Australia Day celebrations make a splash

Penrith City Council’s Australia Day celebrations at the Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC), Penrith Swim Centre and Ripples St Marys were again a great success attracting more than 11,000 people.
Council offered an impressive program of free and high quality family entertainment and activities. The Aquatic Show, Superboats Live Demonstration and Fireworks Spectacular finale were again popular highlights at the SIRC. We were also honoured to be chosen once again as one of three NSW sites to host an Australia Day Premier’s Reception.
Importantly, Council improved its Australia Day program of events yet again. In the morning, 73 Penrith City residents gained their Australian citizenship; during the day more than 1,000 people enjoyed free entry and entertainment at Penrith Pool and Ripples St Marys; and from 6pm to 9.30pm the SIRC offered a jam-packed evening program.
Australia Day at the SIRC, Penrith Lakes was presented by Penrith City Council and supported by Endeavour Energy, Sims Metal Management, Penrith Lakes, Sport and Recreation – a division of Communities NSW, Panthers World of Entertainment Penrith, Vintage 87.6 FM, Woolworths, the Western Weekender, Hix Group Pty Ltd, Penrith City Star, Fusion 87.8 FM, Blue Mountains Bus Company and Channel Nine.
Courtesy of sponsor Sims Metal Management, the winning ticket for the prize of a new $12,000 jet ski was drawn and awarded to Natasha Richardson. Woolworths sponsored the Australia Day Ambassador program, which saw speed-skating Olympic medallist Jeremy Rolleston and Paralympic swimming medallist Denise Beck as Australia Day Ambassadors in Penrith City.

Caption: Awe-inspiring FMX feats at Penrith Lakes had Australia Day crowds holding their breath.

Aquatic Ski Show to make a splash on Australia Day!

Family favourites ‘The Smurfs’ will launch Penrith’s free 2012 Australia Day celebrations at the International Regatta Centre on 26 January from 6pm.
Penrith City Mayor Greg Davies said children and the young at heart would go wild with the evening line up, featuring Smurfs Character Shows and the chance to get up close to The Smurfs when they do a meet and greet.
“The ever popular Smurfs will grace the stage from 6pm, so grab your seat early. You can also meet The Smurfs in person,” Councillor Davies said.
“The Sims Metal Management Extreme FMX & Aquatic Ski Shows are not-to-be-missed, with one lucky audience member to become the proud owner of a new Yamaha Jet Ski valued at $12,000 courtesy of Sims Metal Management.
“Fans can also get excited about singer-songwriter and 2008 Australian Idol winner Wes Carr performing live. Wes Carr will gear everyone up for Penrith’s Australia Day climax; the Fireworks Spectacular presented by Endeavour Energy at 9pm.
“To avoid the typically searing heat of the past, all the best acts that residents have come to expect from Penrith’s Australia Day festivities have been packed into an early evening show with intergenerational appeal.
“Parking is open from 5pm, with entry from 5.30pm. It’s advised to take the free accessible shuttle bus service from the northern side of Penrith Station from 5pm, which will make getting to and from the event a breeze. Plan your day by visiting www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 736 836.”
Program of events:
· Smurfs Character Show
· Trampoline Flip and Trick Contest
· Sims Metal Management Extreme FMX & Aquatic Ski Show
· Smurfs Meet and Greet
· Tribute to Local 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Athletes
· F1 & F2 Superboats Live Demonstration
· Sims Metal Management Extreme FMX & Aquatic Ski Show
· Performance by Jellybean Jam
· Live Performance from Wes Carr
· Sims Metal Management Jet Ski Prize Draw
· Fireworks Spectacular presented by Endeavour Energy
Australia Day at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith Lakes is presented by Penrith City Council and supported by Endeavour Energy, Sims Metal Management, Penrith Lakes, Sport and Recreation – a division of Communities NSW, Panthers World of Entertainment Penrith, Vintage 87.6 FM, Woolworths, the Western Weekender, Hix Group Pty Ltd, Penrith City Star, Fusion 87.8 FM, Blue Mountains Bus Company and Channel Nine.
Australia Day at Penrith Lakes is a pet-free and non BYO alcohol event. No glass or unsealed bottles are permitted.
Find out more:
For updates and all the latest news and photos ‘Like’ the Australia Day at Penrith Lakes Facebook page or visit www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au. Alternately call 1300 736 836 for general information or to find out about wet weather arrangements should it rain on the day.

Jack Thompson in Penrith for Australia Day

Jack Thompson, the iconic Australian actor, is performing bush poems & classic Australian poetry live on Australia Day in the Q Theatre at the Joan Sutherland Centre in Penrith at 2.30pm.

For more information please phone the Q Theatre, Box office on 4723 7600.

Penrith Pool Celebrates 50 years on Australia Day

Penrith Pool celebrates its 50th birthday on Australia Day 2012. Entry to Penrith Pool will be free from 9am to 5pm on Thursday 26 January, with various games and activities including:
· Yogi Bear kids show at 10am and 12.30pm with a chance to meet Yogi at 11.15am
· a nine-metre high Screamer Waterslide
· Bumper Boats
· Giant Croc slide between 10am and 1pm in the pool
· Circus Works Playground
· DJ all day
· games, activities and demonstrations.
There is also free entry and family activities at Ripples in St Marys on the day.
So everyone can splash out on Australia Day at the pools before heading to Penrith’s major Australia Day celebrations at the International Regatta Centre from 6pm to 9.30pm.

Australia Day is coming!

With the stunning Blue Mountains as the backdrop, our Sydney International Regatta Centre will play host to an Australia Day show that has something for everyone. From live performances by Wes Carr and Jelly Bean Jam to the Smurfs, this is truly an all-ages event.
Thrill seekers will be on the edge of their seats as Australia’s premier wakeboarders and Xtreme water-skiers perform back flips and stunts that will leave you gasping.
Back on dry land, strap yourself in for the world renowned extreme sport FMX champions, Nitro Circus who will take you on one wild ride!
For those wanting a slightly slower pace, the audience can enjoy a stunning theatrical Cirque Ballet Show, a spectacular journey over land and water fusing acrobatics and dance.
Finally, spectacular digital water performance choreographed to music and lighting will ignite the senses and leave the audience breathless.
And what party would be complete without a stunning fireworks display by the internationally acclaimed Howard and Sons.
So come and ignite your national pride and experience a party like never before. Australia Day in Penrith City will be the place to be, a great opportunity to celebrate all that we have in our great city and all that is good about being Australian.