South Ward is currently represented by five Councillors.
It takes in major population hubs like Glenmore Park and South Penrith, as well as more regional areas of the Penrith Local Government Area like Badgerys Creek and Wallacia.
Of the existing South Ward Councillors, only Sue Day is up for election, meaning there will be significant change in the ward after the September 14 poll.
The Liberal Party nomination debacle means that veteran Councillor and current Deputy Mayor Mark Davies is not running at the election.
Labor’s Karen McKeown is also not running, after becoming the State Member for Penrith at the last State Election.
The new-look Labor ticket is headed up by Hollie McLean.
Sue Day, who was successful at gaining a spot on Council at the last election, will lead a five-person ticket at this year’s election as she looks to expand her influence on Council.
The Libertarian Party, formerly the Liberal Democrats, is also running a ticket in South Ward, headed up by Vanessa Pollak.
There are only three groups contesting South Ward, with the result to be particularly intriguing.
Suburbs in South Ward
Badgerys Creek, parts of Emu Plains, Glenmore Park, Jamisontown, parts of Kingswood, Leonay, Luddenham, Mulgoa, Orchard Hills, parts of Penrith, Regentville, South Penrith and Wallacia.
Where to vote in South Ward on September 14
Emu Plains Community Centre, Fernhill Public School, Glenmore Park Public School, Glenmore Park Youth & Community Centre, Jamison High, Jamisontown Public School, Jamisontown Uniting Church, Kingswood Anglican Church, Kingswood South Public School, Leonay Public School, Luddenham Progress Hall, Mt Hope Uniting Church Hall Orchard Hills, Mulgoa Hall, Nepean High School, Penrith PCYC, Penrith South Public School, Regentville Public School, St Dominic’s College, St Marys Memorial Hall, Surveyors Creek Public School, Wallacia Public School.
More information and details about voting can be found here.
Candidates in their own words
Sue Day – Independent
My passion for Penrith is what has driven me to want to serve the residents’ interests wholeheartedly.
I have always wanted to make sure their voices are heard in every decision that affects our growing city.
I’m dedicated to improving Penrith in multiple areas. I am proactive and focused on making Penrith the best place to live, work and play.
I think it’s crucial that we also retain Penrith’s unique character, promote sustainability, ensure inclusivity, and hold the Council accountable for its actions.
As a Councillor, I will continue to advocate for sustainable urban planning that integrates land use with transport options, reducing reliance on cars and promoting active transport.
This approach addresses traffic congestion and enhances liveability by creating more connected and cohesive communities. Additionally, I’ll continue pushing for infrastructure development that matches our growth, ensuring our roads can handle the increased population.
I’m also committed to creating more vibrant, liveable spaces within the ward which includes more cycleways, paths and green spaces, solar lighting around our parks for safe night time walking and I totally support verge gardening activities.
I have been a strong advocate for upgrading our aging community neighbourhood centres and bus stop infrastructure.
I don’t have a hidden agenda and no aspirations for higher politics, my sole focus is on serving the local residents of South ward and the LGA of Penrith.
I believe good leadership listens and acts in the community’s best interest. I promise to keep our council focused on what truly matters to the residents
I want Penrith to be a place where everyone feels welcome, healthy, and connected.
I truly believe having a diverse range of voices on Council is crucial in shaping Penrith’s future and I believe better connectivity means a stronger Penrith.
Also on Sue Day’s ticket: Faithe Skinner, Rebecca Carroll, Jo-Anne Topp, Neal Bates.
Vanessa Pollak – Libertarian Party
As a dedicated community member, accountant, and mother, I understand the importance of spending our hard-earned money wisely. It’s disheartening to see ratepayer money directed toward initiatives that don’t benefit Penrith City residents.
Our council must prioritise the basics: maintaining roads, keeping parks clean, and ensuring timely rubbish collection. These essential services are what we rely on and deserve. I believe we need better!
Councils are getting sidetracked with virtue signalling – such as DEI quotas, pride events, climate alarmism, and incessant ‘welcome to country’ ceremonies. These programs come at a cost to ratepayers. Our local government should stay out of divisive identity politics and focus on delivering essential services.
Penrith City has already commenced “Smart City” initiatives. These programs involve extensive data collection and surveillance. Although seemingly harmless, they pose real concerns for privacy and autonomy. I am fundamentally opposed to Smart Cities and will fiercely protect residents from technological advancements that threaten individual freedoms.
Residents should have the freedom to use their private property as they wish. If you want to build a shed or remove a tree, you should be able to do so without council interference. I will cut bureaucratic red tape and ease the financial burden of private property owners, allowing them to manage their property freely, providing it doesn’t impact the property rights of others.
We need a council that embodies common sense and accountability. Decisions should be based on practicality rather than ideology. Residents deserve transparency about how money is spent and accountability for the decisions made. Restoring these principles will ensure our community’s needs are met efficiently and fairly.
I am committed to advocating for a council that serves Penrith City residents by prioritising genuine needs of the community. On Saturday 14 September, vote to restore accountability, and common sense to our council.
Also on Vanessa Pollak’s ticket: Rozanne Vines, Vanessa Pericich, Lain Vincent, Jason Fraser.
Hollie McLean – Labor
I am a dedicated and passionate candidate for the Penrith South Ward, representing the Australian Labor Party. I am deeply committed to the values of equity, justice, and opportunity.
My journey has been shaped by a lifelong commitment to social justice. From my early involvement in advocating for disability rights, First Nations justice, and women’s causes, to my work championing workers’ rights, I have been at the forefront of important social issues. My career as a safety professional in construction and heavy manufacturing further solidified my belief in the importance of fairness, safety, and advocacy in the workplace.
As a full-time working mother and a neurodivergent individual, I bring a unique and relatable perspective to my candidacy. Living in Glenmore Park and actively participating in the school Parents & Citizens Committee, as well as serving as Vice President of the Australian Neurodivergent Parents Association, I am intimately aware of the challenges and joys that families in our community face.
My deep connection to Penrith, where my family has lived for generations, drives my commitment to the area’s future. I recognize the significant changes that will impact South Ward, particularly with the opening of the new airport in 2026. As a South Ward representative, I aim to ensure that these developments are handled with care, prioritizing infrastructure, community services, and sustainable growth.
I am particularly focused on enhancing disability, women’s, children’s, and First Nations services in Penrith. I am dedicated to making Penrith City a place where everyone feels supported and included, ensuring that our community thrives for generations to come.
With my extensive advocacy experience and unwavering commitment to social justice, I am eager to serve the residents of Penrith South Ward and contribute to building a community that is inclusive, equitable, and forward-looking. I ask for your support on September 14th to elect Labor representatives to Council. I commit to bringing your voice to Council and always working for the West.
Also on Hollie McLean’s ticket: Kirstie Boerst, Lorraine Fordham, Mohinder Singh, Mitchell Hearne.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
Emily Chate
Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.