History of Chamber

Whenever something of significance was to occur, the Chamber of Commerce swung into action. In 1928, it organised a reception for Bert Hinkler to commemorate the first solo flight from England to Australia and in 1929, the Chamber was instrumental in having Parramatta proclaimed a city.

In 1930 it arranged buses to bring people to town from outlying districts. Some old-timers even cheekily claim that Parramatta carnival events were the forerunners of the Mardi-Gras. In 1933 the chamber hosted a ‘back to Parra’ week being a procession with floats observed by thousands and described in the Sydney Morning Herald as an occasion where everyone had a, ‘gay old time.’ The Chamber was incorporated in 1947. In the 1950’s it actively campaigned for the construction of an Olympic Pool in Parramatta Park - sadly the pool is now gone.  It successfully lobbied to have the Lord Mayoralty bestowed on the city. Ultimately this was done by the Queen in 1988. Alan Hyam was the first Lord Mayor with that honour.

But the real meaning of the proverb, being, different paths can take one to the same goal, might be said to have guided the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce in its 108 years of operation.

Whoever has not heard of Parramatta certainly must surely not live in Sydney or more likely, on the Eastern Seaboard. The famous Parramatta Eels four premierships and six times runners-up.

Now home to the Western Sydney Wanderers Football Club and supporting the local GWS Giants AFL - sport is in our blood.

Juxtaposed just thirty five minutes by train from Central and one and a half hours by ferry, along the Parramatta River from Circular Quay, it could be a world away for all its autonomy and unique disposition.

And the Chamber of Commerce is rightly proud of its stewardship in making Parramatta the cornerstone of Greater Western Sydney even if not quite ‘the hub of the universe’ a phrase coined for Parramatta in the early twentieth century when the river was its commercial lifeline to and from Australia’s largest city.

Conceptualised in 1911, the inaugural meeting of the Chamber was in February 1912 and its first President was Walter Jago, who then held office as the Mayor of Parramatta.

Fundamentally the Chamber of Commerce strives to preserve free enterprise protecting the interests of business people in the community and encouraging its members to do business with each other.

 But throughout the years it has expanded its subsidiary roles in a community sense. Over a twenty year period in more           recent times, it has raised nearly half a million dollars, through our annual charity Golf Day with funds being distributed to charity.

The Chamber has never depended on government grants or funding, a matter of great pride to its members and of course has kept the Chamber on its toes knowing that each buck starts and continues with their enterprise in raising it.

The Chamber’s history involves a fascinating exegesis. Just think of it for a moment. It arranged the first shopping week in Parramatta in 1912. That was not accomplished by a Town Crier walking down Church Street ringing a bell to summon anyone who happened by, or even the President of the Chamber acting in that role. 

No, this was social media early twentieth century style as in face-to-face persuasion rather than Facebook chatter and, as in major papers when people feasted on local news. It was the forerunner of many such successful ventures attended by thousands.

Many businesses have had a long association with the Chamber.

The first paid employee joined the Chamber in 1992 and its first female President Betty Barrie, was elected in 1993.

This association became a great success over many years propelling the Chamber into significant prominence at all levels of government, Federal, State and Local.

The development was a welcome change, after a period where there was a perception that the Chamber was anti-council. Ultimately, this led to an improved relationship with the Council, greater cooperation and a better scope for improving services for members.

Along the journey, there have been many significant initiatives of the Chamber, all calculated to inspire confidence in its members, provide opportunities to ‘meet and greet’ and to be informed.

The Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence (WSABE) is another project that has played a significant role in allowing the Chamber to take on other projects and provide extended services whilst recognising and promoting business excellence in our region.

Business After Fives was established and remains to this day one of the most popular events in the Chamber’s calendar the last such function attracting 280 attendees.

Another very important event fostered by the Chamber bringing the business community and the council together is the “State of the City”, address. In 2019 this function was attended by over 400 business people keen to hear of what had been achieved and future plans at Local and State level for the city of Parramatta.

We proudly host the Future of Business Breakfast Forums (FBBF), an annual Business Environment Expo (BEE) and  have 4 Network Referral Groups (NRG) who each meet weekly. 

The board attitude has been to position the Chamber as the ‘go to’ place for businesses thinking of coming to Parramatta and keeping those that are here. We advocate and lobby on their behalf to all levels of government and provide support to build their business within our community.

The Chamber’s website has been a tremendous initiative providing members with instant access and a veritable wealth of information at their disposal.

Keeping Parramatta buzzing was and remains the theme running through every activity of the chamber and its worthy servants of many years. That is the challenge for the Parramatta of the future, one that the Chamber of Commerce recognises and is happy to work harder to address.

Parramatta Chamber - Passionate about Parramatta