Invest Penrith

Penrith City Council is pleased to announce the sale of 16ha of industrial land in Emu Plains to boost local jobs for our community.

Council has sold 158-164 Old Bathurst Road, Emu Plains to Akura and its capital partners (trading as Emu Plains Developments Pty Ltd), who will deliver Council’s vision to boost local employment with an industrial subdivision on the site.

Akura is an Australian owned and operated family business with extensive experience in industrial construction and property development.

Council purchased the site in 2021 for a future industrial precinct to diversify local job opportunities, attract investment to Penrith and locate businesses close to home. Our vision for the site has remained steady with the Sydney Western City Planning Panel approving the Development Application for an industrial subdivision.

The sale of 158-164 Old Bathurst Road, Emu Plains is a fantastic outcome which aligns with our strategic vision for the site. The development of the industrial subdivision will provide much-needed space for industrial businesses as well as generating local employment opportunities during and post construction.

This is a positive outcome for the community as the proceeds from the sale will be reinvested. This will allow Council to continue delivering high-quality services across the local government area as well as projects that will support current and future generations.

Akura are ideally placed to continue our vision for the site with those involved having a successful track record of building industrial properties across NSW and Victoria for over 45 years.

Settlement of the property is expected to be in late June, 2024.

For more information visit https://brnw.ch/21wJ6UX

Learn about your legal obligations on providing physical access and having the self-initiative to increase your business accessibility, at the Physical Accessibility Training Webinar on Wednesday 24 April from 7:45am – 8:30am.

Penrith City Council, in partnership with Zero Barriers is delivering this free webinar to local businesses, presented by experts from Access Link Consulting.
The webinar is suitable for businesses:
✔️Who own their own premises
✔️Who rent their premises
✔️In Heritage listed buildings

Register here now: https://brnw.ch/21wIXX0

iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Penrith has taken home Silver in the Tourist Attractions category at the 2023 NSW Tourism Awards, held last month in Sydney. The awards celebrate tourism experiences that inspire visitors to and recognise outstanding visitor economy businesses.

These businesses provide leadership in innovation, marketing and in the delivery of quality products and services. They also advance and promote the NSW and Australian tourism industry through consistent customer service and quality experiences

Penrith is home to a diverse mix of experiences and attractions, with a reputation as NSW's adventure capital. When the Western Sydney International airport opens in 2026, Penrith's visitor economy is well-placed to grow and welcome even more visitors to experience all that Penrith has to offer.

Image: DNSW

Penrith City Council is excited by the announcement from the NSW Government and the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation to open the Penrith Lakes this summer to recreation activities.

With summer almost in full swing, Council’s ongoing advocacy for the community has come to fruition on this important site just in time for the summer holidays.

Penrith Lakes spans 20km2, and offers a natural beach and waterway that is comparable in size to Bondi Beach. Unlocking parts of this prime, existing piece of land in our footprint is a cost-effective way to ensure that our community members have an active haven close to home to escape the heat.

Penrith City Council continues to champion a circular economy, utilising salvaged building materials in its City Park project.

The park’s new amenities building has been constructed with bricks made by a St Marys local in the mid-1800s. The bricks were previously used in the construction of Rodley House in Penrith, with these pieces of Penrith’s history now recycled and soon available to see by visitors to the new park.

City Park, in Penrith's CBD, is expected to be completed at the end of 2023. Once complete, it will be a vibrant, thriving, green space, providing an appealing destination for residents, workers, and visitors, stimulating the day and night-time economy.

This is just one of the many initiatives Council is taking to reduce waste and foster long-term environmental sustainability.
Find out more at the Penrith Circular Economy hub: https://brnw.ch/21wF5Py

Are you a hospitality venue looking to add live performance to your regular operations? Unsure where to start? 🎸🎤

Click the link to find out more about the $3 million Live Performance Venue Program, delivered by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner and Sound NSW. https://brnw.ch/21wEZAP

Eligible venues will have the chance to participate in the Live Performance Venue Accelerator - a six week series of workshops starting in February - and apply for up to $80,000 of grand funding to get their live performance programming off the ground.

📷: Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade

Penrith City Council are thrilled to have helped build the capacity of our local startups by funding the Startup Success program delivered by the SSE - Sydney School of Entrepreneurship.

