Mayor's Weekly Message

On Sunday morning I officially opened the 6th Villawood NAIDOC Day celebrations at Hilwa Park Villawood.  This annual event first started in Villawood in 2002 to celebrate the National Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people, culture and heritage. The day included performances, information stalls and traditional foods from the Indigenous people from our local area. My family and I joined with Mayor of Fairfield, Councillor Nick Lalich, Pam Gavin & the Woodville Community Services NAIDOC Organising Committee in enjoying the festivities.

Following this, I attended the Recreation Sports & Aquatics Club's 21st Annual Awards Presentation luncheon at the Sports Club.  The achievements of all the Club's athletes and participants were recognised and during the afternoon guests were entertained by the RSAC drama group & children of the Chinese Parent Association. Ms Linda Burney MP, Minister for Volunteering, was among those on hand to acknowledge the athletes.

It has been encouraging to see the positive response to the Mayoral Charity Dinner being held on Friday 25 July at the Bankstown Sports Club. Tickets are $60 and I encourage you to book a table of 8 for the night and support the Bankstown area's St Vincent de Paul Society winter appeal. A raffle and auction will also be held on the night. For enquiries or bookings, contact Council on 9707 9523 or visit www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au
 
Last Thursday, Council recognised Refugee Week by hosting the Refugee Film Festival at the Town Hall and signing the Refugee Charter. The films that were shown tell stories about the range of experiences refugees have undergone in their journey in coming to Australia and creating their life here. Bankstown Council has a strong tradition of supporting and promoting refugee issues and in signing the Refugee Charter developed by the Australian Refugee Council, we have strengthened this commitment. Thank you to Councillor Khal Asfour for representing Council.

Also on Thursday the State Emergency Service Charity Bowls Day was held at the Birrong Bowling and Sports Club. Deputy Richard McLaughlin called into the event on behalf of Council.

 
The inaugural meeting of the Community Reference Group for the Padstow Public Art Project will be held this Friday 4 July 2008 between 2pm and 4 pm at the Padstow Senior Citizens Centre. This is an opportunity for residents to contribute to the look and feel of the Padstow Town Centre. For more information about the Reference Group or to attend the meeting, contact Vandana Ram, Council's Cultural Development Coordinator on 9707 9989.

On Saturday evening I had the pleasure of attending the St Euphemia College Ball. This year marked the 20th anniversary of this annual event and it was, as always, a wonderful celebration for the St Euphemia school community. Among the guests were The Hon. John Hatzistergos MLC, Jason Clare MP and Daryl Melham MP. Thank you to Peter Theo OAM & the Board of Directors for their hospitality.

Last Tuesday evening I spoke at the inaugural dinner of the Australasian Dragon Business Association (ADBA). The Association has recently been established to provide local business owners and proprietors with the opportunity to share their skills and knowledge with other like-minded business people. Furthermore, the ADBA aims to strengthen relationships between the community and local businesses. Bankstown Council strongly supports and encourages business activity and growth in our city and I was therefore pleased to be able to attend the event to encourage the Association in their endeavours.

Later that evening Councillor Asfour and I called in on the 50th Changeover Dinner of the Lions Club of Yagoona. Congratulations to John Staples who was elected as President of Club for the coming 12 months. John is well known to us all for the wonderful job he does in coordinating the Lions' Yagoona Autumn Fair.

My thanks to Deputy Mayor Richard McLaughlin for representing me at the Padstow Rotary Club's 4th Annual Community Awards Night which was also held last Tuesday. These awards recognise the efforts officers attached to Police, Fire & Ambulance Services of the Bankstown and Revesby areas.   My congratulations to those officers acknowledged on the night.

Tomorrow, Thursday 26 June, Bankstown Council will be marking World Refugee Day with a local screening of the Australian Refugee Film Festival. This is a free event hosted by Bankstown Council and organised by the Canterbury Bankstown Migrant Interagency in partnership with Triumphant International. Films will be shown in the Town Hall auditorium between 10am and 12noon. For more information about the festival, call Council on 9707 9863. We will also be signing the Refugee Charter on behalf of the city at the opening of this event.

