council and extensive upgrades will continue to ensure roads and paths are at an acceptable and safe standard. “Council has completed several projects over the past year including upgrades to roads on the National Black Spot Program, transport and traffi c facilities and numerous kerbs and gutters,” Councillor Davies said. “These projects and the upcoming schedule of work for this year reflect Council’s commitment to road safety and to the welfare of everyone who uses our roads and pathways.” Completed road works include: • Cambridge Park: Michelle Ave, Barry St • Cranebrook: McHenry Rd, Olin Close • Emu Plains: Forbes St, Thorsby Place, Martin St, Emu Plains • Erskine Park: Peppertree Drive • Glenmore Park: Dillwynia Dr between Oriole St and Cormorant Cr, Sittella Place, Oriole St between Woodland Dr and Silvereye Close, Sorrenson Cres, Bayldon Place, Kumbara Close, Knox St • Kingswood: Gladys St, Lucy Ave, Stapley St, Derby St between Somerset St and Bringelly Rd • South Penrith: York Road • St Marys: Power St
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TALKING ABOUT YOUR FUTURE
Penrith City Council has been hard at work finding out what our communities want for the future for Penrith City. Since March, Council offi cers have been surveying residents and stakeholders across the local government area. The survey information will be used in reviewing the current Community Strategic Plan to ensure it stays relevant for our future. The plan is the blueprint for delivering services, roads, footpaths, amenities and facilities for our communities in the short, medium and long term. Children at Glenmore Park Out of School Hours Care (OOSH), Blue Emu Children’s Centre in Emu Heights, Rainbow Cottage Children’s Centre Preschool in Cambridge Park and Ridge-ee-didge Children’s Centre in Oxley Park were asked to help shape how Penrith City should grow over the next 20 years. Penrith City Mayor Greg Davies congratulated the children and many others across the community who took time to tell Council their wishes for Penrith. “Council staff spoke to children at Glenmore Park OOSH, who then made a photo collage of the
environment around Glenmore Park Loch. Their collaboration on a poster shows the importance of this natural habitat,” he said. Blue Emu, Rainbow Cottage and Ridge-ee-didge Children’s Centres have also made artworks and paintings of their favourite places in Penrith. Council learned that children value skate parks, places to ride their bikes and scooters, libraries, child-friendly playgrounds, swimming pools and nature reserves. Since the formal engagement program started on 20 March at the Seniors’ Week event at St Marys Corner, Council has received more than 4,500 completed surveys. Listening posts were held at St Marys, Penrith, Londonderry, Mulgoa, Emu Plains, Glenmore Park, St Clair and Cranebrook shops, as well as Penrith and St Marys railway stations. Council staff talked with about 400 people at the listening posts, as well as engaging with young people at the Mondo (the lawn between the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre and Westfi eld Penrith as well as Jamison Park. In May, several targeted engagement activities
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included workshops with Aboriginal and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities, people with disabilities and events for community and business groups. What’s next on the agenda? Quite a few people were interested in participating in more specific focus groups and they’ll be organised for June and July. There have been many positive comments. Both residents and visitors think the City has most of the things they need such as services, good parks and events. Some key issues arising from residents are managing future population growth and how this will impact jobs, our roads and infrastructure, traffi c congestion, parking and the maintenance of parks. Other suggestions included more services for an ageing population and more activities for young people (teenagers). Keep up to date through further issues of Council’s offi cial Community Newsletter, local newspapers and our website www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au for updates on our review of this important plan for the City’s future.
