The bestowing of a ‘Key to the City’ to an individual or group is intended to confer trust and honour.
The tradition is derived from medieval times, when an actual key was given to the gates of a walled city which were guarded during the day and locked at night. The key gave the recipient freedom to enter and leave the city at will as a trusted friend of its residents.
In modern times a symbolic, ornamental key is presented to esteemed visitors, residents, or others a city wishes to honour. The award of the key may also form part of a more elaborate Freedom of Entry ceremony and parade.
The City of Parramatta has bestowed a number of keys, with recognition that:
“A Key to the City is an exclusive token of appreciation from the City of Parramatta and it’s not bestowed lightly. Only in very special circumstances is the Key to the City presented to an individual. It’s the most prestige accolade a resident can receive from Council”.[1]
Recipients of the Key to the City of Parramatta include:
Betty Cuthbert
The local elite athlete, Betty Cuthbert, who passed away in 2017, was twice awarded a Key to the City of Parramatta.
The first Key was awarded in 1956 following her triumphant return from the 1956 Summer Olympics, held in Melbourne, where Cuthbert won three gold medals and set several world records.[2] The second Key was awarded in 2010 at an event unveiling a memorial in her honour installed on Betty Cuthbert Parade in Ermington.[3]
Video footage of a street parade in honour of Betty Cuthbert, 1956. (Source: City of Parramatta Council Archives: PRS77/ 022)
Bernie Banton
Local resident Bernie Banton was awarded the Key to the City of Parramatta in 2006 in recognition of his tireless campaigning for recognition of those suffering from the industrial illnesses asbestosis and mesothelioma.[4]
Resolution passed to honour Bernie Banton, 2006. (Source: Minutes of the Meeting of Parramatta City Council; 2006)
Nathan Cayless
The Parramatta Eels football legend Nathan Cayless was awarded a Key to the City of Parramatta in 2011 in recognition of his significant contribution to rugby league.[5]
Cayless enjoyed great success as a rugby league player from the 1990s through to the 2010s, when he transitioned into a coaching career.
Nathan Cayless with his Key to the City, c. 2009. (Source: City of Parramatta Council, photographer Wesley Longeran)
Western Sydney Wanderers
Successful local soccer team the Western Sydney Wanderers were awarded a Key to the City of Parramatta in 2013.[6]
The Key was awarded as part of a program of Civic events celebrating the successful inaugural season of the Western Sydney Wanderers, who were 2013 A-League Premier’s Plate Champions. The award also recognised the team’s commitment to their community.
The Wanderers team being awarded the Key to the City, 2013. (Source: Parramatta City Council)
HMAS Parramatta
The Royal Australian Navy ship the HMAS Parramatta has been awarded the Key to the City of Parramatta three times.[7] In each instance, the award of the Key formed part of a Freedom of Entry ceremony and parade, marking the long and significant connection between HMAS Parramatta and its city namesake.
The Keys were awarded in 2003, 2013 and 2019.
Presentation of Key to the City to HMAS Parramatta by Lord Mayor Cllr Andrew Wilson, 2019. (Source: City of Parramatta Council)
Michelle Goodman, Council Archivist, Parramatta Heritage Centre, City of Parramatta, 2020
References:
[1] “Nathan Cayless honoured with Parramatta’s Highest Accolade” ( 17 February 2011), Parramatta City Council Media Release
[2] Betty Back in Sports Spotlight. (The Cumberland Argus 24 October 1962). https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/131327956?searchTerm=%22keys%20to%20the%20city%20of%20parramatta%22&searchLimits= , retrieved 25/05/2020
[3] Betty Cuthbert Event Brief (2010), Parramatta City Council
[4] Minutes of the Meeting of Parramatta City Council: 2006, Resolution 8582
[5] “Nathan Cayless honoured with Parramatta’s Highest Accolade” ( 17 February 2011), Parramatta City Council Media Release
[6] Minutes of the Meeting of Parramatta City Council: 2013, Resolution 13775
[7] Minutes of the Meeting of Parramatta City Council: 2003, Resolution 6777; Minutes of the Meeting of Parramatta City Council: 2013, Resolution 14161; Minutes of the Meeting of Parramatta City Council: 2019, Resolution 1997