For a little while recently there was a chance that the Panjo building would cease to be Campbelltown’s notorious eyesore.
A buyer had emerged for the white elephant standing idle on the corner of Campbelltown Road and Rose Payten Drive, and we were informed they were very serious about proceeding.
A few other people had heard about the prospect of a new owner and a badly needed makeover for the putrid green giant at the very entrance to our wonderful town.
Like us they were excited at the prospect of a conclusion to this ugly saga.
We obviously can’t name names and so on, but the prospective buyer did make contact with the South West Voice to explain why they could not ultimately proceed with the purchase at this time.
Which is obviously very disappointing for them, but also for us, because we have campaigned hard over the past 12 years to have something done to wipe this stain from Campbelltown’s image.
The current owners, Dyldam, apparently bought the Panjo property because it was a bargain after it was abandoned by the original owner who went broke in the process during the global financial crisis of 2008.
The banks which loaned the money for the original Panjo project then sold the property, and it was snapped up by the Parramatta based Dyldam developers.
Dyldam never developed any plans to either finish the vision of the original plan or even knock down and rebuild it into apartments, their specialty.
Now they have much bigger problems and it’s doubtful they even have time to think about the Panjo, pictured above in 2019.
Which means that until a buyer comes along and buys it off them the eyesore will live on.
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It is a little depressing writing about the Panjo, so let’s switch to something more cheerful.
Yesterday, Glenville Mitchelson, a member of the Whiddon Easton Park retirement community for six years, celebrated her 101st birthday.
Glenville spent her younger years caring for others as a nurse, counsellor and dental assistant, and even supported the war effort by preparing care packages for Blue Gums in Moss Vale in the Southern Highlands.
Her father was the first in Moss Vale to own a car, a proud family milestone.
Glenville says her secret to a long life is about “caring for people and interacting with people.”
Happy birthday from us, Glenville.
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Campbelltown Bowling Club’s grade 2 pennants team last won the State Bowls Championship 44 years ago in 1981.
Well, last week they did it again, and naturally they celebrated in style, with “plenty of drinks’’.
Campbelltown Mayor Darcy Lound lobbed down to the “bowlo’’ to make sure the team knew they were appreciated.
“It was fantastic to meet the team and also present them with a community service award for their achievement,’’ he said at the council meeting last night.
“It was also an honour to be able to present them the State Pennant flag that they won which now flies proudly at the club.
“Congratulations once again to them for doing Campbelltown proud and winning the State Bowls Pennants.’’