July's Sport a Month is Baseball.   During the month there will be many opportunities for people of all ages to come and try the sport or simply watch a game or two. For further details visit www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au or contact Council on 9707 9641.

'This time it's personal' is the theme for the St Vincent de Paul Society's Winter Appeal. On Friday 25 July I will be hosting a Mayoral Charity Dinner in aid of the Bankstown St Vincent de Paul, who provide a range of services to assist local families in crisis. Tickets for the event are now on sale and I would encourage you to come along to support this worthy cause. The dinner will be held at The Bankstown Sports Club at a cost of $60 per person. Help us help the people of Bankstown this winter. For more information, contact my office on 9707 9523.

Last Tuesday Cr Khal Asfour represented Council at the St Euphemia College "Investing in our Schools" ceremony. Daryl Melham MP represented the Federal Minister for Education in officially opening the high school's computer laboratory and the primary school's ground improvement and walkway.  I am sure the new infrastructure will be beneficial to the school community.

Bankstown Council has produced a new website celebrating our annual food festival, Bankstown Bites, and features information on a wide variety of produce and restaurants, as well as health and nutrition. I encourage you to log on to www.bankstownbites.com.au to learn more about the event.

This year, Bankstown Bites will be held on Saturday 26 July between 10am and 4pm. Our celebrity chef, 'Fast' Ed Halmagyi from Better Homes & Gardens, will be cooking up a storm throughout day with a number of demonstrations, and as a resident you can win the chance to help Ed cook one of your recipes.  Details on this are in the June issue of Community Link and on the Bankstown Bites website. For more information contact Council on 9707 9999.

On Wednesday evening, the Lions Club of Bankstown held its 52nd Anniversary Dinner.  The evening was an opportunity to acknowledge the great community work carried out by our local Lions Club.  On the night over $8000 was distributed to our local community groups, of this amount $1000 was donated to the Recreation Sports Aquatics Club. Congratulations to Clr Les Osmond who was returned as President of the Club for the ensuing year. Thank you to Deputy Mayor Richard McLaughlin for representing me.

The school holidays are fast approaching so keep a look out on Council's website and in the libraries for school holiday activities.

Wednesday 11 June 2008

Last Thursday (5 June) was World Environment Day and that evening I hosted a special Mayoral Reception for our local Bushcare volunteers. I was pleased to be able to publicly acknowledge the significant contributions of these volunteers, who strive to preserve and protect our valuable local bushland areas. I was encouraged by the enthusiasm displayed by these volunteers for our environment. Councillors McLaughlin, Osmond and Scott Parker were also in attendance. Thank you to Sinead Lee, Heather Riley and Nicole Thornton from TAP for their entertaining performance.

On Wednesday I attended the Changeover/Donors' Dinner for the Bankstown Division of Sydney Legacy. The work of Legacy is well known and in Bankstown they over the years they have continued to play an important role in supporting dependents of service men and women. Deputy Richard McLaughlin also attended.

A reminder that June is the Sport a Month of jogging. Throughout the month the Western District Joggers and Harriers, in partnership with Bankstown Council, will be encouraging residents to come along and participate in a Saturday morning jogging session Lake Gillawarna. For more details visit Council’s website www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au.

World Refugee Day is celebrated in June to recognise the spirit and the courage of the world’s refugees. On Thursday 26 June, Bankstown will be marking the occasion with the Refugee Week Short Film Festival at Bankstown Town Hall. Films will be shown in the auditorium from 10am till 12noon. For more information about the festival, call Council on 9707 9863.

The Reel Deal Film Festival is being run for the third consecutive year in 2008. The theme for this year is "Embrace", so get those video cameras ready. 
All submissions must be in by Monday 30 June 2008. For further information about this fantastic competition, the entry process and prize details, call 8707 6904 or visit www.reeldeal.com.au.

Planet Ark's National Tree Day is Australia's biggest community tree-planting event and since Tree Day started in 1996 over 11.5 million native trees and shrubs have been planted by more than 1.5 million volunteers. You can become a part of this great event by coming along to Council's planting site on Sunday 27th July. For more information call Council's Environment Education Officer on 9707 9700.

