Wednesday 26 August 2026
MEDIA RELEASE
The Parramatta Chamber of Commerce has successfully secured funding through the NSW Government’s Uptown Grant Program delivered by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner to support Parra Nights – a dynamic new initiative designed to drive visitation, activate the city after dark and support local businesses.
As the lead organisation, the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce will work closely with businesses, stakeholders and the broader community to deliver curated activations showcasing Parramatta’s vibrant dining, retail, cultural and entertainment offerings.
Parramatta CBD was one of the first precincts in NSW to achieve Purple Flag status, recognising the city’s welcoming and inclusive nightlife offerings. Parra Nights aims to attract even more new and returning visitors, encourage longer stays and deliver tangible economic benefits across the city.
A key feature of the program will be the launch of the Parramatta Passport, an innovative initiative designed to inspire visitors and residents to explore, discover and engage with local businesses in the precinct. By rewarding visitors for experiencing multiple venues, attractions and offerings across the city, the Passport will create new opportunities for business collaboration, increase customer foot traffic and strengthen the local economy.
Drawing on its extensive business networks, strategic partnerships and deep understanding of the local business landscape, the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce is uniquely positioned to deliver a program that maximises outcomes for local operators and the wider community.
“Parra Nights is about supporting local business growth through collaboration. Customer engagement is at the heart of Parra Nights which will showcase the incredible diversity of businesses Parramatta has to offer after dark,” says Romina Bousimon, General Manager Parramatta Chamber of Commerce.
NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said:
“Parramatta is one of Sydney’s fastest growing nightlife areas, and offerings in this hub continue to grow with the Metro and Powerhouse Parramatta on the way.
“We look forward to seeing the Parra Nights District team bring these activations to life for locals and visitors alike.
“The Uptown Grant Program is about empowering local businesses to work together to improve the going out experience in their area. It takes time and commitment, but we’ve seen this work with some of the program’s mature districts which now include household names like YCK Laneways, Brookvale Arts District and the Newtown Enmore Precinct in Sydney.”
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said the initiative will bolster the City’s events calendar, giving visitors more opportunities to experience and explore Parramatta throughout the year.
“Events like Parra Nights shine a spotlight on the outstanding local businesses that make our City a premier destination for world-class food, arts, culture and entertainment,” Cr Zaiter said.
“We’ve already laid the groundwork by introducing Late Night Trading development controls and pushing ahead with our proposal for a Special Entertainment Precinct in the CBD. This initiative will provide even more opportunities for people to experience everything Parramatta has to offer.”
As Sydney’s economic powerhouse, Parramatta continues to grow as a destination for business, culture, dining and entertainment. With exceptional connectivity through train, bus, ferry, light rail networks and affordable parking, the city is ideally positioned to welcome more visitors and support a thriving night-time economy.
Parra Nights is proudly funded by the NSW Government through the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner’s Uptown Grant Program.
Keep up with Parra Nights at parranights.com.au
Download the media release
Media Enquiries:
Romina Bousimon
Parramatta Chamber of Commerce
T: 02 9635 0022
E: meetme@parranights.com.au