City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Steven Issa has welcomed the NSW Government’s $54 million commitment to restore and preserve the iconic Parramatta Female Factory, and hopes it marks the start of ongoing investment in the North Parramatta precinct and the City’s heritage.
“This is an important and significant investment in one of the most historically and culturally significant sites in not just Western Sydney, but Australia,” Cr Issa said.
“Around one in 10 Australians can trace their ancestry to the heritage-listed Parramatta Female Factory, which marked its bicentenary this year, so I know many in our community will welcome efforts to restore, preserve and secure the future use of this building.”
Cr Issa also welcomed the NSW Government’s promise to work with the Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council on future uses of the site, and its pledge to achieve a World Heritage listing – which Council has been advocating for.
“This is one of the biggest investments in our City’s heritage in recent memory and I look forward to seeing Council work closely with the NSW Government to protect and breathe new life into this landmark,” Cr Issa said.
“I hope this is the start of ongoing investment in the North Parramatta precinct and our City’s important heritage.”
Last week, Cr Issa was appointed to the Board of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, which has been tasked with conserving the natural and built heritage of several former Defence and Commonwealth lands around Sydney Harbour and reopening them to the public.
“It’s an absolute honour to be appointed to the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust. I hope to be a voice for the people of Western Sydney and bring a local government perspective to heritage planning and placemaking,” Cr Issa said.
