On Saturday evening I joined many distinguished guests at a special dinner to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Bankstown Trotting and Recreation Club. It was a most enjoyable evening with members and supporters of the Club sharing in a night of commemoration and festivity. Since its inception, the Club has demonstrated a strong commitment to the sport of trotting and the broader community. I was pleased to have the opportunity on the night to acknowledge this significant milestone and the Club's positive contribution to our city. Congratulations to President Noel Scanlon and the Board of Directors.

Last Wednesday I had the pleasure of attending the launch of YourTutor at Bankstown Library. The University of Western Sydney has teamed with Council to deliver more than 1000 free tutoring sessions for local kids at the library over the next year. Council initiated a successful trial of the YourTutor program in 2009 and we are pleased that this project will continue in partnership with the University of Western Sydney.

On Thursday, I hosted a Pink Ribbon Breakfast with special guests surgeons Dr Dave Segara and Dr Elias Moisedes. The breakfast was an opportunity to raise awareness of breast cancer as well as much needed funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Thank you to the many businesses and guests in attendance for their support of this important event.

During the month, I also had the opportunity to join the Greek Older Women’s Network for their Pink Ribbon fundraising function. Thank you to Voula Kerr and the Network for their hospitality.

Improving the health of our environment is always a priority, so on Friday I was delighted to be able to give the opening speech at the Morgan Creek launch at Picnic Point High School Amphitheatre. The project involves removal of weeds and the installation of native plants and erosion control measures which will result in improved health of the creek and surrounding bushland. Council’s Bushcare volunteers will join with the high school students to carry out this work, with the students gaining invaluable environmental lessons and skills in the process.

Later that day, I called into the Blue Light Disco at Caroline Chisholm Special School. This annual event is a special occasion for the students and my congratulations to the volunteers of the Revesby Blue Light Disco for coordinating the day. In a gesture of generosity, students brought along tinned food to be included in a hamper to be donated to charity.

Nova Employment held an Open Day at their Bankstown premises on Friday. I was pleased to go along and make a number of award presentations to trainees and supporting organisations.