Penrith City Council Newsletter 16/12/2011

Penrith City Community News December 2011

www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

ph: 4732 7777

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF PENRITH CITY COUNCIL

Penrith City safer says crime stats

Penrith City is safer. That’s the verdict of the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research after analysing 17 major crime categories over the five years to June 2011. Only two of the 17 categories showed an increase in reported crime with

other categories mostly stable or down.

The trend came to light during a talk by NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione in late October at a Penrith Chamber of Commerce luncheon and highlights the success of a strong partnership between local police, Penrith City Council and the community to reduce crime.

Penrith City Mayor Greg Davies congratulated NSW Police on the sustained crime reduction across the major crime categories.

“While this result reflects well for NSW Police, it also reflects well for the many local government community safety programs in place across NSW,” said Councillor Davies.

“The Penrith Valley Community Safety Partnership, which includes Penrith and St Marys Police as our principal crime prevention partners, is 10 years strong. It has successfully implemented many community safety actions.”

Cr Davies said these were

outlined in community safety plans developed for the City.

These plans gained NSW State Government endorsement so Council can apply for funds to help implement important community safety and crime prevention strategies.

One of the major success stories of the program is the Graffiti Awareness Education Program delivered to local primary and secondary schools. It has highlighted the consequences of graffiti vandalism on individuals and our community. This has been a key contributor, along with rapid removal and prevention, to the reduction of nuisance tagging graffiti (malicious damage) across the City.

Council’s third Community Safety Plan is now on the drawing board and we encourage you to tell us what you think when the draft goes out for community consultation in early 2012.

Penrith City Council Presents

2011

Sunday Siestas This December the river will be transformed into the perfect place to siesta on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Live Bands Family Entertainment Food Stalls Market Stalls

Sunday 4, 11, 18 December 2011 Tench Reserve, Penrith 3.30pm - 7.30pm

EAST WARD

Kaylene Allison 0401 995 843

NORTH WARD

SOUTH WARD

Kevin Crameri OAM

Jim Aitken OAM

0401 995 825

0418 288 488

Ross Fowler OAM

Robert Ardill

Mayor’s Message While out shopping, avoid carrying large wads of cash or leaving your handbag unattended in your shopping trolley. Paying with a credit or debit card will cut down the cash you have on hand. You can also avoid theft from your car by taking anything of value with you, and for personal safety, avoid parking in dimly lit or isolated areas.

It’s also the season for parties. Before attending, if you’re having a few drinks make sure you plan how you’re getting home.

Consider pre-booking a taxi or look ahead at your calendar and organise to take turns at being the designated driver.

If you’re hosting a party, you may choose to register it with the local police and while you’re there, pick up a copy of the Host’s Pack Council developed to help you host a safe and successful event.

For more safety tips visit www.penrithcity.nsw. gov.au or call 4732 8028.

Mayor

Greg Davies 0419 177 259

0419 738 484

Tanya Davies

Ben Goldfinch

0434 609 406

0401 678 509

Jackie Greenow

Kath Presdee

0407 464 088

0401 678 508

Marko Malkoc

John Thain

0401 678 512

0411 427 812

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0401 678 505

Prue Guillaume 0401 678 520

Mark Davies 0416 085 597

Karen McKeown 0401 995 945

I hope you have had a happy, healthy 2011 and that you’re looking forward to another great year in 2012.

As our cover story tells, Penrith City is a safer place to be thanks to Council’s and the local police command’s work.

Council’s Community Safety Team has some handy tips to keep your family and your belongings safe these holidays.

They tell me that a few simple actions could make all the difference. For example, if you’re planning on going away, be sure to lock and alarm your house and make it look ‘lived in’. It’s a good idea to organise a friend or neighbour to collect your mail or have it held at the post office.

Penrith City Community News

Since I stepped into the role of Mayor in September I’ve enjoyed many opportunities to get out and about to meet residents.

I’m constantly reminded of what a great organisation we have and what a great place Penrith is to live, work and play.

It has been an exciting and challenging year, and I look forward to seeing what 2012 brings as we continue to serve Penrith City together.

A safe and happy Christmas to you all.

December 2011

Penrith City Mayor Cr Greg Davies

Australia Day at the Lakes

Australia Day at the Pools

Australia Day is arguably our nation’s biggest celebration and here in Penrith, we know how to put on a party like no one else!

