Application Close Date: 11:59pm on 01/11/2026

At Penrith City Council, it’s not about having to choose.

Life with us is the best of both worlds.

What we offer you

- Generous Salary + Super + vehicle leaseback option
- Flexible Working Arrangements available
- Opportunities to lead strategic projects that create safer, more connected communities
- A leadership role with influence across Council, government agencies and community stakeholders
- Ongoing learning, professional development and leadership growth opportunities
- The chance to make a meaningful impact on community wellbeing and resilience across Penrith
- The best of both worlds – click here to learn more

Here’s what you’ll be up to…

As the Community Safety Lead, you'll lead Council's strategic approach to community safety, crime prevention and community development responses to complex social issues that impact the Penrith community. You'll guide a small team of skilled professionals while building strong partnerships across government, community and business sectors to deliver initiatives that improve community safety and wellbeing outcomes.

This is a dynamic leadership role that combines strategy, partnerships, people leadership and project delivery. Working closely with NSW Police, government agencies, community organisations and internal stakeholders, you'll help shape Council's response to emerging community safety issues and champion initiatives that create safer and more inclusive communities.

In this role, you will:

- Lead the implementation and ongoing review of Council's Community Safety Plan
- Design, deliver and evaluate innovative initiatives that strengthen community safety, social cohesion, resilience and inclusive engagement
- Provide leadership and professional support to a team delivering community safety and crime prevention initiatives
- Support and coordinate the Penrith Community Safety Precinct Committee in partnership with NSW Police
- Develop and maintain strong partnerships with government agencies, community organisations and key stakeholders
- Provide Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) advice and commentary on development applications and strategic projects
- Research,



develop and evaluate innovative community safety initiatives
- Prepare reports, submissions, grant applications and strategic recommendations
- Monitor budgets, funding agreements and project outcomes to ensure successful delivery of programs and initiatives

Who we are (And why you’ll love us)

The Community Resilience Team works to strengthen community wellbeing, social cohesion and resilience across Penrith by addressing complex social issues through leadership, collaboration and evidence-based practice.

We partner with communities, government agencies and service providers to deliver initiatives that improve safety, inclusion and participation. Our work spans community safety, crime prevention, social cohesion and community strengthening initiatives.

We're a supportive, cooperative and high-performing team that values innovation, initiative and strong relationships. We encourage people to bring current ideas, challenge thinking and contribute to solutions that make a genuine difference for our community. We celebrate successes together, invest in professional development and support flexibility and wellbeing.

As part of the City Activation, Community and Place Department, you'll have the opportunity to lead work that directly contributes to creating a safer, stronger and more connected Penrith for current and future generations. Meet our Workforce Areas - Penrith City Council

Check out our Position Description to learn more about this role.

What are we looking for?

We're looking for a team-oriented and strategic leader who is passionate about community safety and building strong partnerships to address complex social issues. You'll bring:

- Demonstrated qualifications and/or experience leading community safety, crime prevention or community development initiatives
- Strong understanding of community development principles and their application to community safety,



social cohesion, resilience and inclusive community engagement
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build productive relationships across government, community and business sectors
- Experience leading people, projects and resources to achieve successful outcomes
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including strategic report writing and advocacy
- A solutions-focused mindset with the ability to balance strategic thinking and practical delivery
- A commitment to creating positive community outcomes and leading with integrity, collaboration and purpose

The must-know bits You will be required to undertake employment checks, which may include a Criminal History Check, Qualification Check, Working with Children Check, Medical Declaration and/or a Functional Test, as relevant to the position for which you have applied. Where a Criminal History Check is required and has returned a result that indicates disclosable court outcomes, you will be required to provide a copy of the report to Penrith City Council, for review, to progress through the recruitment process.

Ready to make work feel less like… work?

If you’re nodding along and already picturing your first day, submit your application by hitting ‘Apply Now’.

In addition to a cover letter and resume, applicants are required to submit comprehensive responses to the selection criteria as a part of their application. Applicants who do not meet the essential criteria will not be considered.

We’ve got an opportunity, you’ve got talent… Let’s talk.

For more information, contact Alex Dwyer on 02 4732 7486.

Applicants must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.

Council is a Child Safe Organisation. For more information about this, please see our website.

At Penrith City Council, we believe the best of both worlds means embracing the unique perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that make our City and our organisation vibrant. We are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported and welcome applicants from people of all backgrounds, abilities and identities.

📌 Community Safety Lead (Penrith)
🏢 Penrith City Council
📍 Penrith