News Headlines
Historic Parramatta images auctioned in Australia’s most significant photographic collection
THE Rose Stereograph Company Collection: one of Australia’s most significant photographic collections dating back to 1880, comprising more than 100,000 …
My Name is Not My Name: Shared vision of safety and security
By PRISCELLA MABOR THE Community Migrant Resource Centre (CMRC) opened its doors 25 years ago in Parramatta. Since 1996, there …
Kyle plans a Hawaiian summer so he gets a jab at Westmead
By ELIZABETH FRIAS KIIS FM’s top rating presenter Kyle Sandilands has got bags packed for a Hawaiian summer holiday so …
$50M for planning Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2
THE NSW Government is committing $50M for planning and development works of Stage 2 of the Parramatta Light Rail in the upcoming 2021-22 …
Lord Mayor welcomes Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 funding
CITY of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer has welcomed the NSW Government’s commitment to invest $50M in Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 …
Mural inspired by native wildlife breathes new life into Rydalmere
A COLOURFUL new mural featuring native Australian plants and animals has transformed a 40-metre shopfront in Rydalmere, breathing new life …
THE WINTER VILLAGE DEBUTS: Parramatta’s Prince Alfred Park transformed
MEGA pop up The Winter Village will make its debut in Parramatta for its inaugural launch this June, making its …
Community to decide on popularly-elected Lord Mayor
WITHIN six months after the local government election on September 4, Parramatta voters will be asked if they want a …
WSABE 2021: Business awards showcase the best of the west
LIBERAL Senator for Western Sydney, Marise Payne, has reminded local businesses that entries for the Western Sydney Awards for Business …
Don’t go batty over bats: Health service urges caution in affected areas
By DI BARTOK WHILE Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) is urging community members to avoid handling bats after the …
Bankwest Stadium evolving into Western Sydney’s busiest venue
BANKWEST STADIUM is best known for hosting the biggest sporting events in Western Sydney, but day-to-day the stadium has emerged …
WORKING WHILE YOU HOLIDAY: Welcome to the new trend called SLOW TRAVEL
By DALLAS SHERRINGHAM THE COVID-19 pandemic’s shutdown of international borders and the move to working from home will have important …
Guinness World Record attempt for eating Mo:Mos
IN an attempt to set a new Guinness World Record, Everest Mo:Mo: Westmead is hosting an event at their restaurant …
Bankwest Stadium shows its true colours by supporting community campaigns
PARRAMATTA’S Bankwest Stadium has been a beacon of light and hope this week, glowing brightly in support of three major …
Parramatta’s Albion Hotel will soon call for last drinks
THE Albion Hotel, once known as Annie’s (down by the Gasworks Bridge) is due to be replaced with two 51 …
Councillors want community consultation before committing to an elected Lord Mayor
COUNCILLORS have put a kibosh on Parramatta having a popularly-elected lord mayor by 2024 after they voted to consult the …
Mass vaccination centre opens at Sydney Olympic Park
THE mass vaccination centre at Sydney Olympic Park has opened today with thousands of people booked in to receive the …
Roadshow of trades workshops: Parra students have what it takes
THE welding helmet may seem too big or tools too heavy for these Parramatta Marist High School students, as shown …
Women on council? It’s just too blokey. Minister meets women candidates
A GROUP of about 10 women met with Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer and Federal Minister for Women Marise Payne …
Retaining Mitchell Moses an Eels priority
MATURING halfback Mitchell Moses remains the top priority for the Parramatta Eels to retain as they look to maintain a …
Derby thriller at Bankwest: Wanderers keep their season alive, eye home run
THE Western Sydney Wanderers are alive and kicking in the A-League title race after stretching their unbeaten run in the …
Bush charity calls on Minister to act over volunteers caught in mice infestation
A STATE government minister has come under fire from a Parramatta based bush charity claiming “inaction” on widespread mice infestation …
May Day becomes fight for Parramatta heritage
THE May Day March came to Parramatta with force when an estimated 5000 unionists and supporters marched from Prince Alfred …
Bosses may disagree but taking a sickie is good for you