Over a 6-week period in October and November participants engaged in a series of six workshops delivered by industry experts, and learnt the essential skills and mindset needed to overcome common barriers to business growth and success.

Council is currently developing an economic development strategy that provides a framework for attracting investment, supporting businesses and creating more local jobs in the Penrith area. Startup Success has given participants the skills and knowledge they need to run their own businesses and get their first customers, with the aim that they can take control of their careers and live closer to home, enjoying everything that our city has to offer.

Watch the program highlights here: https://brnw.ch/21wET6y

Are you looking to take your career or business to the next level and take on the jobs of the future?

The Western Parkland City is a fast-growing centre for jobs and innovation, and the NSW Government's New Education and Training Model (NETM) offers you and your employees the opportunity to learn the skills needed for jobs in rapidly-evolving industries like advanced manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, freight and logistics, aerospace and defence, and agribusiness.

The large range of NETM micro-credentials (short, targeted training courses of about 40 hours each) allow you to quickly build the knowledge, skills, and experience employers need, have been developed by the Western Parkland City Authority and are delivered by local industry partners and education providers such as Western Sydney University and TAFE NSW. There are still a number of courses available open for enrolment in 2023 - view the full course catalogue and enrol here: https://brnw.ch/21wEOID

Is your business interested in understanding opportunities to sell to the Australian Government?

Local business operators are invited to register for a free webinar delivered by the Australian Government Department of Finance in collaboration with Western Sydney Business Connection, next Thursday 30 November.

Selling to Government – An Introduction to Australian Government Procurement for Suppliers is an introductory session where you will learn:
✔️Why sell to the Australian Government
✔️What the Australian Government buys and how
✔️Procurement methods and industry engagement
✔️How to start the process to sell
✔️Responding to an Approach to Market
✔️What to expect if you win / don’t win a contract

📅Thursday 30th November 2023
🕚11.00am to 12.30pm
💻Register here: https://brnw.ch/21wEEqF

Penrith City Council is thrilled to share that our heritage restoration project, the Police Cottage, has been nominated as a finalist for the 2023 Community Achievement Awards, NSW/ACT!

Council’s revitalisation of the Police Cottage, supported by Crown Lands, has successfully revived the site from a dilapidated building into a thriving dining destination. By breathing new life into the building, our community now has an ideal setting to savour delicious meals, share memorable moments, and unwind amidst the breathtaking views of the river.

The innovative strategy for the site actively encourages multiple and diverse community uses including dining, recreation, employment opportunities and sets the benchmark for future heritage transformation projects in Penrith.

Stay tuned for the winner’s announcement at the Awards Gala Presentation Dinner hosted by Community Achievement Awards for NSW & The ACT in November!

Penrith City Council was proud to support Sydney Metro’s first face-to-face Aboriginal Business Forum for 2023, held at Penrith Panthers Stadium on Wednesday 18 October.

The event was a great success and provided an opportunity to facilitate engagement between delivery partners, operators, supply chain representatives, business intermediaries and local Aboriginal businesses through a unique business matching session. This session involved more than 100 Recognised Aboriginal Businesses having meaningful conversations, and pitching their businesses’ suitability to the procurement and supply chain opportunities directly with procurement experts.

The purpose of this in-person forum was to support Metro's commitment to increasing the number of Recognised Aboriginal Businesses in the wider supply chain for their projects, and broader workforce development and industry participation commitments that will continue to provide engagement opportunities and supply chain collaboration.

After a highly successful re-opening in 2022, The Log Cabin Hotel in Penrith has been named the best hotel in Sydney - taking out the Metropolitan Hotel of the Year award at the AHA NSW Awards for Excellence held at the end of last month.

The Laundy Hotels team accepted the top accolade before an audience of more than 1,200 industry peers and community leaders at the prestigious event that was held for the first time at the WINX Stand at Royal Randwick Racecourse, and celebrated hospitality excellence across a record 46 categories.

The Log Cabin is situated on the Nepean River, one of Penrith's most beautiful natural assets offering opportunities for recreation, entertainment and connection for residents and visitors.