On the evening of Friday 25 July I will be hosting a fundraising dinner to assist families in crisis. All proceeds will be distributed to the Society of St Vincent De Paul in Bankstown, in support of St Vincent's winter appeal which this year carries the theme: This time it's personal. More detailed information regarding the event will be available shortly and I encourage all of you to pop the 25th in your diary.

Last Wednesday I officially opened the Canterbury Bankstown Employment Expo at the Town Hall. The focus of the expo was on women and people from CALD backgrounds and was designed to allow attendees at the Expo to learn more about employment opportunities, training as well as meet potential employers and members of Job Network employment agencies. The Expo was a joint initiative of a range of organisations including Bankstown & Canterbury City Councils, Centrelink, Department of Employment & Workplace Relations and MTC Work Solutions.

On Saturday afternoon I visited the Crest Soccer Fields for the Bankstown Sports Strikers Lightening Bolts Jersey Ceremony & BBQ. It was a great afternoon with a number of families attending. Clr McLaughlin was also in attendance.

Last Monday I attended the annual presentation night of the Bankstown District Cricket Association where the player's achievements and commitment were recognised. Congratulations to the association for the successes throughout the season. Thank you to Pam Gavin and the Executive for the invitation.

Bankstown Bites is back. This year the food festival will take place on Saturday 26 July 2008 between 10am -4pm. More details in the coming week.

Last week was Public Education Week and in celebration Bankstown Girls' High held an open day last Thursday. A range of activities and events were held throughout the day and my thanks to Deputy Richard McLaughlin for representing me.

Council recognised National Sorry Day last Monday 26 May with a small gathering at the Council Chambers. Thank you to Clr Khal Asfour for representing Council.

It was great to see so many commuters contributing towards Council’s fundraising efforts for the Cancer Council last Thursday morning at Bankstown Railway Station. Throughout the morning, I stood alongside Councillors McLaughlin, Brookes and Stromborg as we distributed take-away morning tea kits in an effort to raise funds for the Cancer Council’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. Over $750 was raised and I would like to thank everyone who contributed and for giving generously for such a worthy cause.

Also on Thursday, the Bankstown Cancer Women’s Support Group held a morning tea at Bankstown Library and I would like to thank Clr Westwood MLC for representing me. Earlier in the week, Clr McLaughlin represented me at a morning tea hosted by St Mark’s Anglican Church. Proceeds from all these events are being distributed to the Cancer Council.

Each year Council releases a five-year forward draft Management Plan, and the Draft City Plan 2008-13 is now on public exhibition. Copies of the document can be viewed at all local libraries and our Customer Service Centre. Closing date for written submissions is Wednesday, 18 June 2008. For more information, contact Council on 9707 9484.

On Friday evening I attended the “Berries 4 Kids” fundraising dinner at the Sports Club. The charity event, which is an initiative of the West Sydney Berries Football Club, was in aid of the Children’s Hospital at Westmead. It was a great night which was well attended with John Hatzistergos MLC and “Berries 4 Kids” patron John Mangos among those supporting the fundraising initiative.

Earlier I had called into Bankstown Library’s Rock-a-bye storytime evening with my daughter. It was great to see so many young children and parents enjoying this service offered by the library - a night of stories games and craft.

June is the Sport a Month of jogging. Throughout the month the Western District Joggers and Harriers, in partnership with Bankstown Council, will be encouraging residents to come along and participate in a Saturday morning jogging session Lake Gillawarna. For more details visit Council’s website www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au.

Tomorrow is the Cancer Council's Biggest Morning Tea and from 6am -8am, Council will be handing out 'takeaway morning tea kits', for a donation, to commuters at Bankstown Train Station. Hope to see you there.

Also that morning, the Bankstown Cancer Women's Support Group will be hosting a morning tea at Bankstown Library from 9.30am. Entry is by way of a donation and all residents are welcome to attend and support this worthy cause.

On Friday I joined Kim Ellis, CEO of Bankstown Airport Limited (BAL), in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Council and the Airport. The MOU is an important step in formalising the relationship between Council and BAL.

