Seat on razor’s edge remains divided ahead of election

The community of Penrith have weighed in on where their vote will be going ahead of this month’s state election and what issues are at the top of their mind. SEE THE RESULTS

A key Western Sydney seat held at a razor-thin margin is likely to remain divided with locals in Penrith offering differing views on former Minister and current MP Stuart Ayres.

The seat is held by Mr Ayres on a 0.6 per cent margin with Labor fronting up former mayor Karen McKeown as his challenger.

The two will go head-to-head at The Daily Telegraph’s candidates debate on Wednesday.

Just under half of the locals interviewed by The Daily Telegraph in the outer Western seat said they were indifferent to the election outcome while the majority remained undecided.

Issues including support for teachers, infrastructure, night-life and road works are the top of mind for voters just under three weeks out from March 25.

Michelle Cremona wants to see a big change for school teachers. Picture: Newscorp Daily Telegraph/ Gaye Gerard

Corrine Hudson and her family said the election was not on their “radar” but they were happy with the way Penrith has been run up until this point.

“We are happy and pretty chill about it,” she said.

Ms Hudson said despite this, she did not often involve herself in politics as candidates would often “promise stuff and never do it.”

Penrith residents of over 15 years, Ana Cirkovic and Gary Zammit said they follow American politics more closely than Australian politics.

“American politics trickles and ripples into other societies,” Mr Zammit said.

“It is something that doesn’t get much thought for a lot of people here. People feel it doesn’t affect them and it always swings.

Public school teacher Michelle Cremona was hopeful the election would bring change in the community.

“They need to be addressing our workload, number of hours, administration tasks that teachers have to do, we need more support to have the focus back on teaching the kids,” she said.

“I can guarantee I won’t be voting for Stuart Ayres.”

Ms Cremona said this opinion “had nothing to do” with Mr Ayres’ involvement in John Barilaro’s appointment to a trade role in New York which saw him lose his portfolio despite later being cleared of wrongdoing in a government ordered review and by the corruption watchdog.

Mr Ayres is slated for redemption if the Coalition wins government with Premier Dominic Perrottet vowing to restore him to the frontbench.

Restaurant manager Ramie Sitto is behind Stuart Ayres. Picture: Newscorp Daily Telegraph/ Gaye Gerard

Sittanos Italian restaurant owner Ranne Sitto said Mr Ayres will be getting his vote as he is “a good customer” who he believes has a strong presence within the community.

“We are lacking in night-life,” he said.

“We have been here since 2008 and have seen Penrith developing.

“I think with the interest rate rises and after Covid, people are still scared to come out and spend, people are worried and some are not comfortable coming out.”

Mr Sitto said he hoped whoever is elected will encourage locals to enjoy night-life and follow in the footsteps of Liverpool, where some venues open until midnight.

Marcus Auddino and Sabrina Ross are going with the incumbent. Picture: Gaye Gerard

Emu Plains couple Sabrina Ross and Marcus Auddino said Stuart Ayres would likely be receiving their vote, given he was a familiar face and they were happy with how Penrith had been developing under his governance.

“He has a public presence all the time not just around election time,” Ms Ross said.

“I know of Stuart Ayres so I will stick with him.

“Penrith is pretty up and coming. The money has been going in a good direction.”

Mr Auddino said he hopes the newly elected MP will focus on internal roads and infrastructure, particularly with the construction of the new Western Sydney Airport set to conclude in 2026.The pair are hopeful Penrith night-life will continue to increase and be encouraged by the government

Nathan and Dexter Everett with Tracy Sullivan. Picture: Newscorp Daily Telegraph/ Gaye Gerard

St Marys couple Tracy Sullivan and Nathan Everett said they hope the elected party “keep moving forward with infrastructure programs.”

“I think Liberal,” Ms Sullivan said when asked if her vote was swayed in any direction.

“I don’t think Penrith would be undergoing the transformation it is currently undergoing if it weren’t for that government.

“I am not confident that will continue under Labor.”

Mikahla Smith, Angelo Tolu and Jaylen Smith are happy with Penrith. Picture: Newscorp Daily Telegraph/ Gaye Gerard

Mikahla Smith and Angelo Tolu said despite not following politics particularly closely, they were happy with the way their community was currently being run.

“Penrith is quite good,” Mr Tolu said.

“We are not too fussed.”