Council have championed major improvements in the river precinct, which has seen approximately $149.5 million in government and private investment across key projects including Regatta Park, Tench Reserve, Police Cottage, The Log Cabin and Eastbank Dining Precinct.

There's still time to secure your free ticket to tomorrow's Small Business Workshop hosted by Ignite Small Business Start-ups!

📅 Tuesday 24th October
🕜 1:30pm - 3:00pm
📍 Penrith City Library, 601 High Street, Penrith NSW

This free business workshop for small business owners living with a disability is designed to help kickstart your journey and turn your passion into a thriving business.

IgniteAbility is a ground-breaking program that taps into an individual’s ambitions and motivations for a future of sustainable self-employment, and this transformative event promises to be a valuable experience for all attendees.

This workshop is suitable for people with a disability who have a business idea, have an existing small business, or do not have a business idea but are interested in learning more about the IgniteAbility Program.

This workshop is free, however bookings are essential.
Secure your free ticket via:
Eventbrite https://brnw.ch/21wDL5O
Humanitix: https://brnw.ch/21wDL5N

There has never been a better time to be in Penrith.

Council is excited to share the Draft Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategies and invites you to join the conversation. Help shape the future of Penrith.

Momentum is building with the new airport being constructed just down the road, and as the only city connected to it via the Western Sydney Airport Metro, the opportunities are limitless. These draft strategies build on Council's strong leadership in economic development and the visitor economy, setting out a plan encourage investment, attract more visitors, and create more local jobs.

Council’s vision is to build on Penrith’s strengths and nurture favourable conditions for local businesses to prosper. These strategies have been developed through a collaborative process with input from key stakeholders including local businesses, industry groups, government agencies, and community representatives.

To share your ideas, please provide your feedback between now and 8 November 2023, via the Your Say Penrith website: https://brnw.ch/21wDC7O

Penrith City Council are proud to announce our Police Cottage refurbishment, supported by Crown Lands, has been shortlisted for the Sustainability Awards 2023 in the Adaptive Reuse (Alteration/Addition) category!

The revitalisation of the Police Cottage into a café and restaurant has been recognised for using sustainable products and initiatives to extend the life of the heritage building. This included Council’s innovative idea to retain the original structure of the building by reusing over 80 per cent of the original materials!

Visitors can now step back in time to experience the historical architecture of 1908 while soaking up views of the Nepean River and enjoying a coffee or meal at the restaurant.

Stay tuned for the winner’s announcement at the Sustainability Awards Gala in November hosted by Architecture & Design and check out the shortlist for the awards in this link https://brnw.ch/21wD9a0

Council is excited to be partnering with SSE - Sydney School of Entrepreneurship to deliver a series of six free online and in-person workshops for new and early-stage startup founders in Penrith City, starting Wednesday 4 October.

Whether you’re at the start of your entrepreneurial journey and have an idea you want to explore, or you are already in business and looking to build your customer base or better understand how to leverage networking or access funding, you’ll find a workshop to suit.

The Startup Success program has been specially designed to give participants access to a range of educational and skills-based business resources and enable networking between and exposure to other startups.

Workshops include:
✔️Small Business Startup
✔️Test your Business Idea
✔️Structuring your Small Business Startup
✔️Building a Customer Base
✔️Finance, Funding and Risk
✔️Present Your Small Business Startup

Visit https://brnw.ch/21wCVJB for more information and to register today.

Small business owners living with a disability are invited to attend a free business workshop designed to help kickstart your journey and turn your passion into a thriving business.

Hosted by Ignite Small Business Start-ups this transformative event promises to be a valuable experience for all attendees.

IgniteAbility is a ground-breaking program that taps into an individual’s ambitions and motivations for a future of sustainable self-employment. The program was developed in 2016, tailored to address barriers and meet the specific needs of entrepreneurs with disability.

This workshop is suitable for people with a disability who have a business idea, have an existing small business, or do not have a business idea but are interested in learning more about the IgniteAbility Program.

📅 Tuesday 24th October
🕜 1:30pm - 3:00pm
📍 Penrith City Library, 601 High Street, Penrith NSW

This workshop is free, however bookings are essential. Secure your free ticket via:
Eventbrite https://brnw.ch/21wCMXr
Humanitix: https://brnw.ch/21wCMXs

Penrith City Council is supporting the 2023 Australian Liveability Census.

