Parramatta City Council FAQs

• Are there exhibitions at the Parramatta Heritage Centre?

Arts & Entertainment

• Are there any fabulous shows coming soon to the Riverside Theatres?
• Arts and Culture - How is Council supporting these in Parramatta ?
• Can I exhibit my artwork at the Parramatta Heritage Centre?
• Church St Mall Entertainment, how can I become a part of it?
• Community Events, How do I get information?
• Do you have an Art Society?
• Does the Parramatta Heritage Centre house an art collection?
• Events & Exhibitions at Parramatta Heritage Centre/How can I find more information?
• Free Entertainment, Where and When is it?
• Heritage Centre - what ages are school holiday programs for?
• How do I find Community Groups?
• What artists feature in the Parramatta City Council Cultural Collection?

Business

• City Centre - What is Council doing for its future ?
• Outdoor Dining - Can businesses place tables and chairs on public footpaths ?
• Parramatta Justice Hub - what is it all about ?
• Retail Trading - Can businesses place retail on public footpaths ?

Community Services

• Babies, can they be enrolled in Council's Child Care Centres?
• Child Care Benefit, am I entitled to it at your centre?
• Child Care Centre Fees, How much are they?
• Child Care Centres, What hours are they open?
• Child Care Centres, can I get a position for my child in one of Council's centres straight away?
• Child Care Services - where are they in Parramatta?
• Community Grants, What does Council offer?
• Community Information - what's available over the Internet?
• Community Profile - What is Council doing to identify need in our communities ?
• Community Services, what direct services does Council provide?
• Community services - what does Council offer?
• Computer Courses, Are there any for Seniors?
• Discarded Needles?
• Food, do Council's child care centres provide meals?
• Home Support and Community Services Unit, where is it located?
• How Can I Obtain Information from Council?
• I'm an artist and would like to work on Art Projects- how?
• Lawn Mowing/Garden Maintenance
• Multicultural Services, How can I find out what is available in Parramatta?
• Nappies, do we have to bring our own to the Child Care Centre?
• Neighbour Aid Home Visiting Service, who can receive this service?
• Neighbour Aid Home visit, how do I arrange to have someone visit?
• Neighbour Aid home visits, how do they work?
• Neighbour Aid home visits, how often do volunteers visit?
• Neighbourhood Shopping Centres - What is Council doing to ensure their future ?
• Neighbourhoods - What is Council doing to improve them ?
• Pedestrian Access - What is Council doing for people with mobility problems ?
• Place Management - What are Council's Place Management areas ?
• Place Management - What is Neighbourhood Place Management ?
• Resident Information Brochure - As a resident, how do I learn about Parramatta quickly ?
• Seniors Leisure & Learning Centre, do you have to live in Parramatta LGA to join?
• Seniors' Leisure and Learning Centre, How much does it cost to join ?
• Seniors' Leisure and Learning Centre, How old do you have to be to join?
• Seniors' Leisure and Learning Centre, Where is it located?
• Seniors' Leisure and Learning Centre, what activities are offered?
• Seniors, What leisure activities do you have to offer?
• Services, What does Council provide for the community?
• Services, What is provided by Council for elderly or disabled people?
• Services, do you have any for frail older people?
• The community hall at .... has been graffitied/vandalised.
• What is the Role of the Public Officer
• What is the purpose of Home Support and Community Services?
• What sort of programs do the child care centres offer?
• When are the next Local Government Elections?
• Where can I report the crime that I just witnessed?
• Where can I view the Business Papers?
• Youth Services, How can I find out what is available in Parramatta?

Council Meetings

• Council Business papers - where can I view them?
• Council meetings - when does Council meet?
• When is the next Local Government election?

Discover Parramatta

• Are there resources available to research the history of Parramatta?
• Can you cater for disabled and special needs groups at Parramatta Heritage Centre?
• Do you have a coffee shop or refreshment vending machines at Parramatta Heritage Centre?
• How long should we allow for a visit and introductory tour of the Parramatta Heritage Centre?
• Parramatta Heritage Centre - how do I book a tour?
• Q: What cultural sites in Parramatta provide programs or are suitable for school visits?
• School Visits to Parramatta Heritage Centre - how much do they cost??
• Teachers Guide to Parramatta Heritage Sites - how do I get a copy?