WHEN I was an ordinary staff member some years ago, I went to great lengths to carefully organize a good …
Fewer babies born in 2020 and Oliver tops the names list
AXEL and Hallie surged up the baby name popularity charts in 2020, although fewer babies were born overall in an …
Sell out opening for Bankwest Drive-In
IT was a sell-out opening night on a perfect autumn evening at the Disney+ Drive-In at Bankwest Stadium recently. The …
Minister leading drive to recruit more women to Parramatta Council
In the lead-up to the September 4 local government election, there is a concerted push to recruit more Liberal women …
It’s raw: How Salvation Army hope really happens
EVERY single day at the new Parramatta Salvation Army, Major Kylie Collinson is stunned by raw stories of hardship faced …
Property buyers swap Sydney harbor views for city river views
BUYERS who once longed for a property with harbor views are now turning their aspirations to Parramatta and its outstanding …
Parramatta sports groups encouraged to apply for grants
PARRAMATTA sporting organisations have received a major boost with the announcement of the Local Sport Grants Program by the NSW …
Historic May Day March comes to Parramatta
THE streets of Parramatta will be running red on Saturday May 1 when the historic May Day March is held …
Parramatta Escarpment Boardwalk completed delivering 20kms of river pathways
MILLIONS of pedestrians and cyclists can now enjoy more than 20km of continuous off-road paths along both sides of the …
Building starts on new Parramatta Pool as Wenty completes $88.6M upgrade
THERE are going to be some enjoyable summers coming up for residents of Parramatta and Cumberland council areas with work …
Trevor, 92, celebrates the reopening of his beloved Wenty Pool
RESIDENTS are welcoming the re-opening of the impressive Wentworthville Memorial Swimming Centre, none more than 92-year-old Trevor Simpson, who was …
Schon Condon shines a light on his years as Parramatta Chamber president
SCHON Condon finishes his three year term as president of Parramatta Chamber of Commerce happy with his work in promoting …
MY CRADLE CITY DREAM IN 2030: Parramatta the place to be
Local historian Gary John Carter, a little tongue in cheek, dreams about Parramatta’s future. DATELINE July 2030: Destination NSW has …
POLICE NEWS: Items fraudulently purchased with mobile phone account
ON Thursday March 18, a Harris Park resident saw two new Apple iPads had been charged to her mobile phone …
Revolution coming for Parra commuters: train every two minutes on metro west
By DALLAS SHERRINGHAM WHEN Sydney’s long-promised is completed in 2030, a train will leave Parramatta station every two minutes in …
Westmead’s new world-class hospital officially opened
MORE operating theatres, patient rooms and world-class services, including two new Emergency Departments, are all part of Westmead Hospital’s new 14-storey …
Parramatta Council and RSPCA to offer free pet vaccinations and microchipping
CITY of Parramatta Council, in partnership with RSPCA NSW, is offering free pet microchipping and vaccinations to Parramatta Local Government …
Shopping to bounce back in 2021: Resilient retailers reveal solutions
DALLAS SHERRINGHAM It’s no secret times have been the toughest on record for Parramatta’s bricks and mortar retail industry, but …
The app that is helping dads through fatherhood
A PROGRAM that helps new and expectant fathers through the physical, mental and emotional challenges of parenthood, launched last year, …
Urban renewal project Melrose Park North sets sales benchmarks
URBAN renewal project Melrose Park North has continued to set sales benchmarks for off-the-plan apartments in Sydney, with 103 selling …
Local specialist delivers critical trauma care
LOCAL emergency medicine specialist, Dr Chris Cheeseman, will be one of the first doctors in Australia to fly to patients …
Pickleball serves up a winner: Parramatta is in the middle of a pickleball boom
By LAWRENCE MACHADO PICKLEBALL anyone? The name is certainly a conversation starter – especially as the name came from a …
2021 International Women’s Day: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world
By PRISCELLA MABOR THE global UN Women’s theme for International Women’s Day (IWD) 2021 is “Women in Leadership This theme celebrates the tremendous efforts by women and …
COMMENT: Government must act on the Aged Care report
By JULIE OWENS LOOK around. More than half of all Australian women you see, and about a third of the …
POLICE NEWS: Woman charged with shop lifting
