2023 In Review – July: Jim Aitken resigns, local accountant arrested

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Here’s the stories we were talking about in July…

A missing macaw captures the attention of thousands of local residents, as the search for Rocket spreads across the community.

The iconic Kingswood Hotel is locked in for a drastic overhaul after Penrith City Council approves a Development Application worth almost $70 million.

Premier Chris Minns holds his first Community Cabinet in Penrith, giving the local community an opportunity to hear directly from the State Government on its plans for the future.

The Government’s Community Cabinet in Penrith on Monday. Photo: Megan Dunn.

A man his killed in a crash on Desborough Road at Colyton.

The Weekender reveals that the knock-down of Panthers Stadium is officially off the table, with the $300 million to fund a major refurbishment instead.

Local accountant Ben Carter, accused of defrauding clients to fund his lavish lifestyle and gambling habit, is arrested and charged.

Ben Carter was taken to St Marys Police Station after his arrest. Photo: NSW Police Force.

The official Yes and No statements are released ahead of The Voice referendum.

Penrith City Council abandons plans for a $200,000 overseas study trip to Amsterdam, the United Kingdom and Paris that would have played a part in planning for the impact of Western Sydney International Airport.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visits Jordan Springs to open new affordable housing built by BlueCHP.

Anthony Albanese in Jordan Springs. Photo: Megan Dunn.

Penrith City Council confirms it will sell the ‘Rocla’ site on Old Bathurst Road it purchased just two years ago.

A man who pleaded guilty to a series of serious and unusual charges is ordered to spend at least two years and four months behind bars. A court heard that George Danakis broke into St Marys Senior High School on three separate nights, over a two-week period, and was caught having intercourse with sheep, cows and goats on their CCTV footage.

Veteran Penrith Councillor Jim Aitken announces his resignation, ending decades of service to local government. He attends one final Council meeting, with fellow Councillors producing a range of tributes.

Councillor Jim Aitken. Photo: Melinda Jane

Panthers legend Royce Simmons is named Penrith’s Citizen of the Year.

Excitement builds in the area as the World Cup kicks off, with the Matildas front and centre.

Penrith produce a dominant month of football, easily accounting for the Dolphins, Bulldogs and Sharks.


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