Over the past decade, Parramatta has seen an enormous amount of change, much of it for the better, some of it perhaps not.
For those who have lived or worked in the region during this time, they have truly witnessed the metamorphosis of Sydney’s second city, as well as the battle of old and new; heritage and development.
Some 20 years ago, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Marise Payne set up her Macquarie Street office.
As a proud advocate for western Sydney she thought this was key in ensuring there was a strong representation of the Liberal Party in Parramatta.
She remains in that office today, however the city that surrounds it is far from the same.
Ms Payne said she has a real soft spot for the Parramatta community.
“The drive, the passion, the strength, the diversity; Parramatta is ever-changing, it never stands still,” she told Parra News.
“We love the excitement of the future, but we also have a passion for both our Indigenous and colonial history, all of which go to make Parramatta so fascinating.
“I love to see that in practice at schools, at Western Sydney University, in businesses, and in fact everywhere I go here.”
Ms Payne said she is immensely proud of what has been achieved in the region.
“It has been an absolute honour and privilege to work in Parramatta and its surrounding communities over all this time,” she said.
“Parramatta is the beating heart, the engine room and the focus of so much activity in our state and our nation, that I feel like I would be missing out if I wasn’t here!”
When it comes to the rapid change the city has experienced, Ms Payne agreed that striking a balance between old and new is important.
“I respect the views of both sides of this discussion, and I think all levels of Government, Local, State and Federal, along with our communities, have a role to play in endeavouring to achieve that balance,” she said.
As she looks to the future to imagine what Parramatta might look like in another decade, Ms Payne said the opportunities are endless.
“It might be in high-tech business, in becoming a foodie and cultural gourmet centre of Sydney with our fabulous restaurants, in the development of the services industry, as a sports hub or as a city with a world-class skills and higher education precinct; all these futures provide enormous opportunities.,” she said.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.