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ASPIRING YOUNG AUTHORS HAVE HOLIDAY FUN Budding authors aged 9 to 12 began their journey to learn how books are put together from first idea to publication in the April school holidays. They’ll get to make and take home their very own book at the end of the program. It’s part of a new series, Kids at the Corner 2012, which runs until September this year and covers writing, illustrating, cartooning, book-making and photography. Kids at the Corner is an initiative of the St Marys Corner Community and Cultural Precinct, which Penrith City Council owns and runs. The Story Makers program is a collaborative project with WestWords allowing children in Western Sydney to work with literature professionals through a colourful artistic program. This year’s program will take ‘family’ as the broad theme over the three 2012 school holidays. At the end of the year’s program, a book of children’s stories, poetry, drawings, cartoons and photographs will be published. Each family taking part in the program will receive a complimentary copy of the publication, with extra copies available for sale. WestWords – the Western Sydney Young People’s Literature Development Project - encourages children and young people in greater Western
CLAY AT THE CORNER More than 350 people enjoyed transforming clay into dragons at the St Marys Corner Community and Cultural Precinct, thanks to a Nepean Potters’ Society event. The group held free dragon making workshops for adults and children on 14 and 15 April as part of CLAY AT THE CORNER 2012 – Dragons and Friends Program. A program highlight was a three-day exhibition of dragon-themed artworks by society members. It was offi cially opened on 13 April by Susan Jorgensen, artist and art teacher in ceramics at TAFE Western Sydney Institute, Nepean College.
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Sydney to read for pleasure and creative expression. Well known authors, illustrators and literature professionals come together to run their diverse range of activities and workshops. To enrol your child in the program’s remaining three sessions costs $5 per session. Places are limited, so bookings are essential. To book, visit St Marys Library for an enrolment form, fill it in and hand it with your payment to the library counter. For more information, contact: WestWords on 9839 6079 or 0437 269 682 or e-mail literature@blacktown.nsw. gov.au Kids at the Corner 2012 highlights for the rest of the year: Monday 9 July:
Book-Making with Tina Matthews Tuesday 10 July: Creative workshops in photography Monday 24 Sept: Publishing with Sarah Davis Sessions will be held from 10am to 3pm at the Memorial Hall, St Marys Community and Cultural Precinct on the corner of the Great Western Highway and Mamre Road, St Marys. Car access is from 29 Swanston Street, St Marys.
DID YOU KNOW? ST MARYS CORNER Penrith City Council owns and runs St Marys Corner. There have been more than 170,000 visits to St Marys Corner since it opened in May 2010. The Corner offers a huge range of social services, programs and six facilities including rooms for hire such as the Memorial Hall, St Marys Community Centre, senior citizens’ centre and more. Council runs artistic, creative and cultural
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programs to nurture and attract local talent. It also runs various events at the Corner and supports local organisations to do the same throughout the year. St Marys Corner has easy community access, dedicated parking and full amenities. To find out more about St Marys Corner, telephone 4732 7777 or visit www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au.
AUSSIE ICON JACK THOMPSON LENDS HIS SUPPORT TO HISTORIC EVENT Next year marks the bicentenary of the crossing of the Blue Mountains in 1813 and Penrith is gearing up to celebrate this historic milestone with veteran Australian actor, Jack Thompson. events, including a re-enactment trek, a family A program of community co camp out and a historical festival will be held in May 2013 - exactly 200 years after the first crossing took place. who is well known for his love of the Australian Actor Jack Thompson, Th bush and the Australian character, is the face of these celebrations attention and recognition to this significant event in and keen to bring b history. Australia’s histo pleased to be participating in the Bicentenary of the First “I’m very ple Crossing of the Blue Mountains celebrations and I’m looking Crossin forward to joining locals for these events in Penrith next year,” forw said Jack Thompson. Penrith City Mayor, Greg Davies, says Council is committed Pen to honouring the people, places and events that have helped shape our City. sh “The “T path forged by Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth through the Blue Mountains in 1813 was to become a t legendary part of Australian history. With the original l voyage beginning at Blaxland’s farm at St Marys, the people of Penrith City can feel proud of the history that happened right here,” Councillor Davies said. “Several community activities are being planned to commemorate the 1813 event. Hopefully these will create a lasting memory for our residents and inspire the younger generations to learn more about our City’s history.”
