As the NSW Liberal Party continues to fight to keep Parramatta blue ahead of the State Election, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has made another visit to the seat to pledge an investment in the local Maronite community.
If re-elected, the NSW Government has promised $5 million to assist the growing Maronite community in Parramatta. The funding would go towards supporting the continued refurbishment and upgrade of the Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral precinct in Harris Park.
The Maronite College is also set to receive an additional $100,000 for the installation of solar panels, to help reduce the school’s energy bills and make it more environmentally sustainable.
Perrottet visited Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral in Harris Park to make the announcement, before he dropped by the Maronite College of the Holy Family, where students waving the Australian flag gave the NSW Premier a very warm welcome.
Perrottet said the Maronite community have always been a “passionate” group of people and that the additional funding will help the tens of thousands of Maronite community members who visit the Harris Park area.
“These facilities are a critical community hub, and our investment will help the Parish accommodate the growing Maronite community,” he said.
Also visiting the sites was Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure, who said the Maronite community has “always contributed” to the state since the 1800s to make it a great place to live.
“Whether it be through charities, community organisations or volunteering, the Maronite community is a remarkable representation of our multicultural and multi-faith society, and this is our investing back,” he said.
NSW Liberal Candidate for Parramatta Katie Mullens called the funding a “big win” for the local Maronite community.
“Only the Perrottet Liberal Government has a plan and vision to help support our growing communities,” Mullens said.
“Our strong economic management allows us to invest in community facilities and services for our community, with the experience and leadership needed to make sure they are delivered.
“The Maronites have played a huge part in Parramatta’s history and development. This investment will help realise our vision for this important community precinct.”
Bishop of the Maronite Catholic Eparchy of Saint Maron of Sydney Antoine-Charbel Tarabay also welcomed the announcement from the Premier.
“Funding will help us to continue serving the Maronite community in Harris Park and surrounds, and will enable us to meet the needs of our growing community,” he said.
Labor’s candidate for Parramatta Donna Davis was contacted for comment but no response was received by the deadline.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.