April - June 2011

PARRA PULSEThe leading City in the heart of Sydney The leading City in the heart of Sydney

The forum, an initiative of the Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr John Chedid, was attended by more than 250 guests and chaired by Founding Director of the Greater Sydney Partnership, Christopher Brown.

Cr Chedid, said the high powered forum was a unique opportunity to have some of the best minds in one room to discuss the future of Parramatta and best manage the anticipated growth of Sydney.

“The feedback on the day was that this initiative was long overdue. There was also renewed confidence from business and investment stakeholders who left the forum believing that things were starting to happen in the City,” Cr Chedid said.

“Many of the problems currently plaguing Sydney, such as transport and employment, can be solved through proper infrastructure investment in

Parramatta. We can provide jobs close to people’s homes in the west and our central location makes for an ideal focal point for the City’s future transport system,” he added.

To alleviate transport concerns, Cr Chedid unveiled at the forum a proposed amendment to the Parramatta Epping Rail Link, which would include a second station in Parramatta North and a Hills Rail Link.

“As the geographic heart of Sydney, the gateway to Western Sydney, and one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, it is vital that we have the necessary infrastructure in place to support future development,” Cr Chedid said.

“These proposed rail connections are realistic and achievable options which will provide greater employment access to those who reside in the north and north-west and facilitate our City’s growth as Sydney’s second CBD,” he said.

Council’s proposed rail models take into account an expected increase of student numbers at the University of Western Sydney and in the Parramatta city centre over the next decade, consistent with the State Government’s Metropolitan Plan for Sydney 2036, backed by the State’s leading economist, Christopher Brown.

“The formal recognition and further development of Parramatta as Sydney’s second CBD is essential to cater for the sustainable growth of metropolitan Sydney. To make this a reality we need planning reform, transport, cultural and educational infrastructure investment and governance review,” Cr Chedid said.

Parramatta took centre stage on 8 March 2011, where leading politicians, business stakeholders and community members converged in Parramatta at a high-powered forum, ‘Parramatta: Australia’s Next CBD’, to set the agenda for the growth of Western Sydney and ensure the region’s future priorities are met.

Parramatta takes centre stage

NSW Premier, The Hon. Barry O’Farrell with Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr John Chedid.

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Lord Mayor’s Message

Council raises $100k to assist Queensland flood victims

Donations were made at a series of fundraising barbeques held in front of Parramatta Town Hall. Council donated $50,000 and this was matched by donations from local businesses and the community.

Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr John Chedid, flew to Queensland in March to present $100,000 to areas impacted by the recent flood disaster and was warmly welcomed by Queenslanders in Brisbane and Rockhampton.

Cr Chedid presented $50,000 to Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor, Cr Campbell Newman, which will go towards restoring community services and facilities such as Meals on Wheels,

parks and also assisting local sporting and volunteer groups. A further $10,000 was presented to Brisbane’s Salvation Army to assist with its relief efforts.

Rockhampton Regional Council, which included areas that were among the first to be hit by the floods, received $30,000 – taking its flood appeal to a little more than $400,000. A further $10,000 was presented to Rockhampton’s St Vincent de Paul Society.

Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor, Cr Brad Carter, said he had been overwhelmed by the generosity shown towards the region, with people and organisations from outside the community continuing to dig deep.

Lord Mayor Cr John Chedid and Lady Mayoress Monty Chedid proudly display a cheque to the value of $100,000 for the Queensland Flood Appeal.

Parramatta City Council’s Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress Queensland Flood Appeal hit its target of $100,000, thanks to the generosity of local residents, workers and businesses.

Parramatta took centre stage on 8 March, when it hosted the Economic Development Forum, ‘Parramatta: Australia’s Next CBD’. Key and diverse stakeholders discussed our City’s important role in the future development of Sydney.

Many views and topics were discussed on the day, including a transport proposal which, if adopted, will alleviate traffic and rail congestion, and support Parramatta’s growth as Sydney’s second or twin CBD.

