This edition of Parramatta community sector news features City of Parramatta Council’s Disability Forum, Africultures Festival, spring school holiday programs, baby playgroups, and more.
City of Parramatta Disability Support Services Forum:
City of Parramatta Council invites disability services supporting people in the Parramatta LGA to join a sector forum to connect with Council, other services, hear about City of Parramatta grants program and explore issues affecting the sector.
- Connect with Council staff and other disability support services including employment agencies and advocacy organisations
- Find out about Council’s models of service delivery and sector support, including the Grant Support Program for non-profit organisations and social enterprises
- Share insights, experiences, and emerging trends within the sector
- Explore ways to strengthen sector capacity and collaboration to support a more inclusive community
Wednesday, 25 November, 10am-12.30pm
Maker Space, Level 3, PHIVE, Parramatta Sq, Parramatta
Registration
Contact: Ash Kanitkar, akanitkar@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au
Community
EAT Parramatta Campaign
EAT Parramatta is City of Parramatta Council’s seasonal marketing campaign promoting Parramatta as a leading destination for food and hospitality. This year’s campaign, Eat the World at Parramatta, celebrates the range of global flavours, cultures and food traditions available across Parramatta.
The Social Enterprise Council of NSW & ACT (SECNA) October-November Activities
Events include Meet Parramatta’s Social Enterprise Suppliers; Introduction to Social Enterprise; Find Your People: LGBTQIA+ Focused Social Enterprises; Introduction to Work Integration Social Enterprise; Social Enterprise Summit; and Social Enterprise Festival.
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD)
Africultures Festival 2026
The Festival celebrates the rich cultures, flavours, fashion and sounds of the African continent – it will be a vibrant day of live performances, food, cultural showcases and community connection.
Saturday, 24 October, 11am-8pm
Cathy Freeman Park, Olympic Blvd, Sydney Olympic Park
Western Terrace: What Holds Us
An immersive journey exploring the people, practices and relationships that sustain us across generations. Grounded in Sāmoan cultural perspectives, three interconnected spaces invite audiences to reflect on what is inherited, what is chosen, and how community creates belonging, concluding with a kava gathering.
Wednesday, 28 October, 6pm-8pm
Level 3, Western Terrace, PHIVE, 5 Parramatta Sq, Parramatta
Disability
Speaking Up Together: A Newsletter Created by People with Intellectual Disability
Side by Side Advocacy has launched a newsletter created by people with intellectual disability, for people with intellectual disability. Every three months, people with intellectual disability will share stories, ideas and information about things that matter to them.
View Speaking Up Together Spring 2026 Newsletter
Subscribe to Newsletter
Families & Children
Pop-Up Baby Playgroup with BabyLab
Playgroup NSW and MARCS BabyLab welcome parents/carers with children 0-5 years to BabyLab Playgroup – open-ended play, singing and sensory activities while parents connect. Plus, parents can chat with BabyLab researchers about early learning, language and child development. Toys and play mats provided.
Thursdays, 15 October, 29 October & 26 November, 10.30am-12pm
Foyer, Level 4, The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, Western Sydney University (WSU), 160 Hawkesbury Rd, Westmead
City of Parramatta Spring School Holiday Program
The program gives children and young people the chance to try sport and recreation activities – it supports healthy, active lifestyles and connects families with local sport and recreation opportunities.
Monday, 28 September to Friday, 9 October
Health & Wellbeing
Gratitude Collective Art Project
Parramatta Medicare Mental Health Centre (MMHC) kicks off Mental Health Month with an origami workshop exploring themes of gratitude and connection to create a collective art piece. Participants will learn basic origami skills, create something to keep, and contribute. No experience necessary. Open to anyone 18 years and over.
Monday, 5 October, 4pm-6pm
Ground Floor, Suite 1, 150 George St, Parramatta
Women
The Big Kitchen Table with Women’s Legal NSW
Join Women’s Legal to explore legal issues for women at work and the intersection with domestic and family violence. Hear from sector experts, share the work you are doing, and help build a clearer picture of services and referral pathways to improve women’s safety and economic security.
Wednesday, 14 October, 9.30am-1pm
The Great Hall, Parramatta Town Hall, 182 Church St, Parramatta
Plus community sector resources, new publications of interest & online events: