Community Safety

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Penrith City Council (02) 4732 7777 (02) 4732 7958 council@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au 601 High St Penrith NSW 2750 Australia
Community Safety

We want everyone to be - and feel - safe in our community. Many of Council's services support community safety and we work together with local groups, businesses and organisations including the police, to improve safety around the City.

See the  Penrith Community Safety Plan 2018-2022

The Penrith Community Safety Partnership is a formal committee of Council. It meets four (4) times a year and brings together representatives from Council, Penrith and St Marys Police, Penrith City Centre Association and St Marys Town Centre Management, the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce, as well as the transport, health and education sectors and a range of community organisations, to:

  • Identify and address community safety issues, and
  • Review and monitor the effectiveness of the Penrith Community Safety Plan. 

For more information, contact Council's Community Safety Coordinator on 4732 7777.

Projects and initiatives to help people feel and be safer in Penrith include: 

  • alcohol free public spaces
  • Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED)
  • support for Walk Against Domestic Violence

Council connects with DV Safe Phone

Did you know that an old, unused mobile phone can save the life of someone trying to escape domestic violence?

There are currently more than 2 million victims of domestic violence* in Australia and Penrith City Council is calling on the community to help make a difference.

For the first time, Council is supporting DV Safe Phone, a registered charity dedicated to providing a lifeline for those dealing with domestic violence.

Sadly, many people dealing with domestic violence have limited access to devices and their phones are taken away due to control.

Council is urging residents and staff members to drop off any unwanted phones in collection boxes set up at various convenient locations across the City.

Once collected, these phones will be wiped and refurbished by DV Safe Phone. The organisation will then distribute them to government agencies, safe houses, health services and other support networks to provide these mobile phones to victims.

Domestic violence does not discriminate and it is an issue affecting this community. There were 1,077 reported instances of domestic violence in the Penrith Local Government Area in 2022 alone, according to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.

To donate, place an unwanted mobile phone in working condition in one of the collection boxes at the following locations:

  • Penrith Civic Centre foyer
  • Ripples St Marys
  • St Clair Leisure Centre
  • South Penrith Neighbourhood Centre
  • Penrith, St Marys and St Clair Libraries – please hand mobile phones directly to staff.


* Figure provided by DV Safe Phone

16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence

25 November to 10 December 2023

Penrith City Council is proud to announce our participation in the 2023 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence. As part of this international campaign, the Civic Centre will be lit up in orange to bring awareness and support in the community.

This year, the 'Walk Against Violence' returns after a 3-year disruption caused by COVID and local flooding. Council invites community members to join us in raising awareness about violence against women and its impacts in our community.

The event will take place at the beautiful Nepean River on Sunday 26 November. Starting at 9.00am, community will gather at the ‘blue tree’ located on Nepean Avenue and walk to Tench Reserve. Free coffee and a breakfast BBQ will be provided during a reflective event including live music and a yarn bombing workshop.

Mulberry Tree Lane will be adorned with a yarn bomb installation throughout the 16 Days of Actions Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign. The affectionately named ‘Mulberry Tree Lane’ is located on the Great River Walk at the end of Nepean Avenue, Penrith. This installation draws attention to and generates conversations about domestic and family violence.

Throughout the 16 Days campaign, Council will promote simple actions community members can take to be part of making change in our community. Council will also share resources to support people experiencing violence. Every small action counts.    

Yarn Bombing Installation

In support of the annual international campaign, 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence, knitters and crocheters are invited to contribute to a public art, yarn bombing installation.

The yarn bomb installation will be displayed along ‘Mulberry Tree Lane,Tench Reserve, Penrith from 25 November until 10 December 2023.

This temporary public art installation that draws attention to, and generates conversations about domestic and family violence.

You might like to create a tailor-made piece that will be wrapped around a light pole, street furniture etc, or tassels, flowers, pom-poms. You might also prefer to knit/crochet squares that can be joined together into a larger piece (squares to measures 30cm x 30cm).

