The Hirwaun and Penderyn Community Council is the local council for these two communities in the County Borough of RCT. Community Councils are often also known as Parish Councils.

The Community council represents two separate villages situated at the top of the Cynon Valley in the County Borough of Rhondda Cynon Taf. Parts of the area extend into the Brecon Beacons National park.

The area includes features of outstanding natural beauty such as the Sgwyd yr Eira Waterfalls (the "snow falls") and is of huge historical significance from the plethora of bronze age burial mounds at Mynydd y glog to the great industrial revolution and the Merthyr riots of 1831 and on into the modern day.
It is said that the red flag was raised, probably for the first time anywhere in modern history, in Hirwaun and the foremost figure in the Merthyr riots was a Penderyn man.

Today the area is quieter than it was in its industrial heyday. It still retains some industry but Penderyn is a predominantly rural community and Hirwaun while still called a village has expanded considerably over recent years. Some Welsh is spoken in both places. Both communities are well serviced by large numbers of local community groups, such as sporting clubs, Scouts and Guides, St John Ambulance, the Gardening Club and the Allotment Society. There are two ancient churches, dedicated to St Lleurwg and St Cynog, a Roman Catholic church and a number Of Non-Conformist chapels.