This forum positioned Parramatta as the solution to Sydney’s transport problems and I’m proud to have been able to play a part in helping to get this initiative off the ground.

In other news, the turnout to the launch of Liquid Cinema was impressive, with hundreds of movie-goers packing the river foreshore throughout March. Given the response so far, I think it’s fair to say that Liquid Cinema could become a regular summer fixture.

I’d also like to offer a big thank you to the many people who contributed to the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress Queensland Flood Appeal which helped raise $100,000 for families impacted by the recent disaster.

Cr John ChedidLord Mayor of Parramatta

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Parramatta River revitalised

Old Kings School to become arts precinct

The Old Kings School site.

The river foreshore will be bustling with a new range of events and entertainment.

The site will be shared between the public and Catholic Church, with 88 per cent of the site to remain in public ownership and the rest will be sold to the Parramatta Diocese of the Catholic Church, for $5.5m. Proceeds of the sale will be directed to the arts precinct.

Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr Chedid, said the announcement supported his view that the site was suitable for use by both the arts community and the Catholic Church.

“I’ve said from day one that the site was big enough for both groups to share and it’s pleasing that this view has been recognised by the State Government,” he said.

“Council has been campaigning for the site to be a leading creative arts hub for the past two years and this space will play a key role in our plans to revitalise areas along the river foreshore precinct,” he added.

The planned arts and education precinct will include galleries, artists’ working and performance space, and educational facilities.

The Old Kings School site is just one part of Council’s total vision for a vibrant arts, entertainment and cultural precinct running through the ‘heart’ of the City that will further build on Parramatta’s reputation as one of Sydney’s premier event destinations.

The Old Kings School site will be transformed into an arts and cultural precinct and will receive $24.6m in funding from the State Government to develop spaces for local artists and community groups.

Visitors and locals should look forward to seeing much more activity along the foreshore as part of Council’s plan to revitalise the Parramatta River.

Activities include an exciting new winter event, open-air cinemas, food and beverage kiosks and live entertainment, which will compliment Parramatta’s vibrant social scene and dining precinct ‘Eat Street’ in nearby Church Street.

Recently, Council ran a trial of Liquid Cinema, an open-air cinema held throughout March, which treated audiences to free movie screenings of Avatar, Hairspray, Mamma Mia and The Lion King. Hundreds of people enjoyed the open-air screenings and it is likely to return next summer.

Council will ensure that any future development along the foreshore provides the right mix of commercial, retail, community and recreational space and is accessible through an effective, integrated transport network.

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Parramatta Local Area Command Superintendant Rob Redfern with Lord Mayor, Cr John Chedid, next to one of many circuit TV cameras throughout the CBD.

Safer City improves Mall

Cr John Chedid initiated the Safer City program in December 2010, aimed at curbing the incidence of anti-social behaviour through a focus on early intervention, crime prevention measures and the improvement of urban design.

As part of the Safer City program, a Community Safety Forum was held in December last year and another in March, where Council and local businesses met to develop effective solutions to local safety problems.

A range of crime prevention measures aimed at improving the safety of residents, visitors and workers have already been implemented as part of the program, including:

• Increased police patrol of the area. Council has worked closely with our local police resulting in a stronger police presence in the CBD

• Closed circuit TV cameras throughout the CBD

• Armrests on all benches throughout Church Street Mall to discourage loiterers and combat anti-social behaviour

The Lord Mayor’s Safer City program is in full force with a range of safety measures already in place in Church Street Mall and a noticeable improvement in the amenity of the area.

Eels great Nathan Cayless (left) given the Key to the City of Parramatta by Lord Mayor, Cr John Chedid.

Parramatta Eels legend Nathan Cayless was recognised by being given the Key to the City, the most prestigious accolade a resident can receive from Council, by the Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr John Chedid, at the Parramatta Eels season launch on Thursday 17 February 2011.

Nathan has been a champion for Parramatta both on and off the field.

