Top 20 Penrith local heroes: 10-6
As we continue to reveal our top 20 local heroes, we enter the top 10 people who have inspired those around them and the next generation. Did we get it right?
Penrith
Don't miss out on the headlines from Penrith. Followed categories will be added to My News.
PENRITH’S LOCAL HEROES
SOME of Penrith’s local heroes are well-known, some not so much.
But what they all do is put their community first across numerous areas — sport, politics and entertainment.
This week the Press will count down, from 20 to one, our picks for our top 20 local heroes. Some will be controversial, some obvious.
We encourage you to tell us whether you agree, disagree or suggest others who should be on the list.
10: YVONNE STRAHOVSKI — ACCLAIMED ACTOR
Yvonne Strahovski was born in Werrington Downs and started taking acting lessons at about 12 years of age.
The daughter of Polish migrants, Strahovski has pursued her dream of acting ever since — graduating at the-then University of Western Sydney Theatre Nepean and co-founding a small theatre company.
She starred in series such as Dexter and 24 and now has a role on the critically acclaimed Hulu series The Handmade’s Tale — for which she received a Prime Time Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting actor in a Drama Series.
She is an inspiration to young actors in western Sydney, proving that anything is possible when you stick to your goals.
9: JOHN FARRAGHER — “THE FACE OF PANTHERS”
John Farragher had planned a career in rugby league but not all went according to plan.
He debuted for the Penrith Panthers in 1978. On his seventh game, a scum collapsed and left he a lifelong-quadriplegic.
It was a major blow to the 21-year-old but he did not let it defeat his love for the game.
He joined the Panthers Leagues Club in 1982 as in a public relations role to greet and assist the club’s members and guests.
After more than 35 years in the role he is known as the “face of Panthers” and his contribution to the club’s reputation earned him an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the 2016 Australia Day honours list.
8: NORMA THORBURN — ST MARYS HISTORIAN
If you take a look around St Marys there are some well-preserved pieces of the areas history such as the Bennett Wagon display.
Norma Thorburn and the team at St Marys and District Historical Society are responsible for keeping the history of the area preserved.
Ms Thorburn is a passionate St Marys historian and has written and contributed to several books on the subject which can be found at the society’s headquarters at Memory Hall on Mamre Rd.
She has also been a hardworking member of the St Marys Festival Committee — an annual event that draws thousands to the CBD.
We’re certain that St Marys would be quite a different place without Ms Thorburn’s passion and dedication for its past, its present and its future.
7: PAIGE HADLEY — AUSTRALIAN NETBALLER
Paige Hadley knows what it’s like to have the odds stacked against you.
The netballer grew up in St Clair and has been playing netball since she was little girl.
When she was named to the Australia Diamonds team in 2015 it was more than just a dream come true it was a moment which almost didn’t happen.
In 2014, she ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament just two weeks into the competition and had reconstructive surgery the following week.
While many believed it would be the end of her career, Hadley gave girls everywhere someone to look up to.
She worked hard to recover and by the next season she was not only playing regular games for the NSW Swifts but was selected to represent her country — proving what an indomitable spirit can achieve.
She is a loyal advocate of the St Clair Netball Club that taught her everything she knows and encourages young netballers to give it their all.
6: JACKIE GREENOW — FORMER COUNCILLOR
Jackie Greenow spent 21 years on Penrith Council influencing and shaping the community.
The beloved councillor was elected to council in 1995 the same day her grandson was born.
As she was the longest serving female councillor, Roads and Maritime Services changed two of the male green lights at pedestrian crossings in Penrith and St Marys to women.
When she announced her retirement from Council in 2016, she successfully ensured that a $1000 grant was given to Western Sydney Opera, enabling them to buy a piano.
She was also the chair of Penrith’s International Friendship Committee and a leader on the Access and Heritage Advisory committees.
In 2013 she was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her work with people with disabilities another passion of hers.
IN OTHER NEWS
