City of Parramatta's three-year partnership with Parramatta Eels has kicked off with great success, nearly tripling the value of investment in its first year while strengthening Parramatta's place as a global destination and inspiring the next generation of Western Sydney stars.
In the first year of the partnership, achievements included the launch of the Rising Women of Western Sydney Scholarship, free school clinics and holiday clinics across the City, a bespoke initiative introducing girls from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities to rugby league and branding and advertising at home games and events to help drive visitation to the City.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said the partnership has helped cement the City's reputation as the home of sport, driving visitation and economic growth while creating incredible experiences in the area.
"We're thrilled to see the partnership paying off with the first year delivering value close to three times Council's investment while creating a positive impact in the community and empowering the next generation of Western Sydney sports stars," Cr Zaiter said.
"We had an aim to amplify the existing sports tourism the Eels bring into the City with more events and more opportunities for locals whilst driving further community and economic benefits.
"It's also about securing our place as a growing, global City and promoting our businesses - from restaurants and eateries to entertainment and activities - promoting what's on offer before and after a game in Parramatta.
"We're striving to make sure every kid in Parramatta has an opportunity to reach their potential - whether it's pursuing their passion in sports or helping them reach their potential in other areas.
"That's why through the partnership, we've launched the inaugural Rising Women of Western Sydney scholarship and player clinics across the City to help our future stars to thrive."
Rising Women of Western Sydney scholarship winner Kirstene Ciappara said it was an honour to be selected as the first recipient and part of the next generation of influential women in the west to make a positive difference in the community.
"I'm excited to use this scholarship to further my work in youth development and wellbeing, and I'm deeply grateful for the support from the Eels, Western Sydney University, and the City of Parramatta," Ms Ciappara said.
"This opportunity will enable me to expand my business, myDESIGN, and reach many more students, helping them discover their passions and live out their purpose."
Parramatta Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos said it's about helping young people in Western Sydney reach their potential.
"We are pleased with what we've been able to achieve in the first year of our partnership with the City of Parramatta," Mr Sarantinos said.
"From delivering programs that directly benefit young people in our community, to helping shine a spotlight on Parramatta as a vibrant destination, this has been a strong foundation on which to build.
"This partnership goes beyond sport - it's about connection, opportunity, and creating meaningful impact. Whether it's through initiatives like the Rising Women of Western Sydney scholarship or grassroots clinics that are reaching kids from all walks of life, we're excited about the platform we've created together."
In the first year, Council contributed $383,500 with the Parramatta Eels delivering more than $960,000 in value as part of the three-year partnership. As part of the partnership, the Parramatta Eels provide a matching contribution of up to $200,000 each year totalling up to $600,000 over the term of the partnership.
