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the western Thursday, July 2, 2026
Celebrating 35 years!
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PANTHER PRIDE
Attendees at a recent Penrith CBD Corp event get into the Panthers spirit.
TROY DODDS
W
ith the State of Origin series nearing its conclusion, attention is turning to the race towards the NRL Finals – and the Penrith CBD Corporation and The Western Weekender is calling on local businesses and the community to get behind the Panthers in a big way. Despite Penrith playing home games at CommBank Stadium this season, the goal is to ensure Penrith itself remains the heart of Panther Pride as the team pushes towards another Finals campaign. Penrith CBD Corporation CEO Gai Hawthorn said now was the perfect time for businesses to start showing their support. “We all know what happens when the Panthers make a Grand Final – the city
comes alive in Penrith colours,” Hawthorn said. “But often it becomes a rush at the last minute, so this year we want to start early and build excitement right through the second half of the season. “We’re encouraging businesses to decorate shopfronts, offices and workplaces now, wear Panthers colours, get staff involved and really show their Panther Pride.” Businesses are also encouraged to send in photos of their displays, decorated teams and workplace celebrations, with images to be shared across social media and promotional platforms – helping businesses gain extra exposure while supporting the Panthers. There are some fantastic prizes up for grabs as well. The business judged to have the best
Panthers display or overall Panther Pride will win two Grand Final tickets courtesy of the Weekender Weekender,, while fortnightly winners will receive vouchers from the Penrith CBD Corporation. Weekender Managing Editor Troy Dodds said the initiative was a great opportunity to unite the city behind the four-time premiers. “Penrith has built an incredible reputation for getting behind the Panthers and creating a real sense of community spirit,” Dodds said. “That’s why we’re proud to support this initiative with the Penrith CBD Corporation. Let’s fill the streets with Panthers colours and get behind the team as they chase another Premiership.” Hawthorn said the campaign was also about encouraging people to support local businesses during tough economic times.
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“Local businesses are doing it tough, so this is a fun and positive way to bring people into stores, promote businesses and create energy across the city,” she said. “It’s about community pride, supporting local and backing our Panthers together.” Penrith’s quest for a seventh NRL Premiership remains firmly on track, with Ivan Cleary’s side again among the competition favourites heading into the Finals run. “Now Origin is almost behind us, the focus shifts back to the Panthers and what promises to be another exciting run towards September,” Hawthorn said. Businesses wanting to take part are encouraged to email gai@penrithcbdcorp.com.au or news@westernweekender.com.au to register and go into the running for prizes.