| Monthly update from the Mayor of the City of Canterbury Bankstown |
** Bilal Hayek, the first mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown, has the honor of meeting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
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Monthly update from the Mayor of the City of Canterbury Bankstown
21/10/2025
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l:
Dear Friends
October was a month of milestones and celebrations across our City.
I was honoured to be the first Mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown to meet with Lebanese President, Joseph Aoun, at the Presidential Palace. It was a historic meeting in which he asked about our residents and thanked them for their generosity.
We marked Mental Health Month with acts of kindness, congratulated HSC students and wished them well in their exams as well as celebrating cultural events.
Some residents acknowledged Labour Day, which is a reminder of the fight for workers' rights by the union movement, while the Vietnamese-Australian Medical Association continued its incredible support for local hospitals.
Finally, Children’s Week brought families together for free events, creating spaces for kids to learn and play.
Council meeting update
At our recent Council meeting, we outlined our plan to tackle waste and recycling over the Christmas/ New Year and Ramadan Periods. This means residents will be able to take excess waste and recyclables from their red and yellow bins to designated locations around the City free of charge.
• Saturday 27 and 28 Sunday December 2025
• Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 January 2026
• Four Saturdays during Ramadan 2026
I also called on Council staff to lodge our case with Transport for NSW to ensure we are not left bearing the costs for road maintenance and repairs under a review of the Roads Act. Council also agreed to raise the Greek flag across our City to commemorate Oxi and Greek Independence Days.
Lastly, I called on residents to nominate those in our community who are deserving of being recognised in our Australia Day Awards honours list whether that be volunteers, mentors, role models or leaders of the community and sporting organisations.
A historic meeting
I was honoured to be the first Mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown to visit Lebanon’s Presidential Palace and meet President Joseph Aoun.
We spoke about our amazing City, home to over 55,000 residents of Lebanese heritage – the largest Lebanese community in Australia.
Congratulating the HSC class of 2025
Every end is a new beginning. That was the message I gave to Punchbowl Boys' High School’s HSC Class of 2025 at their graduation.
And to all HSC students, I wish you the very best with your final exams.
But remember – the real journey is only just beginning!
Mental Health Awareness Month
Looking after yourself is important – that's why for Mental Health Awareness Month I challenged everyone in our City to do a random act of kindness.
Whether it’s being kind to yourself or being there for someone else, we can all walk towards being a better, safer City.
Celebrating our culture
Our City’s Chinese and Hindu communities recently celebrated the vibrant traditions of the mid-autumn Moon Festival and Diwali, reflecting the rich diversity that makes our City so special.
Labour Day: A break worth celebrating
Labour Day for many Australians is a day off, but how many understand the true meaning and significance behind this national holiday?
I took a trip down memory lane to find out why Australia celebrates Labour Day, and the fight by unions for workers' rights.
Vietnamese-Australian Medical Association Annual Dinner
I had the pleasure of attending the Annual Dinner of the Vietnamese-Australian Medical Association, with my good friend Dr Vinh Binh Lieu.
Over the past 18 years, this incredible group has raised more than $3 million for our local hospitals.
Children's Week celebrations
Our City proudly celebrated Children’s Week from, recognising the voices and contributions of our youngest residents.
Families enjoyed free events including Movies Under the Stars, Kids Play Day and multilingual story times at our libraries – creating spaces where children can thrive while having fun.
Bilal's Bus is coming to town!
I’m heading out into the community to speak with our residents in person.
My Bilal’s Bus initiative is a great way to tell me your stories and concerns.
Charlotte's Wish Walk: supporting youth mental health
In memory of 12-year-old Charlotte O’Brien, who tragically lost her life to bullying in 2024, I have formed a Canterbury-Bankstown Council team to take part in a walking challenge from 3-9 November, in her honour and to support youth mental health. |
