Lightning on the Lakes

The Australian Formula Powerboat Series will draw to its thrilling finale on August 27 & 28 with the countries top racers descending on the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith to battle it out for top honours.
The series which attracts boats in the Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula 3 outboard classes plus 6litre Pro Stock inboards and a healthy fleet of the best juniors, has been to Taree, Grafton and Port Macquarie before Penrith in 2011 and has produced some of the most exciting and closest racing in years.
This year, an international flavour will be a part of the weekend’s racing when multiple Malaysian Powerboat Champion, Yanto Kadri, will debut a brand new boat which he will use as training to join the World F1 Powerboat Series in China this October.
In Formula 1, the awesome 220kph hi tech machines that can subject the drivers to over three g’s of force in the turns, the battle looks like it will be the highlight of the season with Queensland Damien McKenzie, undefeated all year, now up against current Victorian Champion, Paul Eade in the Bud Light Seebold. McKenzie lost the championship last year on this course to the local Shane Vella and is out to secure his first national crown
Throw in a display and demo from the 2000hp World Blown Alcohol Champion, Troy Marland and his boat “Madness”, the awesome 6litre Pro Stock class, the largest field of junior boats ever and the title decider in Formula 3, the future training ground for Formula 1 and The Lightning on the Lake Grand Finale at Penrith is set to be the best show on water ever to hit the Regatta Centre.
This year the Lightning on the Lake, Anglomoil Formula Powerboat Finale will be racing to support the Violet Foundation. A great cause that raises money and awareness of the terrible Meningococcal Disease.
The Formula Powerboat Grand Prix is proudly supported by Penrith City Council.
Entry is $10 per car, activities for the kids, car displays, race cars, Paul Madills unbelievable 200mph drag boat. It is a weekend for the whole family

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.

Penrith Valley Visitor Information Centre wins Greater Sydney Tourism Award again!

Penrith Valley Visitor Information Centre was recognised as the best of its kind for promoting what’s wonderful about our City at the Greater Sydney Tourism Awards last Thursday. The centre won the ‘Aurora Visitor Information and Services Award’ for the second year running.
The awards acknowledge outstanding tourism businesses and organisations in the Greater Sydney area. Submissions were assessed by an independent panel of industry leaders, and the awards provide a benchmark for tourism operators and businesses while helping boost tourism within the region.
Penrith City Deputy Mayor Jim Aitken OAM said winning the award again was a momentous achievement, and reflected the high calibre of service in our Visitor Information Centre.
“Winning this tourism award shows that Penrith Valley Visitor Information Centre remains the best in Sydney. This win means the centre will now be represented at the NSW Tourism Awards, which highlight the best tourism organisations in the state.
“The centre greatly benefits our community by showcasing Penrith City’s beautiful natural backdrop, complemented by our cosmopolitan lifestyle and great range of events. It’s also a first stop for visitors seeking information on our local attractions and accommodation.
“I would like to commend the dedicated staff and volunteers at Penrith Valley Visitor Information Centre, open to the public 363 days a year, for their outstanding customer service.”
Council’s City Marketing Supervisor, Paul Page, was also acknowledged with a ‘Recognition for Service to Tourism Award’. The award recognises his contributions to tourism in Greater Sydney during the past 25 years, including 20 years at Council. Mr Page was Chair of the NSW Council of Tourist Associations, which represented local government tourism until it merged with the Tourism Industry Council in 2007. In 1996, he also helped to form Greater Sydney Tourism Inc., (GST) the peak tourism body for Greater Sydney, as a means to better promote Penrith Valley.
Local award recipients also included finalists, Penrith White Water Stadium and Sydney International Regatta Centre, and the Chifley Hotel, Penrith, which received a highly commended award in the Deluxe Accommodation category.

Further information is available from the awards web site http://awards.sydneywidetourism.com.au/
Photo caption: (L-R MC Scott McRae, Deputy Mayor Cr Jim Aitken OAM & Information Officers Stacey Martin & Susan Hamilton).

GST Tourism awards reward businesses in Penrith

Businesses in Penrith Valley are set to reap the ‘awards’ again when the winners of the 2011Greater Sydney Tourism Awards are announced on July 28.
Paul Page, Penrith City Council’s City Marketing Supervisor, is also Chairman of Greater Sydney Tourism Inc which initiated the awards program last year.
“The awards seek to recognise outstanding tourism businesses and organisations in all parts of the Sydney metropolitan area,” said Mr Page. “They provide tourism-related businesses with a tool to evaluate their business, while celebrating their achievements and building staff morale. “
This year there are four finalists from the Penrith region which include the Penrith Valley Visitor Information Centre, Sydney International Regatta Centre, Chifley Penrith and Penrith Whitewater Stadium.
“As Manager of the Penrith Valley Visitor Information Centre I am proud to see the centre recognised in such a way,” said Mr Page. “The staff work tirelessly 363 days of the year to provide locals and visitors with information about all the local attractions, events, accommodation and information services available in Penrith Valley.
“I would also like to congratulate the other Penrith businesses who are also finalists.”
The award winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner at Waterview Function Centre, Bicentennial Park, Homebush on July 28th.
For further information on the awards go to the official website http://www.awards.sydneywidetourism.com.au/ or phone Paul Page on 4732 7866.