Hosting community events, meetings and celebrations in Parramatta is set to become more affordable, with the City of Parramatta introducing a new package of venue hire incentives from 1 July 2026.
The 12 month trial offers a 50 per cent reduction on venue hire fees during off peak hours across a range of Council facilities, including PHIVE, Wentworth Point Community Centre and Library and 18 community centres throughout the local government area.
The discounted rates will be available to all hirers, including commercial organisations, community groups and unfunded not for profit organisations, in a move the Council says is aimed at encouraging greater use of its public spaces.
Alongside the reduced hire fees, first time users booking PHIVE will receive complimentary refreshments and stationery. Those booking Wentworth Point Community Centre and Library can access incentives including free event styling, audio visual equipment and co working desk packages. New hirers at community centres will receive their first hour free.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter said the initiative is intended to make the city’s facilities more accessible to a broader range of users.
“Parramatta is home to some of the best community facilities in the country and we want our community spaces to be enjoyed and activated by as many people as possible,” Cr Zaiter said.
“We’re making it more affordable for residents, businesses and community groups to come together and make these spaces their own by cutting hire costs in half during off peak times.
“Whether it’s a community meeting, business workshop, celebration or social event, we want our venues to be the first choice.”
Councils across Australia have increasingly looked at ways to encourage greater use of community facilities, particularly outside peak periods when venues may otherwise remain underutilised. Reduced hire fees and introductory offers are among the approaches being used to attract new users while improving the value of publicly funded spaces.
Parramatta’s trial is open to a wide range of users, reflecting demand from local residents, businesses and community organisations seeking flexible venues for meetings, workshops, cultural events and private functions.
The incentives will remain in place until 30 June 2027, when the Council is expected to review the trial and assess whether the programme has increased bookings and broadened community participation across its venues.
Residents and organisations interested in hiring a venue can find booking information through the City of Parramatta’s website.
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