There is a range of events happening around the area on Thursday, January 26 so locals can choose how they celebrate Australia Day.
After cancelling the events last year, citing a rise in COVID-19 cases, Penrith City Council is going ahead with its free pool party at Ripples Leisure Centres at Penrith and St Marys this year.
Taking place from 8am to 6pm, residents can take advantage of the splash parks and outdoor pools, whilst enjoying pool toys, water activities and aqua classes.
There will be pop-up yoga, a DJ spinning summer beats, roving hula hoop performers, free breakfast and sweet treats, plus entertainment from The Crazy Scientist, who experiments with giant bubbles.
Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen is encouraging the community to attend the event and make the most of the free activities on offer.
“I hope everyone can join us on Australia Day as we celebrate with family and friends at the wonderful Ripples Leisure Centre facilities at Penrith and St Marys,” Hitchen said.
“Council values running free, inclusive and fun activities that the whole local community can enjoy.”
The first 200 people will also be able to take part in Council’s free bush tucker plant giveaway.
Grown by Muru Mittigar of Dharug Country, the bush tucker plant is something participants can take home to remember the history and culture of the local Indigenous community.
Meanwhile, the Nepean District Historical Society will be holding a History Festival at the Arms of Australia Inn Museum at Emu Plains.
With free admission, people can look at special displays at the Inn from 10am to 3pm that tell the history of the building and the Penrith area.
There will be activities including an old-fashioned school room where you can write on slates and there will be a tearoom, sausage sizzle and soft drinks for sales.
Panthers Leagues Club will be bringing its Australia Day Carnival back for another year from 2pm on Thursday.
The club will have free entry into the Backyard and wristbands for unlimited carnival rides can be purchased on the day.
The whole family can have fun listening to the live music, and prizes can be won in the food eating and thong throwing competitions.
A fireworks display is set to light up the night at 9pm and a speciality themed cocktail menu will be running from Thursday all the way through to Sunday.
Take on ‘The Red Belly’ or ‘Blue Healer’ or see if the ‘Crikey’, ‘Australian Sunrise’ or ‘The Bondi’ is to your liking.
Meanwhile, motorists are being reminded that double demerits will be in force across New South Wales from Wednesday, January 25 until Sunday, January 29 inclusive. School zones will be in force on Friday, January 27.
Emily Feszczuk
A graduate of Western Sydney University, Emily covers Local, State and Federal politics for the Weekender, as well as crime and general news.