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 Australian Idol entertainer Wes Carr 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, you 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

Take a splash this Australia Day at Penrith Pools or Ripples St Marys, for free.

This Australia Day Penrith Pools and Ripples St Marys will have free entry plus an array of entertainment and activities, stay tuned to our website for a full program of events. 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, presented by Endeavour Energy.

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.

All the fun starts at 6pm (parking open from 5.00pm). Australia Day at Penrith Lakes is a non BYO alcohol event, proudly brought to you by Penrith City Council.

For further information, or for wet weather event details on the day, please call 1300 736 836 or visit www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

Australia Day Fireworks Spectacular presented by SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL REGATTA CENTRE, PENRITH LAKES Visit www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au - Enquiries call 1300 736 836

OUT NOW! 2010-11 Annual Report

il Counc h City 1 Penrit 2010 - 201 t Repor nnual

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Our 48 services at work for our communities in 2010-11 From babies to bitumen, far from just being about ‘roads, rates and rubbish’, Penrith City Council provided 48 services to our communities in 2010-11. Our 2010-11 Annual Report looks at our successes and challenges throughout the year. For a full copy of the report, see Council’s website www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au or visit a Customer Service Centre for a printed copy.

Some highlights include: •

•

Significant savings of over $3.55m were made in bulk earthworks substantially completed at a former tip site in Gipps Street, Claremont Meadows, which will become a district park $200,000 received under the Federal Government’s Safer Suburbs program for the Mondo Community Safety Project, a youth engagement project

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•

•

•

to encourage young people to use public spaces in Penrith City.

Three blackspot road projects completed and $870,000 secured for 2011-12 blackspot projects 3.5km of footpaths and shared pathways completed – more than our target 35 civic and community events held including a successful community

• •

•

Australia Day celebration Seniors week concerts enjoyed by 600 residents Building works completed on the southern end of Penrith Park and Howell Oval Development worth $231m approved through Development Applications and construction worth $20m approved through Construction

Penrith City Community News

•

Certificates $2.7m federal funding secured for Stage 2 of the Penrith Recycled Water Project (to irrigate sporting fields) and significant NSW and federal government funding secured for the Stormwater Harvesting and Managed Aquifer Recharge Scheme

December 2011

Annual Report Message

From the General Manager, Alan Stoneham I know you will be pleased to hear we ended the 12 months to 30 June 2011 with a $58,764 surplus after starting the year with a budgeted deficit of $18,327.

We marked the halfway point in our four year Delivery Program, which helps explain what we plan to do. I’m pleased to report 20 out of our 21 programs were ‘on target’ which means more than 90% of their service activities were completed.

Importantly, an independent survey of residents showed satisfaction with Council’s performance.

Council continues to take a planned, proactive approach and develop strong partnerships to help meet the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities presented by our growing population.

The special rate variation approved in June will fund a $24m program of works over four years, bringing long-term benefits through a much needed boost to infrastructure and asset maintenance.

Our three bin domestic waste service is now recognised as award winning practice and has boosted the amount of waste diverted from landfill from 20% of total waste to more than 60%. This also means savings and as it’s now viewed as the future of waste management across Australia. This is another example of Penrith communities meeting a challenge head on and leading the way.

I look forward to Council and our communities continuing to tackle challenges and celebrating successes together into the future.

Penrith City Community News

December 2011

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Locals helping locals thanks to Council’s funds

Garden Festival highly commended Penrith City Library’s annual Spring Garden Festival, held in September, has earned a Highly Commended in the events category at the 2011 NSW Marketing Awards for Public Libraries. Our festival trumped 46 other submissions from public libraries across NSW. Thanks to local groups and Council offering demonstrations, freebees, workshops and displays, the event’s popularity continues to grow, with about 1,179 people visiting Penrith Library on the day this year.

Celebrate a more inclusive and accessible City

Council gave a financial boost to 43 community groups in November through grants under its 2011-12 Community Assistance Program.

The annual program offers funding for cultural, educational, health and recreational activities and benefits a range of residents including children, seniors, refugees and people with special needs.

Penrith City Mayor Greg Davies said: “Local community groups enrich the lives of so many people and often they have to rely on volunteers, limited staff and minimal resources.

