On December 13, the City of Parramatta Council, known as Western Sydney’s networking powerhouse and economic centre, hosted over 200 people to celebrate Christmas at the revamped Oatlands Estate venue, now part of Navarra Venues’ recent investment in the west.
The Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Councillor Martin Zaiter, and Lady Mayoress, Carmen Zaiter, hosted councillors from key government surrounds, including Cumberland City Council and the Hills Shire Council, along with industry leaders and elected representatives from state and federal parliament, to celebrate Parramatta’s annual Christmas and charity event, while also recognising the council’s contributions to residents and their counterparts.
The Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Councillor Martin Zaiter, remarked on the transformation of Parramatta and his ambition for it to become the next home for Australians looking to be part of its blueprint for the future. A proud Western Sydney resident, Zaiter is unashamedly set on making the west, Sydney’s best.
“We are entering the golden age. We are (part of) the third largest economy in Australia.
We have more people live out west. We are the jobs hub for Western Sydney. We are the future of Australia,” Zaiter said.
The City of Parramatta Council, part of the Western Sydney economy, includes the local government areas of Blacktown City, Cumberland City, and the Hills Shire. Parramatta is also part of the Greater Western Sydney economy, which encompasses more than 13 local government areas and borders the South-West, Far Western, North-West, and Central West regions. This broader economic network has supported increased investment, as well as greater opportunities in education and health for both residents and industries, transforming the west.
Zaiter, of Lebanese descent, made mention of the conflict in Lebanon and the hardships experienced by Lebanese and other Middle Eastern communities. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate Christmas safely in his homeland, Australia.
Maronite Catholic priest and Secretary-General of the Chancery’s Office at the Maronite Eparchy, Father Michael Boudaher, marked the event’s religious significance and shared his wishes and prayers with attendees, their families, and the wider Sydney community as Christmas approached.
As part of the City of Parramatta Council’s Christmas Fundraising and Community Outreach efforts, the Lord Mayor presented a $5,000 cheque to the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Guests also brought unwrapped presents, which will be wrapped, and gifted by council staff, and delivered to children at Westmead Hospital before Christmas Day.
The Starlight Children’s Foundation has been supporting children with serious illnesses, disabilities, and injuries for over 30 years. The foundation partners with the wider community to provide children and their families with programs that bring fun, joy, and laughter, helping sick kids be kids despite their pain and time in the hospital.
Naomi Bright, a representative from the Starlight Children’s Foundation, expressed her gratitude to the Parramatta Council and guests for their contribution, noting the difference it will make in the lives of children at Westmead Hospital over Christmas.
“We create moments in hospitals across Australia—life-changing moments full of happiness.
These moments help children feel optimistic, which in turn helps manage their pain. We’re especially asking for funds this Christmas, specifically for children at Westmead Hospital,” Naomi Bright said.
This event is part of a series organised by the council to support residents and families during the Christmas season. On Christmas Day, the Lord Mayor and his family will host a BBQ in Parramatta as a key community outreach initiative.
In his unique style, MC Rob Shehadie provided guests with an entertaining yet informative overview of the area’s turnaround success. Dubbed the “unofficial Mayor of Parramatta,” Shehadie shared the history of the first Lebanese migrants to the region, their contributions to the hospitality and property markets, and ensured guests experienced the vibrant music and zaffet before closing the event.
‘The day I was born, I was rushed to Parramatta because they found my blood type to be blue and gold,’ Shehadie said
The event overwhelmingly showcased the pride and ambition of Sydney’s West, where residents can look to their elected leaders to realise their vision for growth in this formidable next chapter.