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ST MARYS TOWN CENTRE GETTING A BOOST Local businesses and property owners were among the large number of people who attend Penrith City Council’s workshop in early May to garner ideas to revive St Marys Town Centre. Council has now completed its Centres Management Review, which will allow Council to work better with the Centre to benefit local businesses, create jobs and improve experiences for shoppers and visitors. Penrith City Mayor Greg Davies said: “It is an exciting opportunity for the business and property owners in St Marys to help design the plan for the town’s centre to thrive and attract more shoppers and investment. “It was great to hear the community’s ideas at the workshop to help activate and revitalise St Marys in the long term. “Council has engaged People, Place and Partnership specialists in community revitalisation to draw up a long term strategic plan for the future of St Marys and Penrith City Centres. The plans will be based on consultation and focus on operational, functional and marketing aspects of the St Marys Town Centre. “Council is doing important practical work in revitalising Coachmans Park as well as regularly cleaning and maintaining the main street,” he said.
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STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF CITY LEADERS A groundswell of primary school students who live or go to school in Penrith City have made their pitch to be either Junior Mayor or one of 14 Junior Councillors for exciting Local Government Week activities in August. Local Government Week, from 13 to 19 August, celebrates local government’s role in the community. Penrith City Council’s competition will be a great way for students to gain an insight into the role of councillors and how a Council meeting works. Entries closed on 28 May and winners will also meet Councillors. To enter, students used words, artwork, a comic strip or audio or film file to answer the question: why do you think it’s so important to commemorate the historical Blue Mountains crossing milestone in our City’s and indeed our country’s history? As well as taking part in a ‘mock’ Council meeting, the 15 juniors will also be offered a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to take part in the re-enactment trek marking 200 years since the first crossing of the Blue Mountains. The trek will go from the site of Blaxland’s farm at St Marys to the Nepean River. The Junior Mayor will also shadow Mayor Greg Davies at the St Marys Spring Festival and take part in the street parade and meet and greet locals. The next issue of Council’s Community News will report on the Junior Council.
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JUNE 2012 COMMUNITY NEWS
DOING THE RIGHT BIN CAN LEAD TO GOOD THINGS The winning name of the Green Bin Bloke’s ‘Do the Right Bin’ competition has been drawn. Michael Galea, from Kingswood, has always been an enthusiastic recycler so it’s no surprise he found the competition entry form easy to fill out. Because he knew exactly what items could go into each of the three bins and filled out the entry form correctly, he is now the proud owner of a brand new Piaggio MP3 Motor scooter valued at $10,000. Michael says he is over the moon with his win, but still doesn’t believe it’s real. “I’ve never won anything in my whole life, so when I got the phone call from the Mayor I actually thought it was one of my friends playing a prank on me. I haven’t got my motorbike licence yet, but it’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Michael said. “I have been recycling my whole life and it’s something that I will definitely be passing on to my kids. I’m really passionate about the environment and recycling to me just seems like such a simple thing that I can do to make a difference.” Penrith City Mayor, Councillor Greg Davies, said the number of correct entries received was encouraging.
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Right to left: Penrith City Mayor Greg Davies presents winner of the Green Bin Bloke’s ‘Do the right bin’ competition Michael Galea with his Piaggio MP3 Motor scooter.
“More than 400 residents entered the competition and correctly identified what items can go into each of the three bins. This is a great result,” Councillor Davies said. “Some common mistakes we still see include putting plastic bread bags, plastic containers with food inside, glass bottles and aluminium foil trays into the green bins. Often people only need to make minor adjustments to get their waste sorting habits right. But it’s these small, everyday changes that will ensure a cleaner, greener City both now and in the future.”