Cr John Chedid said the former Eels captain was a worthy recipient not only due to his impressive sporting achievements, but also for his ongoing efforts with local community and charity groups.

“Nathan has been a champion of Parramatta and it’s important for the City to recognise the contribution he has made over many years of competition at the highest level,” he said.

He joins Olympic gold medal-winning runner Betty Cuthbert in receiving this honour bestowed by the Council.

Cayless given the Key to the City

Quick and easy way to track your DA

Did you know you can track your development application using Council’s new online system?

Head to Council’s website at www.parracity.nsw.gov.au, click on the Build tab on the main menu and under Online Services click on DA Search and Progress.

• Introduction of alcohol-prohibited zones.

“Council has already taken some positive steps towards stamping out anti-social behaviour in our City with fewer incidents reported and Council is keen to continue to receive feedback from the local community,” Cr Chedid said.

“Council has shown that it won’t allow its City to be degraded by crime and anti-social behaviour,” Cr Chedid added.

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On the fast track: A proposal to connect Parramatta to East Coast Fast Rail has been submitted to Federal Government

Pop Up Parramatta arts project adds life to Parramatta CBD

Are you an artist interested in running your own creative enterprise from vacant retail and office spaces in the Parramatta CBD? Then hurry and submit your application and create, sell or exhibit your work in the heart of Parramatta.

Based on the successful Renew Newcastle project, Pop Up Parramatta is jointly funded by Parramatta City Council and Arts NSW to transform disused commercial premises into temporary innovative spaces.

One of the main aims of the project is to activate unused commercial and retail space to support and grow creative communities, while increasing cultural awareness by linking artists and creative practitioners with wider communities.

The foundation of this project is the temporary licence agreement with the property owner and participant, on a rolling 30-day licence structure. Applicants who meet the selection criteria will be required to pay $25 per week for each space, which covers maintenance and insurance costs, but does not cover the cost of utilities such as power, water and gas.

To get involved, submit an Expression of Interest application to Cate Gilpin at cgilpin@parracity.nsw.gov.au.

For further information on the project call Cate on 0411 562 103 or Council on 9806 5050.

Prize money of $50,000 is on offer for a commercially viable idea for the site located at a prime position on the edge of Parramatta River. There is also $10,000 up for grabs for the best artistic submission, $5,000 for the best student entry and $5,000 for a ‘highly commended’ submission.

The site covers 2.2 Ha and is located between Lennox and Bernie Banter bridges. It is connected to transport, shopping facilities and Parramatta’s thriving dining precinct, ‘Eat Street’.

Potential use for the site could include multi-functional facilities such as conference, performance, cultural, artistic, retail, commercial, entertainment and residential.

“We want people from all over the world to present some really innovative ideas. This is not just necessarily a building solution. We’re looking for a concept that will build on Parramatta’s reputation as one of Sydney’ premier events, shopping, cultural and dining destinations,” said Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr John Chedid.

The competition is open to people of all ages and backgrounds from around the world until midday, Wednesday 11 May 2011.

Entry to the competition is free. For more information about the ‘Ideas on Edge’ competition visit Council’s website at www.parracity.nsw.gov.au or contact Council on 9806 5050.

WANTED: Bold, innovative and creative ideas to transform our river foreshore

Parramatta City Council is on the hunt for the boldest, most innovative and creative thinkers to present their vision for an iconic site along the scenic Parramatta River foreshore as part of an international ideas competition, ‘Ideas on Edge’.

The site (marked in red) covers 2.2 Ha and has the potential to include multi -functional facilities for artistic, commercial, residential and entertainment use.

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Council’s Loop bus goes green

Ahead of the recent NSW State elections, both sides of government pledged to fund the service which carries, on average, more than 4,000 commuters each day.

Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr John Chedid, said after continual lobbying by Council, the announcements made by the State Government and Opposition were a win-win for the ratepayers of Parramatta.

