Love is in the air: check out Penrith Library

If you love a good romance novel, you’ll swoon at the opportunity to hear best selling author Paula Roe at the Penrith City Library.
Titled A Day in the Life of a Romance Writer, the talk will include an account of Paula’s own journey to become a published author and tips on what makes a great romance novel.
She is a local award-winning author and her talk will also cover a typical day for a writer.
Appropriately, Paula will visit Penrith on the most romantic day of the year – Valentine’s Day, Monday 14 February at 10.30am. The talk will be held again on Friday 18 February at 6.30pm.
Bookings are essential. Call 4732 7891 to reserve your seat.
For more information about the author, visit the website www.paularoe.com.

Aussie pride celebrated in style at the Lakes

Penrith City Council’s annual Australia Day celebrations at the Lakes were a resounding success, concluding spectacularly with a visual extravaganza of fireworks and artistic water performances on the main lake.
The revised schedule saw activities start at 2pm, which meant spectators were more comfortably able to experience the majority of events and performances.
The water activities proved particularly popular due to the hot day and spectators were very keen to take part in the accompanied jet ski rides and enjoy the aquativities area, including walking on water, or having a splash at the beach area.
“I spoke to many people who were really happy to enjoy this important Australian celebration in their own backyard, at the beautiful Penrith Lakes,” Penrith City Mayor Kevin Crameri OAM said.
“Many told me the condensed program meant that they didn’t have to pick and choose which performances they could see – they could enjoy it all and it wasn’t too long a day for them, particularly families with young children,” Cr Crameri said.
“A new addition to the program, the Twilight Ceremony Water Parade, was a huge success. The parade inspired immense national pride, celebrating some of our local heroes.
“The Australia Day Spectacular fireworks and musical performance was world class, our unique setting was a perfect backdrop and I am sure this will be an ongoing part of the program in coming years,” he said.
“As always, I’m thankful that celebrating Australia Day in Penrith is a free event, which is made possible by many generous sponsors and I thank them all sincerely for their support,” Cr Crameri said.
Penrith City Council’s ‘Australia Day at the lakes’ was sponsored by Integral Energy, Sport and Recreation - a division of Communities NSW, Penrith Lakes Development Corporation, Woolworths, Penrith Press, Vintage FM, Panthers World of Entertainment, Blue Mountains Bus Company, Delfin Lend Lease, Mulgoa Quarries, O-I, SITA Environmental Solutions, Channel Nine, Penrith City Star, Hix Group Pty Ltd, Fusion FM, Westfield Penrith, the Western Weekender, and Sinclair Ford.

Penrith City welcomes its newest citizens this Australia Day

Penrith City Council will celebrate its newest citizens in an Australia Day citizenship ceremony at the Civic Centre, joining communities throughout Australia in honouring this tradition.
Around 60 people from more than 20 countries will become Australian citizens in a special ceremony at the Civic Centre on January 26.
“Whether we are Australian born or have become citizens by choice, Australian citizenship is something we should value,” Penrith City Mayor Kevin Crameri OAM said.
“Australia Day is a fantastic opportunity to join in public celebrations like those at Penrith Lakes and share what our country means for us.”
“In particular, this January the 26th is a day to remember for those who choose to become Australian citizens, as they pledge their loyalty to the Australian people and join us to face a common national destiny.
“Penrith City’s citizenship ceremony starts at 10am at the Civic Centre. It will be followed by the great Australian tradition of a barbeque lunch,” he said.
The ceremony will be one of more than 320 across every state and territory tomorrow, with some 13,000 people scheduled to become citizens around the nation.
“Penrith City embraces its newest citizens and bids them well as they take this significant step to officially join our Australian family,” Councillor Crameri said.

Fire up for Australia Day with free Museum entry

Make the most of your commute to Australia Day at the Lakes with a free pass to the Museum of Fire.
The Museum houses Australia's leading collection of fire collectibles and displays. The curators are intimate with their subject matter, many being fire-fighters themselves.
Visitors will delight in the history of fire-fighting, tracing the evolution of the fire engine or even enjoying a ride in one.
The Museum of Fire will be open free of charge on Australia Day from 9am to 5pm. Free parking for the Australia Day event will also be available at the Museum of Fire from 1.30pm to 10pm. A free shuttle bus service will operate from 1pm to 10pm between the northern side of Penrith Station via the Museum of Fire to the Sydney International Regatta Centre.
For more details and to preview the museum’s collection, visit www.museumoffire.com.au
For details on the Australia Day event at the Sydney International Regatta Centre contact 1300 736 836 or visit www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/AustraliaDay