“Council understands the enormous task that these groups take on and recognises their valuable contribution to the community. We hope these grants will help in their projects,” he said.

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Penrith City Council and its Access Committee have paved the way for a more accessible and inclusive City through the Penrith Inclusion Plan 2009-2013. People with disability, carers, family and friends attended a celebratory afternoon tea at the Civic Centre on 27 October to learn about current projects.

Penrith City Mayor Greg Davies said: “The session shared the plan’s progress including achievements such as a pool hoist and accessible facilities at Penrith Swimming Centre, a Master Locksmith Access Key providing 24/7, City-wide access to accessible public toilets and training programs at Penrith City Library.”

Recently Council unveiled a pilot program called All Welcome which aims to promote to the Penrith LGA business community

Penrith City Community News

the advantages of better access to its buildings and facilities and raises awareness of ‘Access to Premises’ building standards introduced in May this year.

As part of the program an information pack will be developed and Council officers will interview businesses and provide free advice and guidance.

Councillor Davies said: “Businesses could miss out on potential customers if they don’t make it easier for people with disabilities to access their buildings.

Almost one in five Australians have a disability.”

The program suggests ways businesses could improve access for customers such as making it easier for people to find you, for people to get in and around business premises.

December 2011

Council’s litter crew on the streets Penrith City gears up for a colourful festive season Look out for all four Christmas billboards designed by four of our talented residents for Council’s recent Christmas Billboard competition. Congratulations to the winners:

From left Council’s Litter Crew Team Leader Keiren Buckley and Driver Nathan Faiers at work at Howell Oval, Penrith

Council now has a dedicated team of staff on the look out for litter. Two staff members, Team Leader Keiren Buckley and Crew Member Nathan Faiers, hit the streets on 31 October as part of the implementation of the Special Rate Variation. The Litter Removal Team, the first to be dedicated to the primary task of small litter removal, is a key part of

Penrith Council’s Litter Minimisation Strategy under development. Keiren and Nathan work weekdays and visit numerous litter hot spot areas in Penrith City. They are also collecting data on the volume of litter collected across the City and this information will help develop the education component of the strategy.

Open Category: Francine Borg from Cranebrook High School years 7-10: Sean McBride from McCarthy Catholic College, Emu Plains Primary School years 3-5: Skyla Begnell from Regentville Public School Primary School years K-2: Harry Begnell from Regentville Public School

Penrith City Community News

December 2011

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Community inspires positive vision for Penrith’s City Concepts for the future Penrith include: • Connecting major parts of Penrith with a multi-modal transport hub featuring monorail, bus transit lanes, and car park silos with easy access to the train and other public transport.

• A cross-cultural community centre for weddings, celebrations, markets and community gatherings.

• A univer-city precinct with a university of technology, student accommodation and links to adjacent new energy industries.

• Cooling Penrith down with canals and water fountains brought into the heart of the CBD. • More crossings linking Penrith CBD to the Nepean River, as well as multiple jetties and a riverside beach.

• An amphitheatre overlooking a floating stage for music festivals and performances.

• Short stay accommodation overlooking the Nepean River on the Emu Plains side.

• A multi-use arena for sporting and other major events.

• Green roofs and rooftop gardens with river vistas throughout the City.

• A youth-programmed precinct with a skate park and youth-led activities.

• A cultural precinct including a museum in Penrith CBD. The Penrith of the future could be a stand out, green-roofed river city abuzz with a floating stage for concerts, a multi-use arena, a technology univer-city, a monorail and a youth-programmed activity zone – just some of the ideas suggested by our residents.

Based on interviews with the community, the recently launched ‘The Future of Penrith / Penrith of the Future’ Project envisages Penrith City as a world class destination that is environmentally-friendly, culturally enticing, and fulfils the needs of

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people of all ages.

Penrith City Mayor Greg Davies said the resulting roadmap for our future put Penrith ahead of the curve when it came to planning 21st century cities.

“Penrith City Council celebrated the unveiling of a collaborative architectural and artistic vision for Penrith. Already, people are getting excited about the possibilities.

This vision coincides with projects already in the pipeline for Penrith such as a river festival and a pedestrian bridge across the

Nepean River.

