Penrith. Social entrepreneurship in the city

Penrith City Council in partnership with the School for Social Entrepreneurs will hold an information session to unearth social entrepreneurs in Penrith. The session aims to foster the skills, talents and ideas of local social entrepreneurs. A social entrepreneur is someone who works in an entrepreneurial manner, but for primarily social or public benefit. They may be running a business that employs disadvantaged job seekers, selling fair trade products, or offering an innovative service to support new migrants. Examples will be given of social entrepreneurship in Western Sydney and how to identify and support social entrepreneurs working in the Penrith area. A follow up session will be held in early June to introduce local social entrepreneurs to support networks and programs such as the School for Social Entrepreneurs, local funding opportunities and different organisational models. The session will be held in the Penrith City Library Theatrette, May 19, from 9.30am-11.30am.

Region. Grant for training in selected industries

The Manufacturing Skills Australia (MSA) is offering a study award to the nominal value of $10,000 in its 2010 Innovation Program for the manufacturing and automotive industries. The purpose of the program is to extend the capability and performance of Australian manufacturing and automotive industries through education and training, and workforce development. Applications are invited from vocational education and training (VET) students, VET teachers and trainers, assessors, enterprise employees and owners. There are no limitations on age or background.

Liverpool. Perry investigates GM's resignation

The NSW Local Government Minister, Barbara Perry, is investigating Liverpool City Council general manager Phil Tolhurst's resignation after calls for an inquiry from council staff, union organisers and local members of parliament. The United Services Union organised a stop-work meeting at the council's administration building at which speakers including Liverpool MP, Paul Lynch, and NSW Greens MLC, Sylvia Hale, called for Mr Tolhurst's resignation to be investigated, according to The Liverpool Champion.

Penrith. Business welcomes Moorebank project

The Penrith Business Alliance (formerly the Penrith Economic Development Corporation) has welcomed the $71 million which has been allocated in the federal budget to complete the detailed planning on the Moorebank intermodal terminal project, in the Liverpool local government area. “Penrith is pushing to be a regional transport and logistics hub.We have trucking businesses in the area and the new one at Moorebank will help us,” CEO, Bijai Kumar, said in the Penrith Press.

The Hills. Police object to KFC outlet

Hills Shire Council has given approval for The Mean Fiddler, at Rouse Hill, to open the 20-seat restaurant. Police believe the state’s “most dangerous pub” will become even more dangerous with plans to build the restaurant in the carpark. “The Mean Fiddler Hotel is currently rated as the worst licensed premises in NSW for violence and drink driving offences,” Hills Police constable, Callie Walker, told council.