Happy Christmas & have a Great New Year

The staff at City Marketing and the Penrith Valley Visitor Information Centre would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for reading and supporting our blog this year.
The blog is going on a short holiday over Christmas and the New Year but it'll be back on January 17, 2011 with all new stories and some exciting new stuff as well.
Until then, Have a very Happy Christmas and a fantastic New Year!

From Paul Page, Peter Lang, Stacey Rossetto, Stacey Martin,Susan Hamilton & Lesley Worthington.

New book promotes Penrith Valley

People outside Penrith City will soon know what a great place Penrith City is to work, play and invest in with the launch of a stunning locally-produced pictorial book.
Penrith City Mayor Kevin Crameri OAM said the book, produced by Penrith City Council and titled Penrith Valley, was an important marketing tool.
“Penrith City is a growing regional city with unique natural and community assets,” Councillor Crameri said.
“We have so much to offer, from housing, jobs, education and health services to stunning natural attractions and great sporting, recreation, retail and cultural facilities.
“The book needs few words within it. It is a collection of outstanding images by Paul Foley and Jeff Coles that say more than words ever can to portray our City’s lifestyle and natural assets.
“It’s a book that you can show your friends and visitors what a great place you live in.
“Penrith Valley is stocked at Council’s award-winning Visitor Information Centre on Mulgoa Road.
“The book is coffee table quality and complements the annual Experience Penrith Valley magazine. The book and magazine supports local tourism businesses and operators and the local economy.”
Photo caption: (L-R) Penrith City Mayor Cr Kevin Crameri & City Marketing Supervisor Paul Page with the new Penrith Valley Picture Book

Music and dance under the stars

Sydney Dance Company & Australian Chamber Orchestra Music and dance under the stars is coming to the Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith on January 23 at 8pm.
This new performance experience brings two of the finest performing arts companies, the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Sydney Dance Company, out of the theatre and into a relaxed environment for a thrilling double bill.
Under the direction of Assistant Leader, Satu Vänskä, the Australian Chamber Orchestra performs a special Festival program created around Summer from Vivaldi's Four Seasons, before Sydney Dance Company takes to the stage for an explosive performance of 6 Breaths, Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela's stunningly athletic 2010 creation with music by Ezio Bosso - a magnificent outdoor showcase for some of Australia's finest dancers.
In between, some of Western Sydney 's brightest young talents join the Australian Chamber Orchestra in Thinking about Forever, a new composition by Matt hew Hindson with choreography by Kay Armstrong. The work features Parramatta String Players and youMOVE Company in collaboration with Western Sydney Dance Action.
Bring a blanket and a picnic, settle back and soak up the best Sydney has to offer with music and dance on a summer evening under the stars.
Event Information
Cost - FreeTime - Gates open at 5pm
Program runs 8pm - 10pm
Penrith City Council is a proud sponsor of this event.

International Jazz Festival comes to Penrith

Penrith City Council is proud to be a sponsor of the inaugural International Penrith Jazz Festival.
Penrith City Mayor Kevin Crameri OAM said the festival will be held at the world-class Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre from 12 November to 14 November.
“Jazz aficionados are in for a real treat with some of the best jazz acts around descending on Penrith,” Councillor Crameri said.
“Performers include The James Morrison Sextet and jazz vocalist Emma Pask, John Morrison Quintet, Swing City Big Band, Gary Daley Quartet and Bird Yard Big Band.
“This festival is yet another example of the wide breadth of music and performance that the Joan provides year in and year out for Penrith City residents.”
Director Penrith Conservatorium of Music Valda Silvy said: “This is an opportunity for the people of Penrith to listen to some of the great legends of jazz over a weekend at the Joan.
“It’s also an opportunity for the Joan to present a program dedicated to jazz enthusiasts. It’s the first time we’ve hosted anything like this but I’m sure it won’t be last.”
For information about the five individual concerts and ticket prices please contact the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, 597 High Street, Penrith or visit www.jspac.com.au, email boxoffice@jspac.com.au or ring 4723 7600.