“Council has been funding the cost of this popular commuter service since it was introduced in August 2008, so it’s pleasing that the State Government has finally come on board and recognised the value of this important transport connection in the CBD,” he added.

The shuttle bus will continue with the same route that is in place and stop at existing locations, so there won’t be any disruptions to the current service.

The free shuttle bus service will operate approximately every 10 minutes between:

• 7am and 6:30pm on weekdays

• 8am and 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

The City’s free shuttle bus service, The Loop, will now run seven days a week and be coloured bright green, after the former State Government announced that it would fund the service from mid March.

While most of us were tucked away in bed, more than 100 volunteers took part in Parramatta City Council’s annual Homeless Street Count, conducted throughout Parramatta on the night of Monday 7 February and the early hours of Tuesday 8 February.

Top history students receive John McClymont AwardAna-Maria Cindric and Bettina Forde, recent graduates of Catherine McAuley Westmead High School, were awarded the exclusive John McClymont Award after achieving the highest marks in HSC history in the Parramatta local government area.

The award is dedicated to the memory of local historian and former president of the Parramatta Historical Society, John McClymont.

“John McClymont was devoted to researching Parramatta’s early history, and it is Parramatta City Council’s pleasure to name and present this award in recognition of John McClymont’s legacy,” he said.

As part of the award, Cr Chedid presented Pictorial History Parramatta and District, a book written by the late John McClymont, as well as a $100 voucher.

The count revealed more than 350 homeless residents, with 70 rough sleepers and 284 sleeping in emergency and crisis accommodation and revealed a small decrease in the number of rough sleepers counted on the night, compared to last year, with increased numbers reported in emergency and crisis accommodation.

Data collected from the street counts helps to better understand and address homelessness in the area, and plays a key role in informing the development of Council’s homelessness policy and

improving the wellbeing of homeless people in the Parramatta area.

The initiative was widely supported by the Lord Mayor of Parramatta and Councillors, local business, including Westpac and Parramatta Chamber of Commerce, service providers, local police and the Parramatta Region Homelessness Interagency.

If you’re interested in more information on the next street count, contact Victoria Edghill on 9806 5892.

Annual homeless street count

Ana-Maria Cindric accepts her award from Lord Mayor, Cr John Chedid. Absent: Bettina Forde.

The new shuttle bus service now operates 7 days a week.

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Reach Council online in real-time

Online applications include online chat sessions, a community facilities venue booking system and residential parking permit renewals.

Live Support Online is a convenient way for you to contact Council through real-time chat Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm. To access live chat, click on the Live Support Online tab on Council’s home page. Please note that this application is part of a trial.

Venue booking system allows you to view the availability of all Council’s Community Centres, Halls and Youth Centres from the comfort of your own home. The online booking system will tentatively book a selected venue and send through the booking enquiry to Council’s Booking Officers. Users can also take an interactive 360-degree virtual tour of facilities online. To access the application, simply click on the Online Services Portal link on Council’s website.

A new online application for residential parking permits is a real time saver by enabling you to renew your parking permits quickly. To access the application, simply click on the Online Services Portal link on Council’s website.

You can also submit requests for service using Council’s new SMS service. To ensure your request is attended to as soon as possible, please ensure you include answers to the following questions in your SMS message:

• What is the problem?

• Where is the problem located? Provide specific details of street name and number.

• What is your name? Council may need to call you back if we require further information to assist with the service request.

Text messages are limited to 160 characters. SMS your service request to 0418 805 884.

St Patrick’s Cemetery receives upgrade

Australia’s oldest Catholic cemetery, St Patrick’s Cemetery, will receive a restoration upgrade, as part of the RTA’s Church Street southbound bus lane scheme.

Restoration work will commence along Church Street, between By Street and Harold Street, past St Patrick’s Cemetery, to widen Church Street by two metres and provide a dedicated bus lane.

The RTA will fund improvement works in accordance with the St Patrick’s Cemetery Conservation Plan and Council will contribute $45,000 after receiving a Regional & Local Community Infrastructure Program Grant from the Federal Government.