ABOUT 3pm on Friday, February 19, a 28-year-old Prospect woman entered a Paramatta department store where she has selected several …
Vasco’s Charcoal Chicken named champion takeaway
VASCO’S Charcoal Chicken from North Parramatta has been named Champion Fast Food/Takeaway Store at the Australian Small Business Champion Gala …
How COVID turned Bankwest into a Drive-In attraction
DRIVE-In movie theatres were a huge hit in the 1970s and they made a comeback in 2020 as a COVID-safe …
Brad Arthur prepares for 8th season: On talent alone, Eels should make the finals
EELS coach Brad Arthur is preparing for his eighth season in charge when the NRL 2021 season kicks off …
CITYSCAPES: Our resilient city is bouncing back
By Lord Mayor BOB DWYER AFTER the challenges of 2020, it is wonderful to see our resilient City and community …
Now it’s bad for your heart: Another shot for lovers of coffee
HAVE heart Professor, It’s enough to drive you to drink – now coffee is the big risk to our hearts …
CareFlight flies local specialist to deliver critical trauma care
LOCAL emergency medicine specialist, Dr Chris Cheeseman, will be one of the first doctors in Australia to fly to patients in need of emergency medical care …
FIVE KEY TRENDS FOR PROPERTY: Why 2021 is tipped to be great year
EVERY year is tipped to be a “great year” for property in Sydney, and that’s definitely been true in recent …
POLICE NEWS: Multiple drink driving incidences
ABOUT 3.00am on February 7, 2021, the driver of a Mitsubishi Lancer was stopped for a random breath test on the …
New images from Light Rail alignment revealed
A FIRST look at the Parramatta Light Rail alignment has been revealed as the project gains momentum, with track work …
Y NSW comes to the rescue: Westfield pop-up space offers opportunity
By Lawrence Machado WHILE the future of Parramatta PCYC is uncertain, the YMCA has teamed with Westfield Parramatta to provide …
COMMENT: Why Parramatta businesses face the JobKeeper cliff
By JULIE OWENS IF you live around Parramatta, you get to enjoy one of the most vibrant and diverse dining …
COVID-19 vaccine program begins on Monday at Westmead
MORE than 35,000 critical staff in NSW will be among the first in Australia to receive the COVID-19 vaccine when …
Parramatta records strong positive demand in office space
PARRAMATTA is continuing its rise with more new office space coming onto the market, according to the recent Property Council …
PCYC uncertain over new home: community leaders fear crime increase
By DI BARTOK COMMUNITY leaders, worried about escalating youth crime and suicides, wait with bated breath over news of a …
Approval for the 100-room health and wellbeing hotel at Westmead
WESTMEAD is gaining a new Travelodge Hotel which could prove to be the healthiest hotel in Australia. The $100M health …
Looking forward to seeing night-time grant enquiries
By BOB DWYER, Parramatta Lord Mayor WHAT a busy month January has been in Parramatta! While our Australia Day celebrations …
Early days of Parramatta pubs: Baker’s Arms and surrounds
PUBS have always been a big part of Parramatta, from its early days of development through to the thriving city it …
Westmead the training centre for next generation of doctors
WESTERN Sydney has been given a boost with 151 newly graduated doctors, needed more than ever as we fight COVID-19. …
The Girl from Mumbai who guides our migrants
FROM working in the Indian slums with legendary Mother Teresa to helping migrants in Western Sydney settle into their new …
Parramatta property experts called in to advise Central Coast Council over assets
TWO Parramatta property experts could prove saviours for the ailing Central Coast Council. The two gurus from Parramatta Council advisory …
Our Rosemary named Australian Local Hero
ROSEMARY Kariuki, the refugee from Kenya who has changed the lives of so many people in Western Sydney, is the …
Students in Parramatta to get hands-on STEM skills
HIGH school students in Parramatta LGA will be invited to get hands-on opportunities to develop skills in science, technology, engineering …
Formidable line-up of citizens recognised at Australia Day Local Awards
A FORMIDABLE line-up of worthy citizens and workers were recognised in this year’s Parramatta Council Australia Day Local Awards. The …
First tracks of Parramatta Light Rail laid along dining precinct
THE revitalisation of Parramatta’s ‘Eat Street’ is well underway with the first tracks laid for Parramatta Light Rail in the dining precinct. Minister …
Hoops Coffee House opens at Bankwest Stadium