Dogs & Pets

• Animals - what type of animals can I keep in my backyard?
• Dogs - What can I do about a neighbour's dog that barks a lot?
• Dogs - What can be done about a dangerous dog?
• Dogs - how do I report a dog attack?
• Dogs - where are the Leash Free areas located in Parramatta?
• Microchipping - Do I have to microchip my dog?
• Microchipping - Where do I get my dog or cat microchipped?
• Registration - What do I need to do if I change address?
• Registration - When do I need to register my dog?
• Registration - do I have to register a guide dog or assistance animal?
• Registration - do I have to register my cat?
• Registration - do I have to register my dog for life?
• Registration - do I have to register my kitten?
• Registration - what are the fees for registering my dog or cat?

Environment

• Air pollution - how do I report it?
• Bushcare bulletins, where can I read them?
• Bushland - can I remove weeds from my local reserve?
• Bushland - how can I become a Bushland Volunteer?
• Dumped vehicles - how do I report one?
• Environment Improvement - what is Council's Special Rates Programme for the environment?
• Garden Competition - is this an annual event?
• Noise - What time can I play music at my party?
• Noise - my neighbours are noisy, what can I do?
• Noise - when can I use my lawn mower or power tools?
• Noxious Weeds - do I need approval to remove a Privet tree?
• Noxious Weeds - what do they look like?
• Overgrown properties - my neighbour does not cut their grass, what can I do?
• Overgrown properties - when is a property overgrown?
• Planting Strategy - what is Council doing to make planting more effective in Parramatta ?
• Polluted water is flowing through my property
• Restaurants - what if I get sick from eating at a local restaurant?
• Swimming pool fencing - does my swimming pool need to be fenced?
• The creek behind my home is blocked and my land is flooding.
• The landscaped roundabout at ........ is full of weeds.
• The stormwater drain in front of my property is blocked and overflowing
• Trees - do I need approval to prune/remove a tree from my property?
• Trees - can I remove them if they have blocked my sewer?
• Trees - do I need approval to remove a dead tree?
• Trees - does Council provide FREE trees to residents?
• Trees - does Council recommend contractors for tree pruning/removal?
• Trees - who do I contact about trees on public land?
• Trees - who do I contact about trees underneath electricity wires?
• Water pollution - can I be fined for washing my car on the road?
• Water pollution - how do I report it?
• Water pollution - where should I wash my car?
• Waterways - what is Council doing to better manage them ?
• Woodheaters - how do I reduce smoke/air pollution?

Freedom of Information

• How can I access Council information?
• What Council information is publicly available?

General

• My name/address changed what do I do ?
• Change of Address Request by a Managing Agent

Governing your City

• Business Papers - where can I view them?
• Council Meetings - when and where are they?
• Council office hours - when is Council open for business?
• Councillors: what is their role?
• Decisions - how are they made?
• General Manager - what is their role?
• How are people elected to civic office?
• How can I contact Council?
• How did Parramatta City Council get its Crest?
• How does Local Government fit into State & Federal Government?
• How your Council works
• Local Government - what does it do?
• Lord Mayor - what is their role?
• Meetings - how are they run?
• Polling booths - where are they in Elizabeth Macarthur Ward?
• Polling booths - where are they in Lachlan Macquarie Ward?
• Polling booths - where are they in Woodville Ward?
• Polling booths - where are they in the Arthur Phillip Ward?
• Polling booths - where are they in the Caroline Chisholm Ward?
• Pre-poll voting - how and where can I do this?
• Primary City Centre - what are Council's plans for the future?
• Sections of Council - how does the organisation work?
• Sister Cities - which are Parramatta's?
• Special Rates Programmes - what are they?
• Strategic Outcomes - what are Council's Strategic Outcomes?
• The 'Outcomes Group' - what is it all about?
• Ward boundaries - where are they?
• What has happened to the Charles Byrnes Room in the Town Hall?
• Where can I find Council's Offices?
• Where can I find out about Council's Plans or Budget?