NEW-LOOK ST CLAIR LIBRARY UNVEILED St Clair locals are benefiting from recent improvements to their library branch, which now boasts new air conditioning, carpet, desks and a fresh coat of paint on the walls. The renovations were made possible thanks to a $70,000 grant from the Federal Government’s Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program and were completed in late 2011. The new and improved library was formally unveiled to the community by the Hon. Simon Crean MP, Minister for Regional Australia, Local Government and the Arts on Wednesday 4 April. Penrith City Mayor Greg Davies said the refurbishments gave the library a fresh new look and feel and will ensure it continues to be a place where people can learn, relax and enjoy visiting for years to come. “Being a St Clair local myself, I know how important the local library is to the community. Last year, there were more than 50,000 visits to the branch and more than 60,000 items borrowed,” Councillor Davies said. “These renovations ensure the library and its facilities remain inviting for patrons and importantly, encourage more people to benefi t from the wonderful activities and services on offer there.” Penrith City Council’s popular library services offer educational and recreational facilities, resources, products and services for residents and visitors through multiple branches, a Home Library service, a Community Toy Library and online services.
TOP WRITERS WHET APPETITE FOR ADVENTURE Sydney Writers’ Festival events at Penrith City Library on 16 and May 18 were popular once again with talks by two of Australia’s best non-fiction writers and personalities, Peter FitzSimons and Dr Karl (Kruszelnicki).
Peter spoke about Antarctic explorers and Dr Karl about how we process food offered much fodder for thought.
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SUCCESSFUL SENIORS’ WEEKS ACTIVITIES
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Local seniors came in droves for Council’s colourful free concert and morning tea to celebrate Seniors Week 2012, themed Live Life, Be Happy. The concert showcased the popular Victor Valdes and local talent. Penrith City Mayor Greg Davies said: “Council also offers grants to local groups to organise activities to celebrate Seniors Week. It is an important time for us to reflect on how our lives are enriched thanks to seniors’ many contributions in our families, workplaces and communities.”
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SHARED JOURNEYS FOR HARMONY DAY
Mayor Greg Davies with some of the organisers of Council’s and the Penrith Multicultural Interagency’s event, for Harmony Day.
Sharing the journey was the topic for a local Harmony Day event on 23 March organised by the Penrith Multicultural Interagency with support from Penrith City Council. The event, held at St Marys Corner, saw a panel of four refugees spanning different ages and backgrounds (Burma, Iraq and two from Afghanistan) telling their stories and answering questions about their experiences of leaving their country of origin and settling in Australia. Panel moderator and MC was Werrington
Community Project Manager, Robert Reynolds. He probed panel members for their stories and the challenges they faced in leaving their countries. Council has received much positive feedback about the event, which more than 140 people including students from Emmaus College, St Clair High School and Wycliffe College attended. The depth of personal experience of the panel members was “fascinating” and the stories had changed students’ views.
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JUNE 2012 COMMUNITY NEWS
WORKING TOGETHER TO IMPROVE OUTCOMES FOR WOMEN Women are healthier, safer and have a brighter future ahead of them thanks to several successful initiatives in the community over the past few years. As part of the Women’s Services Advocacy Strategy, Penrith City Council works with local organisations to improve the quality of life for all women and especially those who are disadvantaged. Penrith City Mayor Greg Davies says the wellbeing of women is vital to a healthy community and all women should have equal access to services and opportunities to meet their social, economic and health needs. “This strategy reflects Council’s vision for a more inclusive society where everyone can enjoy a satisfying, safe and healthy life as well as have the opportunity to participate and make a contribution to the community,” Councillor Davies said. Initiatives over the past year include: • Supporting the Penrith Services for Women Network to lobby the Minister for Family and Community Services, the Hon. Pru Goward and local State MPs to continue The Bridges Project, which gives emotional support to women in post-domestic violence crisis. • Securing $60,000 funding through the NSW Government for the Domestic Violence Training and Resource Project to deliver 16 training sessions to community sector workers and a bus tour to visit 10 local community support services. • Council’s Community Assistance Program, in conjuction with Mission Australia and Wesley Mission, funded six cooking classes with residents in Oxley Park to develop skills in preparing low cost meals and understanding the nutritional information outlined in food labels.
