Bankstown

Mothers are the greatest providers
in the world.
From birth our natural instinct is to gravitate towards our mum. Whether we’re tired, hungry or sick, we all know that the only person who can make any bad situation better is
our mother.
Mums are the backbone of the family and take on many roles. They’re
the nurses, the counsellors, the teachers, the protectors, the story tellers, the chefs, and so much more.
And it’s no exaggeration to say that mums can replace all others, but no one can replace our mums.
I am blessed to have such a strong connection with my own mother where, even in my adult life, I find myself turning to her for guidance.
I am even more grateful to have a wonderful wife who is the pillar of
our household and is helping raise
our children to be the best they can.
But it is not only the biological mothers who we celebrate today,
but the aunties, grandmothers, older sisters, cousins, guardians, friends and the many other females who have positively influenced our lives.
I hope that every child in our City can experience the loving guidance of a mother figure and is blessed with positive female influence in their life.
This Mother’s Day let’s all celebrate our mums. Whether it’s taking her out for lunch, making her breakfast in bed, or simply giving her a hug, make sure you take the time out of your day to make your mum feel special.
And may the memory of the mothers who are no longer with us today live in our hearts forever.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Regards
Clr Bilal El-Hayek
MAYOR
Dear Residents
Mayoral Message
@MayorBilalElHayek

The beginning of a new school term is a reminder that drivers need to be extra vigilant around our schools.
National Road Safety Week runs from 5-12 May and around this time every year, the key message is “Drive So Others Survive!”
But this message is lost on some drivers for the rest of the year.
It comes as no surprise that the majority of road incidents are caused by driver behaviour and speeding. In NSW, speeding results in 40 percent
of road deaths.
Managing speed is everybody’s responsibility and it is pivotal that
we continue to keep our community and ourselves safe.
Whether it’s children crossing the road to school or elderly people on their way to the local shops, everybody is entitled to get to their destination safely – without being another statistic.
There are no shortcuts, and we must all do our part and drive responsibly. Remember, you can also speak up if you are a passenger in a car that is being driven too fast – remind the driver to slow down and be safe.
I am proud of the work our Council is doing to help increase awareness around the dangers of speeding.
Some of the measures include digital speed boards that we regularly move around our City, reduced speed limits in high pedestrian areas, variable speed limit signs with ‘slow down’ messaging and we have even teamed up with local police to enforce the speed limit in key locations.
This year we have stepped up our efforts by designing bin stickers which act as a reminder we should all slow down. We all have a role to play in lowering the statistics.
To help play your part, you can
request your FREE ‘Slow Down in Canterbury-Bankstown’ bin stickers
at cb.city/RoadSafety
And don’t forget if you see someone driving irresponsibly or recklessly report them to the police.
Regards
Clr Bilal El-Hayek
MAYOR
Dear Residents
Mayoral Message
@MayorBilalElHayek
@ClrBilalElHayek
@Bilal.ElHayek
Contact me at:
P 9707 9522 E [email protected]
1 May 2024

Tomorrow we remember the men
and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we all enjoy today.
As in past years, the number of veterans marching has dwindled,
but the force of their spirit and legacy lives on through their children and grandchildren.
Anzac Day is met with mixed emotions. We have a sense of sadness as we remember those killed, but also a sense of pride for their courageous action in defending our nation.
It’s also a day to remember the widows and families left behind by those killed, as well as to think about those currently serving in conflicts around the world.
It is unfortunate that, more than a century on from when our soldiers fought on the Western Front, we continue to see conflict and war around us; conflicts like the war
in Ukraine and the plight of the Palestinian people under siege
in Gaza.
This Anzac day, I encourage everyone to keep our cultural traditions of mateship, courage and sacrifice alive, and to attend a local dawn service to pay your respects.
It could also be an opportunity to take the family into the heart of Sydney and soak up the atmosphere of the Anzac Day march along
George Street.
Be part of the hundreds of thousands of people cheering and waving the Australian flag as our veterans, some marching, others in vehicles, file past.
I am proud of our resilient community that continues to honour the memory of our fallen heroes.
To find an Anzac Day event near you, visit rslnsw.org.au
Lest we forget.
Regards
Clr Bilal El-Hayek
MAYOR
Dear Residents
Mayoral Message
@MayorBilalElHayek