BIG GREEN DAY OUT

Penrith City Council and Blacktown City Council present ‘Big Green Day Out’ on Saturday, November 6 from 10am at Mt Druitt Park.
Entry to the event is free and the day is a celebration of everything green. The special guest host will be Ranger Stacey from Channel 10’s hit show ‘Totally Wild’.
There will also be a traditional Indigenous Smoking Ceremony and dancers, plenty of live music, a silent disco as well as Eco Art & Craft stalls, not to mention Green Cleaning Workshops.
Featherdale Wildlife Park will also be there with live animal displays plus Australian Wildlife displays with Anthony Stimson.
As for freebies, there’ll be plenty of those including airbrush tattoos and face painting, a native plant giveaway and a free sausage sizzle for the first 1,000 people as well as a raffle with great prizes to be won.

A Golden Celebration!

Penrith City Mayor, Cr Kevin Crameri OAM celebrated with over 40 volunteers and staff from the Penrith Valley Visitor Information Centre the centre’s gold award for Visitor Information Services at the recent 2010 Greater Sydney Tourism Awards.
“The centre was recently judged to be Greater Sydney’s best visitor centre,” said Councillor Crameri. “That’s quite an accolade, particularly when you consider the judges were a panel of key tourism figures.
“You outshone the competition on business performance in the areas of customer service, marketing, financial viability, business planning and risk management.”Councillor Crameri then went on to thank Council’s City Marketing Supervisor, Paul Page and the City Marketing team including all permanent staff and volunteers.
“The centre has also been automatically entered into the state awards as a finalist,” said Councillor Crameri. “I expect some nail biting will go on between now and November when those awards are announced.”
caption: (L-R) Penrith City Council General Manager Alan Stoneham & Penrith City Mayor Cr Kevin Crameri point to the Award winning sign.

Penrith Valley Visitor Information Centre wishes the Panthers players and staff all the best for the 2010 NRL Final Series

2nd Semi-Final: 7.45pm Saturday, September 18, at Sydney Football Stadium NRL: Sydney Roosters v Penrith Panthers

WATER IN PENRITH - PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION

Penrith Council’s Enhanced Environmental Program has a strong commitment to improving and maintaining the quality of our waterways and raising community awareness about water use and water conservation.
To celebrate National Water Week, Council has again organised an exciting Photographic Competition with the theme “Water in Penrith - Our Most Precious Resource”.
DID YOU KNOW:
The total length of all waterways within the Penrith Local Government Area (LGA) is approximately 1,500 kilometres
There are 73 gross pollutant traps installed within the LGA that removed hundreds of tonnes of pollutants (such as litter, leaves, silt and plastic bottles) from our waterways each year
The stormwater network consists of about 580 kilometres of stormwater pipeline and is not connected to sewer but flows directly to our creeks and rivers
Caring for Penrith's waterways and our precious water resources is everyone's responsibility as it’s our water, our future.
Categories and Prizes:
Open Age Category (Over 18yrs) - $500 photographic gift voucher and a double pass to Penrith Whitewater Stadium valued at $178
12 – 18 yrs - $250 photographic gift voucher and a double pass to Penrith Whitewater Stadium valued at $178
Under 12 yrs - $250 photographic gift voucher
Entries close Monday 11 October 2010
Up to 3 entries will be accepted per person.
The winners will be notified by 25 October 2010
How to Enter:
We are calling for all creative amateur photographers to submit a photograph that captures what the theme “Water in Penrith - Our Most Precious Resource” means to them. All photos submitted must have been taken within the Penrith Local Government Area. Photos will be judged on presentation of the theme, composition, focus, use of light, and creativity.
All photographic entries must include a completed entry form, and can be submitted as follows:
In digital jpeg format via email to photocomp@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au. All images must be of a high quality when viewed in an A4 format.
In digital jpeg format on CD and an A4 mounted photograph. All digital images must be of a high quality when viewed in an A4 format. Send your photographic entry to:

“Water in Penrith” Photographic Competition
Penrith City Council
PO Box 60
Penrith NSW 2751
Or drop into:
Penrith City Council
601 High Street, Penrith

