The world hailed the election of Barrack Obama as president of the United States while locally Parramatta council elected Tony Issa as the city's first Lebanese-born Lord Mayor.

And there was another first at a local level which is of national importance: Prabir Maitra became the first Bangladesh-born person to be elected to local government in Australia at the September council elections.

Fellow Parramatta Labor councillor Glenn Elmore moved that the council congratulate Cr Maitra on his achievement at the council's meeting on Monday, November 24.

Describing Cr Maitra's election as ''an historical event'' Cr Elmore said it was another first for Parramatta.

''Despite someone's background or political persuasion, the people of Parramatta will give the opportunity to good people with talent,'' Cr Elmore said.

Cr Maitra, who works as an IT systems engineer at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, described his election in the Arthur Phillip ward as a good example of the true multicultural nature of the city.

''When my wife Aparna and I arrived in Parramatta 11 years ago, we had a little daughter, Ihita,'' he said.

''We initially struggled to settle in. However with the support of friends and good neighbours we were able to settle down and are thankful to all those who helped us. As an active community member I felt it was important to participate in the governance of this land.

''I also believe decision-makers should reflect the local population, that is, the ethnic and socio-religious mix.

''The Labor Party not only supports multiculturalism as a concept but also nurtures it in many practical ways.''