Bankstown

Dear resident,
Last week marked International Men’s Health Week, a time to check in, speak up, and most importantly, take action when it comes to your health.
As men, we’re often told to “tough it out,” to stay quiet and to push through pain – whether it’s physical or emotional. But this mindset can come at a cost. Two out of three Australian men delay going to the doctor, even when something doesn’t feel right.
That’s why this year’s theme, See
Your GP, is so important. It’s a reminder for men and boys everywhere to put their health first and not wait until it’s too late.
In our multicultural city, I know that for many men, especially in culturally diverse communities, seeing a doctor might not always feel easy. There can be barriers like language, stigma, costs – but your health is paramount, and you must consider family and loved ones in any decisions you make.
Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with someone who embodies resilience: Billy “The Kid” Dib, a two-time world boxing champion. You might know him for his strength in the ring, but what struck me most was
his strength and will to overcome adversity and beat the odds outside of it.
Billy shared his story with me, how he was bullied as a kid and how he beat cancer to make an incredible comeback in the boxing ring. He knows all too well the mental strain bullying can have on young people, especially when they don’t speak up or seek help. He’s just written a book, “Boys Can Cry,” which is a powerful reminder that vulnerability isn’t weakness, it’s strength.
I encourage every man and boy in our community to prioritise their wellbeing. Go to your doctor. Talk to a mate. Check in on your father, your brother, your son.
Let’s rewrite the story of men’s
health together. Because a stronger, healthier community starts with each of us taking that first step.
Regards,
Clr Bilal El-Hayek
MAYOR
Mayoral Message
@MayorBilalElHayek
@mayor_bilalelhayek
Contact me at:
P 9707 9522 E [email protected]
@ClrBilalElHayek
19 June 2025

Dear resident,
In the whirlwind of our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to become absorbed in our own routines and challenges. But every so often, we are reminded of the importance of stepping back, seeing the bigger picture and recognising the quiet strength, resilience and courage that exist all around us.
I recently had the privilege of hearing the stories of two remarkable young men, Jerome and Alessandro, whose extraordinary bravery has deeply inspired me.
Jerome was a typical eight-year-old boy whose life was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer in 2020.
His challenging journey through chemotherapy and other intensive therapies to relearn how to walk,
talk and eat is a powerful example of courage. And now, he and his family
are behind a push to raise awareness of, and funds for, brain cancer.
Alessandro is a young man living with profound autism and has a remarkable gift – his love of animals and his ability to capture them in drawings. With the support of his mother, Fiona, he has now successfully published books and created t-shirts featuring his artwork.
When Fiona shared with me the challenges their family faces and her clear desire to showcase the lived experiences of families with severe autism, I felt compelled to help. It was a very clear message that people living with autism deserved to be seen, heard and supported.
These two young men are more
than just reminders that behind every face is a journey we may never fully understand. They are shining examples of the resilience which lives right here in our City.
But the sad reality is many of us will hear these eye-opening stories of strength and revert to old routines.
I encourage everyone to consider these two young men, ponder how many more people in our City are experiencing similar circumstances and challenge ourselves to lead with empathy, listen and act. Not just with words, but with meaningful support.
Because we never truly know what
our neighbours are going through.
Regards,
Clr Bilal El-Hayek
MAYOR
Mayoral Message
@MayorBilalElHayek
@mayor_bilalelhayek
Contact me at:
P 9707 9522 E [email protected]
@ClrBilalElHayek
29 May 2025

Dear resident,
Imagine a world where everybody
takes time out of their already busy
schedule to help the less fortunate
around them. A place where acts of
kindness and generosity are the norm,
and the only reward is the satisfaction
of making someone else’s life a little
bit easier.
For many people in our City, this is more
than an imaginary place, it’s a reality.
People like the selfless volunteers at
our local State Emergency Services,
or those who deliver meals to the
elderly as part of the Meals on Wheels
program, are creating this world for
people in need.
These volunteers are the unsung
heroes in our community.
More than six million people in
Australia volunteer through
organisations, day in and day out.
Millions more volunteer informally in
their local communities to help their
neighbours and even strangers,
especially in times of crisis.
National Volunteer Week 2025
(19-25 May) is an opportunity to
highlight the important work and
unfailing commitment of the many
volunteers right here in our City.
There are thousands of people
around our community whose
generous services contribute to
making Canterbury-Bankstown one
of the greatest places to live.
If you are not already volunteering,
National Volunteer Week is also a
timely opportunity to make a start, find
a sector you are passionate about and
begin your journey.
Whether you’re interested in bush care,
helping our youth or supporting the
elderly, you too can play an important
role in making a difference in our City.
I know from my own volunteer work
with Meals on Wheels that there is
no better feeling than serving the
community that serves you. This
National Volunteer Week, I encourage
you to thank a volunteer you know and
take the initiative to kick start your
own volunteering career.
For more information on where you
can volunteer around our City, visit:
cb.city/volunteering
Regards,
Clr Bilal El-Hayek
MAYOR
Mayoral Message
@MayorBilalElHayek @mayor_bilalelhayek
Contact me at: P 9707 9522 E [email protected]
@ClrBilalElHayek
15 May 2025