Grand prix to make a splash in Penrith Valley

Mark it in your diary for the upcoming Penrith Valley Formula Powerboats Grand Prix series with the Grand Finale round billed for the weekend of 28 - 29 August.
More than 50 teams from across Australia will compete, making it the largest fleet of competitors ever to come together for a Formula Powerboat event.
These super speedy boats, which clock up to 250km/h, will make for amazing action and there will be plenty of off-track displays and promotions at the venue, the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith City.
Penrith City Mayor Kevin Crameri OAM said: “We’ll be seeing world-class talent at the regatta centre for the first time in two years. Come on over to see who secures the national championship.
“Look out for Cranebrook local and Formula 1 Champion in 2008, Shane Vella. He stands poised to continue his unbroken run of podium finishes, but will face strong competition from Damien McKenzie after a strong 2010 season thus far.
“On show will be Formula 1, 2 and 3 categories plus the Formula Futures, the category for junior races and intended to be the entry level to Formula Powerboat racing and the Sports Mono.”
The Futures range in age from eight to 16.
For more details visit the website, www.formulapowerboats.com.au or call the Penrith Valley Visitor Information Centre on 1300 736 836. An entry fee will apply for adults for pit entry.

It's Gold for the Penrith Visitor Information Centre

The staff at Penrith Valley Visitor Information Centre now know why they have so many happy customers. The centre has been assessed by a panel of key tourism industry figures to be the best of its kind in Sydney.
The confirmation came at the Gala Dinner for the inaugural Greater Sydney Tourism Awards on Wednesday 4 August at Castle Hill RSL, when the Penrith Valley Visitor Information Centre won the Gold Award in the Tourism Services category.
The awards are based on business performance in the areas of customer service, marketing, financial viability, business planning and risk management. Assessment is based on a 30-page written submission backed up with a site visit by an expert judging panel.
In accepting the Award, Penrith City Councillor Jim Aitken OAM, noted that those who don’t have the privilege of living in Penrith Valley are still very welcome to visit and any visit will be greatly enhanced by a visit to the Penrith Valley Visitor Information Centre.
Council’s City Marketing Supervisor, Paul Page, noted that this award recognises the great contribution of the City Marketing team, including the permanent and casual front line staff, the 22 regular volunteers who volunteer to assist in the centre and at major events, as well as the marketing officers whose work is closely integrated with that of the visitor centre.
The Greater Sydney Tourism Awards officially operate under the umbrella of the long established state and national awards. As a Gold Award winner, the visitor information centre automatically enters the state awards as a finalist. The state awards will be held in November.
Photo (L-R) Some of the happy staff from Penrith City Council pose with award; Vanessa Campbell, Mary Henry, Geoff Shuttleworth (City Marketing Manager), Stacey Martin, Cr Jim Aitken OAM, Lesley Worthington, Paul Page (City Marketing Supervisor), Susan Hamilton & Stacey Rossetto.

New City Marketing initiatives launched

Over 100 guests attended the launch of three City Marketing initiatives including the 10th and latest edition of the Penrith Valley Experience magazine at the Lakeside Restaurant, International Regatta Centre, Penrith Lakes recently.
Also launched on the day was the third volume of the Penrith Valley Photo CD which features all the new photos featured in the magazine. It also contains a variety of aerial photos of the region taken by photographer Jeff Coles.
There was also a presentation looking at a recent successful ‘Experience Penrith Valley in winter’ regional NSW campaign co-funded by Tourism NSW which targeted areas outside of the Sydney region including Wollongong and Newcastle.
The 10th edition of the Penrith Valley Experience magazine contains dozens of new images which were all taken in-and-around the area using only local models by well known photographer Paul Foley.
Approximately 80,000 copies of the magazine was printed and will be distributed around New South Wales, Australia and even the world over the next 12-18 months.
At the launch Penrith City Mayor, Kevin Crameri (OAM) said the region had a lot to offer residents and visitors.
“We have so much to offer, from housing, jobs, education and health services,” he said. “To our stunning natural attractions and great sporting, recreation, retail and cultural facilities.
“Penrith is a great place to work, live, visit and invest in and this latest guide makes finding all of our local attractions, restaurants, parks, clubs and museums easier than ever.”
Connex West produced the magazine on behalf of Penrith City Council and the City Marketing Department.
Both the new Penrith Valley Experience magazine and Penrith Valley Photo CD are free and available to everyone.
Simply drop into the Penrith Valley Visitor Information Centre, located in the carpark of Panthers or call 1 300 736 836 to obtain your copy.

