Penrith Teams Shoot for Goal-d 

Penrith’s athletes are sweeping the court across under the guidance of the Penrith District Netball Association.

Last Saturday, I had the privilege of watching Penrith’s finest netball players compete in the Grand Finals and present titles to our winning teams.

Penrith is notorious for developing exceptional athletes, with many of our junior netball stars progressing to play at state and international representative levels.

This year’s grand final saw 100 teams compete across 50 divisions, from the under 9s to the A Grade teams.

A huge congratulations to the Penrith District Netball Association and all the grand final teams for the tremendous work put in by all the coaches, parents, and athletes over the season.

I want to congratulate the following teams on being victorious in their respective divisions: Bubblegums PRSL, Honeysuckles GPK, Snags SML, Jumbucks WARR, Peppers EMU, Billabongs PRSL, Zappos PRSL, Jungle Cats JS, Starfish SML, Unicorns STN, Desert Flames CC, Coosas CPNC, Parakeets STN, Jaggers JS, Ratbags RIV, Kookaburras EPK, Jingles JS, Jaffas PRSL, Pixies STN, Peacocks EPK, Wedgetails WIN, Dambusters WARR, Tic Tacs PRSL, Sandpipers EMU, Ripples RIV, Light Stars EMM, Corals CPNC, Frangipanis GPK, KAOS WARR, Sweet AZ SML, Mockingbirds EPK, Currawongs EPK, Legacy SML, Troopers WARR, Champions CPNC, Wild Kats PSTH, Ultras WARR, Redbacks EMU, Sharnells WARR, Dandelions GPK, Clovers CPNC, Cornettos PRSL, Chevies CPNC, Nickstars STN, Bella Donnas CC, Funstars EMM, Walruses WARR, Vulcans STN, Supa Nova SML.

Penrith Hospital Auxiliary's Call for Hygiene Pack Donations

Although most of the Auxiliary members are over 70, the Penrith Hospital Auxiliary women's latest hygiene pack initiative solidifies why they are a truly inspiring group. These women's volunteer efforts have directly improved the lives of patients, staff, and families who rely on the Hospital's care.

For 92 years, the Penrith Hospital Auxiliary has been a pillar of our community, working tirelessly to raise funds and provide essential hospital equipment. From helping returned soldiers during World War II to fundraising for some of today's most needed medical equipment, the Penrith Hospital Auxiliary has forged many friendships and done so much for our community, earning our trust and reliability.

Just this year alone, through their monthly craft stall and various other fundraising initiatives, they've raised an outstanding $30,000 to support the Hospital. Their past donations have included vital equipment like mobile defibrillators for the emergency department and therapeutic bracelets for the mental health unit and dementia ward, a testament to our community's pride and belonging.

Last week, the Auxiliary women donated their first 30 hygiene packs to the Hospital. Hospital Auxiliary President Trish Faint and the team's achievement was made possible not only through the tireless work of the Auxiliary members but also with assistance from the Parramatta Lions Club, who generously donated items no longer required by local women's shelters.

The Lions Club has committed to continuing its support, but Trish and the Auxiliary are also calling on the Penrith community to step up and contribute. Every small donation—from soap to toothbrushes—helps ensure that the monthly delivery can continue and that patients in the mental health unit can experience the basic comfort and care they deserve. But they can't do it alone.

I encourage everyone here today to consider contributing to their efforts, whether through donating hygiene items, financial support, or simply spreading the word about their important work. Items like soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes may seem small, but they are invaluable in the hands of a patient in need. Donations can be dropped off at my office, and every bit helps ensure the Auxiliary can continue delivering those monthly hygiene packs and supporting the Hospital in every way they can.

Signing Out the 5-Kilometre Rule

Residents of the Penrith electorate will no longer need to become members of their local Club to enter the venue. The Minns Government is tearing up the antiquated rule that prevents people living within five kilometres of a Club from signing in without first becoming a member. 

Removing the red tape is part of the Minns Government’s ongoing crusade against pointless red tape strangling our nightlife. 

Over the years, the 5km rule has caused countless head-scratching moments and unexpected paperwork for people just wanting to enter their local Club or RSL for a meal or a show.

Removing the rule is expected to encourage more locals to enjoy their nearby Clubs before deciding whether or not to become members.

Consigning the 5km rule to history is part of the next tranche of commonsense Vibrancy Reforms to be introduced to Parliament next month.

The first round of Vibrancy Reforms included:

• Permanently relaxing the rules for outdoor dining, allowing venues to make the most of their outdoor space.
• Ending single noise complaints from shutting down pubs and other licensed venues.
• Making it easier to activate streets for festival and events (Open Streets program) and a regulatory model that allows streamlined approvals for repeat events (Permit, Plug, Play).
• Expanding Special Entertainment Precincts that empower local councils to change the rules around noise and opening hours in a designated area to support live entertainment and nightlife.
• Increasing incentives for live music and live performance, with two-hour extended trading resulting in an 80% reduction in liquor licence fees for licensed venues offering live music and performance.