The 2023 Australian Liveability Census provides a unique opportunity for our community to have their say on the issues that matter most in our local neighbourhoods. Whether it's more shops, parking, access to green spaces, or improving public safety, your voice will help guide decision making and contribute to national research regarding liveability.

The 2023 Australian Liveability Census is open until 30 June 2023 and all participants will have the chance to win one of 50 x $100 vouchers!

In 2021 over 32,000 responses were collected from people just like you, all across the country. This year the target is 50,000! So please join in and share with your family, friends and colleagues. In just 15 minutes you can have a positive impact on National, State and local planning and investment strategies.

Please complete the survey here: https://placescore.org/lc23_do_nsw_penrith

It was a bright and productive morning last Friday for the Lights on Penrith – ‘Made Here’ event, which saw businesses and industry experts fill the Drink West Brewery at Manufactor – Penrith’s newest industrial hub.

Hosted by Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce, with Penrith City Council one of the major sponsors, the event was a chance to discuss challenges and identify opportunities to ensure the long-term growth and success of Penrith’s manufacturing industry.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen detailed the City’s long history in manufacturing that dates back to early European settlement, when it was initially agriculture-based until new road and railway connections to and from Penrith and St Marys enabled new industries, including quarrying, tanneries, dairies and vineyards.

She said Penrith remains a focal point for manufacturing and presents fantastic opportunities. Manufactor is a prime example, with the former Crane Enfield Metal Site having undergone a 100-million-dollar redevelopment to house local manufacturers and entrepreneurs.

“Today, Penrith remains a focal point for manufacturing. With over 820 manufacturing businesses employing over 6,750 local people - it's the fifth largest employment sector in our City,” Cr Hitchen said.

“This includes industries that enable manufacturing, such as freight, logistics and warehousing. It’s also our most productive industry, generating almost $7 billion dollars for the Penrith economy.”

The common themes for all speakers and panellists were:
• How Penrith is set to directly benefit from the Western Sydney Airport and the Sydney Metro - Western Sydney Airport rail line.
• The importance of creating local jobs for current and future generations.
• Ways businesses can access resources and support to grow their work.

Thank you to the Chamber for this fantastic event, and to speakers Tom Nance, Adam Buckley, Warwick Scherf, Justin Harness, Ben Kitcher, Dr Anders Hallgren, Tony Shepherd and John Joannou for sharing their insights.

Local job seekers are invited to attend the 2023 Greater Western Sydney Careers Market on Friday the 26th of May at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre.

This event provides an opportunity to meet and speak with local hiring employers, along with training organisations of Greater Western Sydney including Universities, Registered Training Organisations, Apprenticeship Centre’s, Group Training Organisations, Private Colleges, and Professional Associations.

This free event is hosted and run by Brett Carter Events, in collaboration with and in support of Workforce Australia Sydney Greater West Local Jobs and Youth Employment Services.
Reserve your spot here: https://fal.cn/3ylf9

Penrith City Council are sponsoring the upcoming Light's On Penrith "MADE HERE" Industry Forum, hosted by Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce.

This exciting event presents an opportunity for industry and stakeholders to collaborate and share learnings and resources, for increased resilience and local prosperity in manufacturing.



The panel of expert speakers and presenters will highlight key challenges and discuss solutions affecting those who “make it here” in the Penrith Valley region.

Secure your ticket here now: https://mailchi.mp/e093f43c7318/are-you-a-penrith-manufacturer?e=%5bUNIQID%5d

Council is making progress on one of its biggest congestion-busting projects, with planning for the $128 million Dunheved Road Upgrade nearing completion. Thank you to everyone who contributed feedback to the concept design and the Review of Environmental Factors.

Your feedback has helped shape the final design for this critical project which will alleviate traffic and improve safety for road users. Based on feedback, one of the most significant changes we’ve incorporated is a dedicated right-turn lane into Trinity Drive for westbound motorists. ✅

Learn more about the upgrade and view the updated 3D video showcasing all the improvements planned between Richmond Road and the Christie Street/Werrington Road intersection at www.penrith.city/dunhevedroad.

