Region. Chambers celebrate

The Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce marks its 85th anniversary on February14 and the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce celebrates 100 years in the city on February 17.

Celebrations in 2008

The University of Western Sydney celebrates the 10th year of the opening of its Parramatta campus, at Rydalmere, superseding its Westmead campus as a teaching site. Riverside Theatres celebrates its first20 years in 2008. Westmead Hospital is 50 years old this year. The Children's Medical Research Institute, at Westmead, prepares to celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Further back in history, Parramatta station commenced its role as a transport hub when the rail line reached the township 150 years ago, in 1858, and the line to Blacktown commenced. Parramatta was founded 220 years ago in 1788.