ANZAC Day was commemorated on Sunday and I was honoured to attend a number of ANZAC services across Bankstown. The ANZAC tradition is an important part of our national identity and it was pleasing to see so many residents taking part in ANZAC Day ceremonies and honouring our war veterans.

I began the day by attending Bass Hill RSL Sub Branch's Dawn Service and later I joined with members of the Bankstown RSL Sub-Branch for their ANZAC Day service.

Thank you to Clrs Alex Kuskoff and Pam Gavin for representing me at the Chester Hill RSL Anzac Service and to Clr Linda Downey for representing me at the Padstow RSL Service.

On Saturday morning I also joined with returned soldiers to attend the 7th Australian Division A.I.F Association ANZAC Remembrance Service at Remembrance Driveway, Bass Hill.

In the afternoon I attended the Australian National Sports Club Open Day at their premises at Parry Park, Greenacre. The open day brought together many sporting groups from across Bankstown and Canterbury and was also attended by community representatives including Mayor of Canterbury and Member for Lakemba, Robert Furolo MP.

Later that day I also called into Pancakes in the Park, a charity fundraiser event held in Paul Keating Park in association with the Miss Lebanon Australia Beauty Pageant. The event featured activities and entertainment with funds being raised to support the Westmead Medical Research Foundation.

Last week I hosted a Mayoral Reception to recognise the success of two teams who had represented Canterbury Bankstown Tennis Association during the 2009 season of the NSW Hardcourt Tennis Association Interdistrict Competition. In an excellent result for our city, the Blackwell Cup and George Fletcher teams played in consecutive grand finals, with the George Fletcher team going on to win the title for the second year in a row. Congratulations to everyone involved. Clr Michael Tadros and Canterbury Clr Brian Robson also attended the reception.

I was pleased to speak at last Wednesday night's Community Awareness Function hosted by the Rotary Clubs within the Bankstown District. The evening was an opportunity for residents and Rotary members to hear from guests speakers from different organisations in the community and discuss a variety of issues. I commend Rotary and its members on this initiative and for their ongoing contribution to our community.

Small businesses make a significant contribution to our community, particularly in relation to our local economy and generating employment opportunities for residents. On Thursday I was pleased to officially open a new small business, In Style Home Wares, located in Restwell Street. I wish store owner Sarah Chamal every success in her business.

Thank you to Clr Pam Gavin for representing me last Thursday at an Anzac Service held for residents at Advantage Care, Georges Manor.

A reminder that the Greenacre Senior Entertainers will be holding their annual Mother’s Day Concert on Monday 10 May 2010 from 1pm. This free concert will be held at the Greenacre Citizens Centre and mothers and grandmothers are encouraged to come along to enjoy the entertainment followed by light refreshments. For more details, contact Hilda on 9709 4146 or Marianne 9790 1569.