Newly launched Western Sydney Conference Centre hosts Penrith Panthers Merv Cartwright Medal awards ceremony

The newly launched Western Sydney Conference Centre saw over 700 VIP guests gather on 4th October for the official awards ceremony for the prestigious Penrith Panthers Merv Cartwright Medal.

As one of the largest conference centres outside of Sydney’s CBD, Western Sydney Conference Centre (WSCC) is part of the new $110 million precinct built by Panthers Group, adjoined to the region’s first five-star hotel, the Pullman Sydney Penrith with world-leading hospitality group ACCOR.

Players, advocates, peers and their supporters came together at the venue to celebrate the undefeated team who made football history just days prior, winning their third NRL championship in a row.

The world-class destination boasts an innovative and captivating design, taking curved cues from the nearby Blue Mountain Ranges and the Nepean River. Its column-free design features 6.8 metre high ceilings and LED walls, with state-of-the-art AV capabilities.

The experienced WSCC team delivered a 5-star service and ensured the evening’s proceedings were as seamless as possible. Executive Chef Colin Chun curated an impressive gastronomic menu with sustainably sourced ingredients featuring Jack’s Creek Beef from Tamworth and Glacier 51 Toothfish from Heard Island. While drinks paid homage to the finest wines of the region, and the team curated specialty cocktails at pop-up bars from Maker’s Mark and Bombay Sapphire.

On arrival, guests were ushered to the media wall by striking acrobats who danced and rolled throughout the spaces on stilts and inside transparent bubbles. Premium grazing platters with fresh oysters and flowing refreshments were served while ambient DJ tunes took centre stage in the outdoor pre-function cocktail area. Inside the ballroom guests felt as if they were transported across the world, with a dark palette and moody ambience which set the tone. The team at WSCC introduced a sense of classic luxury with a traditional washroom attendant offering everything from mouthwash and lint rollers to perfumes and colognes to ensure that guests always felt at their best.

As official proceedings commenced, a live orchestra created a grand atmosphere, with Channel 9 TODAY Sports Presenter Alex Cullen as the official MC. A range of inspiring speeches captivated the room, including Panthers Coach Ivan Cleary, who was followed with a special comedic performance by Vince Sorrenti.

Panthers lock Isaah Yeo was rewarded for an impressive season by winning the prestigious Merv Cartwright Medal. The Panthers co-captain was presented the award by Dean Jones, the grandson of Merv Cartwright.

With a captivating design both inside and out, state-of-the-art technology, and inspiring culinary options, the 1,250 square metre WSCC is sure to redefine possibilities for conferences, events, entertainment, formal dinners and wedding celebrations.

The world-class venue embraces originality through flexibility and showcases Western Sydney as a vibrant lifestyle destination deserving of global recognition. More information at westernsydneyconferencecentre.com.au