A Moment of Silence Says a Thousand Stories

“At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.” – Ode of Remembrance.

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, I had the honour of paying my respects and reflecting on the stories of the soldiers who have lost their lives in service at the City of Penrith RSL Sub-Branch Remembrance Day Service, at Memory Park.

In its 104th year Penrith RSL Sub-Branch’s memorial service is a tradition touching many generations of Penrith residents and its legacy will be felt long into the future.

It was a powerful sight to see hundreds of Penrith residents, united in spirit, gathered to pay their respects to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Remembrance Day is one of the most important days on Australia’s commemorative calendar. The day is not a celebration, but a commemoration and remembrance of all of those who fell fighting for the country and ones they love.

It’s a day when we, as a community, take a minute of silence to acknowledge and remember those who died or suffered while serving our beautiful country. The community’s presence here today, and at hundreds if not thousands of events across Australia, is a demonstration of the enduring spirit of remembrance that we hold dear. 

Thank you to the City of Penrith RSL Sub-Branch for hosting such a beautiful event, it was a respectful way to remember those who sacrificed their lives for our nation’s freedom. Lest we forget. I would also like to acknowledge the following people for their contribution to the service:

• 323SQN Australian Air Force Cadets
• City of Penrith RSL Sub-Branch Auxiliary
• Mr Gary Scott
• Mr David Sweet
• Mrs Julia Parashko
• Penrith RSL Pipes and Drums
• Reverend Rod Bailey
• WGCDR Terrence Danne

NSW SES Assets Put to the Test During Major Flood Rescue Exercise

Last weekend, emergency service personnel from across the country tested their flood rescue skills in a mass-casualty exercise as part of the National Flood Rescue Symposium. Penrith’s very own Whitewater Stadium played host last weekend to more than 200 personnel from 17 agencies who attended the Symposium.

From the devastation of the 2019/20 bushfires to the torrential rainfall which has since inundated Penrith on numerous occasions, our emergency services have been challenged to stay on top of our changing weather and protect our communities. 

Led by the NSW State Emergency Service (SES), the Symposium showcased innovative flood rescue assets currently being trailed.

From drones to amphibious vehicles, the assets are designed to improve response times to remote locations while enhancing the safety of personnel.

The SES also tested e-bikes and trail bikes for fast deployment to searches and access to remote areas, enhanced flood barriers as a potential replacement to single-use sandbags to block or divert flood waters, and unmanned surface vessels to reduce risks around flood rescues for both casualties and operators.

Held over three days, the Flood Symposium hosted representatives from NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, VRA Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW, and Marine Rescue NSW, as well as interstate and international attendees.

The mass-casualty exercise showcased not only the efforts of our emergency experts but how NSW continues to lead Australia with our innovative flood rescue assets, protecting our community and ensuring the safety of our rescuers.

It was a pleasure to host emergency experts from across Australia and New Zealand at Penrith Whitewater Stadium and see first-hand the collaboration between our emergency service personnel as they showcased their skills.

Donate To the Penrith Hospital Auxiliary TODAY!

I encourage Penrith residents to keep donating items like soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes for the Penrith Hospital Auxiliary’s hygiene packets. These items may seem small but are invaluable to patients in need. Donations can be dropped off at my office, and every bit helps ensure the Auxiliary can continue delivering monthly hygiene packs to our Nepean Hospital.