| Monthly update from the Mayor of the City of Canterbury Bankstown |
** Bilal EL-Hayek, Mayor of the City of Canterbury Bankstown sends a message to his friends
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Bilal EL-Hayek, Mayor of the City of Canterbury Bankstown sends a message to his friends
Mayor of the City of Canterbury Bankstown, Bilal EL-Hayek shared some of the highlights full of progress and connection across City.
Sport and culture brought us together — with the Bulldogs NRLW team getting ready for their first season, upgraded cricket facilities at Graf Park in Yagoona, and the Earlwood Festival making a return.
We welcomed 124 new Australian citizens and marked 50 years of Vietnamese settlement with a beautiful candlelight vigil — powerful reminders of the strength and diversity that define our City.
Our young people gathered at the Youth Summit, sharing big ideas for the future.
I heard from local resident Julie about why disability parking spaces are so important and we’re making our community safer and more inclusive every day.
And we celebrated some very special milestones, including 30 years of Love and Cuddles Pre-School and Betty’s incredible 100th birthday!
Council meeting update
The issue of repairing our roads is constantly on my mind and at Council's recent meeting I moved to write to the Premier to give our Council more funding when it comes to repairing potholes and damage caused to our roadways.
It was a privileged to acknowledge 7 worthy recipients in the Kings Birthday Honours List. Four of those were on hand at Council's meeting to receive a Mayoral Certificate of Recognition.
Council also received two significant reports which outline our future spending and service delivery for the next period.
50 years of Vietnamese-Australian Community
We joined the Vietnamese community at Saigon Plaza for a candlelight vigil marking 50 years of settlement in Australia.
A commemorative plaque was unveiled, celebrating our friendship and shared history with the Vietnamese community.
Bulldogs women ready to make history!
I caught up with the Bulldogs NRLW team at training ahead of their first-ever season kicking off on July 4.
Great news for local cricketers
Local cricketers now enjoy two brand-new training nets at Graf Park in Yagoona, complete with fresh turf and improved drainage.
Proud to keep investing in quality spaces for our community to train, play and grow.
ProuYoung leaders at the Youth Summit
The 2025 Youth Summit brought together students from 13 local schools to shape our next Youth Action Plan.
It was inspiring to hear their bold ideas and passionate vision for the future of Canterbury-Bankstown.
Big hearts, big impact
I joined House of Sadaqah and Suttons Chullora for their winter Clothing Drive, where generous locals donated bags of clothing for families in need.
A huge thank you to the incredible volunteers who made it all happen.
A powerful welcome at GWS Giants
At the GWS Giants' Multicultural Round, I had the honour of welcoming new citizens alongside Minister Tony Burke.
Congratulations to our newest citizens — and go the Giants!
We're bringing back the Earlwood festival!
We secured funding to bring back the beloved Earlwood Festival for the next three years.
The festival will celebrate our City’s Greek and Mediterranean communities with food, music and culture.
Disability Parking means access
We launched a new awareness campaign to address the misuse of disability parking spots. I met with local resident Julie, who shared the challenges of finding accessible parking.
This initiative aims to educate, not just enforce to ensure these spaces are respected.
Celebrating Betty's Century
We marked a very special milestone, lifelong local Betty’s 100th birthday!
A former Bankstown Woolworths employee, Betty’s warmth and spirit have touched many in our community.
30 years of "Love and Cuddles"
I visited Love and Cuddles Pre-School as they celebrated 30 years of serving the Bankstown community.
It was a joy to meet the staff and little learners who make this place so special.
Youth giving back to the community
I’ve known Rayann since she was 10 back when I was a Youth Worker at PCYC.
Now a medical student and Youth Advisory Committee member, she’s giving back to the community that raised her.
It was a proud moment to see her MC the 2025 Youth Summit.
Congratulations to the new citizens
At a heartwarming ceremony at the Bryan Brown Theatre, I had the privilege of welcoming 124 new Australians to our City.
Each person brought a unique story and spirit, and it was a joy to hear some of them firsthand. I wish you all the success for the future!
Expressions open: night market operators
We have opened expressions of interest for experienced operators to run night food markets at Paul Keating Park.
These markets will help us celebrate food, culture, and community in the heart of Bankstown.
Bilal's Bus: drop by and say hello 👋
Come down and see me at Bankstown Central.
It's a chance to raise any issues, have a chat or just to say hello!
When: Wednesday 2 July, noon-1pm
Where: Bankstown Central near travelator, North Terrace, Bankstown |
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