History, Life Members & Chamber Presidents

1910’s

• 1911 – The Parramatta Chamber of Commerce was conceptualised
  
• February 1912 – Inaugural meeting of the Chamber held and Walter Jago, then Mayor of Parramatta became the first President.
• 1912 – The Chamber organised Parramatta’s first Shopping Week, attracting thousands and setting a precedent for future civic promotion.

1920’s

• 1928 – The Chamber organised a civic reception for Bert Hinkler to commemorate the first solo flight from England to Australia.
• 1929 – The Chamber played a pivotal role in having Parramatta socially proclaimed a city.

1930’s

• 1930 – The Chamber arranged bus transport from outlying districts to support local commerce and events.
• 1933 – Hosted the famous “Back to Parra Week”, featuring a large procession with floats, attended by thousands.

1940’s

• 1947 – The Parramatta Chamber of Commerce was formally incorporated, strengthening its governance and long-term vision.

1950’s

• 1959 – The Chamber actively campaigned for and played a major role in the construction of an Olympic Pool in Parramatta.

1960’s

• 1961: Chamber participated in Parramatta’s Centenary of Local Government programmes with shopwindow dressing and other community events.
• 1963 – The Chamber produced a documentary film titled “Parramatta – Cradle of the Nation”, later updated to video format which celebrated Parramatta heritage and identity.

1970’s

• Chamber provided continuous leadership and business advocacy across a decade of economic and urban transition, with a succession of Presidents strengthening member support and Chamber programs.

1980’s

• 1988- The Chamber successfully lobbied to have the Lord Mayoralty bestowed on the city by the Queen.

1990’s

• 1990 – Establishment of The Parramatta Regional Awards for Business Excellence.
• 1992 – The Chamber appointed its first paid employee, marking a shift to professional administration.
• 1993 – Betty Barrie was elected as the Chamber’s first female President.

2000’s

• 2002 – Establishment of the annual State of the City Address which has now become one of the Chamber’s
• 2009 – The Parramatta Regional Awards for Business Excellence was transformed and renamed to the Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence (WSABE), expanding from to a fully Western Sydney Regional awards platform.

2010’s – present

• 2011-2017 – Life members awarded to distinguished community and business leaders.
• 2025 – Celebrated 35 years of the Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence.