Some of Bankstown’s most vulnerable residents are a step closer to receiving even better health care at the city’s hospital.

Mayor of Bankstown, Councillor Khal Asfour, today presented a cheque for $86,000 which represents the proceeds from his Charity Dinner held in June.

“This is an overwhelming expression of support for our sick kids from a city which has a big heart,” Mayor Asfour said.

“I have been overwhelmed by the incredible generosity shown by Bankstown’s businesses, clubs, community organisations and residents.

“This amount exceeds our previous best fundraising effort by more than $30,000, so I would like to thank everyone involved.”

A crowd of 500 people attended the Mayor’s Charity Dinner at Bankstown Sports Club which generously underwrote most of the costs on the night.

Bankstown Hospital’s Head of Paediatrics, Dr Phillip Emder, accepted the cheque today.

“This act of kindness from the residents of Bankstown is quite overwhelming, so I’d like to say a very big thank you,” Dr Emder said.

“We can now establish a short stay unit where the sickest children can be carefully monitored in a more suitable area in the paediatric unit, rather than in emergency, when they initially enter hospital.

“This is something we have been wanting to do for some time and this generous donation makes it all possible.

“We can also purchase around 10 pieces of monitoring equipment.