Ten years ago, this month, former Mayor Khal Asfour officially opened the doors of the brand-new Bankstown Library and Knowledge Centre.
It was the beginning of a new
chapter for learning and creativity and a space for students and the community to come together.
As we celebrate this milestone,
I can’t help but think about the profound impact it has had on
our community.
Bankstown Library is not just a building filled with books, but
a place of knowledge and hope
for those who wish to learn.
It is also a place of empowerment, where individuals are equipped with the tools they need to succeed and
a place of enlightenment, where minds are opened, and perspectives are broadened.
But above all, it is a place of unity, where the ties that bind us as a community are strengthened
and celebrated.
With knitting groups, multicultural programs and events, toddler reading groups, homework help, seniors technology classes and
so much more.
I’m proud not only of Bankstown’s Library and Knowledge Centre but all the central learning and meeting points in our City where we see critical thinking, laughter, and knowledge.
Let us come together to honour
our library, not just for the books it holds, but for the invaluable role it plays in shaping the fabric of our community and may it continue to inspire those seeking knowledge and connection.
So next time you visit one of our libraries, be sure to acknowledge the wonderful staff that play a lead role in our learning experience.
Regards
Clr Bilal El-Hayek
MAYOR
Dear Residents
Mayoral Message
@MayorBilalElHayek

It’s hard to believe students have already completed one term of
the school year.
But more worrying for parents,
is activity planning for the holiday break which comes around quicker than expected.
Coming up with ideas to keep the kids entertained during the school holidays is always a challenge, especially with summer behind us and the arrival of the unpredictable autumn weather.
As a father of four, it’s not easy to come up with “cool” ideas they will enjoy while at the same time not breaking the family budget.
Council wants to ensure no kid misses out these holidays and has come up with an extensive list of fun free and low-cost things to do.
From 15-26 April, your children can choose from a range of free offerings at our libraries including family favourite movie screenings, colourful kite decorating and learning coding with Kubo robots.
For a small fee, kids can also head over to see the unique wildlife at Taronga Zoo, get their groove on
at the ice-skating disco or even improve their soccer skills at
the Western Sydney Wanderers soccer clinic.
And if that’s not enough, there’s CBCity’s STEM kids group for our science and maths enthusiasts, kids clay club for the creative minds and anime meet ups for all of our anime lovers.
There is something interesting for
all children enjoy.
I encourage all parents to check
out the fun activities on offer to
keep the kids occupied these
school holidays.
For more information on what’s on, visit cb.city/SchoolHolidays
Regards
Clr Bilal El-Hayek
MAYOR
Dear Residents
Mayoral Message
@MayorBilalElHayek

It is time for our youth to express, empower and get loud about what
they believe in.
There’s no denying that growing up can
be tough. Navigating school, friendships and the growing pressures of this day and age, it’s no surprise that more and more young people find it difficult to fully express their personalities and values.
It is our responsibility as adults, parents and leaders to guide our youth onto the right paths and encourage freedom of expression in everything they do.
It is also up to us to listen and learn
from the insightful perspectives
our young leaders provide on the
continually changing world around us.
As a father myself, I know that all
we want for our children is the best,
and I extend my desire for my own
children’s success to the over 65,000 young people in Canterbury-Bankstown.
All of whom are capable of great things.
Council is a pioneer in supporting
our local young people and I am especially proud of our own youth
team who work tirelessly to provide unmatched services that ensure
our young people stay resilient and connected to their community.
As I travel around our City, I come across so many talented and creative young people who prove how great it is
to grow up in Canterbury-Bankstown. Whether it’s their leadership, academics, sporting achievements or volunteer work, our youth are doing great things.
This year, Youth Week not only provides
a wide range of events, from Future Pathways Expeditions to Basketball Competitions, but also provides young locals with opportunities to lead and organise some of the activities.
From 11-21 April, young people in our
City will be able to practise the skills
that are important to them and learn
more about how they want to navigate their place in the world.
Events are mostly FREE or low cost to
help make the activities accessible
to all youth in our community.
I encourage all our young people to
check out the full program and get involved at cb.city/YouthWeek
Regards
Clr Bilal El-Hayek
MAYOR
Dear Residents
Mayoral Message
@MayorBilalElHayek