Drop off your pieces to the Penrith Civic Centre, 601 High Street, Penrith by Thursday 23 November 2023 or come along to the workshop at:

Walk Against Domestic Violence, Sunday 26 November, Tench Reserve, Penrith 9am -11.30am

Contact Erin Davidson at for more information.

16 Actions everyone can take during (and beyond) the 16 Days of Action Against Gender Based Violence:

  1. Commit to Act: Take part in the 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence; start conversations and make our community safer for everyone.
  2. Be informed so you can join the conversation: Be informed about the causes and consequences of gender-based violence so you can start this important conversation. It’s important to understand why violence against women and children is sometimes excused, minimised and condoned. Understanding the attitudes and behaviours that lead to women feeling unsafe helps us all to know how to respond when we see or hear something that isn’t ok. Visit Our Watch for more information on the gendered drivers of violence.
  3. Learn the facts
    Set aside some time to learn the facts about gender-based violence. It is true that both women and men experience violence from intimate partners, however, women are three times more likely to be the victim of violence perpetrated by their male partner or ex-partner. Visit Our Watch for information on the prevalence and nature of violence against women in Australia.
  4. Challenge gender stereotypes and roles
    Talk to your kids about how to safely challenge gender stereotypes and roles. Simple things, like sharing household chores equally, can foster self-esteem and promote healthy relationships.
  5. Support campaigns to eliminate violence against women
    Join movements, learn more about how to talk about violence with family and friends and encourage everyone, of all genders, to get involved. Check out the #noexcuseforabuse campaign and look out for events like Reclaim the Night.
  6. Be an active bystander
    Challenge threatening and inappropriate attitudes and behaviours when you’re with other people and on social media. A culture of excusing and condoning disrespect forms when the ‘small stuff’ isn’t challenged.
    Doing nothing does harm. It’s everyone's responsibility to be an active bystander, to speak up when we see or hear something that’s sexist, abusive or discriminatory.
    Find out more at: doingnothingdoesharm.org.au.
  7. Hold each other accountable
    Hold yourself and your friends accountable. Don’t shrug off sexist comments as ‘just a joke’. If it’s disrespectful it’s not ok.
  8. Know the many forms of domestic and family violence
    Domestic and family violence is not just physical, it can take many forms, including verbal, financial, spiritual, social and emotional abuse.
    Learn about the different types of controlling behaviours that constitute gender-based violence here
  9. Donate to a local support service
    Local services like The Haven - Nepean Women's Shelter, DV West and Penrith Women’s Health Centre provide specialist and domestic and family violence services. Funding and resources are stretched, and our local services always need community support.
    When women and children flee from perpetrators of violence, they usually can’t take essential items with them. Donations help services provide essential items and crisis accommodation to women and children in need.
    You can donate money or gift cards so families can buy groceries, clothes or anything else that will bring them security and comfort.
  10. Celebrate diversity
    Challenge sexist, racist, homophobic, and transphobic attitudes and support equal rights and opportunities for all people in our community, Domestic and family violence occurs across all cultures and communities, including the LGBTIQ+ community. Find out more about healthy relationships, where to get help and how to support your friends here sayitoutloud.org.au
  11. Take to social media
    Social media is a great way to get involved and stay informed. Liking and sharing posts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter is a great way to speak up and improve your own network’s understanding of the issue and how important it is.
  12. Know the hotlines, in an emergency call Triple Zero (000)
    • National hotlines provide support and referrals to anyone affected by domestic and family violence. Keep them handy, you never know when someone you know might need them.
      If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
      1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732
      A confidential information and counselling and support service.
      NSW Domestic Violence Line – 1800 656 463
      Provides counselling and referrals to women experiencing domestic and family violence
      Men’s Referral Service – 1300 766 491
      Provides assistance, information and counselling to help men who use family violence or are worried about their own behaviour.
  13. Support local advocacy work
    Learn more about the important work happening in our community to create positive change. The Nepean Domestic Violence Network brings together local services to advocate for the safety of women and children in our community. Follow them on Facebook.
  14. Call the Police
    • If you suspect someone is experiencing domestic or family violence, call the Police.
      Call triple zero (000) for an urgent life-threatening emergency.
      Call the Police Assistance Line 131 444 for non-urgent help.
      You can remain anonymous.
      Nepean Police Area Command has a specialist team of Domestic Violence Liaison Officers that can provide support and referral information to women who experience violence.
  15. Break the silence
    Break the silence, show your support, and build a community that is ready to end violence against women. Did you know that on average, one woman is murdered by her current or former partner every week and one in four will experience domestic and family violence in their lifetime? Many people who experience gender-based violence are silent, they never report it or talk about it.
  16. Keep the conversation going
    We’d love you to keep the conversation going. Share your knowledge and experience with others to raise awareness about sexual, domestic and family violence and encourage conversations that spark change.