Also on Friday Councillor Asfour and I called into a community BBQ at Banksia Road celebrating National Families Week. The event was jointly organised by the Greenacre Communities for Kids & Greenacre Neighbourhood Centre. The afternoon featured a range of activities for children to enjoy and numerous information stalls.

On Saturday morning I had the pleasure to officially open the new Myer store at Centro Bankstown with Tony Stewart MP, Vince Sorrenti and Kate Cebrano. A large crowd gathered for the occasion and Myer is already proving to be a welcome addition to Bankstown. Jason Clare MP was also in attendance.

Are you a young person living in Bankstown with an interest in youth issues? Council is currently seeking new Youth Advisory Committee members for the term 2008/2010. For more information contact Council's Youth Officer on 9707 9605 or visit www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au

On Wednesday evening I joined Professor Ivor Indyk in launching the literary magazine Westside 08: Loneliness and the Cure Thereof. This annual publication is an initiative of Bankstown Youth Development Service and showcases young writers, artists and photographers in our community. It was great to see the launch well attended, particularly given the event was a component of this year's Sydney Writing Festival. Congratulations to everyone involved.
 
Council has teamed up again with the RTA to provide a workshop aimed at providing practical advice on supervising learner drivers. The workshop is on Monday 26 May from 6.30pm at the Padstow Senior Citizens Centre. For bookings, contact Council on 9707 9424.

Last week Padstow TAFE held their annual presentation of awards for the students who completed their studies in 2007. Thank you to Deputy Richard McLaughlin for representing me at the presentation ceremonies in the subjects of Business Services and Aeroskills & Automotive.

The 2008 Sydney Writers' Festival comes to Bankstown on 15 May. As part of the festival, I will be joining Bankstown Youth Development Service (BYDS) for the launch of the 7th edition of the literary magazine Westside.

On Saturday evening, Clr Khal Asfour and I attended a special dinner at the Melkite Catholic Centre. The evening recognised the 12th anniversary of Most Rev Bishop Issam John Darwish's ordination and celebrated the Feast of St John the Evangelist. Over 500 were in attendance including Barbara Perry MP, Jason Clare MP and Tony Stewart MP. The evening was also an opportunity to learn more about the great work of World Vision from guest speaker Mr Jean Bouchebel, Director of Resource Development for World Vision International.

Thursday 22 May is the official date of the Cancer Council's Biggest Morning Tea for 2008. Across the city, people gather around this time each year to support this annual fundraising event which aims to raise money for cancer research, education and support services. Council is also organising a fundraising event - keep an eye out for more details next week.

Bankstown Council has teamed up with Canterbury Council and a number of other agencies to stage the 2008 Canterbury-Bankstown Employment Expo. The Expo is on Wednesday 28th May from 9am till 1pm at the Bankstown Town Hall. For more information about the event, contact Council on 9707 9863.

Last week Bankstown Council was honoured to receive the Cultural Infrastructure Award for the Greenacre Town Centre Improvement Program, as part of the Local Government Association's 2008 Cultural Awards Program. This award recognises Council's proud partnership with our community in a project which incorporates cultural activity with town centre refurbishment. I was pleased to have officially opened the Greenacre town centre upgrade earlier this year.

Last Wednesday evening the Bankstown Local Business Awards Gala Presentation was staged. I was pleased to assist in the presentations and acknowledge the contributions made by our local small businesses. Council was a sponsor for this award program, which enables local business patrons to nominate their favourite businesses across a range of categories. Congratulations to all the businesses who were recognised on the night. Deputy Richard McLaughlin and Councillors Asfour and Osmond were also in attendance.

My thanks to Councillor Asfour for representing me on Friday evening at St Charbel's fundraising dinner for the handicapped of Beit Chabab Hospital, Lebanon. Also on Saturday, Clr Asfour represented me at a function celebrating the exhibition of paintings, sculptures and books by Nagui Elwasfi. Nagui's works have been on display at Bankstown Library for the past week.

Council's 'Sport A Month' program runs throughout the year and features a different sport every month. The program is designed to encourage residents of all ages and abilities to have ago at something new. May is the month of Indoor Sports and for more information on the activities available throughout the month, contact Council on 9707 9999 or visit www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au

Thank you to Deputy Mayor Richard McLaughlin for representing me on Sunday morning and assisting with the presentations following the Western District Joggers and Harriers annual fun run. This event is just one of the many co-ordinated by this family orientated club throughout the year. I understand that profits from this year's event will be distributed to Bankstown East Hills Handicapped Association (BEHHA). 

