I had the pleasure of making a special visit to a meeting of the Greenacre Combined Pensioners & Superannuants Association recently to present a $1,000 cheque from Bankstown Council. This donation will enable the Association to continue with their activities and recognises their valuable work in promoting the interests and wellbeing of pensioners and superannuants in the Greenacre area.

October is the Sport a Month of Walking. As part of the programmed activities, there is an opportunity to take part in a bushwalk during the month along with a twilight boardwalk by the Georges River on Saturday 16 October commencing at 5.30pm from Lambeth Reserve. For more information about Sport a Month activities, contact Council's Recreation Officer on 9707 9999 or visit www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au. The City of Bankstown is also home to a number of walking groups which meet on a weekly basis and further details can be obtained by contacting Council.

The Bankstown Community Safety Expo was held at Centro on Saturday. The annual event is coordinated by Bankstown Council in an effort to increase community awareness about safety issues. Thank you to our community safety partners for their support of the event - NSW Police, NSW Ambulance Service, NSW Fire Brigade, the State Emergency Service, St John Ambulance, Neighbourhood Watch and Bankstown Multicultural Youth Service.

Planning has begun for the Bankstown City Christmas Carols which will be held on Saturday 4 December in Paul Keating starting at 6pm. Festivities will conclude at 9pm with a fireworks display. This year the Carols are being coordinated by Bankstown Council and will provide a chance for our community to come together and embrace the true meaning of Christmas. More detailed information regarding the event will be available soon and I encourage you to mark the date in your diary.