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| A Record-Breaking Month of Leadership, Progress and Community Spirit |
** “Our city’s greatest strength is its people—and together, we are building a more compassionate, connected and vibrant community for everyone.”
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A Record-Breaking Month of Leadership, Progress and Community Spirit
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l:
Dear friends,
It has been a busy and inspiring month filled with record-breaking achievements, celebrations and continued progress across our city.
At an Extraordinary Meeting of Council, I was deeply honoured to be re-elected Mayor, alongside Councillor Rachelle Harika, who was re-elected Deputy Mayor.
Meanwhile, nearly 100 people braved the cold during my annual Mayor’s Lights Out Sleepout, raising a record-breaking $82,000—and counting—for charities working on the frontline to help end homelessness.
Soon, Clarke Street will come alive with the sounds, flavours and spirit of the Mediterranean as the Love Earlwood festival celebrates our city’s rich Greek, Italian and Macedonian heritage.
As always, if I can assist you with any local matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Honoured to Continue Serving as Mayor
It is a great honour to return to the role of Mayor alongside Councillor Rachelle Harika as Deputy Mayor.
This is a responsibility I neither take lightly nor for granted. I congratulate Councillor Harika on her re-election and look forward to continuing our close and productive partnership.
The Extraordinary Council Meeting also provided an opportunity to reflect on the many achievements and important community milestones we have shared over the past two years.
Investing in Infrastructure
We have delivered new destination play spaces at Deepwater Park and Lambeth Reserve, opened one of Australia’s largest pump tracks in Milperra and brightened our city with a vibrant mural at the Cooks River Underpass.
Other major projects include the Ewen Park Playground, the widening of the Cooks River shared path and cycleway, and significant upgrades to the Beaman Park sporting fields.
In the coming months, two transformative projects will place our city at the forefront of modern urban development: the completion of the world-class Canterbury Leisure and Aquatic Centre and the opening of the Sydenham to Bankstown Metro line.
We also continue to support major developments that will transform healthcare in our region, including the new $2 billion Bankstown Hospital and the $400 million redevelopment of Canterbury Hospital.
Advocating for Our Community
Among my proudest achievements as Mayor are the initiatives that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Inspired by Charlotte’s Wish, my Mayor’s 24-Hour Challenge for Mental Health raised vital awareness and funds to address mental health challenges and bullying.
I have also hosted forums addressing domestic and family violence, while this year’s Mayor’s Lights Out Sleepout raised more than $82,000 to support people experiencing homelessness.
Celebrating Our Cultural Diversity
Our city is proudly home to people from more than 150 countries who speak over 120 languages.
We celebrate this remarkable diversity by raising flags to commemorate significant occasions, holding vigils for humanitarian causes and hosting major cultural festivals, including Love Earlwood, Bankstown Bites, Lakemba Nights during Ramadan and Lunar New Year.
Thank you for once again placing your trust in me. I look forward to continuing to serve our entire community.
Council meeting agendas and minutes are available through the Council Reports section of the CBCity website.
Mayor’s Sleepout Breaks All Records
I am extremely proud that this year’s Mayor’s Lights Out Sleepout raised more than $82,000—exceeding the combined total of every previous Sleepout.
Total donations raised: $82,322
The generosity of our community is truly humbling. I cannot adequately express my gratitude to every person, business and organisation that contributed.
Every dollar raised will support our charity partners—Mission Australia, Maronites on Mission and Brothers in Need—and the vital services they provide to people facing hardship and homelessness.
Infrastructure Update
Council is already delivering projects through its $121 million Capital Works Budget. Here are some of the latest improvements completed for our community:
Brancourt Reserve, Bankstown
We have completed a $250,000 upgrade of this neighbourhood playground. I spoke with some young local experts to hear their verdict on the exciting new facilities.
Thomas Street Reserve, Revesby Heights
This impressive upgrade has something for everyone, including an exciting new play space, two tennis courts and a basketball half-court.
Stafford Walk Play Space, Earlwood
We have delivered a major upgrade to the play space at Beaman Park, featuring new equipment and a safer rubber soft-fall surface.
Want to Know More?
From the Deepwater Pump Track in Milperra to the colourful new mural transforming the Canterbury Underpass, Council continues to deliver exciting projects across our local neighbourhoods.
More information is available in the digital edition of Connect Magazine.
Vandalism Is Costing Our Community—We Are Cracking Down
Kearns Oval has been deliberately damaged for the second time in a targeted act of vandalism.
CCTV footage of the latest attack on this important community facility has been handed to NSW Police.
Speaking to 7NEWS Sydney, I condemned this illegal behaviour for what it is: a cowardly attack on community property that ultimately costs every ratepayer.
Lest We Forget: Vietnam Veterans’ Day
I attended the commemorative service in Bankstown marking 60 years since the historic Battle of Long Tan.
We heard moving speeches, laid wreaths and paid tribute to the servicemen and women whose courage and sacrifice must never be forgotten.
Lest we forget.
Celebrating Our Diverse Community
New Buddhist Temple for Bankstown
Earlier this month, I attended the official groundbreaking ceremony for the new Amitabha Buddhist Temple in Bankstown. It was a privilege to share this proud and significant occasion with our local Buddhist community.
Celebrating Ullambana
I also joined members of our Vietnamese community in celebrating Ullambana, or Lễ Vu Lan, a deeply meaningful occasion honouring parents and ancestors.
Honouring Tongan Culture
Our city is home to a vibrant Pasifika community. It was a pleasure to attend the Kava Theatre Production event hosted by Twinnies Brand, celebrating Tongan culture through traditional drumming, dancing and song.
Supporting Young Poets
I recently attended the Poetry Slam showcase at Greenacre Public School and was deeply impressed by the powerful performances of Year 5 and Year 6 students.
Through poetry, they addressed important issues including poverty, racism and the transformative power of education.
Celebrating 50 Years of Bankstown City Lions
We recently marked the 50th anniversary of Bankstown City Lions, a proud local football club that continues to support our community and create valuable opportunities for younger generations.
Congratulations to everyone who has contributed to the club’s remarkable five-decade journey.
National Superhero Week
For National Superhero Week, I joined a social-media trend inspired by the new Spider-Man movie.
Some heroes do not wear masks—some proudly wear Council uniforms.
This was a wonderful opportunity to recognise the dedicated Council employees who work every day to serve our community.
Lebanese Film Festival
The opening night of the Lebanese Film Festival Australia was an outstanding success.
Now in its 14th year, the festival is proudly hosted at the Bryan Brown Theatre in Bankstown, bringing Lebanese stories, culture and creativity to Australian audiences.
Love Earlwood: Meet You at the Plateia
This beautiful celebration of Greek and Mediterranean culture is returning—bigger and better than ever.
The iconic festival has been expanded, promising even more delicious food, family entertainment and colourful cultural celebrations.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Bilal’s Bus—Coming to Your Neighbourhood
I will soon be hitting the road to meet residents, listen to your stories and discuss the issues that matter most to you.
Keep an eye out for updates announcing which local neighbourhood Bilal’s Bus will visit next.
Council Meetings
Council meeting agendas and minutes can be viewed through the Council Reports section of the CBCity website. |
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