Parramatta Heritage Centre

• Aboriginal culture - what information is available?
• Cemeteries - what information is there on burials in local cemeteries?
• Convicts - where do I look for information?
• Council Archives - why, where, and what?
• Duck River - what information is available?
• Education services at Parramatta Heritage Centre - how do I find out more??
• Exhibitions - what is required to exhibit an exhibition for the Heritage Centre?
• Family History - Can I research my English and Welsh genealogy at the Library?
• Family History - Can I research my Irish Genealogy at the Library?
• Family History - Can I research my Scottish genealogy at the Library?
• Family History - Can I research my overseas genealogy at the Library?
• Family History - Where do I start?
• Family History - what birth, death and marriage records are available?
• Heritage Centre - do education groups have to make a booking to visit?
• Heritage Centre - is there an exhibition program at the centre?
• Heritage Centre - How can I contact the Centre?
• Heritage Centre - are tours of the Centre available?
• Heritage Centre - does the Centre have School Holiday activities?
• Historic sites in Parramatta - where are they?
• Houses - How can I find out about the history of my house?
• Native Vegetation - Where Can I Get Information On Vegetation And Soils Of Western Sydney
• Place Names - Where can I find the origins and history of place names in the Parramatta LGA?
• Presenters - how can artists participate in public programs at the Centre?
• School Visits - How many students in a group can visit Parramatta Heritage Centre?
• School Visits - are there educational resources available?
• School holiday activities and public programs - how do I make a booking?
• Shipping Records - What shipping records are available for my family history research?
• Tours - does Parramatta Heritage Centre provide tours for LOTE groups?
• When will the Heritage Centre be open over the holiday period?

Jobs & Volunteers

• Available jobs: how do I apply?
• Bushland Volunteer, how can I become one?
• The Advantages of Working at Parramatta City Council
• Volunteer Work, What do I need to do to get involved?
• Volunteers, How does Council find them?
• What is a Park Committee?

Learning City

• Are there different kinds of exhibitions at the Parramatta Heritage Centre?
• Does the Parramatta Heritage Centre have an archaeology collection?
• What are the Parramatta City Council Archives?
• What education publications are produced by the Parramatta Heritage Centre?

Library

• Are there baby change facilities in the library?
• Catalogue - can I check for books, videos etc. over the Internet?
• Children and young people - what does the Library offer?
• Community Information - where can I find it?
• Donating items to the library - what is involved?
• Historic buildings and sites - how can I find information?
• Housebound people - what service does the Library offer?
• Internet - can I access it at the Library?
• Justice of the Peace - does Council provide this service?
• Loans - how long can I borrow Library items for?
• Loans - how many items can I borrow at a time?
• Loans - when can I start borrowing?
• Lost card - what do I do if I have lost my Library card?
• Membership - can an organisation join the Library?
• Membership - how do I join the Library?
• Membership - what are my responsibilities as a library member?
• Newspapers - what does the Library hold?
• Non-English languages - what does the Library have?
• Opening Hours - when is the library open?
• Renewing Library items - how long can I have them for?
• Reserving items from the library - how can I, & how much does it cost?
• Returns - where can I return Library items after closing time?
• Storytime - what and when is it?
• When will the Library be open during the Holiday period?
• Who can use the library?
• Word processing - can I use a computer at the Library?

Parking

• Parking Rules and Regulations
• The road/sign/fence/lights etc at ... carpark is damaged.
• How do I find parking in Parramatta?

Rates

• Can I pay my rates on a Saturday in person?
• Do I pay GST on Rates?
• Do Pensioners get rebates from rates payments?
• How are my rates calculated?
• How can I pay my rates?
• How is land categorised?
• Rates - I have sold my land / property - am I still liable for rates?
• Rates - what do I need to know about paying my rates by instalment?
• Rates : I’m having difficulty making my payment!
• Rates : What happens if my payment is late?
• What are postponed rates?
• Special Rates Programmes
• Why do I pay rates / What do I get for my rates?
• Rates - Why do Rates Increase?
• How will my new valuation effect my rates?