    Talk to the people in your life about your commitment to preventing violence against women and encourage them to commit to gender equality too.

REMEMBER: If this campaign or the information on this page raises any issues or concerns for you, please reach out for support on 1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732. 

Need help? 

NSW Domestic Violence Line (24 hours) – 1800 656 463

Telephone crisis counselling and referral service for women, including trans women. Counsellors on the Domestic Violence Line can help you to:

  • talk to the police and get legal help
  • get hospital care and family support services
  • obtain an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO)
  • develop a safety plan for you and your children
  • find emergency accommodation for you and your children.

1800RESPECT (24 hours) - 1800 737 732

The national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling service for anyone in Australia who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence or sexual assault.

NSW Rape Crisis (24 hours) - 1800 424 017

Telephone and online crisis counselling service for all genders in NSW who have experienced or are at risk of sexual, domestic or family violence. Support is also available for non-offending family members, significant others and carers.

Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline – 1800 019 123

A dedicated hotline for Aboriginal victims of crime who would like information on victims’ rights, how to access counselling and financial assistance.

MensLine Australia (24 hours) –1300 789 978

Telephone and online support and information service for men and boys who are dealing with family and relationship difficulties.

ACON LGBTIQ and Domestic and Family Violence - 1800 063 060 or 02 9206 2000

Practical support, information, referrals, counselling and advocacy to LGBTIQ people in NSW experiencing domestic and family violence.

NSW Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline - 1800 628 221

A confidential helpline offering information, advice and referrals for people who experience, witness or suspect the abuse of older people or adults with disability living in NSW.

Link2home Homelessness Information Line (24 hours) - 1800 152 152

A statewide telephone service providing information, assessment and referral to specialist homelessness services, temporary accommodation and other appropriate services for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Alcohol and other Drugs Information Service (ADIS) (24 hours) – 1800 250 015 or 02 9361 8000

Telephone counselling, support, referrals and information for those affected by alcohol or other drugs.

Women’s Legal Service NSW (Domestic Violence Legal Advice Line) - 1800 810 784 or 02 8745 6999

Free confidential legal information, advice and referrals for women in NSW with a focus on domestic violence and Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders.

Help the organisations that help others 

Would you like to donate to a local domestic and family violence support service? These organisations support women and children in our City.

The Haven Nepean Women’s refuge: https://www.thehaven.org.au/

DV West: https://www.dvwest.org.au/

Penrith Women's Health Centre: https://www.penrithwomenshealthcentre.com/

To connect with the activities of more local support services follow the Nepean Domestic Violence Network Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/nepeandomesticviolencenetwork/

It is illegal to drink alcohol or have it in your possession in certain areas of our City that Council has identified as alcohol free under the NSW Local Government Act 1993 to help reduce antisocial behaviour.

For more information contact our Community Safety team on 4732 8028.