I began ANZAC Day by joining members of the Bass Hill RSL at their annual march Dawn Service, then went on to the Chester Hill RSL ANZAC Day Service which was also attended by Barbara Perry MP.

Later that morning I was honoured to also attend the Bankstown RSL Sub-Branch ANZAC Day service along with Councillor Khal Asfour, Jason Clare MP and Tony Stewart MP.

I had the privilege of laying wreaths at these services on behalf of the City.  It was encouraging  to see a large number of residents gather in remembrance, highlighting the continuing support for the ANZAC tradition.

Later in the day, Clr Asfour and I had the opportunity to pop over to the Mount Lewis Bowling Club for their Anzac Service.

On Friday evening I was pleased to attend St Euphemia's Good Friday service, as our Greek community prepared to celebrate Easter. Jason Clare MP and Tony Stewart MP were also in attendance.

Thank you to Clr Asfour for representing me last Tuesday at a special ANZAC Commemoration service organised by the Lions Club of Yagoona.  

Bushcare Month is all about recognising the achievements of our Bushcare volunteers and encouraging the community to also take part in these interesting and worthwhile projects. For information on Bushcare or the activities planned throughout May to celebrate Bushcare Month, contact Council's Bushcare officer on 9707 9700.

Council in partnership with the Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee last week held the launch of the book "Finding Myself" written by Constance Nungulla Macdonald. Auntie Connie is a local elder and this is her second book depicting stories of her life. My thanks to Deputy Mayor Richard McLaughlin for representing me at the launch.

For information on upcoming events in Bankstown, log on to Council's website www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au.

Wednesday 23 April 2008

On Sunday afternoon I delivered the Commemoration Address at the Bankstown RSL Sub Branch Anzac Service. This annual event is one of the many held in our community in the lead-up to ANZAC Day and provides a further opportunity to honour the ANZACs. Congratulations to Jack Bedford OAM, Harold Oliver and the Bankstown RSL Sub Branch for coordinating a well attended and well organised commemoration service. Clr Khal Asfour along with Jason Clare MP and Tony Stewart MP also attended the service.

My thanks to Deputy Mayor Richard McLaughlin for representing me on Saturday at the Remembrance Service hosted by the 25th Brigade of the 7th Division A.I.F Association at Remembrance Driveway, Bass Hill and also on Sunday at the official opening of the Padstow Bowling Club's new synthetic bowling green.

Bankstown City Library will he holding a special story time next Tuesday 29 April between 11am and 12 noon for grandparents and their grandchildren. Kids will also have the opportunity to participate in craft activities. For bookings, contact Council on 9707 9733.

Last Tuesday, the Melkite Catholic Eparchy launched their new Melkite Welfare Office in Greenacre. Thank you to Councillor Asfour for representing me at this event which was also attended by Mr Stepan Kerkyasharian, Chairperson of the Community Relations Commission.

There is still an opportunity these school holidays for children to participate in April's sport a month of Gymnastics. All sessions will be held at the Bankstown City YMCA, River Road, Revesby and for further details, contact Council on 9707 9641.

Wednesday 16 April 2008

Saturday saw the culmination of Youth Week and Seniors Week activities in Bankstown with the annual Yagoona Autumn Fair at Gazzard Park. This year the Fair celebrated its 10th anniversary and I was pleased to go along and officially open this popular community event. A special acknowledgement to John Staples and Yagoona Lions for hosting the day and ensuring there were many entertaining activities and community stalls. Jason Clare MP also came along to enjoy the day. Thank you to Bankstown Sports Club, Dale Ford, Swadlings Hardware and the Three Swallows Hotel for sponsoring this year's Autumn Fair.

Over the past week a full program of activities have been taking place for both Seniors Week and Youth Week and it has been encouraging to learn that these events have been well received.

