On Wednesday night I attended a Charity Dinner at the Greyhound Social Club in honour of NSW Police Officer Bill Crews who died in the line of duty last year. The dinner followed the Inaugural Bill Crews Cup Rugby League Game which had been held earlier in the day featuring Police from the Bankstown Local Area Command, Campsie Local Area Command and the Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad. Bankstown City Council was pleased to support the event and profits from the evening were donated to NSW Police Legacy. Police South West Metropolitan Region Commander Assistant Commissioner Frank Mennilli along with Daryl Melham MP, Tania Mihailuk MP, Clr Alex Kuskoff and members of Bill Crews' family were amongst the guests. My congratulations to the organisers on a great event for such a worthy cause.
Earlier in the night I had the pleasure of hosting a Mayoral Reception in honour of Mr Boutros Harb MP, a visiting member of the Lebanese Parliament. Mr Harb is a well respected international politician and as the only independent member in the Lebanese parliament, he is committed to the pursuit of a free and democratic Lebanon. Many community and religious leaders attended the reception including Tania Mihailuk MP, Barbara Perry MP, Guy Zangari MP, Councillor Michael Tadros and Councillors from neighbouring Councils.
On Friday morning I attended a Recognition Ceremony at Greenacre Baptist Community Christian School. Minister Tony Burke MP officially opened the school's new hall and classroom. These new facilities have been warmly welcomed by the school community. Thank you to Principal Ken McCarron for the invitation.
The Bankstown District Amateur Football Association held their annual presentation night on Friday. I was pleased to acknowledge the success of both the players and association while also making a number of presentations to volunteers of the game. My thanks to Harry Sklavenitis, President of BDAFA, for his hospitality. Shannon Cole and Terry Antonis from Sydney FC were special guests on the night.
On Sunday I spoke at Eid celebrations in Paul Keating Park hosted by the ICPA. The event was extremely well attended with Tania Mihailuk MP, Barbara Perry MP, Paul Lynch MP and Glenn Brookes MP amongst the official guests.
Thank you to Councillor Alex Kuskoff for representing me on Sunday at the Villawood Spring Fair and officially opening the bi-annual celebration at Hilwa Park.