The project will include:

• Erection of a timber and wire rural style heritage fence along the Church Street frontage

• Restoration of the existing sandstone and cast iron entry gates

• Restoration of the lych-gate that fronts the corner of Church Street and Pennant Hills Road

• Complete fencing of the entire perimeter of the cemetery along Pennant Hills Road and Castle Street frontages.

There’s now a quicker and easier way to communicate with Council thanks to new and innovative online applications, enabling you to contact Council in real-time via the web.

New online applications will allow residents to contact Council quickly and easily.

A grave at St Patrick’s Cemetery.

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A form can be sent to you by calling 9806 5700. Alternatively, pick up a form at Council’s Customer Contact Centre located at 30 Darcy Street, Parramatta.

Current registration fees are:• Non-desexed animal: $150• Desexed animal: $40• Pensioner with desexed animal: $15• Recognised breeder (non-desexed):

$40• Assistance animal, working dog

and greyhound registered under the Greyhound and Harness Racing Administration Act 2004: no charge.

It’s important you update your details with Council if you move house, change your contact number or go on holidays.

For further information call Parramatta City Council on 9806 5700 and request that a Change of Address Notice form be posted to you.

Did you know you are required by law to microchip your pet by 12 weeks of age?

Council offers residents a new mobile microchipping service - a quick, painless and completely safe process performed by an authorised implanter.

The total cost is $35 per animal and pensioners receive a discounted rate of $15 per animal.

For further information on microchipping your pet with Council or to book phone 9806 5700.

Next time you’re taking your dog for a walk, take a stroll at one of the eight off-leash areas, located at designated parks and reserves throughout Parramatta and surrounding suburbs.

The large open space will allow your dog to exercise freely, help release pent-up energy if your dog is housed in a confined or small area, and can contribute to a reduction in nuisance behaviour such as uncontrolled barking.

Council provides eight designated dog off-leash areas at:

• Barnett Park, Winston Hills

• Burlington Memorial Park (north area only), Northmead

• Cowells Lane Reserve, Ermington

• Dan Mahoney Reserve, North Parramatta

• George Kendall Riverside Park (fenced area only), Ermington

• McCoy Park (basin only), Toongabbie

• Scout Memorial Park (east of water canal only), Granville

• Wolseley Street Reserve, Guildford.

Take a stroll, walk your dog in an off-leash area

Register your pet for lifeBy law you are required to register your pet before it reaches six months of age, or if you’re taking ownership of an aged pet, you need to check if the animal is already registered and update Council with details of ownership.

Be a responsible pet owner and register your pet with Council.

George Kendall Riverside Park, Ermington.

Council’s new microchipping service

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In recent times, Parramatta has been the location of great Australian films including The Combination, Cedar Boys, Casualty, Big Trouble and Little Fish and has been the prime filming location of the ABC’s newest series Crownies – an intriguing drama about lawyers working for the Public Prosecution.

Parramatta City Council is enthusiastically implementing the NSW Government’s film-friendly policies designed to cut through red tape and make approval processes easier, faster and more streamlined than ever before.

Council has a film officer to answer questions and help with approval processes and enquiries.

For further information contact Nick Wright on 9806 5139 or email nwright@parracity.nsw.gov.au

The City of Parramatta is increasingly becoming a popular location to film.

Lights, cameras and plenty of action in ParramattaParramatta is increasingly becoming a popular location to film. The City offers a bustling café and restaurant scene, modern high-rise buildings, iconic river and infrastructure, historic homes and versatile green open spaces, all located within easy reach of Sydney.

Seniors were spoilt for choice at this year’s Seniors Week celebrations, which spanned from 21-28 March.

With more than 30 activities being offered by Council including art workshops, computer classes, tai chi demonstrations, line dancing, calligraphy classes and a golf tournament, the Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr John Chedid, said Seniors Week celebrations in our City provide an opportunity to acknowledge the valuable contribution of our senior community and the important role they play.

