On Thursday morning I conducted a citizenship ceremony where I had the pleasure of congratulating 127 of Bankstown’s newest Australian citizens. I also congratulate Greenacre Public School student, Fatima Dia, for her heartfelt speech on what it means to be an Australian. Tania Mihailuk MP, Deputy Mayor Allan Winterbottom, Clr Alex Kuskoff, Clr Ian Stromborg, Aunty Margaret and Jon Soemarjano joined me on the day to welcome the recipients and their families.
Later that day, I was delighted to present new soccer jerseys to Banksia Public School students participating in the Primary Schools Sports Association’s (PSSA) Inter-School Sports Competition. The initiative, funded by one of my Mayoral Minutes, is one of many ways I strongly support Bankstown’s schools.
On Friday night I enjoyed the hospitality of the Islamic Charity Projects Association (ICPA) at their Iftar Dinner. I commend ICPA for their emphasis on promoting harmony and extending a hand of friendship and goodwill to our wider community. Councillor Alex Kuskoff and Auburn Deputy Mayor Clr Hicham Zraika were also in attendance.
Later that evening I had the privilege of honouring Sue McClelland at the farewell function held in her honour. Sue is one of the pioneers of women’s health in Bankstown and will be greatly missed by Bankstown Women’s Health Centre, where she served as manager for the past thirteen years. The farewell was also attended by Tania Mihailuk MP and Helen Westwood MLC.
Council held its latest Roadshow at Revesby Markets on Saturday. Councillors Linda Downey, Ian Stromborg and Allan Winterbottom were in attendance. Be sure not to miss out on Council’s next Roadshow scheduled for this Saturday 4 August from 10am-12pm at Chullora Marketplace.
On Saturday night I attended my second Iftar dinner of the week at Malek Fahd Islamic School. The school holds a number of distinguished titles, including the top ranked school in the Bankstown Education District and the largest Islamic school in Australia. I was pleased to congratulate the school on their outstanding achievements and community spirit. Guests included Tania Mihailuk MP, Tony Burke MP, Barbara Perry MP, Auburn Deputy Mayor Hicham Zraika along with many other Councillors from neighbouring Councils and Members of Parliament.
I thank Clr Alex Kuskoff for representing me at National Tree Day event at Carysfield Reserve Bass Hill. I am proud of Council’s achievements in creating a greener City, which in recent times has included spending almost $700,000 on Newlands Reserve. The establishment of around 10,000 plants formed part of the improvements.