Winter has definitely arrived and with the cold weather here to stay, it can almost feel too tempting to stay inside all day.

But there has been so much happening around our City that staying indoors is an impossible task! 

I recently ventured out to see how our local park upgrades are tracking, popped in to some amazing local, small businesses, and attended a few site locations to inspect our works and projects. 

We also allocated funding for a once in a generation opportunity to upgrade our ageing Campsie chambers, and we participated in Transport for NSW's Safer Cities: Her Way program where we transformed areas of our City to be even safer for women and girls. 

Plus, I am so grateful to be holding and participating in my Mayor's Lights Out Sleepout for the second year in a row to support those doing it tough in our City. 

A special thank you to all those who helped make the past month possible and I look forward to continuing to get out and about and meeting all of you.

Keep scrolling to find out more about what I've been up to. 

And as always, if I can be of any assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to me on:

I'm hosting another sleepout at Belmore Sports Ground on Thursday 18 July to help raise funds and awareness for people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. 

Last year we raised more than $30,000 that went towards vital services to support those in need across our City.

For more information on this year's sleepout, visit cb.city/MayorsSleepout2024 or read about it in the Canterbury-Bankstown Torch.

I hope to see you all there.  

Keeping our kids safe in this digital age should be everybody's top priority

It was fantastic to attend the 2024 Educator Engagement Forum Council held in partnership with Western Sydney University to talk about how we can best use technology to build resilience and ensure wellbeing. 

Thank you to our guest speakers Dr Joanne Orlando and Dr Robert Parada and WSU Dean Professor Michele Simons for the insightful conversation.

In a once in a generation opportunity, Council will be investing millions of dollars to build a community and cultural hub on the site of the ageing Campsie chambers.

The precinct will see a range of new facilities including a library, community meeting spaces, a public plaza and much more.

Read more about the changes in the Canterbury-Bankstown Torch.  

Lakemba has had a major face lift with new murals, lighting, seating and posters all part of the plan to make our City even safer for women and girls. 

I am proud of our City for taking part in the Her Way program to create these safer spaces and promote inclusion for all and I encourage everyone to head out there to see the new activations.

Council recently resurfaced the road and added fresh line markings on Wattle Street to make for a better, safer ride when heading through Mount Lewis.

This upgrade sparked a lot of conversation about potholes in our area, and since then, Council has been out to every spot you've mentioned to patch up the roads. 

If you notice any other potholes around our City, you can report them in just a few seconds at cb.city/ReportIt

The new look Paul Keating Park is taking shape!

I recently checked out the work, and I’ve got no doubt the kids are going to love it.

The hero play tower is all set for lift off, the water feature is bubbling along and most of the amenities nearly constructed.

To find out more about the project, visit cb.city/PKPUpgrade

Our City is rich in its multiculturalism and I was proud to join the more than 35,000 people who gathered at Lakemba Mosque to celebrate Eid Al-Adha.

I am also grateful to have had the privilege to attend Punchbowl Mosque and other celebrations during Eid. 

An amazing turn out and Eid Mubarak to all who celebrated.

'Raise Above': Migrant Domestic Violence Women's Support Group

We all have a role to play when it comes to tackling domestic violence.

It was great to join the Lebanese Muslim Association to launch its Migrant Domestic Violence Women's Support Group 'Raise Above' and meet the local organisations at their Multicultural Community Health and Wellness Expo.

I got up close and personal with some cool wildlife creatures and critters at Council's recent World Environment Day event.

It was a great day of learning about the biodiversity and natural life in our City! 

Read more about the day in the Canterbury-Bankstown Torch.

The Vietnamese Community in Australia NSW Chapter hosted a moving tribute for those who lost their lives fleeing their homeland for a safer place to live.

It was a powerful evening spent with our strong Vietnamese community to commemorate Refugee Week and I encourage everyone to remember those seeking freedom and welcome anyone who has sought refuge in our City. 

Our City is full of successful, hardworking local business owners!

Abdul Ismail arrived in Australia 18 years ago. Barely speaking a word of English, he worked his guts off in hospitality.

Six months ago, he opened his very own restaurant, Pasta Piatto, at Revesby.

Congratulations, Abdul on your amazing achievements.  

Nothing beats a hot curry and naan bread in this cold weather!

I recently popped into the traditional Indian and Pakistani restaurant and sampled a few dishes on the menu.

Highly recommend Zahid Restaurant in Bankstown to fire up your taste buds! 

Always great to catch up with the players from everyone's favourite team!

Wishing our mighty Bulldogs good luck with the rest of the season as they continue climbing the ladder!  

I held another citizenship where I welcomed almost 140 new residents, from more than 30 different countries. 

Welcome and congratulations to all of our new citizens. 

Read more about the ceremony in the Canterbury-Bankstown Torch.  

I received a warm welcome when I stopped by Ashbury at my last Bilal's Bus meet and greet. We discussed a range of local issues and what's happening in Council.

My next stop will be Lakemba, so why not drop by and say hello.

When: Friday 28 June, 10-11am

Where: 113 Haldon Street, Lakemba (opposite Oneata Street).