Two current Councillors and a newcomer will lead the Independent tickets in the approaching Local Government Election.
Across the three wards of Penrith only two will have Independent Candidates.
There will be no Independent ticket in the East Ward.
Leading the South Ward ticket is current Councillor Sue Day with Faithe Skinner being her second.
The ticket will be rounded out by Rebecca Carroll, Jo-Anne Top and Neal Bates.
Day said if re-elected she will continue to work hard to ensure Penrith remains a liveable city.
“I’m going to continue to advocate for liveability and make sure we keep working towards getting better infrastructure to match the development,” Day said.
“We need to make sure that happens.
“It’s great to have all these big projects but we need to look at the local areas and the local suburbs and make sure that they’ve got what they need to make it the best place to live, work, and play.
“I’m going to continue the work I started three years ago… I think the key message for me is that change takes time, and you’ve got to keep pushing forward and advocating and making sure that your priorities don’t get pushed down the list.
“For me it’s about continuing the advocacy, pushing my agenda and it’s all about making sure we do get a level two public transport system because we need it.”
In the North Ward Liberal turned Independent candidate Glenn Gardiner will be leading a ticket with veteran Councillor and former Mayor Kevin Crameri working as his second. The ticket will be rounded out by Damian Griggs, Varun Thakkar and Barbara Murphy.
Gardiner said his ticket will focus on advocating for their community’s best interests.
“My independent team is focused on advocating for your best interests and ensuring your voice is heard. Our commitment to enhancing Penrith for all is what motivates and drives our actions,” Gardiner said.
We will continue to address and advocate for: road maintenance, road safety improvements, storm water improvements, sensible development, and public area maintenance.
“My Independent team are committed members of the local community and have long histories of volunteer community involvement in a variety of areas.
“We are the only team who live and raise families alongside you in North Ward. When you vote for us, you vote for advocates who share your community.”
Council newcomer Amanda Cardwell will also lead an Independent North Ward ticket in the upcoming election and has Geetha Rajagopalan as her second. The ticket will also have Josie Monteleone, Elizabeth Curtis and Ross Cardwell.
Cardwell said she will work as a strong advocate for the immediate needs of the community.
“My approach would ensure that our decisions are both practical and forward-thinking, addressing current concerns while planning for sustainable growth and development. I am particularly committed to advocating for weekly rubbish collection, enhancing road and footpath conditions, and implementing greater safety measures for our community,” she said.
“With a strong commitment to integrity, I am dedicated to enhancing our city’s amenities, improving community services, and delivering crucial infrastructure improvements in the North Ward, particularly in drainage repairs.”
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.