This petition is being conducted because a completely unique and warm-spirited cafe in Parramatta is on the verge of closing down after 14 years of supported business.

There is no other business that offers all that Mars Hill Cafe effortlessly and consistently provides. To quote a frequent patron:
"Mars Hill has that which nowhere else has; a place where I can fit in"

The closure is due to a grand loss of revenue directly effected by the development of the adjacent Lennox Bridge as community members were not given any viable route of access to a usually busy area for foot-traffic in the main street of Parramatta, thus diverging business from venues in the surrounding area.
No reimbursement of funds was offered by the Parramatta City Council, though the reconstruction was ordered under their authority.

Why is this a significant issue?

Mars Hill Café has been a consistent and vital beacon of culture within the Parramatta district. Two main factors of why it is incomparable are:

1. Mars Hill Cafe is a distinctive hub of cultural development as it:

• Displays consistent musical events
• Effectively offers a legitimate sense of comfort, wherein people are more likely to befriend others
• Propels forward emerging and independent artists/talent, hosting a monthly 'Open Mic Night' and poetry night 'Slambivalence'
• Allows varied groups to convene without payment such as the
  (i) New Writer's Group
  (ii) LGBT group 'OutWest'
  (iii) Songsalive! Songwriting Workshop
  (iiii) SciFi and Fantasy group
• Helps organise or is involved in large events for the Parramatta community, such as 'Foundation Day' and the 'SciFi Film Festival'
• Provides a regular study space for students
• Houses 'Bunk Bed Beats Songwriting & Production Suite' which is aimed towards independent and local artists and offers free educational seminars on using home studio equipment
• Holds educational seminars and movie nights
• Frequently offers genuine entertainment such as board games, musical instruments, donated books, playing cards and regular buskers

2. Mars Hill Cafe encourages ethical progression as it;

• Serves only its own blend of humanely/morally garnered coffee beans, meaning:
  (i)  the coffee is a product of Fair Trade and is justly purchased from the farmer
  (ii) the unique mix has been certified by the Rainforest Alliance, as it has been grown in a way that is environmentally sustainable
• Exhibits an unwavering kindness to people in the community (or anyone that enters), including those who may have limited means
• Holds fundraisers for people in impoverished villages around the world
• Encourages alternative dietary choices, with vegetarian/vegan food always offered

If enough people declare their support then I believe the Parramatta City Council should offer financial assistance, as it seems logical to assert that the money retained in one's representative council should be used on what the community actually wants.

So please sign and save Mars Hill Cafe!