By Lord Mayor BOB DWYER
AFTER the challenges of 2020, it is wonderful to see our resilient City and community bouncing back and returning to a new normal. Restaurants, bars and shops are welcoming the return of patrons and customers, theatre shows and sports matches have audiences again, and many workers are returning to the CBD.
While the cooler autumn weather is just around the corner, there’s still plenty to do and see in our vibrant City in the coming weeks and months.
Parramatta Nights
I’m excited to announce the City of Parramatta is hosting Parramatta Nights, a series of COVID-safe events across various locations in the Parramatta CBD.
Relax to the sound of live jazz music in Parramatta Square, watch a movie in the open-air cinema or take a spin around the roller-skating rink at Prince Alfred Square. You can also enjoy live music performances with a backdrop of the Parramatta CBD skyline, DJ beats, family entertainment and food stalls.
With so much on offer over 12 fun-filled nights, there’s something from everyone. Make sure you don’t miss it!
For more information, including dates, line-up and event locations, and to book tickets, visit www.discoverparramatta.com/parramattanights. Bookings are essential.
Parramatta, Where It’s At
For sports fans, autumn in Parramatta has a lot to offer. Head to Bankwest Stadium to cheer on the Western Sydney Wanderers and Parramatta Eels, or pay a visit to Giants Stadium and support the GWS Giants.
The season also sees the return of the Autumn Racing Carnival at Rosehill Gardens, which kicks off on 13 March with Chandon Ladies Day, followed by the popular Longines Golden Slipper Day on 20 March.
If sport is not your thing, check out a show at Riverside Theatres, or spoil your tastebuds with dinner and drinks at one of our City’s many incredible bars and restaurants.
For more on what’s happening in Parramatta, visit www.discoverparramatta.com and sign up for the Discover Parramatta e-newsletter.
Parramatta Virtual Tour
Experience a bird’s-eye view of Sydney’s Central River City and its neighbourhoods with our new Parramatta Virtual Tour. This online tour allows visitors to explore our incredible City from the comfort of their own home. Check out the Parramatta CBD, Parramatta Park, North Parramatta, Harris Park and Rosehill, the Parramatta River Valley Way, and Sydney Olympic Peninsula, and learn about each area. You can even get a sneak peek inside some of our much-loved heritage buildings, such as Brislington Medical & Nursing Museum, Colonial Hospital Pavilions, The Dairy & Rangers Cottages, and more.
Take the online tour at www.discoverparramatta.com/virtualtour
Free Parking
Diners and shoppers can park for free in Council’s City Centre and Eat Street Carparks until 30 April, as part of a joint initiative by the City of Parramatta and Transport for NSW.
This initiative aims to support our community and local businesses after what has been a particularly challenging year. All you need to do is spend $20 or more at participating retailers and ask for your free parking voucher when you pay.
Free parking is valid between 11am and 3am the next day, Monday to Saturday.
Go to www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/free-parking to find out more and see a list of participating businesses.
Council Meetings
Council Meetings are typically held on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6.30pm. From 8 March 2021, members of the public will be able to attend Council Meetings in person. A COVID Safe QR code will be displayed at the entrance of the Chamber, for the public to check in prior to entering and will be requested to verify that details have been recorded. All persons will need to maintain social distancing in line with NSW Government rules. Meetings will also be available via the live-stream video link on Council’s website. For more information and to access the live-stream link, visit www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/councilmeetings.
You can also find my Lord Mayor’s message online on the City of Parramatta website: cityofparramatta.co/LMmessage
