Why Locals Love PHIVE | City of Parramatta

A group of friends is seated at a cozy café table, engaged in lively conversation. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with coffee and pastries on the table.

From Tai Chi to Fabric Groups: Real Locals on Why They Love PHIVE

PHIVE may look striking from the outside, but for locals, it’s what happens inside that matters. Whether you're here to work, play, learn or connect, it's a place that shapes itself around the people who use it.

Here’s what that looks like during a regular week.

For families, it’s a second home

For Mary, PHIVE is part of the rhythm of life with her grandkids. “We use PHIVE for many things, especially with the grandchildren,” she said. “They just love coming here, and there’s a range of activities that suit all ages.”

From LEGO events to book readings and roller skating in PHIVE’s Discovery Space, the kids have tried just about everything on offer.

It’s a place for Mary, too. “If I want to meet someone, now I always say, ‘Come to PHIVE.’ It’s so beautiful down in the foyer. You can sit, relax, and feel safe, which is huge.”

A woman and a child read a book together in a library. The woman sits on a yellow bench, and the child is on a cushion. Shelves of colorful books are in the background.

For newcomers, it’s a place to belong

Melleza is a retired nurse who moved to Parramatta after more than 40 years in Kings Langley just north of Blacktown. She didn’t know anyone when she arrived, but that changed after she walked into PHIVE.

She started with Tai Chi and Zumba, tried sewing, took tech safety workshops, and signed up for over-55s aerobics classes all right here at PHIVE and along the way, found a whole new community. “I’ve made new friends, many of them in the same situation as me, looking to connect. We often go out for tea and just stay for hours, sharing stories from the past. We’ve built really good friendships here.”

A smiling older woman wearing a purple sweater and scarf gestures gracefully, set against a backdrop of modern glass architecture, evoking a sense of warmth and elegance.

For gamers, it’s a midweek meetup

Jake works in venue operations at PHIVE and is also a long-time tabletop gaming enthusiast. Earlier this year, he launched Tabletop Socials, a weekly drop-in night open to all.

The concept is simple: bring your own game or try one provided. “We want people to feel welcome, whether you’ve been playing for years or trying it for the first time. And if you don’t have anyone else to play with? You do now.” Jake says.

Two people sit across from each other at a bright table, playing a card game. They are smiling, with board games visible in the foreground.

For crafters, it’s company and conversation

Rhonda first joined Fabric Connections, a group dedicated to textile techniques, a couple of years ago, after retiring. The group meets weekly and brings together people of all ages and backgrounds.

Some come to learn a new skill, others just for the company. “If someone says, ‘I’m here to learn how to knit,’ someone else will say, ‘I can show you!’” she says.

Most people come alone, but they rarely leave that way. “If you walked past the room, all you’d hear is chatting and laughing. That’s the best part. The laughter.”

Elderly person in an orange sweater knitting with mustard yarn. A table holds colourful threads, measuring tape, and fabric, suggesting a cozy, creative atmosphere.

For learning on Country, it’s a place of respect

Karen Maber, a proud Cabrogal woman and long-standing member of the Dharug community, oversees the Dharug Keeping Place at PHIVE, a safe and culturally governed space for Aboriginal cultural materials to be returned, preserved and shared on Country. Established in consultation with Dharug Traditional Custodians, it supports the care of artefacts, artworks and stories through community access and cultural education.

Ben, a lecturer at UNSW, brings students to learn from Karen and others. “Karen might share some knowledge, show us some objects, walk us through the space or the dirt — the experience is shaped by the place,” he said.

“The way Karen shares stories just pulls the students in. They listen. They don’t look out the window or muck around. You can see it on their faces — it clicks.”

A woman and a man sit at a table, smiling warmly at each other in a meeting. They are in front of a colorful abstract painting with floral elements.

For creators, it’s a professional home

Derrick is a Western Sydney-based producer who now records the Finding Sanctuary by Hills Sanctuary House podcast at PHIVE. After struggling to find the right space, he said, “We were recording in these tiny studios meant for bands.” Then he stumbled on PHIVE and immediately felt the difference.

“It had the tech, but more importantly, it had the people.”

Now, eight sessions in, he’s made it a regular spot. “Even the security team treats you with respect. You feel looked after, and that leaves a lasting impression."

A man in a gray blazer sets up recording equipment in a podcast studio, smiling. The room has microphones, a camera on a tripod, and acoustic panels.

Want to see it for yourself?

Whether you’re stopping in for Story Time, sketching by the stairs or playing a board game with someone new, PHIVE is shaped by the people who use it.

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