PANPA 2014 NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR RUNNER-UP
weekender the western FRI 25 SEP 2015 • Issue 1222
Printed on 100% recycled paper p
She’s still got it!
PROUDLY INDEPENDENT
HEALTH & WELLBEING Our line-up of experts bring you the best health tips and advice p.53-59
Penrith, meet your new Mayor There’s just no stopping Denise Drysdale p.33
Karen McKeown becomes just the fifth female Mayor in Penrith’s history DALE DRINKWATER
P
End of an era at Lakes site p.07 WIN TICKETS! Lord of the Dance returns to Sydney and you could be going! p.39
@daledrinkwater
enrith Council has elected its first female Mayor in 10 years. Labor Councillor Karen McKeown defeated Liberalaligned Marcus Cornish 11 votes to four at Council’s Mayoral Election on Monday night. Cr McKeown was tipped to secure the job 12 months ago, when the Weekender revealed a secret deal to install Kevin Crameri as Mayor for 2015-16 was left in tatters. Cr McKeown replaces outgoing Mayor Ross Fowler, who nominated himself for Deputy Mayor, defeating fellow nominee Jackie Greenow nine votes to six. This is the first time Cr McKeown will wear the Mayoral robes since being elected to Council in 2004, and she said she is both ecstatic and humbled to take on the top job.
“I’m only the fifth woman to be elected Mayor of Penrith. As some of you may have guessed, gender equality is a passion of mine,” she said. Cr McKeown said she would build on the good work already underway at Council, and develop more programs to celebrate the Nepean River and better connect with the community. “Programs such as the Mayoral Challenge, the Penrith Blue Mountains Hawkesbury Alliance, the community panel and the Property Advisory Panel but to name a few,” she said. “The true power of Penrith lies in its people, its ideas, its innovation, its collaboration, and commitment.” Cr McKeown will lead Penrith until the next local government election, which is due to be held in September next year. She is the first female Mayor since Jackie Greenow in 2004-05. Story continues on » p. 3
Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown. Photo: Megan Dunn
ADVERTISEMENT
Need help planning your funeral? Funeral Directors • Cemeteries • Funeral Quotes & Finance • Legal
WW18061
FAS003 08/2015
WW17787
Call us on 1300 550 367 or visit fasolutions.com.au