It’s go west for events

Penrith City Council has welcomed the Premier’s announcement that the NSW Government plans to bring more major events and festivals to Penrith City and the region.
Deputy Mayor Jim Aitken OAM said Penrith is primed and ready to take on and host some of NSW’s major events and festivals.
The Penrith City community and wider western Sydney region will benefit from having more quality events close to home,” Councillor Aitken said.
“The benefits to the region are enormous. Events help boost the local economy, create local jobs and attract visitors to Western Sydney, which is where almost one in every 11 Australians live.
“Penrith City Council has made attracting major events to the city a priority for a number of years.
“Penrith City has the wide open spaces and the transport to hold major events and help relieve the Sydney CBD of some of its congestion.
“Shifting some major events to Western Sydney will allow us to build on the profile of successful events we already hold such as the annual Defqon dance festival and Penrith City Australia Day celebrations, which each attract tens of thousands of local, interstate and international visitors; and, Sydney Festival events held here in January.
“Major events will also showcase the other attributes of the region to visitors including beautiful rivers and reserves, art galleries, performance centres, fine foods and wines to mention a few.
“We are delighted that the Premier has recognised the role that Penrith and Western Sydney can play in boosting Sydney’s thriving global capital status further.
“We are all proud Sydneysiders whether we live in the east or west of the city and Penrith City Council looks forward to working closely with WSROC and the Premier in the months and years ahead.”
caption: Defqon 1main stage.

One more step toward a truly great walk

A new section of pathway will extend the Great River Walk and provide more opportunities for more people to enjoy the beauty of the Nepean River. The work on River Road, Emu Plains is now underway. It marks the start of a proposed loop along the west and east banks of the river from Victoria Bridge to the M4. The loop will complement the already existing section of the Great River Walk which stretches from the Log Cabin north to Cassola Place. This first stage of the loop will be built between Regatta Park and Francis Street. It will be shared by pedestrians and cyclists and will include a simple handrail on the river side. Penrith City Deputy Mayor Councillor Jim Aitken OAM said the new work was an important step toward realising the visionary Great River Walk which, with the cooperation of several councils, will eventually stretch 570 kilometres from Lake Bathurst near Goulburn to Broken Bay. “The Walk is part of our celebration of Penrith as a ‘River City’ and is an ideal way for people to enjoy this wonderful natural asset,” Councillor Aitken said. “This section of river bank, although unpaved, is already very popular with walkers and cyclists,” Councillor Aitken said. “This work will make the walk safer and encourage more people, residents and tourists alike, to enjoy the stunning views the Nepean River has to offer.” The work is jointly funded by Council and the NSW Government under the Metropolitan Greenspace Program. Image: A new section of paved shared pathway along River Road will make this popular walk safer and user friendly for pedestrians and cyclists.

Book an Easter ‘Eggscape’ to Penrith Valley

Central Western residents planning to visit the Royal Easter Show this year may wish to consider an accommodation deal in Penrith Valley – home to hundreds of tourist attractions, handy to the show by public transport, yet far away from its traffic and crowds. Penrith Valley, which is about 50km west of Sydney’s CBD, is advertising an Easter ‘Eggscape’ for families.

Penrith City Council has partnered with the Chifley Hotel to offer a great discount. It comprises a Deluxe Room in the Chifley Hotel at the Penrith Panthers Complex for just $125* per night (*conditions apply) including two adults and a child. Doubles can secure an Executive Room from $140 per night. Penrith Panthers’ player Trent Waterhouse, who plays second rower, said: “Penrith Valley has so much going for it.

“We’re boasting the fact that for visitors staying in our area there are skate parks, Cables Wake Park, whitewater rafting, canoeing, bike riding, cinemas, golfing, fishing, shopping, the art gallery and the Museum of Fire nearby. And we’re well-placed for visitors to use Penrith as a base to attend the Royal Easter Show, but be far away from the traffic and crowds.”

Trent has played in the City Origin, NSW and as an Australian representative player who is a Penrith junior.

The Whitewater Stadium is an exciting adventure activity centre for whitewater rafting, kayaking, beach volleyball and guided venue tours, all arranged by appointment. Some activities are available year round.

The Penrith Lakes Environmental Education Centre has nearly 10,000 student visitors a year, plus the nearby Muru Mittigar Aboriginal Cultural Centre offers many cultural experiences including bush tucker tastings, boomerang throwing, dance performances and painting workshops.

They even sell native plants and authentic souvenirs. Trent said: “For more information about the gorgeous Penrith Valley, contact the local Penrith Valley Information Centre on 1300 736 836 or visit the website, http://www.penrithvalley.com.au/.

* Offers valid for stays during April 2011, extra children can stay for only $40/extra bed. Subject to availability, terms and conditions apply.