To kick-start Youth Week celebrations in Bankstown I joined local residents at the Coolaburoo Neighbourhood Centre for their Intergenerational Showcase and launch of the Bankstown Youth Directory on Friday 1 April. I congratulate Coolaburoo Neighbourhood Centre Staff on their good work.

There is an extensive range of activities to run during Youth Week and I encourage local youth to visit Council's website www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au for more details.

On Tuesday 29 March we welcomed 17 students and their two chaperones from our Japanese sister city of Suita to our local government area. The students were welcomed at a reception at the Council Chambers. I would like to thank Deputy Mayor Khal Asfour for representing me at the welcoming function.

On Sunday 3 April, I attended a special farewell dinner for the Japanese students and their host families at Bankstown Sports Club. During their stay the students lived with local families, enjoyed the sights and sounds of Sydney and got to know their sister city. I would like to thank all the local families who hosted a Japanese student.

Also on Sunday I attended the annual Kahlil Gibran International Award evening where Bishop Issam Darwish and Journalist Sarkis Naoum were recognised for their outstanding contribution to the community. Many dignitaries were in attendance including Daryl Melham MP and Barbara Perry MP.

Thank you to Clr Pam Gavin for representing me on Friday 1 April at the Birrong Girls High School Building the Education Revolution (BER) Recognition Ceremony. The BER funding enabled the school to upgrade its science labs.

The traditional closing event of Seniors Week is always the Seniors Week golf competition and mayoral drive. This year, rain delayed the event for a week, with the competition held on Monday 4 April at Sefton golf course. I would like to thank Deputy Mayor Khal Asfour for representing me at this event.