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MOBILE PLAYVAN TO CELEBRATE 30 YEARS OF SERVICE In its 30 years of service, Council’s Mobile Playvan has held about 8,000 free play sessions for families across Penrith City. The service operates during school terms and aims to tackle social isolation in new communities as well as in older established areas. It is also a hub of information on community services, health and development, offers parenting support and referral and specialist information. This year the playvan visits Wallacia, Cranebrook, Claremont Meadows, Jordan Springs, North St Marys and Glenmore Park. It has about 350 families on its contact list. Last year people who attended the play sessions represented 33 different Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities as well as Indigenous families. The trend now is for more grandparents to bring their
grandchildren to the sessions. Nine out of 10 families surveyed said they met new friends through playvan sessions and that the service helped them with parenting skills. Council funds the service with the Department of Family and Community Services. For more information about sessions – no bookings required call 0419 976 917. What parents have said about the playvan service:
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“It has been helpful talking with staff … and fantastic for my child’s social interaction.” “Staff are very helpful with the transition into school … it’s also a great interface for Council.” “Attending has helped build my confidence and provided ideas for activities.” “The co-ordinators are great. They provide a variety of topics and tend to cover everything.”
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DINGO THE DOG’S FAMILY REUNION
Back with his family thanks to Council’s Animal Services team, Australian cattle dog cross Dingo laps up the attention
Despite the odds, Dingo, an Australian cattle dog cross who went missing almost four years ago was returned to his family by Penrith City Council’s Animal Services. Thought to be dead by his owners, Dingo was traced to his family thanks to the detective skills of Council’s Companion Animal Offi cers. Penrith City Mayor Greg Davies said the unlikely success story reinforced the need for owners to keep their pet’s details up-to-date. “Dingo is clearly adored by his family but the happy ending was a lucky one since his details were not updated on the NSW Companion Animal register,” Councillor Davies. “Thankfully, Animal Services staff persevered with existing information to track down a relative of the dog’s owners. Animal Services always exhaust all avenues to try to return animals to their owners.
“Dingo had a colourful history – he was prone to escaping, but always returned home, even once ‘turning himself in’ to the local animal shelter. During his time away he also suffered an eye injury, but has recovered nicely. Dingo’s tail is surely wagging after his miraculous reunion with ecstatic owners Belinda and Nick and children; Jemma (19), Amy (9) and Ryan (8). “If you have a pet, complete their lifetime registration and remember to update their ownership details when you move so your pet can always be traced back to you. “It is also a legal requirement to microchip pets and dogs, so find out what you can do for your pet on Council’s website,” Cr Davies said. For more details on responsible pet ownership, visit www. penrithcity.nsw.gov.au and find Animal Services in ‘A-Z of Council Services’ under the Your Council tab.
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SMALLER FASTER GREEN COMPUTERS FOR COUNCIL STAFF
Luddenham Primary School pupils and community planting trees in their schoolground.
Many Council employees are now using environmentally friendly computers thanks to an ongoing agreement with Dataflex, an authorised supplier of ‘Green’ Acer computers. The new Acer Veriton L4610 computers use half the power of conventional desktop computers (135W compared to 300W of power) which not only reduces carbon emissions, but also significantly cuts energy costs. Dataflex has supplied Penrith City Council with 160 of these computers and has planted 160 trees to offset their carbon emissions. The trees are donated by Dataflex, in partnership with Greening Australia, and were planted at Luddenham Primary School on April 2. Penrith City Mayor Greg Davies said the
agreement with Dataflex, which is now in its third year, continues to deliver benefits to Council, to staff and the environment. “The new computers are much smaller and take up less room, which allows staff to work more comfortably at their desks. They are also significantly faster, increasing processing times and productivity across the organisation,” Councillor Davies said. “Council is passionate about the environment and has adopted a number of sustainable business practices across the organisation. To further reduce our carbon footprint, Council will refurbish our old computers for distribution to developing countries or re-use the working spare parts.”
