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CityscapeS with Lord Mayor BOB DWYER
ISSUE 4 | November 2020
Parramatta is Where It’s At this Summer BOB DWYER UMMER is almost upon us, and the City of Parramatta has a host of great things to do and see during the warmer months. Summer is the perfect time to explore our City and tick off the adventures on your Parramatta bucket list. We have something for everyone in Sydney’s Central River City – from retail precincts, al fresco dining experiences, to nature walks and cycling paths, diverse arts and culture programs, and so much more. There is no doubt that Parramatta is the place to be this summer.
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Events and festivals Each summer City of Parramatta Council hosts an impressive variety of activities for young and old, and this year is no different. We will be bringing you all of your favourite events – however, due to the challenges presented by COVID-19, the format has changed a little. On 2 November, our annual Foundation Day celebrations are going online with a mini documentary series exploring the City’s heritage, past and present. It will be available via the Discover Parramatta website. To commemorate the Bicentenary of Lancer Barracks, the City of Parramatta is hosting an online experience via the Parramatta History and Heritage website. Council and Macquarie University Archaeological students have collaborated on a student initiative to create 3D images of Council’s collection of archaeological artefacts that were uncovered from a dig at the Lancer Barracks. These items will be available for the community to explore from November 16. Our popular Parramatta Lanes festival will also be presented online, with an
exciting digital program streamed nightly from 17-21 November via the Parramatta Lanes website and Facebook. Those looking to experience the event in person can order and indulge in the culinary delights from the comfort of their own home, or go out and enjoy live music at select local venues.
Supporting our businesses City of Parramatta Council recognises that small businesses have been hit hard in 2020 and it is doing all it can to provide some extra support. The good news is that with Christmas around the corner, new shops and restaurants in Parramatta Square open for business, and Parramatta Farmers Markets returning in late November, now is the perfect opportunity to show get behind our small businesses and shop local.
To help bring people into the City, Council is running an exciting marketing campaign, promoting Parramatta as an ideal summer destination. “Summer Where It’s At” showcases all the great things to do and see around Parramatta this summer - watch the races at Rosehill, explore Sydney Olympic Park, delight in the gourmet offerings of Eat Street, discover history in Harris Park and North Parramatta and enjoy some retail therapy in the CBD. And when you need a break from shopping and sightseeing, you can pack a picnic and relax by the calming waters of Parramatta River or Lake Parramatta. The campaign follows a range of Council initiatives in support of local businesses, including free parking for Eat Street diners on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights; our new AT PARRAMATTA gift card pro-
gram; and our handy online parking and business finder. It has been a challenging year for many, but as a long-time resident and now Lord Mayor, I am proud of the resilience and determination shown by the people of Parramatta. I look forward to more festive times ahead!
Council Meetings Council Meetings are typically be held on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6.30pm. Due to impacts of COVID-19, however, the public is currently unable to attend in person. You can watch the meetings through the live stream video link on Council’s website. For more information and to access the live link, visit cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/councilmeetings Bob Dwyer is Lord Mayor of Parramatta.
