The Bankstown Community Grants and Event Sponsorship Program provides funding to local community groups and organisations to assist them with operating community events, services and programs that address the social, cultural, sport and recreational needs of our residents. To assist in lodging grant applications, Council has this year introduced an On-Line Application Process. Please note that applications for the 2011-2012 grants will close on 15 July 2011. For more information, contact Council on 9707 9794 of visit www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au.

On Saturday night I attended The Samoan Council of Sydney's Independence Ball at La Luna Lounge, Bankstown. The evening celebrated the 49th Anniversary of Independence for Samoa. His Excellency Lemalu Tate Simi, High Commissioner of Samoa to Australia was also in attendance.

Thank you to Deputy Mayor Khal Asfour for representing me on Friday at the Greenacre Senior Entertainers Mid Year Concert. It was an entertaining show with the audience enjoying a number of solo and group performances. Congratulations to Hilda and Charlie Garwood and members of the Greenacre Senior Entertainers.

June is the 'Sport a Month' of tennis with residents being given the opportunity to take part in free trial tennis lesson. During July residents from 18 months to 12 years of age can try various activities associated with the sport of gymnastics. For more information on these or any future 'Sport a Month' activities, contact Council on 9707 9999 or visit www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au.

On Monday, the Canterbury Bankstown Migrant Interagency organised an event at Centro Roselands to celebrate Refugee Week with support from both Bankstown and Canterbury Councils. My thanks to Deputy Mayor Khal Asfour for representing me on this occasion.