The Local Government Act allows councils to designate certain roads, footpaths and car parks as Alcohol Free Zones (section 644) and other public open spaces such as parks or sporting fields as Alcohol Prohibited Areas (Section 632A). It is illegal to consume and/or possess alcohol in a designated Alcohol Free Zone or Alcohol Prohibited Area. Our local designated areas are:

Cambridge Park

  • Open space and sporting ovals bounded by Oxford Street, Barry Street, Eton Road and College Street
  • Oxford Street, Barry Street, Eton Road and College Street surrounding 'Cambridge Park' being public streets
  • Public car parks adjacent to Cambridge Park Community Hall, Oxford Street

Colyton

  • Roper Road Soccer Fields, Roper Road (10pm - 8am)
  • Public car park within the Roper Road Soccer Fields, Roper Road
  • Reserve located on Lennox Street
  • Area bounded by Hewitt Street, Jensen Street, Willoughby Street and Albany Lane, being public streets

Cranebrook

  • Reserve on the corner of Sherringham Road and Ironbark Drive
  • Open space surrounded by Borrowdale Way, Sherringham Road, McHenry Road, Grey Gums Road and Cranebrook High/Braddock Public School Reserve located off Pendock Road next to Progress Way
  • Car park and footpath that incorporates a bus stop (adjacent to Progress Way) located on Pendock Road

Emu Plains

  • Dukes Oval, located on Park Street (10pm - 8am)
  • Area bounded by Park Street, Lawson Street, Pyramid Street (between the Great Western Highway and Lawson Street), and the Great Western Highway (between Pyramid Street and Park Street), being public streets
  • Public car park located next to Melrose Hall, on the corner of the Great Western Highway and Park Street

Erskine Park

  • Public car park next to Erskine Park Community Hall, Peppertree Drive
  • Public car park within Peppertree Reserve, Swallow Drive

Glenmore Park

  • Ched Towns Reserve, located on Town Terrace (10pm - 8am)
  • Public car park within and next to Ched Towns Reserve
  • Blue Hills Oval, located on Westerly Way (10pm - 8am)
  • Public car park next to Blue Hills Oval, Westerly Way

Kingswood

  • Red Cross Park, corner of Great Western Highway and Somerset Street
  • Great Western Highway between Bringelly Road and Somerset Street, being public streets
  • The area of Park Avenue from Richmond Road to Walter Street being a public road
  • Public car park located to the north of Kingswood Station on the corner of Richmond Road and Cox Avenue
  • The area of Richmond Road from Park Avenue to Cox Avenue being a public road
  • Wainwright Lane, from Somerset Street to Bringelly Road, being a public road

North Penrith

  • Park located on the corner of Illawong Avenue and Calloola Avenue

North St Marys

  • Poplar Park, Poplar Street
  • Parklawn Place, being a public road and car park
  • Area of Wattle Street, Willow Street and Wattle Lane, being public roads adjacent to Parklawn Place

Penrith

  • Sporting Complex and Ovals, Andrews Road (10pm - 8am)
  • Woodriff Gardens, bounded by the railway line, High St (Great Western Highway) and Castlereagh Rd 
  • Open space bounded by Woodriff Street, Derby Street, The Broadway and Station Street
  • High Street (between Station Street in the West and Doonmore Street in the East) being a public street
  • Station Street, between High Street and Union Road, being a public street
  • Public car park known as Union Place (between Station Street and Worth Street)
  • Station Street, between Belmore Street and Henry Street, being a public street
  • Belmore Street, between Riley Street and Station Street, being a public street
  • Area between Lawson Street and Station Street, known as Allen Place and Edwards Place car parks
  • Area bounded by Lawson Street, Henry Street, Evan Street and High Street, being public streets 
  • Area bounded by Union Lane, Station Street, The Broadway and Woodriff Street, being public streets 
  • Soper Place car park
  • Station Street, between High Street and Henry Street, being a public street
  • Public car park behind the PCYC, Station Street
  • Civic Centre car park, 601 High Street, being a public car park
  • The 'Mondo' space bounded by the Civic Centre, Westfield Penrith Plaza and the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre

