Parramatta has joined the ranks of international party cities like London, Dublin and Stockholm, as it waves the flag for safe and diverse night life.
Sydney’s second city is set to become an even more popular destination after dark, after becoming the first location in western Sydney to earn the Purple Flag accreditation.
Purple Flag areas aim to help people to quickly identify them as districts that offer a diverse and well-managed night scene with a range of dining and entertainment options.
Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, John Graham, said Parramatta is joining the York, Clarence and Kent Streets (YCK) precinct in Sydney’s CBD as Australia’s second location to gain Purple Flag accreditation.
“It’s great to see the first Purple Flag being awarded in western Sydney, and Parramatta’s lively restaurant, bar and arts and culture scene is a deserving recipient,” Graham said.
“To achieve a Purple Flag, areas must meet a high standard of excellence in managing its night-time offering, its access to public transport, adequate street lighting and security.
“I would like to acknowledge the work of the former Government in establishing this pilot program. We’re looking forward to the ongoing expansion of the Purple Flag program across greater Sydney.”
The accredited area covers more than 80 food and beverage venues along and around Church Street, as well as CommBank Stadium, Riverside Theatre, retail and dining at Westfield Parramatta, a cinema, public spaces, hotels, gyms and fitness studios – with safe access to public transport, a taxi rank and 24-hour car parks.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Sameer Pandey welcomed the announcement, saying it’s a step in the right direction for Parramatta’s CBD’s expanding night-time economy.
“We want Parramatta to be a ‘go to’ destination after dark where people can enjoy fabulous food, a drink with friends and a taste of our vibrant nightlife – all in a safe environment and close to transport,” Pandey said.
“Purple Flag recognition has been shown to boost visitation and raise the profile of night-life precincts internationally and is a massive win for local businesses.
“Parramatta really is the heart of global Sydney – and this Purple Flag helps put us on the radar of visitors nationally and internationally.”
Purple Flag is an internationally-recognised initiative that originated in the UK by the Association of Town and City Management, and has also been rolled out in more than 90 locations in Ireland, Sweden, New Zealand and Australia
NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, Michael Rodrigues, said Parramatta’s Purple Flag is a reflection of the City of Parramatta’s and local industry’s extensive efforts to develop a robust night-time economy.
“Parramatta is leading the way in Sydney with its strategic focus on elevating its 24-hour economy,” he said.
“I congratulate all involved in achieving this Purple Flag, which makes it known far and wide that Parramatta is a hugely appealing destination for locals, residents all across Sydney and visitors.”
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.