Early explorers never had it so easy

You don’t need a horse drawn carriage to truly experience the rich heritage of Penrith Valley, just a map and a sense of adventure can see you travel in the footsteps of the City’s pioneers. The updated Penrith Valley Heritage Drive map details a route through the City’s urban and rural areas and features 27 locations where visitors can experience the natural, indigenous and European heritage of Penrith, St Marys, Emu Plains, Castlereagh and Mulgoa. “While these sites are in some cases centuries old, this map is a new tool in helping people experience their rich history and significance to our City as we know it today,” Deputy Mayor Councillor Jim Aitken OAM said. “Whether you’ve lived in the City all your life or are just visiting, the Penrith Valley Heritage Drive showcases some hidden gems alongside some of our more well known historical features with information about the importance of each site. “In many cases, it’ll whet your appetite for information on our early City and get you out and about, exploring our own backyard. The Visitor Information Centre, our libraries and our website are great sources for further information,” Cr Aitken said. The updated map was officially launched at the 10th annual history conference at Penrith Library on 13 March. Copies of the map are available in the Visitor Information Centre, Penrith and branch libraries or online at www.penrithvalley.com.au (click here to download the brochure).

The Garage Sale Trail is coming to Penrith!

Need to clear out some of that stuff that’s cluttering up the garage or the spare room? Why not have a garage sale as part of the national Garage Sale Trail which is on April 10? It’s simple, just register online and your sale will show up on the Garage Sale Trail website and also in a map which will be printed in the Penrith Press – no need to put up signs everywhere! Best of all it’s free! The first 100 garage sales to register across Penrith will also be eligible to receive a free pack which consists of a t-shirt, cap, balloons (biodegradable of course!), and an information pack chock full of hints and tips to ensure you make the most out of your sale. To find out more about how to get involved in the Garage Sale Trail, why not check out this quick video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuOBz7FF7z4 or visit www.garagesaletrail.com.au for more information. The Garage Sale Trail is proudly supported in Penrith by Penrith City Council and Stocklands.

Funds to promote Penrith as a top destination

Penrith Valley will be marketed as the place to be this Easter Holiday with the help of an $18,000 grant from Tourism NSW.
Secured through the Greater Sydney Tourism Partnership Funding Program for a second year running, the valuable funds will be used by Council’s City Marketing team to promote Penrith as a top place to visit.
Penrith’s Deputy Mayor Jim Aitken OAM said the injection of funds would once again help Council broadcast Penrith’s “unique assets and amazing potential” to a wider audience.
“Last year’s funding was used to promote our City to the Regional NSW market through a consumer competition to profile Penrith Valley,” Councillor Aitken said.
This year’s grant, to be matched by Council, will fund a campaign to promote Penrith as an attractive destination in its own right and a convenient base for a trip to the Royal Easter Show. Visitors will be encouraged to enjoy a wide range of local experiences during their stay and offered an affordable family accommodation package through partner organisation, Chifley Penrith.
“Penrith has a lot to offer, from adventure based activities to special holiday events, nature based activities and historic elements,” said Deputy Mayor Jim Aitken. “We’re close to Sydney, have all the conveniences of a big city ourselves and yet can also offer a relaxed rural feel.”
Cr Aitken said Council hoped to secure funding through the third and final round of the funding next year to continue its important marketing projects.

Eggscape to Penrith Valley!

Family Easter Stay Offer - Stay at Chifley Penrith from $125*
Bring the family to Penrith Valley this Easter break, there are lots of things to see and do, all just a short trip to the Royal Easter Show... but far enough away from the traffic and crowds.
Get active in Penrith Valley: wakeboarding, whitewater rafting, skydiving, skate parks, bike riding, canoeing, golfing, fishing, and swimming.
First hand cultural experiences: Aboriginal heritage centre, Museum of Fire, art gallery and follow our heritage drive.
Take in the sights: Lookouts, bush walking, Great River Walk, paddlesteamer and peaceful parks.
Food and Fashion: food and wine trail, shopping precincts and pamper places for Mum!
Contact the Penrith Valley Visitor Information Centre - we will help plan your getaway!pentour@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au or phone 1300 736 836. or go to: http://www.penrithvalley.com.au/index.asp?id=293

Council celebrates seniors’ time to shine

Penrith City Council is encouraging seniors to get ready for 2011 Seniors Week, featuring a colourful concert on Thursday 24 March.
Embracing the theme of ‘Live Life!
It’s time to Shine’, the concert and celebratory morning tea will honour the diverse contributions of our senior residents.
Penrith City Deputy Mayor Jim Aitken OAM said seniors could look forward to the 2011 festivities, which promise excellent local entertainment.
“During Seniors Week, our City’s spotlight shines on the multiple contributions of seniors to our local area.
“One highlight will be a special concert showcasing an array of local talent, to be performed at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre.
“Council is grateful for the support of the Department of Human Services-Ageing, Disability and Homecare, which has provided funding assistance to make this concert happen,” Councillor Aitken said.
Seniors can also take part in other activities such as barefoot bowls, a high tea, a parade re-enacting women of our City’s past and a primary school Grandparents’ Day.
Councillor Aitken said: “Seniors Week will provide various occasions for seniors to enjoy community events that value their abilities and talents. Among the activities are those organised by 14 local groups, which received Council grants to help them realise their ideas.
“It’s also a time for us to reflect on how our lives are enriched and made meaningful thanks to seniors’ roles in our families, workplaces and communities.”
Seniors can book their place at the ‘Live Life’ concert from now until Monday 14 March by calling 4732 7836. For more information about what’s on during Seniors Week, visit www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au and click on the Seniors Week tab.