A message from the Prime Minister

The history of Parramatta extends over 60,000 years. For the Darug people, and then for European settlers as well, Parramatta was the last place of fresh water before the salt water of Sydney Harbour.

Chosen by Governor Arthur Phillip in 1788 as the colonial farming settlement, Parramatta has grown to become one of Australia’s largest economic centres. 

From the days when Parramatta founded the Australian wool industry, Parramatta has been a centre of commerce and innovation.

Parramatta’s ingenuity and resilience has also seen it seize the opportunities that come with change, moving into fields such as healthcare, tourism and education – industries on which so much of the nation’s future relies. It also has become a hub for more government services and agencies.

Parramatta offers a lifestyle that is second to none, with a bustling CBD and cultural precinct, as well as parks, waterways and bushland that reflects our beautiful natural Australian heritage. It is easy to see why so many domestic and international visitors make their way here annually, and why an increasing number of Australians choose to call this place home.

Parramatta was once imagined as a capital city for New South Wales, and, indeed, is today known as the economic capital of Greater Western Sydney. It is the home of a strong local economy and a diverse, harmonious community.

I have no doubt that in the years ahead, Parramatta will continue to go from strength to strength.

The Hon Scott Morrison MP
Prime Minister of Australia

7 August 2019