“The theme of this year’s Seniors Week was Live Life, and this is similar to the message Council regularly promotes to its seniors in Parramatta throughout the year,” said Cr Chedid. “Seniors Week is our way of recognising the time and effort seniors dedicate to making our City a better place.”

Council provides an extensive list of programs and services for its senior

community, including the Senior Leisure and Learning Centre, Meals on Wheels and the Neighbour Aid program.

“Seniors make such a valued contribution to our City and one of the important roles of Council is to ensure that they get the necessary support and skills to get active and interact with their community,” Cr Chedid said.

Seniors Week 2011 celebrations brought to life

The Lord Mayor joins local seniors to celebrate the launch of Seniors Week 2011 over a banquet of delicious food provided by the talented cooking students from Greystanes High School.

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Morning festivities also treated families with entertainment including an animal farm, aerial and stilt performers, rides and more.

Evening celebrations culminated with the Dig 1100 Concert where concert-goers were treated to a star-studded entertainment line-up, featuring Justice Crew, winner of The X Factor Altiyan Childs, The Break and 80s legendary rock group, the Hoodoo Gurus, who performed live in front of more than 20,000 concert-goers. The night was concluded with a spectacular fireworks finale, lighting-up the night sky.

Parramatta’s Australia Day Ambassador, Catriona Rowntree, TV presenter on Getaway, presented the Australia Day Awards together with Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr John Chedid, at the Dig 1100 Concert Stage, in Parramatta Park.

Award winners included:

Citizen of the Year: Margaret MyhillMargaret has contributed many countless hours to the Dundas Valley Junior Rugby Club, to assist young people and families in crisis in the local community.

Highly Commended Citizen of the Year: Peter BachaSince 1981, Peter has dedicated his time as a player and recently as coach to St Joseph’s Rydalmere Soccer Club, where he volunteers to mentor young soccer athletes.

Senior Citizen of the Year: Diana MahonyDiana has volunteered at The Judith Hyam Memorial Trust Fund for Cancer Research for 20 years. She was one of the

four ladies who played an instrumental role into the formation of the trust.

Young Citizen of the Year: Mitchell HodgsonMitchell is a venturer at Ermington Scouts and represents the Parramatta Distinct and Greater Sydney Region on a number of state and national teams. He also played an integral part of the Scoutreach – Learning for Life program.

Highly Commended Young Citizen of the Year: Laith JammalTogether with Council, Laith launched a clean-up campaign Dob in a Dumper. Laith is also musically talented being involved in a group called The Heartbeats.

Sportsperson of the Year: Shirley HuangA keen volleyball player, Shirley has since become a member of NSW Volleyball Under 17s Women’s Team and competed in the Australian Junior Volleyball Championships.

Junior sportsperson of the Year: Nick BertusA bright cricketing prospect from the Parramatta District Cricket Club and a member of the club’s second grade team.

Community Service Award: Peter WarrenPeter has donated countless hours to a number of charity organisations in the local area over the years.

More than 50,000 people celebrate Australia Day in Parramatta Park

Parramatta’s famous Australia Day celebrations opened with the popular hot air balloon event, Aerial Carnivale.

Australia Day Award winners honouredLocal heroes, who dedicate their time to improve our community, were celebrated at a special award ceremony on Australia Day.

Left to right: Peter Bacha, Laith Jammal, Nick Bertus, Scoutreach resprentatives, Peter Warren, Margaret Myhill, Mitchell Hodgson, Diana Mahony. Absent: Shirley Huang.

Community Event/Project of the Year: Scoutreach – Learning for LifeCommunity leaders, local agencies and public schools in the Telopea, Rydalmere, Ermington and Dundas area, have dedicated their time to work with disadvantaged young people aged 6-11 years.

TV Presenter Catriona Rowntree with the Lord Mayor, Cr John Chedid, on Australia Day.