Recreation & Sport

• Bike Riding - Where can I ride my bike in Parramatta ?
• Do I need to book for Holiday Activities that are free?
• Do we need to book a park for a private function ?
• Does Council conduct swimming lessons?
• Does Council have Swimming Lessons in School Holidays ?
• Halls & Meeting Rooms - What is available ?
• How do I book a Public Hall or Meeting Room ?
• How do I book for Councils School Holiday Activities ?
• How do I get access to the toilets at my local park ?
• How much does it cost to play golf at Woodville Golf Course ?
• How much does it cost to swim at Parramatta or Granville Pool ?
• Parks - how can I tell if the park grounds are open when it has been raining?
• Parramatta Swimming Centre Opening Hours ?
• Recreational Facilities - Where can I play Tennis ?
• Sporting organisations and clubs - how do I find them?
• What activities do Council offer during School Holidays ?
• When can I enrol for swimming lessons ?
• Where can I get School Holiday guides and enrolment forms ?
• Where can I play golf?
• Where can I swim?
• Who do I contact regarding any maintenance needed in my local park or reserve?

Roads & Footpaths

• Broken seat/litter bin overflowing/want new bin.
• Can a marked pedestrian crossing be provided?
• Can a new street light be provided outside my home?
• Drivers Caught on Speed TV - 50 kph Zones
• I need a formwork inspection for my driveway.
• I need a new driveway constructed on my property.
• I want to report a damaged / faded line or sign.
• I want to report a damaged traffic sign and post.
• I would like a new footpath in my street.
• I would like kerb and gutter constructed in my street.
• I would like to pay to advertise on Council's bus shelters.
• Lead By Example - Pedestrian Program
• Long grass outside No.............. needs to be mown.
• Pedestrian Safety
• The bus shelter at ... needs repairs / maintenance works.
• The light outside my home isn't working.
• The lights/handrails/pavement on ... bridge needs repairs.
• There is a dangerous pothole outside my home.
• There is a dangerous uneven slab outside my home.
• There is an oil spill outside my home.
• There is too much heavy / speeding traffic in my street.
• Where can a bicycle be stored in the Parramatta CBD.

Rubbish & Recycling

• Clean Ups - how can I dispose of excess rubbish?
• Compost bins and worm farms - can I buy them from Council?
• Composting and worm farming - where can I get more information?
• Disposal - what are the charges at the tips?
• Disposal - what materials are accepted at the tip FREE?
• Disposal - where can I dispose of chemicals and paints?
• Disposal - where can I dispose of large garden waste materials?
• Disposal - where is my nearest garbage tip?
• Dumped rubbish - what can be done about it?
• Garbage - how do I change the size of my bin?
• Garbage - is there a cost difference between the bin sizes?
• Garbage - is there an additional cost for the recycling collection services?
• Garbage - what services does Council provide residents?
• Garden Waste - what happens to the garden waste collected?
• Garden Waste - what is the service Council provides to its residents?
• Garden Waste - what materials can I put in my garden waste bin?
• Garden Waste - what materials can't I place in my garden waste bin?
• Missed Service - why wasn't my bin collected?
• Needles - is there a needle disposal service?
• Needles - what should I do if I find a needle or syringe?
• Needles - where can I dispose of my sharps container?
• Recycling - what can I recycle?
• Recycling - what can't be recycled?
• Recycling - what service does Council provide its residents?

Tourism

• Community Groups - how do I find them?
• How do I get to the train station from the Visitor Information Centre?
• Major events - festivals what is happening in Parramatta?
• What and where is Westfield?
• What is the oldest building in Parramatta that I can visit?
• What merchandise do you sell in the Visitor Information Centre?
• Where are the toilets located in Church Street?
• Where is the Rivercat and what time does it run?

Visitors Info

• Dining - Where can I eat out in Parramatta ?
• Discover Parramatta - As a visitor, how do I find out about Parramatta quickly ?
• History and Heritage - How is Council promoting this ?
• I want accommodation for the night, what is there in Parramatta?
• Major events - festivals what is happening in Parramatta?
• Transport - how do I get around in Parramatta?
• What Aboriginal art is there in Parramatta?
• What can I see and do in Parramatta?
• What happened first in Parramatta?
• What is the Parramatta Heritage Centre?
• What is the early Indigenous history of Parramatta?
• What's in the exhibition Parramatta: People & Place?
• Where are the historic sites in Parramatta?