PARRAMATTA’S home of sport and entertainment will feature early starts and alfresco dining with the opening of Hoops Coffee House …
REVEALED: The many tricks of investment scammers
TOO-GOOD-TO-BE-TRUE investment cold calls and buy and sell scammers preyed on migrants and indigenous consumers resulting in $13.7M being scammed …
More than one million turn to library’s online reading services
AN astonishing one million avid library users clicked online to use the Parramatta city’s library services forced to close its …
Parramatta aquatic and leisure centre gets final tick of approval
PARRAMATTA’S state-of-the-art aquatic and leisure centre is one step closer to construction after City of Parramatta Council received approval to …
Haven for rare birds in the middle of Toongabbie
A HAVEN for native birds to nest and forage for plant foods is underway in busy corridors at Old Toongabbie. …
After 11 years Louise bids Parramatta Chamber good-bye
LOUISE Zajac has spent the past 11 years mixing with the high-flyers of Parramatta business – now she is looking …
Catholic education turns 200 and it all started at Parramatta
THIS year is the bicentenary of Catholic education in Australia – and it all began in Parramatta, in a humble …
Boy from Dundas Valley to Lord Mayor: Bob’s heart has always been in the suburbs
LORD Mayor of Parramatta Bob Dwyer is proud of his City, with its dynamic development, and exciting projects such as …
Council adopts CBD tree policy: Path cleared for more shady trees
A COUNCIL resolution calling for an inventory of the existing number of cooling canopy trees within Parramatta CBD has been …
WSABE 2020: Stories of triumph, resilience and determination
The following is an edited extract by Senator the Hon Marise Payne, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Women, Liberal …
SCAM ALERT: Authorities’ Christmas warning over COVID fraud
AUTHORITIES has lifted the lid on scams triggered by COVID-19 and warned against fake online shopping websites particularly this Christmas, …
Guy Sebastian and Human Nature headline online concert
AUSTRALIAN music legends Guy Sebastian and Human Nature will lead a star-studded line-up for The Sebastian Foundation’s spectacular free online concert, Carols from Parramatta. …
Iconic Ampol calls Parramatta home: Northmead site the first of many outlets
AUSSIE iconic service station Ampol is back, this time in partnership with supermarket giant Woolworths. Founded in post-Depression 1936 as …
Why the Metro West needs another stop!
BACK in April there was an outcry when the NSW Government released plans for the Metro West that revealed there …
Council rents prime space to Govt for $1, detractors slammed as disgusting politics
IN a move that will cost Parramatta Council an estimated $60,000 over six months, the NSW Government has been granted …
Future of cricket: Govt funds New Centre of excellence
CONSTRUCTION has started on the Cricket NSW Centre of Excellence at Wilson Park where the State’s superstars and aspiring youth …
PROFILE: Lorraine Wearne: Straight-shooter for the community
LORRAINE Wearne, Parramatta’s longest-serving councillor, celebrates 25 years fighting for the community. So, what drives this amazing woman? AFTER a …
Backyard cricketers are taking over – Council to police our sports grounds
HOWZAT! Organised recreational cricketers playing on Parramatta sports grounds have just been bowled over following complaints from district cricket clubs. …
Parramatta Mission pivots its traditional service
IT used to be the place for the homeless, rough sleepers, and the lonely to come together for two meals …
HEALTH REPORT: Health workers in caring workplace
DO you know your colleagues well? Can you talk about personal matters? A dedicated team at Westmead Hospital decided to …
LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILE: Mode Media brings stories alive
CHRIS Hekeik elevates companies to the future in a stone cottage in Parramatta that harks back to our colonial past. …
Cooling trees a hot debate
Motion for a city tree report blocked by Lord Mayor COOLING trees became a hot debate among Parramatta councillors at …
POLICE NEWS: Planning urged as Summer Safe launched
NSW Police, together with Transport for NSW, is urging residents to plan and to expect a different holiday experience during …
Legends of Australia’s second oldest city revealed in documentary series
The legendary people and events that have shaped Parramatta’s unique – and sometimes surprising – history take center stage in …
Parramatta mum dreamt of $2M Lotto win