Photo caption: (L-R) Graeme Dube from Connex West and Penrith City Mayor Cr Kevin Crameri (OAM) show off the three City Marketing initiatives at the launch.

Penrith VIC nominated for GST Award

The Penrith Valley Visitor Information Centre has been nominated as a finalist in the category nine, Visitor Information Services category in the upcoming 2010 Greater Sydney Tourism (GST) Awards to be handed out on August 4 at the Castle Hill RSL Club.
Two other local Penrith businesses were also nominated as finalists in various categories including Chifley Hotel, Penrith and Penrith Whitewater Stadium.
Chairman of the Greater Sydney Tourism Inc, Mr Paul Page, congratulated the finalists and said;
“The 37 finalists showed excellent business practises and we are pleased with the amount of nominations in this, our first year of the awards.”
Paul continued to say he looks forward to the gala dinner where tourism will be celebrated as an economic driver of Greater Sydney and celebrates the successes of these businesses.
“It is an achievement to be nominated as a finalist and shows what great experiences we have in this area,” concluded Mr Page.
In addition, there is also a People’s Choice Award and voting lines are now open on www.greatersydney.org.au
Everyone is invited to nominate their top three businesses from the finalists, to be crowned the most popular tourism business in Greater Sydney.

VIC celebrates Volunteer Week

On Tuesday the 25th of May 2010, Penrith Valley Visitor Information Centre celebrated Volunteers Week with a function held at the Visitor Information Centre.
The Mayor of Penrith, Councillor Kevin Crameri (OAM) was on hand to present all Penrith Valley volunteers with a certificate and pin for completing their Aussie Host training and to give them a big thanks for all the work they do at the Visitor Information Centre and at other Penrith City Council events.
“Obviously I don’t need to tell you there’s plenty on offer for anyone visiting, living, working in Penrith Valley,” said Cr Crameri.”Thanks to the efforts of our Ambassadors and City Marketing team, more and more people are finding out what a great place Penrith is”.
“I’ll be promoting our tourism asset during my upcoming visits to our international partners in Japan, Korea and China later this year”.
The Visitor Information Centre has 22 Ambassadors, some of which have been serving in this role for over a decade.
“We are certainly blessed to have such a wonderful dedicated group of volunteers,” said City Marketing Supervisor Paul Page. “I don’t know what we’d do without them.”

Photo: Penrith Valley Ambassador Karen Mullholland accepts her certificate from Penrith Mayor Cr Kevin Crameri (OAM)

Tourism Awards improve visitor experience

Visitors to Penrith Valley will benefit from the Greater Sydney Tourism Awards which will be held for the first time in 2010.
Paul Page, Penrith City Council’s City Marketing Supervisor, is also Chairman of Greater Sydney Tourism Inc., which has initiated the new awards program.
In launching the awards last week, Mr Page said: “The awards seek to recognise outstanding tourism businesses and organisations in all parts of the Sydney metropolitan area. They will provide tourism related businesses with a tool to evaluate their business, while celebrating their achievements and building staff morale.
The awards will also provide a platform for tourism businesses to meet and develop lasting relationships with other tourism businesses and organisations within the Greater Sydney region. The benefit is a more competitive and successful business.”
The Greater Sydney Tourism Awards are officially linked with the prestigious and well established NSW and National Tourism Awards. Entrants to the Greater Sydney Awards can have their submission carry forward to state and national awards.
Greater Sydney Tourism Inc. (GST) was formed in 1996 as a regional tourism organisation to promote Greater Sydney as a tourist destination.
It has a strategic partnership with Connex West Pty Ltd to produce the visitor guide “Discover Greater Sydney” and has an active program to promote conference venues through its Sydney Wide Conferences marketing program. The tourism awards are its latest venture.
The membership of GST comprises tourism staff from a number of councils in Greater Sydney who benefit from this opportunity to work together co-operatively. GST has engaged Lori Modde of Lorick Management to manage the awards on its behalf.
Closing date to register for the awards is 15 June. Submissions must be received by 28 June. Council’s City Marketing staff will be contacting local tourism operators to encourage them to participate in this program.
Site inspections and judging will take place during June and July and successful entrants will be announced at a gala dinner on Wednesday 4 August at Castle Hill RSL Club.
Penrith entrants will receive an award entry fee discount resulting from Council’s support for the program.
Further information is available from the awards web site www.awards.sydneywidetourism.com.au or from Paul Page on 4732 7866.

