Go Local! Famous Australians back Parramatta businesses

Former Parramatta Eels player Tim Mannah

City of Parramatta Council has launched a new gift card program to encourage people to discover the City’s offerings as part of a ‘Go Local’ campaign featuring famous Australians.

The AT PARRAMATTA Gift Cards can be redeemed at more than 50 outlets across the Parramatta Local Government Area from today, with dozens more businesses joining each week.

Former Parramatta Eels player Tim Mannah and comedian Rob Shehadie also star in a promotional video encouraging people to dine, drink and eat locally. 

“The City of Parramatta is the centre of global Sydney and small businesses are the backbone of our local economy − but they have been doing it tough during the pandemic,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer said.

“We’re calling on our community to get behind the City’s many cafes, restaurants and retailers, including on our famous Eat Street, whether by buying an AT PARRAMATTA Gift Card or dropping in.

“We also invite local businesses to participate in this fantastic gift card initiative. Not only is the program free of charge, it’s a great way to get customers through your doors.”

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer with Canan Ozdemir from The Coffee Emporium Restaurant & Bar

The AT PARRAMATTA Gift Cards can be of any value up to $1,000 and redeemed at participating businesses using EFTPOS.

Council’s successful ‘Go Local’ campaign aims to support the 27,000 businesses across the City through promotions and marketing material.

Council has profiled well-loved local businesses in Go Local videos such as independent music store Beatdisc Records, hair salon Hair by Phd, fitness centre Capax CrossFit, professional tailor House of Albert, Latin dance school Urban Salsa and Mexican food outlet Fireworks Foods.

These initiatives are part of Council’s $3 million COVID-19 Community Resilience and Economic Relief Package to help support local businesses impacted by COVID-19 and construction.

The Relief Package also includes: the COVID-19 Local Business Finder, an interactive website that lists businesses and nearby parking; a Small Business Grants Program, offering eligible businesses $2,000 in assistance; more short-term parking in the Parramatta CBD; and signage to let people know that businesses are still open.

Parramatta Chamber of Commerce President Schon Condon welcomed Council’s ‘Go Local’ campaign.

“The Chamber encourages everyone to get behind the wonderful ‘Go Local’ campaign initiative by City of Parramatta Council,” Mr Condon said.

“Together we can give back and show our community spirit by supporting local businesses that have contributed so much to this great City. They are the heartthrob that keeps the City beating and winning!"

For more information about the gift card program and to register, visit At Parramatta.

Local businesses are also invited to sign up to the ‘Go Local’ online directory to promote their offerings. Register and view Council's promotional videos at Discover Parramatta.