October 11, 2019
The City of Parramatta’s reputation as a premier destination for world-class events will continue to grow under a new three-year partnership with the Australian Turf Club (ATC).
The Council and ATC today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at Rosehill Gardens, home to the world’s richest horse race for two-year-old thoroughbreds – the Golden Slipper – and the upcoming inaugural Golden Eagle.
The new agreement builds on several years of collaboration between the City of Parramatta and ATC on various economic and cultural initiatives, aimed at boosting the area’s standing as a leisure and event hotspot.
“Hundreds of thousands of people flock to Rosehill Gardens every year during the Autumn and Spring carnivals, giving us the perfect chance to show off our great City to racegoers,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer said.
“This partnership will help us make the most of these exciting and popular events to attract more visitors and investment in the region, for the benefit of our community and local businesses.
“We look forward to working with the Australian Turf Club and we are excited about the opportunities this will open up for the City and its people.”
Rosehill Gardens attracts nearly half a million people each year – more than 150,000 of them on race days alone.
That number is tipped to grow once the $7.5 million Golden Eagle takes flight. Parramatta will be the key focus of the new landmark sporting event for Sydney’s west, to be held on Saturday 2 November.
Australian Turf Club Chief Executive Jamie Barkley said it was the perfect time to strengthen the ATC’s relationship with the City of Parramatta Council and the local community.
“Rosehill Gardens generates $562.5 million in direct and indirect gross output to the economy, supporting over 2000 jobs and I am excited about the future of Rosehill Gardens and the City of Parramatta,” he said.
The Council has been working with the ATC and NSW Government in support of significant infrastructure projects in the area, including the Parramatta Light Rail and Sydney Metro West.