2023 In Review – February: Labor lays claim in Penrith, Panthers fall to St Helens

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We look back on the stories that were dominating the headlines in February 2023…

The ribbon is cut on a new private hospital in Penrith. The 90-bed Matilda Nepean Private Hospital located off Somerset and Orth Street, Kingswood was formally opened by State Penrith MP Stuart Ayres and Federal Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh.

Stuart Ayres, Melissa McIntosh, Harry Pannu and Chris Smith at the hospital opening. Photo: Melinda Jane.

The Reserve Bank delivers another crushing blow to mortgage holders, increasing official interest rates by 0.25 per cent at its February meeting.

Labor holds a major election rally in Penrith, declaring it is ready to lead after 12 months in the wilderness. 

Chris Minns in Penrith earlier this year.

A man accused of sending 45 hostile voicemails to a potential employer is found guilty at Penrith Local Court.

A major truck fire closes busy Castlereagh Road during the afternoon peak on February 21.

Premier Dominic Perrottet spends plenty of time in Penrith as the State Election campaign heats up, turning the sod on construction of Stage 2 of Nepean Hospital’s upgrade, and making an education announcement at Jamison High School.

Premier Dominic Perrottet with Education Minister Sarah Mitchell and Penrith MP Stuart Ayres with Jamison High students. Photo: Melinda Jane.

A St Marys man growing cannabis in his backyard is sentenced to six months in jail.

Powerhouse forward Spencer Leniu confirms he’ll leave Penrith at the end of the 2023 NRL season.

The Panthers fall 13-12 to St Helens in atrocious conditions at BlueBet Stadium as the World Club Challenge is played in Penrith for the first time. The game goes into Extra Time, with the Saints getting the job done in the end.

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary joins his players on the field after the World Club Challenge. Photo: NRL Images.

Liam Martin signs a contract extension with the Panthers, locking him in for the 2024 NRL season and ending speculation over his future.

Labor announces a plan to deliver rapid bus services from Penrith to Western Sydney Airport if it wins government in March.


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