After a fortnight of criticism over their culture, the Penrith Panthers on Thursday received an award from the NSW deputy police commissioner for their efforts in thwarting gang violence in western Sydney.
The presentation was made to Panthers players and officials by NSW deputy police commissioner Paul Pisanos and ARLC chairman Peter V’landys in Penrith.
Following the wild brawl that led to the stabbing death of a teenager at the Sydney Royal Easter Show last year, NSW Police set up a task force to work with elite sporting organisations and athletes to try to combat the influence of youth gangs in the west of Sydney.
The Panthers, who have had players and staff involved in local programs, were the first club to put their hand up given many of their players hail from western Sydney. Their efforts were not lost on the game’s boss.
“I’m super proud of the players and the club,” V’landys told the Herald.
“The work they do is extraordinary. You only hear about the negatives but today made me feel so good to be part of the game. They’re great young men and role models and I can see why they have had so much success. The spirit in the team and the vibe out there is like nothing I’ve experienced. You can see why young kids look up to them, they use their fame to give kids a light at the end of the tunnel.
NSW Police visited the Panthers on Thursday to thank them for their efforts tackling gang violence in western Sydney.
“The kids see them and think to themselves that if their heroes can make it, they can too. It’s important to have people that inspire you. This initiative all started after the stabbing at the Easter Show last year. They’re just trying to stop these kids joining gangs and show them that there is more to life. They’re giving kids something to aspire to and make sure they don’t go down a dark alley.”
The NSW Police Force Youth Command has managed to get 12 sporting codes, including cricket and AFL, on board to support the program. NSW Police assistant commissioner Gavin Wood, who has worked with the NSW Blues, said the NRL was the first to jump on board.
“Penrith and Canberra were the first clubs that put their hand up to come on board with the journey,” Wood told the Herald.
“The Panthers have provided NRL and junior pathway players and female players to be part of the program and to act as mentors to youth involved with PCYC platforms.
“The club have bought in at all levels of their organisation from NRL to female players to junior reps. They’ve led the way. Nothing has been a problem for them. They’ve been fully engaged in achieving great outcomes for the youth of the Penrith area.
“The Penrith club and players have been nothing short of outstanding and we’re very appreciative for what they’ve done and their continued involvement with us in the community.”