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Contact your CouncillorsThe Councillors’ Support Officer (phone 9806 5066) can put you in touch with the Councillors that represent your Ward. Alternatively you can contact them directly on the following numbers.

Cr Andrew BideMob: 0458 784 540

Cr Scott LloydMob: 0414 730 254

Cr Paul BarberMob: 0414 980 605

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DCr Paul GarrardMob: 0414 504 504

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Cr Glenn ElmoreMob: 0408 605 451

Cr Tony Issa, OAMMob : 0414 333 300

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Cr Michael McDermottDeputy Lord MayorMob: 0408 650 417

Cr Mark LackMob: 0418 207 366

Cr John ChedidLord MayorMob: 0431 506 055

Cr Lorraine WearneMob: 0416 035 817

LACH

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Cr Andrew WilsonMob: 0414 190 205

Cr Pierre EsberMob : 0414 190 204

Cr Prabir MaitraMob: 0448 480 323

Cr Julia FinnMob : 0414 190 202

Cr Chiang LimMob : 0427 277 299

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SWIMMING POOLS• Parramatta Swimming Centre

O’Connell Street, Parramatta Tel: 9630 3669

• Granville Swimming Centre

Enid Avenue, Granville Tel: 9637 1593

LIBRARIES• Parramatta City Library

Address: Civic Place, Parramatta Tel: 9806 5159

• Dundas Valley Branch Library Address: Sturt Street, Telopea Tel: 9638 1146

Council Services

• Parramatta City Council twitter @parracity • Discover Parramatta twitter @discoverparra • Parramatta Library twitter @parralibrary

• Facebook: Discover Parramatta Parramatta City Council Parramatta Heritage Centre

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook:

• Ermington Branch Library Address: River Road, Ermington Tel: 9638 2270

• Granville Branch Library Address: 8 Carlton Street, Granville Tel: 9637 4270

• Guildford Branch Library Address: Railway Terrace, Guildford Tel: 9632 6744

• Constitution Hill Branch Library Address: 20 Hollis Street, Constitution Hill Tel: 9896 2201

THE PARRAMATTA HERITAGE & VISITORS CENTRE Address: 346A Church Street, Parramatta(opposite Riverside Theatres)Tel: 8839 3300Fax: 9683 5608

MEALS ON WHEELSShop 3, 10 Hunter Street, ParramattaTel: 9635 5293

COUNCIL’S WASTE HOTLINE Tel: 9806 5544

Parramatta City Council30 Darcy Street Parramatta NSW 2150PO Box 32, Parramatta NSW 2124

Telephone: (02) 9806 5050Facsimile: (02) 9806 5917

Email: council@parracity.nsw.gov.auWebsite: www.parracity.nsw.gov.au

National Relay Service (NRS) Telephone: 133 677

Hearing impaired and deaf people may call Parramatta Council through the NRS, using modem or textphone by dialling 133 677 and quoting customer service number (02) 9806 5050.

ENGLISH

Welcome to the April-June edition of Parramatta City Council’s community newsletter, Parra Pulse.

Our City is home to many major events each year and 2011 started off with huge Australia Day celebrations at Parramatta Park, where more than 50,000 came together to celebrate. To read more see page 10.

The front page includes information about a recent high-powered forum our city hosted, ‘Parramatta: Australia’s Next CBD’, which brought together political, industry and community leaders who discussed the growth of Parramatta and its future.

Turn to page 2 and read about Council’s triumph in raising $100,000 to assist Queensland flood victims, and on page 3 you will find information about activities along Parramatta River, including live entertainment and free outdoor movie screenings along the foreshore.

Read about changes to the city’s free shuttle bus service, The Loop, on page 6 and turn to page 7 to learn more about Council’s new online applications, which will now make communicating with Council easier.

For further information on all events and initiatives visit Council’s website www.parracity.nsw.gov.au.

If you require interpretation assistance with this newsletter please call TIS on 131 450 and ask them on your behalf to contact Parramatta Customer Service on 9806 5050 Monday to Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm.