Joan Stenhouse has lived in the Penrith Local Government Area for the past 25 years.
Joan is a founding member of the Golden Oldies, a social group for over 50s that has been running at the South Penrith Neighbourhood Centre for over 13 years, assisting people’s friendships and breaking social isolation which can occur after retirement or death of a spouse.
Joan has been a continuous member of the Golden Oldies since its inception and works in a voluntary capacity to support the group and the members of the group.
As a founding member Joan encouraged the development of the group from its outset as well as having taken a number of executive positions on the committee of the Golden Oldies to ensure its continued existence. The group now has over 40 regular attendees who meet on a weekly basis.
Joan volunteers a considerable amount of time and energy to ensure the smooth operation of the group taking into account the constraints of age and health of some of its members. Their activities include games, craft, outings and excursions, and special events for key dates throughout the year.
Joan has always been a member who has taken responsibility for the group and who has assisted others to take responsibility so the group remains self sustaining and self directed.

Joan has been a tireless and continuous member who has a strong commitment to ensuring the group continues to meet the needs of Penrith’s older residents.

Patricia Formosa has been a resident of the Penrith Local Government Area for over 20 years.
Patricia has given her time voluntarily to the management committee of Spyns Inc. (South Penrith Youth and Neighbourhood Services), a local community based prevention and early intervention service that has operated in the Penrith Local Government Area for over 25 years. Patricia has been part of the committee and has worked in a management role over the past 10 years.
Patricia has taken up executive committee positions and is currently secretary of Spyns Inc.
Patricia has a strong commitment to social justice and equity for local community members and was part of the development of community based services via Spyns Inc. for Aboriginal communities.
Patricia served as a management representative of Spyns Inc. on the Penrith ATSI Neighbourhood Workers Working Party which provides direction and support to Spyns Inc. Aboriginal projects.
Patricia’s commitment to community work with Spyns has been in a voluntary capacity throughout the years. Her continued support and expertise has contributed to the organisation becoming one of the leaders in community service work in the Penrith LGA.
Patricia has been recognised by her fellow committee members and Spyns staff as part of providing a strong leadership and management skill to the organisation.

Barbara has been a volunteer at South Penrith Youth & Neighbourhood Services for more than ten years.  As a resident of South Penrith, Barbara has contributed to the community development of her local area in particular.

Through her time as a volunteer, Barbara has supported the organisation’s growth in a number of key social justice areas such as Aboriginal reconciliation, children and young people.

Barbara has used her leadership skills in organising many events for the community including adult craft group facilitator, after school ‘crafty kids’ groups, and as a leader of Tuesday night quilter’s group.

Barbara held the role of chairperson for the South Penrith Youth & Neighbourhood Services for three years.

Barbara has contributed valuable time, effort and skills to the community and is recognised for her ability as a leader and manager.

Carmen has been a volunteer of South Penrith Youth & Neighbourhood Services for more than ten years and taken on many roles including Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer.

The organisation has appreciated Carmen’s strong managerial and decision making skills, which have contributed to the growth of South Penrith Youth & Neighbourhood Services.

Community management of non-government organisations that receive government funding is complex and requires high skill levels as well as a commitment to community participation.  It is the dedication of volunteers like Carmen that make organisations like South Penrith Youth & Neighbourhood Services so successful.

Carmen is admired by other volunteers at the organisation who find her approachable, resourceful and inspiring.

Mary resides in South Penrith and has been the backbone of South Penrith community development for over 20 years.

As a founding member of the first management committee of the then South Penrith Neighbourhood Centre, Mary has continued year after year seeing the growth of community services such as youth projects and community development projects for the Glenmore Park area. Currently Mary holds the position of Treasurer of the successful South Penrith Youth and Neighbourhood Services Inc which comprises 4 community development projects and the management of 3 Council owned facilities.

Over the years, Mary has given of herself not just in the management role of a neighbourhood service, but as a day-to-day volunteer, giving her time endlessly to keep her local neighbourhood centre working efficiently. She has put time and energy into the community service network and planning and consultation for the wider area.

Mary has endured all the changes and challenges that come with a community management role. She has also seen the changes of South Penrith being a new estate area to becoming an older established area in the Penrith LGA. Throughout these changes, Mary has never wavered in her belief in community based organisations and the benefit that these can make to local communities.

Extraordinary commitments spanning this 20 year period include:

• South Penrith Neighbourhood Centre Inc

• Foundation Member – South Penrith Playgroup

• South Penrith Youth and Neighbourhood Services Inc &

• South Penrith Youth Development Program Inc

• Hawkesbury Penrith Respite Services Inc

• Penrith Youth Refuge Inc

• Nepean Community Transport Inc

• St Joseph’s Hospital Graduate Nurses and Associates

• Little Athletics

• Nepean Consultative Committee

• WSAAS Ranking Committee

Mary is a true example of community spirit working with and for her local community.