Have a blast with astronomy, acting and art these holidays

Children of all ages will have a blast these school holidays with Penrith Library’s fun-filled holiday program, from 27 September to 8 October.
Featuring astronomy, art and craft, acting and architecture, there is plenty to spark kids’ curiosity and ignite imaginations.
Young star gazers will be entranced by Planetarium on Tuesday 27 September, where they’ll discover the night sky’s constellations inside a large, portable dome. The next day will keep kids on their toes with physical theatre, mime and circus tricks in the Mime O Rama show.
Teens with an artistic streak will love learning about the ancient art of henna on Thursday 29 September. Other treats include embroidery and cartooning workshops and a live African music performance.
From 4 to 8 October, primary school aged children can indulge their love of Lego in Penrith Library’s lower lounge area.
By taking part in the free ‘Build the Penrith City of the Future’, children have the chance to score a great Lego prize packs by building the best mini city.
Program details:
Planetarium with Sky works
Tuesday 27 September, 10am-11am or 11.30am-12.30pm
$10 for ages 5+
See the Spectacular Night Sky in the Dome. Explore Planets and Stars. Visit Constellations. A multimedia presentation projected inside a large portable dome.
Mime O Rama with Dennis Clare
Wednesday 28 September, 10:30am-11:20am
$5, children under 2 free
A most entertaining leap into the imagination. A world of wonder and delight. Mime, physical theatre, humour and circus skills.
Henna Workshops with Lee Castledine
Thursday 29 September, 10am-11:30am or 12:30pm-2pm$15 for ages 13+
Are you interested in the ancient art and traditions of henna? This workshop will explore:
· the science of henna and how it works
· the history, traditions and uses
· how to make your own henna paste
· how to make a cone applicator
· about aftercare, tips and troubleshooting
· how to draw henna designs freehand
Embroidery Workshop with Del White and volunteers
Tuesday 4 October, 10:30am-12:30pm
$10 for ages 7+
Introducing children to the joys of handmade needlecraft, children will create Christmas decorations ready for the festive season.
Shekere Beats with Jonas Tandoh
Wednesday 5 October, 10:30am-11:20am$5, children under 2 free
With Jonas’ quirky African style, numerous drums and percussion instruments, guitar and uniquely African wood and seedpod xylophone, Shekere Beats is a great exploration into the world of live music and a wonderful glimpse into another culture.
Cartooning Workshops with Dave Hackett
Thursday 6 October
$10 for ages 7+
Cartoon Animals, 10.30am-11.30am
Yes it’s possible! Discover how to turn every animal on the planet into a cool animal cartoon!
Monsters, Aliens, Dinosaurs and Freaks, 12.00pm-1.00pm
The coolest creatures on the planet (or anywhere else!). You’ll learn how to invent your own ugly, slimy and totally gross characters!
All activities will be held at Penrith Library, 601 High Street, Penrith. Visit www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au for details and call 4732 7891 to book.

World class rowing returns to Penrith Valley

Building on a record medal haul at the 2011 World Rowing Championships in Bled Slovenia, Rowing Australia together with the NSW Government through ‘Destination NSW,’ has secured the rights to stage the opening round of the prestigious Samsung World Rowing Cup in 2013 and 2014.
The events will be staged at the International Regatta Centre (SIRC), Penrith Lakes, a legacy venue of the Sydney 2000 Games.International Rowing Federation (FISA) President Denis Oswald commented, “The FISA Council’s decision to attribute the first World Rowing Cup of 2013 to Sydney returns international rowing to Sydney and marks an important new era in our sport. Supported by our Title Partner Samsung, we are taking our sport global, to the southern hemisphere thus enabling us to reach new fans and extend our season.
"We are really pleased to be partnering with Rowing Australia and ‘Destination NSW’. We know Australians deliver great events and that this exciting development in our sport will be widely embraced by the world’s rowing community.”
"We're delighted to have been awarded the opening rounds of the World Rowing Cup in 2013 and 2014 by FISA" said Colin Smith, President of Rowing Australia. "It's an honour to be able to bring the best rowers in the world back to Sydney to compete at one of the best rowing facilities in the world (SIRC)."
Hosting these events will benefit the sport of rowing and the people of NSW in a variety of ways. There will be immediate benefits to the economy of many hundreds of athletes, coaches, support staff and spectators coming to Sydney for training camps and competition. Media coverage and event broadcasts will mean the eyes of the rowing world will once again be on Western Sydney.
"For Australian rowing, it will showcase our sport and provide inspiration to everyone who watches the event, and particularly to our next generation of elite athletes."Mr Smith added, Even though the formal announcement was only just made in Slovenia, preparations have already commenced. We have an Organising Committee already looking at all aspects of the event and talking with international coaches and teams.
"On the back of our great results here in Slovenia just one year before the London 2012 Olympic Games, it's an exciting time for Rowing in Australia - and we look forward to making the most of these two wonderful opportunities," Mr Smith concluded.

Spots still open for Penrith Valley Nepean Triathalon

The Penrith Valley Nepean Triathlon weekend of racing will take place on November 12-13 at the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith. Now in its 30th year and with 1100 competitors taking part last year, it is one of the largest triathlons in Australia.
The main race, the Penrith Valley Nepean Triathlon will be held on Sunday and involves a one kilometre swim, 30km cycle and 10km run.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the event, the race committee has allocated prize money to winners in various categories competing in the Penrith Valley Nepean Triathlon.
All finishers will receive a unique 30th Anniversary Olympic style finishers’ medallion and a Cooldry material race finisher’s t-shirt. The race will again feature a guys vs girls format with the women starting ahead of the male wave by the difference between the leading male and female averaged over the previous five years.
There are also three other races which cover various age groups in the Penrith Anglican College Nepean Enticer Triathlons, so there is race for every age group.
Entries for this year’s races have almost reached capacity but there is still time to register.
A host of local sponsors have combined to ensure the Penrith Valley Nepean Triathlon weekend remains one of Australia’s classic triathlons with Penrith City Council one of the strong supporters of the races.
Details of the races and online entry can be found at http://www.nepeantriathlon.com/