The seniors bus trips were once again an extremely popular choice and on Wednesday morning I popped over to wish everyone well as they departed for Kiama. On Friday afternoon I also called in to the Afternoon Tea Dance at the Bankstown Senior Citizens Centre. My thanks to Deputy Richard McLaughlin for representing me at a number of activities throughout the week.

Thank you also to Clr Khal Asfour for representing me at the Youth Week launch of the Healthy Mind & Healthy Body Photographic Mural. The mural was the result of a program provided by the Corner Youth Health Service encouraging young people taking charge of their health.

As a part of Council's Youth Week celebrations, I officially opened the Revesby Skatepark last Tuesday. The large crowd was entertained by demonstrations from professional skaters and a skateboarding competition. Also in attendance were Deputy Mayor Clr Richard McLaughlin, Clrs M Parker and Stromborg

Picnic Point High held their annual Anzac Day ceremony last week and thank you to Deputy Richard McLaughlin for representing me. I would encourage all residents to take the opportunity to pay tribute to our armed forces on Anzac Day (25th April) at one of the many services that will take place throughout Bankstown.

In a small ceremony on Friday, I was presented with the International Remembrance Flame, during its journey throughout Australia and across the globe. The purpose of the Torch is to recognise the 75th anniversary of the 1932-33 Famine in Ukraine in which 7 million Ukrainians were starved to death by Stalin’s collectivisation regime.

Later that afternoon Clr McLaughlin joined me as I launched the Bankstown Arts Society's “Bankstown Mayor/Deputy Mayor Portrait Contest" and “Bankstown theme Exhibition”. The Art Society has continued to provide opportunities for local artists to display their works, and I congratulate them for this. I was particularly fascinated in the quality of the portraits of past and present Mayors and Deputy Mayors. Daryl Melham, Jason Clare and Clrs Osmond and Stromborg were also there to enjoy the exhibition.

The Bankstown Heritage Committee is running free bus tours to Potts Hill Reservoir on Saturday 19 April 2008 as part of the Heritage Festival. Please note that buses will now be leaving from Yagoona Senior Citizen's Centre (Cooper Road). For more details, contact Council on 9707 9806.

Don't forget: May is Bushcare Month and Council will be organising a range of activities to promote bushcare. More details to follow shortly.

Wednesday 9 April 2008

Last Friday I attended the official launch of the CVA (Chu Van An) Visual Art Group's exhibition of "Lines and Shapes" in the Council Chambers. The exhibition included the display of numerous photographs and paintings, exploring concepts relating to the migration of the Australian Vietnamese community. I would like to congratulate the CVA Visual Art Group, and all the artists whose work was displayed in this exhibition. I was pleased to see so many familiar faces enjoying the exhibition.

On Saturday morning I had the privilege of opening the Local 2020 Summit for Banks - Blaxland - Watson. The summit was co-ordinated by Jason Clare MP, Daryl Melham MP and Tony Burke MP and was one of several local regional preliminary events prior to the Prime Minister's summit which is to be held later this month.  It was a thought-provoking day with debate and discussion on opportunities for strengthening Australia over the next 10 years.  A youth summit is also being held and key recommendations from this, and last Saturday's event, will be forwarded on for the national summit. Tony Stewart MP and Alan Ashton MP were also in attendance along with a number of Mayors and Councillors from Bankstown and surrounding Council areas.

Also on Saturday I was pleased to call into Deverall Park for the official commencement of the winter netball season with the Bankstown City Netball Association's Opening Ceremony and March Past. Thank you kindly to Alan Ashton MP for opening the event. Councillor Allan Winterbottom was also in attendance for the occasion. May I acknowledge those who contribute many hours each week to ensure the season's smooth running and also extend my best wishes to the players for the weeks ahead.

School holidays have commenced and our libraries at Bankstown, Chester Hill, Greenacre, Padstow and Panania will be holding a range of activities to interest children aged 5 to 12 years. For more information on the library activities or to make a booking, contact Merricke Shanahan 9707 9731.

Sunday saw the start of both Seniors Week and Youth Week.  I was pleased to officially open the Seniors Spectacular concert at the Bankstown Sports Club, and once again see so many residents enjoying the concert. The concert featured a number of entertaining performers including the young vocalists from our very own Talent Advancement Program, and Irish comedian Sean Kramer.