A PARRAMATTA mum has admitted she’d been dreaming about what she’d do if she ever won the lottery just days …
Locals shine in safety awards
WENTWORTHVILLE Leagues Club, Kellyville Soccer Club, and Action Insurance Brokers are the Western Sydney stars in the 2020 Safework NSW …
SuperFight event for Parramatta
THE NSW Government has continued its winning streak, securing another high-profile sporting event for Western Sydney. Headlining the inaugural Sydney …
Chamber back in business
PARRAMATTA Chamber was excited to be back doing what they do best and giving members a platform to connect with …
Business of people’s personal lives
In the 15 years, David Amaneddine has run a removalist business, it will be the year 2020 he will remember …
Former asylum rich in history
In the early part of the 19th century, one of the issues that caused consternation for colonial governors was the …
POWERHOUSE: We’ll block bulldozers
THE architects designing the $780M Powerhouse Parramatta has presented to Infrastructure NSW an improved design to include rooftop spaces which …
Live music to cut through Covid pain
LIVE music is set to ease the pandemic pain of Parramatta restaurants and pubs that have outdoor dining. From November …
POWERHOUSE: Design that kept heritage
WITH all the controversy surrounding the Powerhouse Museum in Parramatta, we revisit the only design on the shortlist that retained …
City leading to smarter suburbs
A New cutting-edge initiative by the City of Parramatta will change the way new Australian suburbs and cities are designed, …
COVID-19 traced from Parramatta
GET tested for COVID-19 is a key message for the Parramatta council area from NSW Health with Minister Brad Hazzard …
POLICE UPDATE: Warning about scams
Police would like to further remind the public that there are numerous scams currently in circulation and to exercise a …
Teenage rebel to respected councilor
From teenage rebel to a valued deputy Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Michelle Garrard feels well-equipped to help run a major …
BUDGET 2020: Opportunity missed
I WANT you to imagine for a moment that you’re the Treasurer. You’ve got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest to …
COMMENT: NBN – Annoyed or amused?
I DIDN’T know whether to be annoyed or amused when the Federal Government announced that the NBN was finished. Nice! …
NBN bureaucrats holding us back
BUSINESSES that underpin the first-rate city will not come to Parramatta without the NBN. Parramatta Chamber of Commerce president Schon …
CBD outdoor dining precinct to open
THE OUTDOOR dining precinct in Parramatta Square is set to open on October 21, offering an exciting range of dining …
Budget spend for Parramatta projects
PARRAMATTA and Cumberland Councils have scored more than $20M in the 2020-21 Federal Budget for infrastructure projects. The Investment in …
BUDGET 2020: Private sector revival?
TREASURER Josh Frydenberg has put the challenge to the private sector to pull the flailing economy up by its bootstraps. …
No bridge too far for Light Rail
Six new bridges will be built and another five bridges modified in the Greater Parramatta area, as part of the …
No more chances for Eels
THERE are no more chances for Parramatta and Souths when they clash in the NRL finals this weekend. The winner …
Eelectricity is sweeping Parramatta
IT’S finals time and footy fever are sweeping the Parramatta community. You can feel the ”eelectricity” as Parramatta start their …
Little India at Harris Park could be on its way
LITTLE India at Harris Park could be on its way soon with a meeting between the business community and Parramatta …
Support for cultural enterprises In recharge for city’s creatives
CITY of Parramatta Council has launched a new grants program to support cultural and creative enterprises as part of a …
Council endorses bold proposal to expand the Justice Precinct
CITY of Parramatta Council has unveiled an innovative proposal to expand the Justice Precinct in the Parramatta CBD, bringing more …
St George’s Terrace love-bombed as artists protest over heritage
A RARE splash of color lit up Parramatta when artists came to town to protest against the NSW Government’s plan …
Hub of the City on its way
THE $130M cultural and civic building that will dramatically change the look of Parramatta CBD is on its way with …
Behind the scenes the Salvos continue their work: Western Sydney Appeal launch
THE last 12 months has seen a dramatic way in which we interact within our community. Closed doors, mandatory social …