Have a Happy Christmas & a Great New Year!

The staff at City Marketing and the Penrith Valley Visitor Information Centre would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for reading and supporting our blogsite this year.
We're going on a short holiday over Christmas and the New Year but we'll be back on January 18, 2010 with all new stories and some exciting new stuff as well. Until then, Have a very Happy Christmas and a fantastic New Year!
From Paul Page, Peter Lang, Susan Hamilton & Lesley Worthington.

Trained and Ready!

A team of 11 were successful in getting through the application and interview process to commence training as Penrith Valley Ambassadors.
Penrith Valley Ambassadors are volunteers who assist staff in the Penrith Valley Visitor Information Centre and also at events such as Australia Day and the Solar Boat challenge.
The first day of training was completed in November at local attraction Mamre Homestead, where they completed an Aussie Host course. Aussie Host is a nationally recognised customer service training program that focuses on interpersonal communications, customer relations and service. It builds personal, professional and community pride and inspires a greater commitment to providing better service.
Now armed with customer service qualifications, the ambassadors will soon begin their on the job training.
There are currently 12 ambassadors who volunteer the Penrith Valley Visitor Information Centre, and once fully trained this new intake will now expand the team to 23. Most volunteer on a monthly basis, some more frequently.
by Susan Hamilon, Acting Marketing Officer, Penrith City Council

Rock At The Weir - A huge success!

The Rock At The Weir community festival bought to you by Penrith City Council was held on a warm sunny day on November 15 and was an outstanding success with an estimated 4,000 people attending the event held from midday until 5pm. The majority of things at the festival were free including a wonderful stage program which featured such talented performers as Elvis impersonator David Cazalet and the judging of the Miss Penrith competition by the renowned June Dally-Watkins. There were also a smorgasbord of food on offer as well as free rides and children's activities. There were plenty of vintage vehicles on display and even a Traditional Japanese children's blessing. There can be no doubt judging my all the smiling faces that were at the event that a great time was had by all.

Thanks to everyone who made the day such a success!

Mamre celebrates Sydney International Food Festival in style

It was a star studded event when Mamre Homestead hosted its Inaugural 100 mile Dinner under the stars on Friday, October 16.
More than 160 guests attended the dinner as part of this years Sydney International Food Festival.
The concept of the dinner was to source all produce from within 100 miles (160km) radius. Therefore supporting local growers and producers while reducing our food miles and carbon food print.
Produce that had been grown on the property as part of Mamre’s African Employment Program was also showcased at the dinner.
The Hon Laurie Ferguson MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affair and Settlement services, officially opened the dinner and Costa Georgiadis from Costa’s Garden Odyssey SBS was master of ceremonies for the evening. Costa has also agreed to become Mamre’s first Ambassador.
Vanessa Pilla, Festival Manager, Sydney International Food Festival and Penrith Mayor Kevin Crameri and Councilors were also among the guests.
The dinner brought together local food producers, wineries, TAFE colleges, musicians, astronomers and other local businesses.
The dinner started what was a successful fundraising weekend for the Mamre project with the annual Good Living Festival also held on Sunday, October 18.
All monies raised from these two events will go to supporting programs of the Mamre Project a sponsored work of the Sisters of Mercy, Parramatta.
Semco - Equipment Sales, St Marys very generously sponsored the Marquee for the dinner, with many other businesses also generously donating products or services.
Sponsors and major donors for 100 Mile Dinner were:
Semco- Equipment Sales- www.semcogroup.com.au
Sydney International Food Festival- www.siff.com.au
Pepes Ducks- www.pepesducks.com.au (duck for mail meal)
Shogun Wagyu- Ph. Anthony 0427 867 077 (beef for mail meal)
Simply Original- www.simplyoriginal.com.au (entrée platters)
Blue Mountains Honey- Ph. 4721 2840 (candles for centerpieces, condiments for mains and hamper for auction)
Morgans Coffee- www.morganscoffee.com (after dinner coffees)
Balloonatics (decorations)
The final component of the Penrith Valley contingent of the Sydney International Food Festival is Blue Mountains Honey’s Open Day and High Tea this Sunday 25th October. For bookings or more information contact Blue Mountains Honey on 4721 2840.
Story by Susan Hamilton, Acting Marketing Officer, Penrith City Council