2023 In Review – September: Panthers reach another Grand Final, Payne calls it quits

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As spring arrived, the big stories kept happening. This is September in Penrith…

Penrith qualifies for a fourth straight NRL Grand Final after a totally dominant Finals series, thrashing the Warriors and Storm.

The Penrith community embraces Grand Final week, with shops and homes decorated in Penrith colours and anticipation high for the season decider.

Poles getting behind the Panthers at Nepean Village. Photo: Melinda Jane.

The Panthers also celebrate winning the Minor Premiership after defeating the Cowboys in the final round of the regular season.

St Clair woman Jessica Camilleri – who decapitated her mother – has her jail time extended over two fresh incidents involving prison guards.

The first sod is turned at Penrith RSL, signalling the start of a $30 million upgrade to the club.

Tricia Hitchen, Neel Chand, Karen McKeown and Frank Portelli. Photo: Megan Dunn.

Real Festival is held in Penrith, with tens of thousands of people attending the event at Tench Reserve.

A former train driver from Luddenham is sentenced to at least 11 years behind bars over historic child sexual abuse.

Burger Head announces it will close its Penrith restaurant after seven years on Henry Street.

Marise Payne ends her stellar 26-year political career, announcing her retirement from the Senate.

Marise Payne.

Nepean Private Hospital’s $37.7 million redevelopment is officially opened, with a ceremony held to mark the occasion.

Betty’s Burgers confirms it will open a location in Penrith.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton visits the local area, declaring Labor is “choking our economy”.

A fire temporarily closes popular Penrith chicken restaurant El Jannah.

Councillors vote to implement a new pedestrian path along Nepean Avenue, despite pleas from local residents to go back to the drawing board.

Todd Carney is elected the new Mayor of Penrith, with Mark Davies to serve as his deputy.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney. Photo: Melinda Jane

The world’s greatest canoe slalom paddler, Jessica Fox, wins her 10th individual canoe slalom world title, claiming gold in the Women’s K1 at the Lee Valley Whitewater Centre in London.

GWS falls one game short of the AFL Grand Final.

EPL champions Manchester City link up with St Dominic’s College in Kingswood, forming a major partnership.

Brian To’o wins the Brad Fittler Medal.

Brian To’o with the Brad Fittler Medal. Photo: NRL Images.

Western Weekender Managing Editor Troy Dodds is named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards in Sydney.

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