Top 20 Penrith local heroes: 20-16
Some of our local heroes are well-known, some not so much. But what they all do is put their community first across numerous areas — education, health and veterans services. Follow our countdown and tell us what you think.
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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 — including youth, homelessness, education, disabilities or sport.
Over the next four days the Press will count down, from 20 to one, our picks for our top 20 local heroes. Some will be controversial, some obvious. All 20 will be on our website, so grab your chance to agree, disagree or suggest others who should be on it.
20: BRAD WAUGH - PANTHERS ON THE PROWL GENERAL MANAGER
Brad Waugh has been the general manager of Panthers on the Prowl — Penrith Panthers outreach program — for seven years.
In that time he has co-ordinated the program to ensure high school and primary school kids who are at risk of disengaging from education get the support and encouragement they need.
At a time when a good education is the only guarantee of a career, Panthers on the Prowl is right on the money. Mr Waugh is a champion among school kids and we need more people like him.
19: MARK GEYER - EX-RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER
Mark Geyer grew up in the Mt Druitt suburb of Whalan but lives in Penrith with his wife and their five kids.
The former NRL heavy weight takes every opportunity he can to push a better way of life for the people of western Sydney in particular Penrith.
His media profile gives him an excellent platform to champion causes such as the Press’ Fair Go For the West campaign.
The 50-year-old is about 6 foot 5 inches tall. He debuted with the Penrith Panthers in 1987 and retired from rugby league in 2000.
18: PAUL CROFTS - PENRITH RSL SUB BRANCH
Paul Crofts is a Vietnam veteran who has dedicated his latter years to helping his brothers and sisters in arms.
Last year, the 68-year-old Cambridge Gardens resident was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his service to veterans and their families.
He worked as a safety inspector in the construction industry until he became a welfare officer at the St Marys RSL Sub-Branch and then at Penrith RSL Sub-Branch.
He has laid about 400 former servicemen and women to rest and worked tirelessly to help and support their families.
17: VALERIE GEORGE - BREAST CARE PROJECT
Valerie George is a sweet lady with a great big heart.
She is a Lapstone resident who has found a way to easier the burden for breast cancer sufferers.
Ms George founder and co-ordinator of the Breast Care Project, which produces mastectomy cushions for women recovering from breast cancer surgery. As if that wasn’t enough, she also regularly delivers for Blue Mountains Meals on Wheels.
Her kind heart earned her an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) last year.
16: WARREN SMITH - ST MARYS LEAGUES CLUB PRESIDENT
Warren Smith has been the president of the St Marys Rugby League Club for almost 30 years.
Thousands of grassroots players have been trained and mentored in the mammoth Penrith district club which boasts more than 40 teams and up to 700 players per year.
Smith himself has been responsible for shaping the club into one of the strongest sides.
He has been a regular participant and advocate for the Variety Club Bash for more than a decade and the recipient of several awards for his work with grassroots rugby league.