Service recognised
Federal Member for Macquarie Louise Markus has hosted a morning tea to honour Brett Sowerby (pictured), who has worked with the Nepean/Blue Mountains Prostate Cancer Support Group since 2001. Mr Sowerby was presented with a National Volunteer Award.
Move brings jobs
Global IT company Digital Realty opened it first Australian outlet in Erskine Park on Thursday.
"This brings 250 jobs to western Sydney," Digital Realty's Asia Pacific regional head Kris Kumar said.
"We have 20 staff working full-time and our customers will be bringing the extra jobs."
The new facility, Digital Erskine Park occupies 8020 square metres in Templar Road.
Mr Kumar said the company chose Erskine Park because its business park and transport links provided good access to customers. He also said the national broadband network's rollout in Penrith provided better IT connections.
Premier Barry O'Farrell said the move was "a clear vote of confidence in the economy of western Sydney".
"An estimated 250 jobs created by this investment is great news for people in Sydney's west who want to work closer to where they live," Mr O'Farrell said.
Learn to garden
Help your native bushland by going to Jamison Creek for Penrith Council's Bushcare basics course on caring for natives and making your garden grow.
Learn how to identify and control garden weeds and nurture wanted plants.
All you need are sturdy shoes, long pants, gloves, a hat and water bottle.
The council will provide tools, training and morning tea.
The free training will be held at Jamison Creek, Leonay, 9am-noon, Saturday, February 2.
- RSVP: Janet, 4732 8088 or jrannard@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au.
Knott Club
Do you need a night out? Would you like to go see a movie without the kids?
How about a doctor's appointment without children in tow? Maybe you have recently moved into the area and would like to meet new families?
The Knott Club in Penrith catering for families with children of all ages.
There is no money involved as it operates a debit/credit hours system.
- Details: 0419 219 572.
Smoking ban
Smokers have had to butt out as state laws come into effect banning smoking in public areas. Lighting up is illegal at public transport stops and stations, swimming pools, children's playgrounds and sporting fields.
The penalty for breaching the new law is a $550 fine.
Outdoor dining in restaurants, licensed premises and cafes will be exempt from the smoking ban until 2015.
Business awards
The community is encouraged to recognise outstanding businesses by nominating them for the 2013 Telstra Australian Business Awards.
Penrith MP Stuart Ayres said the program, celebrating the successes and entrepreneurial spirit of Australian businesses, was now open for the 21st year.
There are five categories.
Start-Up Award: For businesses that have been running 1-3 years and have up to 200 employees;
Micro-Business Award: For businesses with five or fewer employees;
Small Business Award: For businesses with five-20 employees;
Medium Business Award: For businesses with 20-200 employees; and
Telstra Regional Award: For the most outstanding regional business.
Each entrant gets an individual 70-page Business Health Check that evaluates the performance of their business and helps them develop.
Entries will open on February 11 and close on April 4.
Details: 1800 262 323.
Join and enjoy
The Dean Park Community Development Project has some exciting new groups for 2013.
Groups range from qigong, beginners' line dancing, belly dancing, card making, knitting and crocheting and Zumba.
Details: Karen, 9626 5128.
Recycling depots
Free electronics waste recycling is now available to Blacktown City residents wih collection points at SITA Seven Hills and Eastern Creek, and Blacktown Waste Services in Marsden Park.
All sites allow free disposal of televisions, computers, monitors, printers, keyboards and accessories.
For more information, contact Blacktown City Council on 9839 6000, or visit www.techcollect.com.au and www.dropzone.org.au
Do the right thing
Blacktown Council regularly empties and cleans over 250 gross pollutant traps throughout Blacktown City local government area.
These traps contain polystyrene, various drink containers, straws, cigarette butts, tennis balls, plastic bags, paper, chip packets, and a range of takeaway food containers. It also has several tonnes of organic matter such as leaves, grass and weeds.
"Residents can help lessen the amount of pollution going into stormwater systems by sweeping their gutters, picking up their pet droppings and disposing of rubbish in the correct way," mayor Len Robinson said.