Sydney Olympics: Parramatta Heritage and Visitor’s 20th anniversary photo special

From a parade to the lighting of the cauldron, Olympic fever gripped Parramatta, a mere 12km from where the Games’ main events were staged.

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Parramatta got its Olympic party started in 1997 with a parade weaving through the CBD.

Olympic fever had swept Sydney from 1993 when Juan Antonio Samaranch announced the “winner is Syd-er-nee’’ — and Parramatta was no exception.

The Sydney Olympics in Parramatta 20th anniversary special. Picture: City of Parramatta

Athlete signing autographs at Paralympic Expo in Church St Mall, Parramatta in 1997. Picture: City of Parramatta

It was, after all, 12km from Sydney Olympic Park, the home of the Games, and its proximity drew tourist and athletes.

Parramatta Heritage and Visitor Information Centre has reached into its archives to compile a photographic special to mark the 20th anniversary of the Olympics in the community.

Several impacts capture the fanfare of the Olympic Journey Parade that threaded through Parramatta’s CBD in June 1997.

The Sydney Olympics float through a parade in Parramatta’s CBD in 1997. Picture: City of Parramatta

Australian 1960 gold medallist freestyler John Devitt attended, along with inflatable mascots Olly, Syd, Millie and Lizzie, were part of the event.

Parramatta Heritage and Visitor Information Centre research and collection services co-ordinator Janelle Blucher loves the enthusiasm the images capture.

Pedestrians walk along Parramatta's Church St on September 17, 2000, when it closed to traffic during Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Picture: Lindsay Moller/News Corp

“I literally feel the happiness and excitement of the community and their pride,’’ she said.

“Some of the pictures of that parade just shows the pride and excitement of people in the community all coming together, and after that was the torch relay, and that was pretty spectacular.’’

Swimmer John Devitt starred in the parade as it passed the Woolpack Hotel, Parramatta, in 1997. Picture: City of Parramatta

Parramatta Lord Mayor John Books (left) at the Olympic Journey Parade in Parramatta in 1997. Picture: City of Parramatta

Three years after the parade fuelled excitement the torch made its way around Sydney and one of the cauldrons was lit at Parramatta Park where rugby league star Brad Fittler (surprisingly not an Eels legend) ignited the flame.

Crowds flocked to the centre of Parramatta three years before the Olympics. Picture: City of Parramatta

Centenary Square in 2000, when it was called Church St Mall, during the Olympic Games.

People queue outside a Parramatta Olympic merchandise store in Westfield waiting to by 550 "Days To Go" pin for Sydney 2000 Games on March 15, 1999. Picture: News Corp

Excitement builds as the torch relay enters Parramatta in 2000. Picture: City of Parramatta Archives

The Sydney Olympics in Parramatta 20th anniversary special. Picture: City of Parramatta

Parramatta councillor Lorraine Wearne (third from left) and rugby league player Brad Fittler ahead of lighting the cauldron at Parramatta Park on September 12, 2000. Picture: City of Parramatta

Western Sydney Business Chamber executive director David Borger (left) when he was Parramatta’s youngest Lord Mayor in 2000, with the cauldron at Parramatta.

The Church St Mall, now known as Centenary Square, was home to an oversized screen so spectators unable to secure tickets to major events such as Cathy Freeman’s 400m race or swimmer Ian Thorpe’s feats in the pool or the closing ceremony, could witness history.

The Sydney Olympics in Parramatta 20th anniversary special. Mexican team dine out at Church St. Picture: City of Parramatta

Brad Fittler enters Parramatta Park soaks up the crowd’s cheers during the 2000 Olympic Torch Relay between Kurnell to Parramatta. Picture: Nathan Edwards/News Corp

At Granville swimming pool, the Russian synchronised swimming team used the facility to train and athletes and officials such as members of the Mexican team dined out at the then-thriving Church St dining strip.

Brad Fittler lights the cauldron at Parramatta Park on September 12. Picture Nathan Edwards/News Corp

Volunteers outside St John’s Anglican Cathedral Parramatta. Picture: City of Parramatta

Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer said the Olympics were an important part of Parramatta’s story.

“We are a sports-loving city and were incredibly proud to host exciting events in the lead up to the Games, including the torch relay, and the Olympic flag and Olympic cauldron ceremonies.’’

A Parramatta Council business paper shows its preparation for the event. Picture: City of Parramatta