St Clair

  • Open space on the eastern side of Bennett Road, leading up to Reddington Avenue
  • Mark Leece Oval, Endeavour Avenue (10pm - 8am)
  • Public car park adjacent to Mark Leece Sporting Complex, Endeavour Avenue
  • Bennett Road, Endeavour Avenue, St Clair Avenue and Blackett Close, surrounding Mark Leece Sporting Complex, being public roads
  • Open space surrounding and adjacent to St Clair Leisure Centre, St Clair Community Health Centre and Autumnleaf Neighbourhood Centre
  • Open space surrounded by Denver Road, Colorado Drive and Diamantina Close
  • Public car park adjacent to the St Clair Leisure Centre, bounded by Autumnleaf Parade, Timesweep Drive and Botany Lane
  • Lukes Lane Reserve, from Banks Drive to Cook Parade
  • The area of Melville Road from Moore Street to Onslow Street
  • The area of Moore Street from Melville Road to Onslow Street
  • The area of Macarthur Street from Moore Street to Onslow Street
  • The public reserve adjacent to Melville Road shopping centre bound by Moore Street, Melville Road, Macarthur Drive and Onslow Street

St Marys

  • Coachmans Park, corner Queen Street and Kungala Street
  • Public car park on Carinya Avenue between railway line and Belar Street
  • Public car park on Charles Hackett Drive between Belar Street and Kungala Street
  • Public car park on Carinya Avenue between Charles Hackett Drive and Crana Street
  • The area of Queen Street from Nariel Street to the Great Western Highway being a public road
  • The area of West Lane between the Railway Line and Crana Street being a public road
  • The area of Station Street from Queen Street to Chesham Street being a public road
  • The area of Charles Hackett Drive between Queen Street and Carinya Street being a public road
  • Kokoda Park, located on Charles Hackett Drive
  • The area of Queen Street extending from the Railway Station to Nariel Street, being a public street
  • Venness Place car park
  • Victoria Park, located on the Great Western Highway
  • Carsons Lane Car Park, Carsons Lane
  • The area of Forrester Road from Glossop Street to St Marys Station, being a public road
  • Jack Jewry Reserve, Waratah Street
  • Forthorn Place being a public road
  • The area of Harris Street from Glossop Street to Forrester Road being a public street
  • Bennett Park, bound by Gidley Street and King Street

Werrington

  • Open space known as 'Werrington Creek Park' surrounded by Victoria Street, Cottage Street, Burton Street, Herbert Street and Shaw Street, including Werrington Lake, Harold Corr Oval and Shaw Park
  • Public car park within 'Werrington Creek Park' off Burton Street
  • Rance Oval, Victoria Street (10pm - 8am)
  • Victoria Street, Parks Avenue and Albert Street adjacent to Rance Oval, being public streets
  • Public car park within Rance Oval located on Albert Street
  • Public car parks adjacent to Victoria Street Community Cottage, Harold Corr Hall
  • Yoorami Children's Centre and Before and After school care, Cottage Street
  • The public space and reserve between and surrounding Werrington County Children's Centre and Namatjira Neighbourhood Centre, bounded by Henry Lawson Avenue and John Batman Ave and the adjoining Werrington County Public School

Werrington Downs

  • Public car park next to Werrington Downs Neighbourhood Centre, Brookfield Avenue

Penalties

Police can confiscate and tip out alcohol found in these places without issuing a warning.

If a person doesn't cooperate with a police officer they can be charged with obstruction under Section 660 of the Act.

What if I want to organise an event that involves alcohol at one of these places?

In some circumstances, Council will consider requests to temporarily suspend an Alcohol Free Zone or Alcohol Prohibited Area for a specific period of time or event, such as a community festival. This is at the discretion of Council in conjunction with local Police. To apply for a temporary suspension of an Alcohol Free Zone or Alcohol Prohibited Area, contact the Community Safety team on 4732 8028. Your application form needs to be submitted to Council at least 30 days before the proposed suspension period.