“The creative solutions proposed capture the community’s diverse aspirations to make the most of our future. They reflect the free-thinking needed to plan a City with a distinctive identity.

“Council is proud to have the internationally recognised Campement Urbain support our project partners to make this vision happen.

“Through such collaboration we can realise the community’s dreams for an attractive, well integrated City. This positive

Penrith City Community News

blueprint means we can start to channel development in the direction residents want for our future,” Councillor Davies said.

Campement Urbain, formed by internationally renowned video artist Sylvie Blocher, architect/urban designer Francois Daune and architect Tim Williams worked with partners including the Panthers Group, C3West, Landcom and Penrith Performing and Visual Arts, together with Penrith City Council.

December 2011

Make this a waste-wise Christmas

Sign up for free SMS service Get ready for the festive season with free SMS reminders about extra waste and recycling collections over Christmas and updates on other recycling initiatives.

Email your name, home address and mobile phone number to rrr@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au or call 4732 7615 to learn more.

More car parking for Christmas Food is often at the heart of celebrations around Christmas time. The spirit of sharing can mean we end up buying too much food – food that ends up in the bin. In NSW, the average family throws away about $1,036 of edible food each year. Imagine the extra presents you could buy with that.

By planning ahead, developing a detailed shopping list and thinking twice before throwing away leftovers, you can enjoy your next celebration, save cash and reduce your impact on the environment.

See www.lovefoodhatewaste.com.au for great tips on planning festive feasts, buying and storing festive foods and using leftovers. You can also pick up free weekly menu planners and shopping lists at Council’s customer service centres.

For more information visit www.penrithcity.nsw.gov. au or phone 4732 7987.

Penrith City Community News

Council has organised extra parking spaces over the Christmas and New Year period. These areas, available until mid January, include: • Woodriff Gardens, behind the Penrith tennis courts, about 130 spaces – all day • Judges Place, Penrith CBD, an extra 55 spaces – all day • Derby/Reserve Streets, Penrith, about 50 extra spaces – all day • Council’s Civic Centre car park, about 45 spaces – timed.

For more information contact Council on 4732 7662 or visit our website, www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

December 2011

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Care for 5 -12 year olds enrolled at Primary School Vacation care runs from Monday, 19 December to Wednesday, 26 January inclusive.

Highlights include:

• Excursion to Don Bosco • Puppetry • Clown Day 19 – 22 Dec: 2-6 Jan: 9-13 Jan: 16-25 Jan:

Kindana, Glenmore Park, Yoorami, Grays Lane, Tandara Emu Plains Kindana, Glenmore Park, Yoorami Kindana, Yoorami, Glenmore Park, Grays Lane Glenmore Park, Yoorami, Grays Land, Tandara Emu Plains

Pre-pay to secure your booking and call you preferred centre.

Ring 4732 7836 or 4732 7838 for more information or visit www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/vacationcare

Emu Plains South Penrith Werrington

4735 4511 4732 4162 4731 6929

Cranebrook Glenmore Park St Clair

4729 1736 4733 5097 9834 4076

Do you need quality, local childcare for 2012?

Penrith City Council runs affordable childcare centres offering long day, occasional, before and after school care as well as preschool. We also have a dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Coordinator to provide an Indigenous perspective in all our long day care and pre school services.

Ring 4732 7836 for more information.

Penrith City on the way to becoming friendlier for children Penrith City’s children have spoken about their dream for their communities. They want more safe, clean places to be active, use their imagination and discover the world around them.

You can help make Penrith City an even better place for children and families by commenting on Penrith City Council’s Draft Child Friendly City Strategy by 19 December. There’s even a children’s version of the document that invites children to browse through it and have their say.

Penrith City Mayor Greg Davies said residents concerned about children’s rights should take the opportunity to read the draft strategy and share their thoughts.

“We all want children to be able to make the most of their neighbourhoods. As a community, we need to provide healthy food, quality care and dynamic spaces for children to meet their friends and play safely,” Councillor Davies said.

“Council can take a lead to ensure our services and facilities best meet the needs of our youngest

residents. Lend your support to these initiatives by having your say on Council’s draft Child Friendly City Strategy,” Cr Davies said.

Copies of the draft strategy and a special children’s version are currently on display at the Penrith Civic Centre, Penrith City Library branches and Council’s Children’s Centres.