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YOUR VIEWS SOUGHT ON CBD IMPROVEMENTS Over the next nine months, Penrith City Council will be working with local businesses, residents and shoppers to improve the streets of Penrith that include the public areas of High Street, Station Street, Riley Street and Woodriff Street. Our Penrith City Centre is an important place. This is your chance to tell us what you value about it now and what you think needs to change to make it the kind of place that people want to visit, shop and work. Your views will help to make our City Centre more attractive and give it a unique identity to help boost economic growth and support new investment. The following street works are considered as key: • Quality street furniture – new seats, signs, bins, fences and bollards • Quality street poles, colourful banners and improved lighting • Shaded streets • Quality footpaths and kerbs • Opportunity for public art and special place making • Works to facilitate kerbside dining and promotion of a night time economy Penrith Mayor Greg Davies said: “Penrith is uniquely positioned, there’s
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nowhere quite like our wonderful place. Our City Centres are the economic heart of communities. To get them thriving, we must encourage more local jobs, investment and economic growth,” Councillor Davies said. “We need your views and thoughts on where Penrith City Centre is heading so we can best meet your wants and needs. “The renewal programs for these important assets will help stimulate visitor and business activity and make the centre more active while making a bold and proud statement about who we are. “Consultation for the Penrith City Centre works will start in the coming weeks, which will include letters to business property owners, a business and shopper survey, street information stand and a workshop. “The works will focus on high activity streets and areas in the Penrith City Centre.” There will be a range of opportunities for you to get involved including street surveys, online forums, picture galleries and workshops. Also visit www.penrithcitystreets.com. au
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THOUSAND OF TOYS ON OFFER AT COUNCIL’S TOY LIBRARY Colyton toddler Charlotte McKay loves Dora the Explorer, television actor Justine Clarke, dinosaurs and her big brother Dane. She also loves playing with toys, just like any other three-year-old, but getting them to work is not always easy as Charlotte has a severe genetic disorder that affects her nervous system, muscles and fine motor skills. Charlotte developed normally, but at 2½ she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, before being re-diagnosed with Rett Syndrome last year. For Charlotte and her mum, Tobi, Council’s Toy Library service not only offers new and exciting toys, but also support and advice. “Not all toys are suitable for Charlotte as she doesn’t have the muscular strength or fine motor skills to be able to manipulate or hold them,” Tobi said. “That’s why the toy library has been such a valuable resource for us, as there are a range of toys for Charlotte to borrow including switch-adapted toys which she can use to make the toy light up or play sounds or move.” Toy Library Coordinator Michelle Pearman makes home visits to many of the member families and as a qualified early childhood teacher, can advise on the benefits and suitability of the library’s collection. “Having Michelle visit us is great.
She gets to see Charlotte in her own environment and having the chance to try so many toys keeps down the cost of buying a whole bunch of toys that Charlotte may or may not like,” Tobi said. “We’ve used the library for almost a year. We’ve borrowed sensory/tactile books, bead frames, puzzles, switch-adapted toys like Bruin Bear, Chicken Elmo and vibrating animals. We know Charlotte enjoys the toys when she smiles as well as her facial expressions and the noises she makes.” For Tobi, one of the best things about having new and exciting toys on hand is the way other children interact with Charlotte. “They’ll hold her hand and help guide her arm to encourage her to press the switch or move her hands a long a bead maze or complete a puzzle and use her fingers and muscles, which is great,” Tobi said. The Toy Library is run by Penrith City Library and staffed by Michelle and a team of dedicated volunteers. Sessions are held at Penrith, St Clair and St Marys library branches with a catalogue of more than 1000 toys available to borrow, most suitable for all children. For more information, visit http://www. penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/index.asp?id=522, or call Michelle on 0418 664 879, email: mpearman@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au. Michelle is also keen for new volunteers.
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JUNE 2012 COMMUNITY NEWS
Tobi Field and her daughter Charlotte McKay check out toys delivered by Toy Library Coordinator Michelle Pearman
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COUNCIL DONATES $3,000 TO THE RED CROSS
Echo, the Water Dragon, takes a shine to Earth Hour.
