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.

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/

New Pathway for Nepean River

Residents and visitors who want to enjoy the beauty of the iconic Nepean River will soon have a public path to make their journey easier and more enjoyable.
Penrith City Council and the State Government, through its Metropolitan Greenspace Program, have jointly funded a 480 metre stretch of path near the river foreshore between Regatta Park and Francis Ave, Emu Plains.
This stretch is stage one of a full program of works that will see the path as well as kerb and guttering continue to the M4. Further stages will be completed over the next four years.
Penrith City Deputy Mayor Jim Aitken OAM said that the path, which is built to be accessible to all, will be shared by pedestrians and cyclists and will include a handrail on the river side of the stage one works.
“This path will allow residents, visitors, cyclists, joggers and walkers to experience an area of great natural beauty in our City and region,” Councillor Aitken said.
“Every day many people spend time with family and friends or enjoy exercising along this scenic area of the river.
“The path has been built on a bank and is designed to meet the latest standards. Council has also installed a handrail and some fencing, which have been made from material and colours that maintain amenity, for better safety and accessibility.
“The kerb and guttering has been installed along River Road, which will control drainage and help protect the riverbank from erosion.
“This exceptional community asset is part of Council’s vision to provide safe walking trails for a healthier community.”
The path is a part of the larger Great River Walk initiative, which aims to build a 570 km stretch of walkable path along the Hawkesbury Nepean River.

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.

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.

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.

Community Heritage Grants

Not-for-profit, incorporated organisations in Penrith Valley may be eligible to receive grants of up to $15,000 from the National Library of Australia in the category of ‘Environment Conservation & Heritage’.
The purpose of the grants is to identify Australian cultural heritage collections which are publicly accessible, locally held and nationally significant.
Organisations may apply for more than one project provided the combined value is no more than $15,000 and can be completed within one year.
All grant applications must be in before May 6 2011 and you may send your application from March 1.
Below are some more details of the eligibility of the grants.
Limitations: The following projects are ineligible for CHG funding:
• In-house salaries and volunteer labour costs • Publishing projects • Exhibition research, interpretation and signage, and design • Collecting projects • Oral histories - recording or transcribing • Memorials and plaques • Interpretive signage or heritage trails • Capital works, repairs and improvements to existing buildings • Microfilming of newspapers or magazines • Family history research • Emergency activities • Activities that are in progress or have been completed
• Private collections.
Who can apply: A not-for-profit, incorporated organisation that:
• owns or manages a collection of nationally significant material;
• is accessible to the general public ('access' can be for research, via the Internet, or on temporary or permanent exhibition).
Examples of not-for-profit, incorporated organisations which are encouraged to apply are:
• Archives • Art galleries • Community groups • Genealogical societies • Historical societies
• Indigenous groups • Migrant community groups • Museums • Professional associations
• Public libraries • Religious groups.
How to apply: Mail, Email
For further Information go to:
Website: http://www.nla.gov.au/chg/index.html
Contact Details:The CHG Coordinator National Library of Australia
Email: chg@nla.gov.au
Telephone: (02) 6262 1147

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.

Music and dance under the stars

Sydney Dance Company & Australian Chamber Orchestra Music and dance under the stars is coming to the Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith on January 23 at 8pm.
This new performance experience brings two of the finest performing arts companies, the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Sydney Dance Company, out of the theatre and into a relaxed environment for a thrilling double bill.
Under the direction of Assistant Leader, Satu Vänskä, the Australian Chamber Orchestra performs a special Festival program created around Summer from Vivaldi's Four Seasons, before Sydney Dance Company takes to the stage for an explosive performance of 6 Breaths, Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela's stunningly athletic 2010 creation with music by Ezio Bosso - a magnificent outdoor showcase for some of Australia's finest dancers.
In between, some of Western Sydney 's brightest young talents join the Australian Chamber Orchestra in Thinking about Forever, a new composition by Matt hew Hindson with choreography by Kay Armstrong. The work features Parramatta String Players and youMOVE Company in collaboration with Western Sydney Dance Action.
Bring a blanket and a picnic, settle back and soak up the best Sydney has to offer with music and dance on a summer evening under the stars.
Event Information
Cost - FreeTime - Gates open at 5pm
Program runs 8pm - 10pm
Penrith City Council is a proud sponsor of this event.

Grand prix to make a splash in Penrith Valley

Mark it in your diary for the upcoming Penrith Valley Formula Powerboats Grand Prix series with the Grand Finale round billed for the weekend of 28 - 29 August.
More than 50 teams from across Australia will compete, making it the largest fleet of competitors ever to come together for a Formula Powerboat event.
These super speedy boats, which clock up to 250km/h, will make for amazing action and there will be plenty of off-track displays and promotions at the venue, the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith City.
Penrith City Mayor Kevin Crameri OAM said: “We’ll be seeing world-class talent at the regatta centre for the first time in two years. Come on over to see who secures the national championship.
“Look out for Cranebrook local and Formula 1 Champion in 2008, Shane Vella. He stands poised to continue his unbroken run of podium finishes, but will face strong competition from Damien McKenzie after a strong 2010 season thus far.
“On show will be Formula 1, 2 and 3 categories plus the Formula Futures, the category for junior races and intended to be the entry level to Formula Powerboat racing and the Sports Mono.”
The Futures range in age from eight to 16.
For more details visit the website, www.formulapowerboats.com.au or call the Penrith Valley Visitor Information Centre on 1300 736 836. An entry fee will apply for adults for pit entry.