As we continue our look back on 2023, here’s the stories that made headlines in May…
Penrith loses two long-established eateries, with The Blind Chef Café and Avli Restaurant both announcing their plans to close permanently.
The NRL issues an ongoing ban to a fan accused of racially vilifying South Sydney star Latrell Mitchell at a match in Penrith earlier in the year.
Labor pledges to return the Federal Budget to surplus, albeit temporarily, and addresses a range of cost-of-living issues as Treasurer Jim Chalmers declares a mixed economic road lays ahead.
The old Commonwealth Bank branch on High Street in Penrith is transformed into a stunning new bookshop, with Harry Hartog opening its doors.
Braddock Public School at Cranebrook announces a range of COVID-19 measures due to a surge in cases at the school.
A Berkshire Park man who threatened to decapitate his mother is given a community correction order.
A serial rapist is jailed for a maximum of 19 years and four months for sexually abusing three separate victims, but he could be released on parole in just 14-and-a-half years.
Parking concerns are raised as an issue surrounding a major expansion of the Westfield Penrith shopping complex that would change the skyline of the Penrith CBD forever. Scentre Group, Westfield’s parent company, proposes a 22-storey hotel, major commercial tower and new retail as part of the biggest ever upgrade to Penrith’s main shopping centre.
Penrith Council dramatically and surprisingly pulls the pin on its prized Soper Place development.
Police investigate the death of a seven-week-old baby at St Marys.
Sydney FC down the Western Sydney Wanderers 2-1 in the A-League Men’s Elimination Final.
Local driver Wally Kermond is admitted into the Australian Speedway Hall of Fame.
Brisbane Olympic officials visit Penrith Whitewater Stadium on a “recon mission” as they prepare for the 2032 Games.
The Panthers go through May undefeated, with wins over the Warriors, Roosters and Broncos.
2003 Premiership-winning coach John Lang returns to Penrith as part of a 20-year Grand Final reunion.
Penrith’s spirit shines with $60,000 raised for The Haven at the Mayoral Charity Ball, the return of the event for the first time in more than a decade.
A $500,000 reward is announced for information regarding the murder of Paul Strangio in Glenmore Park in February 2010.