Report It, Don't Ignore It!

To report alcohol-related antisocial behaviour in a designated Alcohol Free Zone or Alcohol Prohibited Area, contact police: Penrith 4721 9444 or St Marys: 9677 7499. 

Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a theory that we can reduce crime through the way we design buildings and public spaces.

Council has a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Control Plan included in our Development Control Plan (Volume 1) to help designers incorporate features to minimise opportunities for crime.

Some CPTED principles are used in the assessment of development applications:

  • Surveillance - people feel safer in public areas where they can easily see and interact with others. Would-be offenders are often deterred from committing crime in areas with high levels of surveillance. Lighting and choice of plants plays a role.
  • Access control - physical and symbolic boundaries between public and private spaces and barriers can be used to attract, channel or restrict the movement of people. They minimise opportunities for crime and increase the effort required to commit crime.
  • Territorial reinforcement - people often feel comfortable in, and are more likely to visit, places which feel owned and cared for. Well-used places also reduce opportunities for crime. Community ownership also increases the likelihood that people who witness crime will respond by quickly reporting it or by attempting to prevent it.
  • Space management - involves property owners including Council keeping spaces well maintained and used. 

Tips to stay safe online during COVID-19 can be found here: https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/covid-19

Cyber safety has become an increasingly important aspect of keeping our communities safe. Council is committed to raising awareness of the risks the internet may pose for people of all ages.

The internet is an excellent source of information and entertainment however it is important to be aware of the many risks and how to minimise these, particularly for children and teenagers. It is important to teach young people how to be a responsible cyber citizen. Issues children may face when using the internet include:

  • cyber bullying
  • digital reputation
  • having unknown contacts in social networking
  • sexting
  • unwanted sexual contact
  • identity theft and the spread of personal information
  • offensive or illegal content
  • excessive internet use
  • the trade of illicit products

Safer Internet Day is annually held on 5 February.

For more information about what to look out for and where to get help, visit NSW Police.

For more information and tips on how to stay Cyber Smart, visit Cyber Smart.

Household safety  

  • Lock up when you leave - make sure you lock your doors, windows and outside gates whenever you go out, and consider locking up when you're home.
  • Don't open your door to an intruder - think about installing a peep hole or door chain. Be sure you know who's at the door before you open it.
  • Leave a light on while you're home after dark, especially at your front door to deter burglars. If possible, install movement-sensor lights in your garden. Think about timers to light your home and when you're away in the evenings or on holidays. 
  • Report suspicious behaviour to Police.
  • Make sure your letterbox is secure and can't be accessed by others.
  • Leave spare keys with a trusted friend, never in hiding places.

Car security 

  • Lock It, or Lose It - make sure your doors are locked and windows are closed when you stop at traffic lights. Always keep valuables hidden and think about buying a steering wheel lock. 
  • Engrave your belongings with your name. They'll be harder for thieves to sell and more easily returned to you. 

Personal safety

  • Never carry large amounts of cash. At night, stay in well lit areas where there are lots of people. If you feel uncomfortable or threatened, go to a busy or bright place like a shop. Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you.
  • Carry your handbag in front of you and close to your body, or keep your wallet inside your front pocket.
  • Let people know where you are going and when you are due back.
  • Be alert when on public transport. Sit near the guard's compartment or driver.
  • If you're assaulted, report the incident to police immediately. Try to remember the attacker's appearance. 
  • Syringes - If you see a syringe in a public place, call Council on 4732 7777 so it can be removed by a trained worker.

Fire safety

  • Don't go up in smoke - a properly installed and maintained smoke alarm can save your life. Have a plan. Being woken by fire can be confusing, but having a fire evacuation plan helps everyone in your household know what to do and where to go. 
  • Install smoke alarms. Test them monthly and change batteries annually.
  • Never leave cooking unattended and keep portable heating away from curtains, tablecloths and bedding.

For more information: