THE inaugural Lights on Penrith 2021 Growth Summit, held in March at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre in Penrith, was a huge success, gathering delegates from business, government, and the local community together to discuss the significant growth and development planned for the region in the next few years.
Kate Rafton, President of the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce and the driving force behind the Summit was delighted with the outcome.
“We had some amazing feedback from participants on the day. This was our first event under the Lights on Penrith banner and we are planning to run a series, each one focusing on a different aspect of growth and opportunity in our region. What really struck me, was how much the participants appreciated the chance to come together and focus on some of the most important issues relevant to Western Sydney and in particular, the Penrith region,” she said.
The key focus of the Summit was to highlight business growth opportunities and how major infrastructure and development projects, such as the Western Sydney Airport, Nepean Business Park, St Mary’s Freight Hub and Sydney Science Park, will create more local jobs and improve sustainability in the Nepean.
Bruce Baudinet, Chairman of Precinct Capital – the developers behind Nepean Business Park and Flagship Sponsors of the Summit – enjoyed the chance to contribute to the discussion on the day.
“We love the concept of the “30-minute city”. Providing opportunities for people to work within an easy 30-minute commute is critical when building sustainable communities. The Summit allowed us to meet with local businesses, share our vision of the 30-minute city, and demonstrate how an enlightened planning framework can support small businesses and thereby improve local employment opportunities. his will allow facilities like the Nepean Business Park to attract and retain small to medium enterprises in the region and create local jobs for local people,” he said.
According to Andrew Grima, Principal of Coleman Greig Lawyers and Flagship Sponsor of Lights on Penrith:
“The Lights on Penrith Growth Summit was exactly what the Penrith community needed. It was a fantastic opportunity to not only showcase future development in the region, but also to connect key stakeholders, and give businesses solid ideas on how they can leverage the growth opportunities. “
Sponsors and supporters of the event included Nepean Business Park (NBP) and Coleman Greig Lawyers, Penrith City Council, Celestino (developers of the Sydney Science Park), KPMG, NAB, Macquarie Commercial, Hix Group, Optus Business Centre Western Sydney, St Mary’s Freight Hub, Complete Recruitment Solutions, Raine & Horne Commercial Penrith, Uphire Equipment Specialists and Business Western Sydney.
Western Sydney Business Access was the regional media partner for the event.
With planning already underway, the next Lights on Penrith event will have a focus on tourism and hospitality in the region and take place in July.
By Stacey Randell – Engagement Manager at Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce. Contact her on 0435 457 849