International Women's Day in Penrith

Penrith City Council hosted an International Women’s Day (IWD) breakfast and Forum at the Civic Centre last week to discuss contemporary issues particular to women.
Penrith City Mayor Kevin Crameri OAM said IWD is an important occasion to celebrate the achievements and gains made by women in Australia and around the world.
“Penrith City Council was pleased to have Eva Cox AO and Cr Karen McKeown as keynote speakers,” Councillor Crameri said.
“Councillor McKeown is a strong advocate for women in Penrith City and in local Government. She has just been re-elected as president of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) and is the 2010 Year of Women in Local Government NSW Ambassador.
“Eva Cox AO is a prominent academic, with a long history as a social commentator and advocate of women’s rights.
Councillor Karen McKeown said: “The day was a time to focus on the historical and contemporary struggle for women’s political and social rights, for reviewing the progress that women have made, and as a day of celebration."

U3A local web seminar

You probably know that March 21-28 is Seniors' Week in New South Wales.
You may not know how your local U3A branch will be participating and what, if anything, they'll be doing to celebrate the week.
Well during Seniors' Week, local U3A Nepean webmaster, David Evans, is booked on Tuesday March 23 from 11.00 am to give a free workshop at Penrith Valley Seniors' Computing Club, Penrith Valley Seniors Centre, 86 Station Street, Penrith, on "Playing Chess on the Internet".
It will start at 11.00 and finish between 12.30 and 1.00pm.
Check mate!

Seniors Week in Penrith

Seniors' Week is celebrated across the state each year. The theme for 2010 is 'Live Life! Active Ageing' with an emphasis on thanking seniors and acknowledging their valuable contribution to their local community.
In partnership with a number of local community organisations Penrith City Council hosts the major celebration event in the City: Morning & Afternoon concerts and light refreshments for local seniors at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre.
This year’s event will be held on Thursday, March 25. The morning concert commences at 9:30 am with morning tea followed by the concert and the afternoon concert commences at 1 pm followed by afternoon tea. This free event celebrates the diversity of our community with a showcase of local performers.
To book a place for Council's special function on March 25, contact Council on 4732 7837 to reserve your seat. Bookings are essential.
The concert is sponsored by Penrith City Council and Department of Human Services-Ageing, Disability and Homecare.

EARTH HOUR 2010

Earth Hour is in its fourth year in Australia and is being supported in 2010 by Penrith City Council.
The highlight of the campaign revolves around a designated one hour period on Saturday 27 March when households, businesses, organisations and schools are encouraged to commit to turn their lights off between 8.30-9.30pm. This year Earth Hour also will focus on the broader aspects of sustainability, giving everyone something to do beyond the hour of darkness on Saturday 27 March, with the theme ‘Earth Hour, Every Hour’.
For more information on Earth Hour and how you can save energy around the home visit Penrith City Council’s website http://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ or contact the Sustainability Unit on (02) 4732 8074.

PCCA Festival 2010 is on again!

DON'T MISS THE 2010 PENRITH CITY FESTIVAL ON
SATURDAY, MARCH 20
Running from 9.30am - 3.30pm, they'll be a Street Parade, two stages of entertainment with dancers, singers, bands plus a wide range of stalls, local and international food as well as lots of street entertainment, rides and amusements for all. With approximately 40,000 people attending, you just have to be part of the Penrith City Festival for a great family day out!

