council
Culture and Leisure
Parramatta City Council is transforming Parramatta into a ‘creative city’. As a result of some successful partnerships with major arts bodies, Council is bringing innovative culture and leisure activities to the City. One recent initiative, the Parramatta Artists' Studios, offers reasonably priced studio space to local artists. It is funded jointly by Council and the NSW Government.
Council's ten year Arts Facilities and Cultural Places Framework 2005 is guiding plans for developing the arts and arts facilities in the city.
Each year the city’s libraries and Heritage Centre attract thousands of visitors and our celebrated Riverside Theatres present more than 600 events and performances. In partnership with the Sydney Festival, Parramatta now stages a range of festival events every January as well as it's major celebration events on Australia Day and New Year’s Eve. We also celebrate community events such as Chinese New Year and Thai water festival 'Loy Hrathong'.
Recreation and leisure opportunities in the local government area include the revamped Granville Swimming Centre, Parramatta Pool, Woodville Golf Course and many parks, playgrounds and sports fields.
Parramatta is home to many unique historic buildings including Old Government House in Parramatta Park, Experiment Farm, the Female Orphan School and the oldest surviving hotel in Australia, the Woolpack.