You can also download copies by visiting www. penrithcity.nsw.gov.au and clicking on the Draft Child-Friendly City Strategy tab. Have your say by 19 December: • Email: haveyoursay@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au • Mail to: Child Friendly City Strategy, Children’s Services Development Officer, Penrith City Council, PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 • Fax: 4732 7958 For more information contact Council’s Children’s Services Development Officer on 4732 7828.

Children’s week in Penrith City There are already some great things for children around Penrith City. Kayne was in the thick of celebrations during Children’s Week (24 to 28 October), as our junior residents lapped up a range of exciting free activities including activities run by Council’s popular mobile playvan, Kids at The Corner at St Marys with a science workshop, cultural performance and story time.

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December 2011

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Water in Penrith - our local photographic competition winners Tatum McKee, “Water Reflection”

Sienna McKee,“Happy at home - Little Duck”

Six local amateur photographers won great prizes in Penrith City Council’s third annual National Water Week photographic competition. This year’s theme for the popular competition was Water in Penrith – Catchment Health, Nature’s Wealth and amateur photographers were encouraged to submit a photo capturing what the theme meant to them. Council received an outstanding response, with many high quality entries offering interesting perspectives and interpretations of the theme.

The winners were presented with their prizes at an awards ceremony in November. Akos Lumnitzer from Cambridge Gardens won the Open category with his photo entitled Duck Flap.

The winner of the 12-18 year category was Werrington resident

Jade Gregory from Cambridge Park High School, who submitted an image called Catch the Rain.

Sienna McKee from Glenmore Park won the Under 12 category with her photo, Happy at Home – Little Duck.

Three Highly Commended awards were also presented to Vicki Burnett from Cambridge Gardens in the Open category, Tatum McKee from Glenmore Park in the 12-18 year category, and to Alyssa Dunworth from Glenmore Park in the Under 12 category.

National Water Week highlights the importance of taking care of our catchments. Did you know that stormwater drains are not connected to sewers - they flow directly to our creeks and rivers?

Caring for Penrith’s catchments and waterways is everyone’s responsibility. Keep a lookout for next year’s competition.

Jade Gregory, “Catch the rain”

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Akos Lumnitzer, “Duck Flap”

Alyssa Dunworth, “Glenmore Falls”

Vicky Burnett, “Reeds at Dusk”

Penrith City Community News

December 2011

Children have a field day caring for our environment About 180 Western Sydney mostly primary school age students learnt about taking care of the environment while having fun at the popular Regional Catchment Field Day in October. Penrith City Council co-hosted the event with Blacktown City Council, with funding support from the Water in the Landscape Program run by the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) and funded by the NSW Environmental Trust. The event aligned with the theme for this year’s National Water Week and promoted the importance of biodiversity for a healthy environment.

Students enjoyed interactive activities including a life sized environmental board game, Eco Pursuit; a biodiversity and wildlife walk; a conservation experience with a mobile nursery; and macro invertebrate sampling to see which water bugs live in our waterways.

Exciting opportunity for students to visit Japan!

Are you aged between 15 and 19, a student living and/or studying in the Penrith local government area and keen to spend time in Japan, living with a Japanese family, attending school and experiencing some amazing places?

If this sounds like you, the Penrith International Friendship Committee would love to hear from you!

The committee is once again looking for students to take part in its annual cultural exchange program with Fujieda, Penrith City’s sister city in Japan, in September/ October 2012.

The exchange is for about three weeks, but requires a 12 month commitment to benefit from the whole program and will cost you about $2,000.

For more information, contact Joanne Ryan at Penrith City Council on 4732 7736 or email jryan@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au. For an application form, visit the Penrith International Friendship Committee’s website, www.pifc.org.au.

Applications close at 4pm on Friday, 20 April 2012.

Emma Kenny reflects on her experiences in Japan

“The experience Penrith City Council gave me to visit Japan as an ambassador was one I will never forget. Every day I got the opportunity to experience new foods,

Penrith City Community News

new places and culture.

I’m glad I visited Japan as an ambassador and not just as a tourist. I got to see so much more than I ever would have as a tourist. I was able to see every level of schooling in Japan, make a traditional hollow Japanese daruma doll (a trip highlight) and experience a form of seated meditation called

December 2011

Zazen as well as visit temples, shrines and a whole lot more. People were kind even though there was a definite language barrier, but that was easily overcome. My host family were lovely people. The experience was definitely life changing and I’ll never forget the trip.”