Farmers Market is on again!

The Penrith Hawkesbury Harvest Farmers and Fine Food Market is back this Saturday, March 6 starting at 8am.
Over 30 local and regional farmers and food producers will be there selling their fresh produce and fine foods direct to you.
You'll be able to enjoy fresher, locally sourced food straight from the farmer or producer...it's also a great place to enjoy a Saturday breakfast or brunch too.
The market runs outside The Joan on the first Saturday of each month in 2010 until around 1pm.
Mark it on your calendar now!

Calling all LOCAL MODELS!

Penrith City Council is looking for models to appear in a new series of photos promoting Penrith Valley.
So if you're aged between 35-45 consider yourself photogenic, fit, have a great smile and are available for various days in the first week of March, then we’re looking for you!
There’s a gift voucher on offer and all you have to do is call Susan Hamilton on either 4732 7782/0417 679 659 or email shamilton@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au to register your interest.
* Other age groups also needed so please enquire when you call!

Australia Day 2010 at the Lakes - a great success!

Over 25,000 people braved the 40 degree plus temperature to enjoy Penrith City Council's official Australia Day Celebrations at the International Regatta Centre, Penrith Lakes on January 26.
Not surprisingly 'Splashtown' which included a giant waterslide and bumper boat rides was extremely popular as was a supervised swim in the lake.
Other popular attractions included the Aquatic Ski Show (see left), Fun Run plus the live entertainment featuring Mark Seymour and Cassie Davis.
The fireworks at 9pm were also a blast!
In official proceedings, 62 people became Australian citizens at a Penrith Civic Centre ceremony while locals Allan Bond and Gabrielle Moran were both worthy Community Award recipients. Aaron Nielsen was announced as Young Citizen of the Year.

Council goes green this Australia Day

Penrith City Council is leading the way by reducing our carbon footprint at this year’s free Australia Day celebrations at Sydney International Regatta Centre on January 26.
Thanks to our major sponsor Integral Energy, all energy used on the day will be purchased from GreenPower accredited renewable energy sources.
Penrith City Mayor Kevin Crameri OAM said it was fantastic that Penrith Council was once again showing its commitment to sustainability.
“By sourcing renewable energy to power this event we are reducing our carbon footprint and helping the environment,” Mayor Crameri said.
Renewable energy is generated from sources which produce no net greenhouse gas emissions.

Aussie music artists rock Penrith Lakes

Get ready to rock with Australian artists Mark Seymour and Cassie Davis at Penrith City Council’s FREE Australia Day Celebrations at Penrith Lakes on Tuesday 26 January 2010. Aussie rock icon Mark Seymour will headline the concert, shaking up the Penrith Lakes Grandstand Stage from 8pm with songs from his vibrant solo career, along with some old favourites from his days with Hunters & Collectors.
Mark Seymour is internationally regarded as one of Australia's best singer/songwriters. He reached Australian rock cult status with rollicking eight-piece funk ensemble, the Hunters & Collectors. Together they released songs that remain Aussie anthems, like “True Tears of Joy”, “Do You See What I See”, “Throw Your Arms Around Me”, “Holy Grail” and many others.
Sassy sing/songwriter Cassie Davis will also be on the main stage from 7pm as part of the Australia Day concert.
Cassie’s gold debut single “Like it Loud” was a top five Australian Airplay hit and Cassie’s second single “Differently” entered as the number one most added track to radio.
“I’m very pleased we have some of the most popular and well-loved Australian artists on stage,” Mayor Crameri said. “I am very proud Council is presenting such a fantastic event.”
The Penrith Lakes Grandstand Stage on the day is proudly sponsored by Penrith Lakes Development Corporation. A spokesperson from the organisation said the Corporation has been privileged to be a member of the local community for almost 30 years.
“For many of those years we have enjoyed supporting and celebrating Australia Day at the Sydney International Regatta Centre,” the spokesperson said. “Congratulations to Penrith City Council on presenting this spectacular event, and to everyone in the Penrith community, as we continue to celebrate and enjoy our National Day together. Happy Australia Day 2010.”
This is a non BYO alcohol event. In the interests of all patrons BYO alcohol, glass and unsealed or open bottles are not permitted in the Sydney International Regatta Centre venue on Australia Day. Alcohol will be for sale in the licensed area at the event.
Penrith’s Australia Day celebration is a FREE EVENT provided by Penrith City Council and sponsored by Integral Energy, Sport and Recreation - a division of Communities NSW, Penrith Lakes Development Corporation, Woolworths, Penrith Press, Vintage FM, Delfin Lend Lease, O-I, Panthers World of Entertainment, Blue Mountains Bus Company, Mulgoa Quarries, SITA Environmental Solutions, Channel Nine, Penrith City Star, Westfield Penrith, Hix Group Pty Ltd, Western Weekender, Fusion FM and Dave Butfield’s Tackle World St Marys. To help plan your day visit www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au or phone 1300 736 836.

