A local couple who have spent years giving to the community and providing local employment had their efforts recognised by Penrith City Council this week.
Ian and Lea Hicks have spent the last 30 years servicing the Penrith community through their trade service company Hix Group and other advocacy roles, and have now decided to retire.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney spoke in Council on Monday night to recognise and celebrate the work Ian and Lea have put into the Penrith community over the years.
“Built from the ground up, Hix Group has become a leading service provider in western Sydney supporting local businesses, construction companies and government infrastructure. Their generosity and commitment have had a lasting impact not only through their business but also through their community involvement,” Carney said.
“Together, they’ve supported numerous community organisations, events and projects including the Mayoral Charity fundraiser and Australia Day celebrations.”
Ian currently serves on the board of the Penrith CBD Corporation, is a long standing member and Director of the Western Sydney Business Centre, is a former board member of the Penrith Panthers Football Club, and served for eight years as a Director for Panthers on the Prowl Community Development Foundation.
Lea spent 15 years teaching a range of subjects including business communications and employment at TAFE NSW and is currently the Chairperson for the Institute Advisory Council for TAFE NSW and was the Chairperson and board member of the Australian Women and Children’s Research Foundation for many years.
Deputy Mayor Ross Fowler also shared his thanks to Ian and Lea.
“If you were to look back over the history of Penrith over the last 30 or 40 years, Ian and Lea Hicks are basically synonymous with Penrith,” Fowler said.
“What is really amazing is that together as a couple they have given back to the city time and time again with their community efforts in relation to various boards and organisations.”
Veteran Councillor John Thain acknowledged the contribution their company made to the local community through job opportunities.
“They’ve worked as a team for many years and been incredibly successful,” Thain said.
“The really great thing about the Hix Group as well is the local employment it created and the apprenticeships they provided for people to get a start in life with a trade here in Penrith… its truly been a Penrith success, a local success.”
Councillor Reece Nuttall acknowledged the dedication Ian and Lea gave to their community over the past three decades.
“I think it is often said that the strength of the community lies not just in its infrastructure or its institution but by the spirit of its people. Ian and Lea Hicks embody that spirit,” Nuttall said.
“Tonight, we don’t just say thank you, we honour a legacy defined by hard work, humility and heart. Ian and Lea, your impact on Penrith is profound and your spirit will continue to inspire us all.”
Ian and Lea officially retired last December, with BGIS taking ownership of Hix Group, which remains Penrith based.
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.