The multicultural fabric of our
community is truly on display
this time of year.
From lively celebrations to quiet
prayers, culture is woven into the
very heart of our City.
This week alone, we observe
Ramadan in the lead up to Eid,
celebrate the Easter long weekend
and acknowledged Greek
Independence Day just five weeks
out from the Greek Orthodox
Easter celebrations.
Our City thrives on its culture and it is
beautiful to see so many of us coming
together to celebrate and it is a great
opportunity for people to connect.
With a City of 380,000 people from
more than 170 countries it seems that
not a week goes by without an event
taking place.
There’s Easter and Eid Toy Drives,
Ramadan markets to break your fast
with the community, Eid light
competitions and the raising of the
Greek flag that was followed with
traditional dancing in Earlwood
on Monday.
And if that’s not enough, there’s a
wide range of cultural activities
happening in Council’s Library and
Knowledge Centres.
You can participate in world dancing
lessons, bilingual story time or even
get your temporary henna tattooing
done to celebrate the wonderful and
rich harmony of cultures in our City.
I am proud to live in a City that
embraces cultural diversity and offers
safe spaces for everyone to
celebrate. Whether you participate in
traditional events or are simply
exploring new customs, I encourage
everyone to join the vibrant tapestry
of our City.
For more information on how to get
involved in our library celebrations,
visit cb.city/HarmonyDay, for more
information on the toy drives, visit
cb.city/EidEasterDonations
Regards
Clr Bilal El-Hayek
MAYOR

Each year, when Harmony Week comes around, I can’t help but think of a song made famous by former Beatle Paul McCartney and
Stevie Wonder.
The lyrics of the song and the imagery of the keys playing in harmony on a piano keyboard really strike a chord with me. This year, Harmony Week is more significant than ever.
It’s a time to be kind and respectful
to everyone around us, but also a
time to remember those who live in places where harmony seems like a wishful dream.
As we continue to turn on the news and be confronted with images of war and violence, let us make a point this Harmony Week to consider those who live in circumstances and locations where conflict exists.
And, how timely is it this year, that Harmony Week coincides with the holy month of Ramadan! I encourage everyone to use this time to pray for peace and reflect on the current crises in Palestine and the Ukraine.
Harmony Week is an opportunity to be thankful for the many wonderful privileges we have here in Australia and to be respectful of the many different cultures in our City.
Our Council fosters and encourages harmony in the community throughout the year and has a wide range of activities running in our Libraries and Knowledge Centres.
To highlight the week, there are world dancing lessons, henna tattooing, bilingual story times and more.
Let us continue to appreciate the rich diversity in our City and show respect to everyone we encounter.
For more information on how
to get involved in Council’s
Harmony Week activities, visit
cb.city/HarmonyDay
Regards
Clr Bilal El-Hayek
MAYOR

International Women’s Day is a reminder of the role women play, not only in our City but across
the globe.
This year’s theme ‘Inspire Inclusion’ highlights the disparity that still exists and aims to foster recognition, respect and the contribution women make.
A global day dedicated to celebrating the amazing things women have achieved, International Women’s Day reinforces how far female rights have come but is also a reminder
to keep working for a better future.
Although we see more gender stereotypes being challenged and more female representation than ever, the sad truth is gender-based violence, workplace harassment and discrimination still exist.
But it is up to us to make
lasting changes.
Whether they are the mothers carrying our future leaders or
the current leaders inspiring our younger generations, every
woman must be respected.
It is also crucial that organisations and employers step up to build gender inclusive environments. Council, for example, took International Women’s Day as an opportunity to host a panel of executive female speakers to share their insights and answer questions on women’s concerns, worth, wealth and world experiences.
But we must not limit our advocacy for women’s safety, goals and equal participation to just one day.
Let us make inclusion a regular practise in everyday life and continue building a brighter and safer community for all.
Regards
Clr Bilal El-Hayek
MAYOR