Australia Day at the Lakes - FREE Event!

Get ready kids - Roary the Racing Car and Bananas in Pyjamas are heading to Penrith as part of Penrith City Council’s FREE Australia Day celebrations at the Sydney International Regatta Centre on 26 January 2010.
Roary, together with sidekick Big Chris, will be on the Penrith Lakes Grandstand Stage at 9am and again at 11.20am. Then make sure you keep your seats for the Bananas in Pyjamas, who will keep the fun going at 1:30pm and again at 4pm.
Penrith City Mayor Kevin Crameri OAM said he was delighted Council was presenting the FREE Australia Day event, which was sure to be enjoyed by all.
“Roary the Racing Car and Bananas in Pyjamas are loved by children all over the world,” Mayor Crameri said. “It’s great to have them part of our Australia Day celebrations.”
Both acts take place on the Penrith Lakes Grandstand Stage, which is sponsored on the day by the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation. A spokesperson from the organisation said the Corporation has been privileged to be a member of the local community for almost 30 years.
“For many of those years we have enjoyed supporting and celebrating Australia Day at the Sydney International Regatta Centre,” the spokesperson said.
“Congratulations to Penrith City Council on presenting this spectacular event, and to everyone in the Penrith community, as we continue to celebrate and enjoy our National Day together. Happy Australia Day 2010.”
This is a non BYO alcohol event. In the interests of all patrons BYO alcohol, glass and unsealed or open bottles are not permitted in the Sydney International Regatta Centre venue on Australia Day. Alcohol will be for sale in the licensed area at the event. Penrith’s Australia Day celebration is a FREE EVENT provided by Penrith City Council and sponsored by Integral Energy, Sport and Recreation –a division of NSW Communities, Penrith Lakes Development Corporation, Woolworths, Channel Nine, Penrith Press, Vintage FM, Delfin Lend Lease, Panthers World of Entertainment, O-I, Blue Mountains Bus Company, Mulgoa Quarries, SITA Environmental Solutions, Penrith City Star, Westfield Penrith, Hix Group Pty Ltd, Western Weekender, Fusion FM and Dave Butfield’s Tackle World St Marys. To help plan your day visit http://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ or phone 1300 736 836.

Get linked to Penrith Valley!

Website links are the online version of word-of-mouth. Since links are an important factor to search engines, it comes as no surprise that growing the quality and number of links to your website is critical to increase your online popularity and thus improve your search engine rankings.
Many search engine optimisation firms offer link-building services. However this is something you can do yourself as the key ingredient is quality content people will want to link to.
There is a reciprocal links page on http://www.penrithvalley.com.au/ that has links to local attraction, tourism and City Marketing related businesses and services.
If you are not already on this page (www.penrithvalley.com.au/index.asp?id=29) we’d love you to join the party. If you link us to your site, we will return the favour…simple, easy and best of all FREE!
All you need to do is send me a link to a section of your site that links to http://www.penrithvalley.com.au/ and I will add your website link to this list. My direct email is shamilton@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au
For more information about “linking” check out the tourism E- Kit http://corporate.tourism.nsw.gov.au/Tourism_e-kit_p3313.aspx

by Susan Hamilton, Acting Marketing Officer, Penrith City Council