Last Tuesday morning I was pleased to attend the St Charbel's College Opening Mass for the 2011 school year. This was followed by the annual HSC High Achievers Ceremony where I had the opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding results of 21 of their students in the 2010 HSC. Thank you to Father Superior, Rev. Father Antoine Tarabay and College Principal Rev. Fr Ronny Cheheen for the invitation. Minister Barbara Perry MP was also in attendance.
On Saturday I went along to the opening of the Bakery King Patisserie at Bass Hill. Many residents came along for the event including representatives from St Charbel's. Congratulations to Mr Fadi Khalil and wife Josephine, and business partners Fadi Khalil and Toni Ishak in expanding their business and relocating to the new premises along the Hume Highway.
Last Thursday I was joined by Premier Kristina Keneally and Minister Jason Clare MP to officially open the new $5.8million Bankstown Arts Centre. The centre will house the Bankstown Arts Society, Bankstown District Lapidary Club, Bankstown Theatrical Society, Bankstown Youth Development Service and Urban Theatre Projects. It was great to see so many guests in attendance for the opening including Minister Barbara Perry MP, Daryl Melham MP, former Mayor Helen Westwood MLC, Deputy Mayor Khal Asfour, Bankstown Councillors and representatives from our local community, media and local schools.
On Friday night I attended a dinner hosted by the Vietnamese Community in Australia (NSW Chapter) in aid of the Queensland Flood Relief. The evening raised much needed funds for the ongoing efforts to rebuild Queensland following the devastating floods and was extremely well attended by members of the Vietnamese community. I acknowledge the efforts of VCA President Thanh Nguyen along with members of the board in organising such a successful event.
On Saturday night I attended a service to mark the official opening LIFE Church's new premises at Stacey Street. LIFE has been a part of our community since it was launched in Bankstown in late 2002. Congratulations to Pastors Alex and Julie Grancha and I wish the congregation at LIFE every success.
The Bupa Greenacre Aged Care Facility held a Flood Relief Fair on Saturday to raise funds for the Queensland Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal. I was pleased to go along and lend my support to the event which raised $3,300. The Bupa Community Connections Program will match the funds raised on Saturday dollar for dollar, bringing the total amount to $6,600. Congratulations to all involved.