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Old and young share their Llandilo stories

Council recently ran an exciting intergenerational oral history project giving Llandilo residents of all ages the opportunity to tell their stories. Life in Llandilo when I was Young has resulted in a fascinating book of stories from locals aged from 10 to over 80 which was launched in November by Penrith City Mayor Greg Davies.

“The project spanned the ages and

New Pathway for Nepean River Residents and visitors keen 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

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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.

Pedestrians and cyclists share the path which includes a handrail on the river side of the stage one works.

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 City Community News

highlights the interesting similarities and differences of people‘s experiences of being a young person in Llandilo in different decades.”

The project was part of Council’s Northern Rural Areas Community Development Project and was made possible through a NSW Government Positive Ageing Grant.

Are you a Rural Landholder or Local Food Producer? The Rural Landholder’s Forum is the place to share ideas about the best ways to manage rural land and promote locally produced food.

Get involved at: www.ourfuture. com.au/rurallandholders. For more information email ruralland@ penrithcity.nsw.gov.au or phone Council’s Environmental Health Department on 4732 8055.

October 2011

Taking the bite out of summer The long days of summer can mean more time spent in the great outdoors, but unfortunately mosquitoes are also expected to be out in force again this year. Mosquitoes and the diseases they can carry are a real threat to human health. When it comes to mosquitoes – prevention is always best. Mosquitoes are usually most active after sunset and again around dawn.

Going orange to support the SES Fiery fashion was all the rage on Wear Orange on 9 November when Council staff wore the colour to mark National SES week and highlight the lifesaving work the State Emergency Service (SES) does in our community.

Penrith City Mayor Greg Davies said many staff chose to don orange clothing or accessories for the day, celebrating the courageous volunteers who put themselves on the line in emergencies and promoting their vital role.

“Council was delighted to welcome six members of the SES to the civic centre, representing the 40,000 men and women across the state who perform rescues and help our communities during storms, floods and other emergencies,” he said.

To find out more about the valuable role of the SES visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au.

Simple steps to avoid being bitten include: • covering up when outside • using an effective repellent on all exposed skin • lighting mosquito coils or using vapourising mats indoors. (Devices that use light to attract and electrocute insects are not effective against mosquitoes).

• cover all windows, doors, chimneys, vents and other entrances with insect screens.

• if camping, use flyscreens on caravans and tents or sleep under mosquito nets.

For more information on protecting yourself and your family see http:// medent.usyd.edu.au/RepellentGuidelines.pdf or www.health.nsw.gov. au. For tips on how to avoid mosquitoes on your property visit www. penrithcity.nsw.gov.au and click on the ‘Health’ tab.

Source: NSW Health

Library hours over the festive season Penrith City Libraries will close from 12 noon of Friday, 23 December and all except Emu Plains will re-open on Wednesday 28 December. See the changed opening hours below: Wed 28, Thu 29 and Fri 30 December: Penrith Central Library and St Marys Library: 9am to 5pm ; St Clair Library: 10am to 5pm ; Emu Plains Library: closed Our libraries will then be closed on Saturday 31 December, Sunday 1 and Monday 2 January and re-open on Tuesday 3 January.

Penrith City Community News

December 2011

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City of Penrith

OFFICE LOCATION & SERVICES Penrith Civic Centre 601 High Street, Penrith Ph: 4732 7777 Fax: 4732 7958

Queen Street Centre St Marys 207-209 Queen Street, St Marys Ph: 4732 7777 Fax: 4732 7958

Email: penrith@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

Website: www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

Find out about free activities and get up-to-speed on what’s happening in your City! Sign up to Penrith City’s e-news − email enews@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au.

DON’T FORGET Members of the public are encouraged to attend Council meetings which are held at the Civic Centre. Ordinary meetings of Council are held on a Monday night on a 3 week cycle where practicable.

Policy Review Committee meetings are also held on a three week cycle where practicable. These meetings start at 7.30pm.

For a range of information on Council services visit our website: www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au.

INTERPRETING ASSISTANCE If you do not understand the information in this document, please come to the Council and ask staff to arrange interpreter services.