Construction is expected to start later this year, and the project is expected to be complete by the end of 2026. This upgrade is funded by the Australian Government’s Infrastructure Investment Program.

There's still time to register for Australian Industry Group's Introduction to Defence Industry Procurement workshop, being held this Monday 1st May at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre in Penrith.

This free workshop is provided thanks to the support of Penrith City Council, Investment NSW (Defence NSW) and Western Parkland City Authority, and will help businesses demystify the complexities around Defence and Defence opportunities.

Morning tea, light lunch and all learning materials will be provided, and seats are strictly limited.
Find out more and register here: https://fal.cn/3xL73

Empowering & Enabling the Women of Western Sydney are hosting an Airports and Aviation Job Skills Workshop for the women of Western Sydney in Penrith on Thursday 23 March.

Each workshop is designed to share career pathways, training options and skill requirements, and job application tips for women to apply for aviation jobs. It's a great insight into the amazing career opportunities that exist at airports, including careers that do not require any formal qualifications to enter.

Register now to secure your place at this free event: https://fal.cn/3wE3I

Job Skills Workshop-Penrith Join us at our workshop to explore the huge variety of Airports and Aviation job career pathways available to the Women of Western Sydney

Aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to attend Penrith City Council’s next Start Me Up Penrith Event, ‘Tips and Tricks from Successful Start-Ups’, at WOTSO Penrith on Thursday 23 March 2023.

Marley Palin, Senior Manager Innovation & Ventures, Monitor Deloitte will be facilitating a discussion with our panel of experts, including Jamie Pride, Chief Entrepreneur, Western Sydney University, who will be sharing inside information about building a successful start-up.

The panel will be followed by ‘speed networking’ and informal drinks where attendees can connect, ask questions, and share their own start-up journeys.

This is a free event hosted by Penrith City Council.
Book your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/tips-and-tricks-from-successful-start-ups-tickets-549817046587

As part of CSIRO Education Generation STEM, Penrith City Council is inviting local businesses to attend the STEM Community Partnerships Program Industry Engagement Workshop on Thursday 23rd February, in the Malcolm Borland Foyer, at The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre in Penrith.


Attendees will learn about Generation STEM, discuss ideas on local challenges, and find out how they can get involved in the program including mentoring teachers, hosting site visits, or providing work experience opportunities.

The Generation STEM initiative aims to attract, support, retain and train NSW school students in STEM, into further education and employment.

To confirm your attendance, please register by Friday 17 February 2023. https://fal.cn/3vU4y

More than 100 local businesses attended the launch of Australian Industry Group's Western Sydney Defence Suppliers Network this morning.

The event gave businesses the opportunity to learn more about supplying to and to take part in a Q&A.

The event was supported by Penrith City Council, Defence NSW and Western Parkland City Authority.

Pictured L-R: Raquel Bloom - Penrith City Council, Ian Hudson - Executive Director, Industry Capability Network, James Scotland - General Manager, Supply Chains, Ai Group, Tony Green - Defence Industry Business Advisor, Office of Defence Industry Support, Sanket Purohit - Director of Investment Attraction, WSPA, Mike Gallagher - Executive Director, Defence NSW, Mai Le - A/Associate Director, Investment Partnerships, Investment NSW Defence.

Wondering what a career in Aviation looks like? ✈️
Empowering & Enabling the Women of Western Sydney are hosting a FREE Aviation Careers Forum for women of all ages at Penrith Panthers on March 8, 2023.

Register now for your chance to meet and engage with leading female Aviation role models and learn more about the careers available in Aviation, Airports, and Airlines, including many which can provide on the job training with no prior qualifications necessary.

Have you seen the latest Invest Penrith eNewsletter?
Check it out to see highlights from the recent business events hosted by Council, and learn more about the city shaping projects currently underway in the Penrith region. https://fal.cn/3uX4j

Local businesses and workers can now take advantage of free and easy-to-do programs that can help you support mental health in your workplace.

SafeWork NSW have recently launched a range of free training and coaching programs delivered by Black Dog Institute for employers, managers, and employees, to help you improve mental health in the workplace, and understand the legal, financial, ethical and reputational benefits of a psychologically safe business.

You can find out more and sign up for these free training and coaching programs here: https://fal.cn/3uSmn