On Saturday morning I went to Chester Square for Council’s latest Roadshow. I welcomed the opportunity to hear what residents from Chester Hill had to say and to offer my personal assistance. Councillors Alex Kuskoff, Pam Gavin, Ian Stromborg, Michael Tadros and Council staff were also on hand to answer questions and lend their support.
Later on Saturday I also attended Bankstown Art Society’s (BAS) 54th Annual Arts Exhibition. BAS has been instrumental in developing Bankstown’s visual arts scene for more than half a century and Council has been its proud main sponsor since it began. I was impressed by the incredible talent of our local artists on display at the exhibition. Councillor Alex Kuskoff and Pam Gavin were also in attendance.
On Thursday night I hosted a VIP dinner for representatives from Bankstown’s sister city, Broken Hill. Our discussions centred on ways of strengthening our ties beyond cultural and sporting exchanges. Bankstown Council has a wealth of knowledge and best practice experience that can benefit Broken Hill. In return there is much we can learn from them.
Discussions continued the next morning, when I also had the opportunity to thank the delegates for coming down to visit Bankstown and bringing Broken Hill vocalists with them.
I thank Clr Ian Stromborg for representing me at the Bankstown and Broken Hill in Song concert at Revesby Workers on Friday night. The eight Broken Hill vocalists were hand picked by Bankstown TAP’s Musical Directors, who flew to Broken Hill to recruit the finest talent from local schools. The night was also a great opportunity to showcase the incredible talents of Bankstown’s rising TAP stars.
On Friday evening I attended the Australian Lebanese Friendship Association Farewell Dinner for Lebanese Consul General Maher Kheir, who has been instrumental in building close diplomatic, economic and cultural ties between Lebanon and Australia/New Zealand for the past six years. I congratulate Consul Kheir for his exceptional contributions. Tania Mihailuk MP, Robet Furolo MP and Canterbury Mayor Brian Robson were amongst the official guests. Thank you to Said Alameddine of the Association for the invitation.
Last week I was invited to the Headway ADP 20 Year Celebration, which is an organisation that provides invaluable assistance for those recovering from serious head injuries. Council is a proud and generous supporter of ADP having contributed $25, 000 towards their various projects and activities in recent years.
I thank Clr Alex Kuskoff for attending the Lions Club of Yagoona Inc Inauguration Dinner and Concert on my behalf. I warmly congratulate newly appointed President, Michael Scanlon and all Yagoona Lions Club members for their support of our community.