CEO Ron Aurelius, invited Rochelle and her grandmother Denise Rhodes to celebrate Rochelle’s 2^nd Birthday in our Café 53.

Fairy Bread, orange juice and Birthday cake were all on the menu and Rochelle didn’t mind giving the playroom a workout either at Café 53

U3A March 9th 2010

It was anything but an ordinary Tuesday at Penrith RSL Club on March 9^th when Her Excellency Governor, Professor Marie Bashir, Mayor Kevin Crameri OAM, Karyn Paluzzano and Noeline Brown arrived to celebrate the Annual U3A Conference. The University of the Third Age delivered an outstanding conference which was officially opened by Governor Marie Bashir, to a very warm welcome by the 210 strong crowd.

The U3A conference began in spine tingling fashion with a didgeridoo performance from Uncle Greg Simms, who represented the traditional communities of Western Sydney with great dignity and beauty, drawing the delegates to a closer understanding of this deep and vast culture.

The crowd warmed to the welcoming speech from the Mayor Kevin Crameri, who warmly embraced all visitors, especially those from afar, even one from Darwin, “its bloody hot in Darwin” the Mayor acknowledged, to a ripple of supportive laughter. Our great city of Penrith saw plenty of guests in town for the conference and Penrith RSL was the perfect venue, in the heart our wonderful city.

The conference Dinner drew the crowd back yet again for another spectacular evening of entertainment, outstanding food and plenty to talk about as the many U3A guests took another opportunity to fellowship their way around the Lawson showroom.

It was a plethora of outstanding and fascinating speakers, over the two days, with the program including respected actress and television star Noeline Brown, Ambassador for Ageing, renowned children’s court magistrate Barbara Holborow MOA, and a glittering line up of highly qualified and gifted speakers who shared freely their years of accumulated knowledge, including well received contributions from local U3A advocates Solicitor Joe Harmon and astronomer Anthony Bayes.

Lisa Hodgskin, Penrith RSL function coordinator was delighted with the outcome of the event, after weeks of preparation; “It was the result of many meetings, rehearsals and being able to customise a few things to add that special touch for U3A” Lisa said “There was a lot of protocol which needed to be taken into account with the Governor attending, but it was an extremely rewarding event to be a part of. The staff really enjoyed the whole experience – it’s not everyday we have the Governor dropping in for a function”.

Penrith RSL has undergone several renovations in the past twelve months, which has presented a range of improvements for functions, dining and entertainment. The Club has gained finalist awards in the prestigious Clubs NSW “Best Entertainment Venue” and won two awards locally for “Best Club/Hotel Venue” and “Best Community Service” Awards. The Club is continuing to grow and improve its facilities in its quest for great community events and entertainment.