COUNCIL ‘SWITCHED ON’ TO EARTH HOUR
Penrith City Mayor Greg Davies presented a $3,000 cheque to Danny Croucher and Yvonne Cassidy OAM from Red Cross, at a Civic Reception last week
Whether it’s providing shelter for people affected by floods, serving breakfast to children who would otherwise go to school hungry or making a daily phone call to the elderly, the Red Cross is always there, helping those in the local community who need it most. To ensure the Red Cross can continue its good work for years to come, community
members were encouraged to support the annual fundraising initiative, Red Cross Calling, throughout March. To kick-start the appeal, Penrith City Council donated $3,000. Mayor Greg Davies said: “The Red Cross makes a real difference locally and around the world.”
JUNE 2012 COMMUNITY NEWS
Earth Hour – the annual challenge to switch off lights for one hour on the last day of March - once again proved to be a great success across the world. Across Australia, some of our most significant and identifiable landmarks including the Harbour Bridge and Opera House flicked the switch. Here in Penrith, Council facilities took part once again. These included the Civic Centre, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith Valley Information Centre, our Libraries, Ripples Swim Centre and Penrith Pool as well as many of our community halls and childcare centres. Council held a competition which was won by 15 year old Ebony Frost of Glenmore Park. Ebony organised a lounge room picnic at her home with feasting on homemade pizzas by candlelight/twilight, then a movie night. She also created a virtual lantern on the Earth Hour website and sent the link to her Facebook friends. For her efforts, she won four whitewater rafting passes for the Penrith Whitewater Stadium.
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CITY OF PENRITH
Find out about free activities and get up-tospeed on what’s happening in your City! Sign up to Penrith City’s e-news - email: enews@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au
DON’T FORGET Members of the public are encouraged to attend Council meetings which are held at the Civic Centre. Ordinary meetings of Council are held on a Monday night on a 3 week cycle where practicable. Policy Review Committee meetings are also held on a three week cycle where practicable. These meetings start at 7.30pm. For a range of information on Council services visit our website: www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au.
PARKING Short-term (1 hour and two hour) parking available in the Penrith Civic Centre Car Park
STAFF AT THESE OFFICES CAN HELP YOU WITH ENQUIRIES RELATING TO:
Parking for people with a disability OFFICE LOCATION & SERVICES: Penrith Civic Centre 601 High Street, Penrith Ph: 4732 7777 Fax: 4732 7958 Queen Street Customer Service Centre 207-209 Queen Street, St Marys Ph: 4732 7777 Fax: 4732 7958 Email: penrith@ penrithcity.nsw. gov.au
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FOR MEETINGS OVER TWO HOURS All day parking is provided within a three minute walk of the Civic Centre in the All Day Parking Area located behind the Sinclair Motor Group
• Abandoned vehicles • Advertising signs • Aged Care services • Agendas and minutes • Air pollution monitoring • Approvals • Building applications / inspections • Bus shelters • Bush Fire Control • Cemeteries • Certificates (149, 149D, 317A & 603) • Children’s Services • Citizenship ceremonies • Civic functions / community events • Clean-up bookings • Compost bins • Council carparks • Council meetings • Crossover inspections
JUNE 2012 COMMUNITY NEWS
• Customer service • Development control • Disability services • Dog Catcher / registration / dead dogs & cats on roads • Drainage • Elections - Local • Enviromental health • Enviromental planning • Food handling • Footpaths • Garbage - new services • Graffi ti Control • Hall bookings • Home Library services • Immunisation • Library Services • Local History • Media relations • Neighbourhood Centres • Noise complaints • Park bookings
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Parking control Planning approvals Policy matters Public buildings Public relations & marketing Publications Rates Recycling RID squad Road construction & maintenance Senior Citizen centres Septic tanks Signs Street cleaning New street lighting Street numbers Sub-division enquiries Swimming pool fences Tourism Tree planting / removal Youth services Zoning
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INTERPRETING ASSISTANCE If you do not understand the information in this document, please come to the Council and ask staff to arrange interpreter services.