We were also honoured to have Linda Burney MP, Minister for Youth, join us on Sunday for our combined Youth and Seniors Bocce in Paul Keating Park. These cross-generational activities have become a popular part of Seniors week and Youth week here in Bankstown.

Later that afternoon I joined Deputy Mayor Clr Richard McLaughlin and Clr Max Parker at the Children's Fun Day at Playford Park, which had been organised to raise money towards the Relay For Life Project. The day included a number of fun activities and performances, which proved entertaining to all - including Clr McLaughlin's sponsored head-shaving. All money raised will go towards the Cancer Council's 'Relay for Life', and I congratulate Torch Publishing for organising this event. 

Thank you to Clr Khal Asfour who recently represented me at an official ceremony marking the completion of Birrong Boys High School's capital works program, jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments of NSW. There were a number of official guests in attendance as well as many past and present staff and students. These works will provide the school with outdoor seating and a music studio for students.

I would also like to thank Deputy Mayor McLaughlin for representing me at a number of other events during the week including the 'Artists in Black: Protecting your Work Seminar', which was held at Bankstown Library on Thursday and the Disability Services Australia, Graduation Ceremony on Friday where over 160 students graduated with a Certificate III or IV in Disability Work.

A final reminder that the annual Yagoona Autumn Fair is on this Saturday 12 April from 10am - 3pm at Gazzard Park, Cooper Street Yagoona. The day will be filled with a variety of activities and entertainment for all to enjoy. For more information contact John Staples of Yagoona Lions on 9796 1278.

April is the Sport a Month of Gymnastics. With a number of different sessions available throughout the month, residents will be the given the opportunity to try for themselves the sport of Gymnastics free of charge. For more information contact Council on 9707 9641.

On Friday I was pleased to attend the Gala Fundraising dinner for the Bankstown Multicultural Youth Service.  BMYS is raising money to enable 15 local school students to take part in the ANZAC Memorial Tour 2008 to travel to Gallipoli at the end of April. The night was a huge success and it was a pleasure to hear many of the young students thoughts on being given the opportunity to be involved in the tour.
 
It is always rewarding to meet our new Australian citizens, and I had this honour again last Saturday when over 90 residents became citizens at Council's Citizenship Ceremony. I would like to thank Jason Clare MP, Darryl Melham MP, Deputy Mayor Clr Richard McLaughlin, Clr Asfour, Raymond Arraj and Jon Soemarjano who participated in the day's proceeding and assisted me in making our newest citizens feel welcome.

Our Talent Advancement Program vocalists performed at the Royal Easter Show yesterday.  This was the first major performance for many of the new members, and a popular experience for our older TAP members.

On Tuesday 8 April, Council will be officially opening our newest skate park in Amour Park at Revesby next to the Revesby Aquatic Centre.  This is the fourth Council-built skate park and one that is already receiving a lot of interest from young skaters in our community. The opening is part of an afternoon event for Youth Week and will include a barbeque, DJ and pro-skating demonstrations. The event is free and will be held between 3.30pm - 7pm.   For more details please contact Council's Youth Development Officer on 9707 9605 or Council's Recreation Officer on 9707 9641.

This year Seniors Week and Youth Week are being held at the same time. Senior's Week starts on Sunday 6 April and continues until 12 April. Council has joined together with local community groups to provide residents with a range of events for the Over 60's including concerts, information seminars and activities, and bus trips. For further general information about Bankstown Seniors Week, please contact Council's Corporate Communications unit on 9707 9559 or 9707 9447 or visit www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au.

To celebrate National Youth Week (5 to 13 April), Council has supported a range of local community groups in planning fun events for the youth to enjoy. For general enquiries about Youth Week, please visit www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au or contact Council's Youth Development Officer on 9707 9605.

The annual Yagoona Autumn Fair sees the official end of Seniors Week and Youth Week in Bankstown.  This is a popular community event organised by the Yagoona Lions, with plenty of activities and entertainment to enjoy.

On Friday I had the opportunity to attend the Saint Charbel's Parish Good Friday Ceremony in which His Eminence Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney preceded. The World Youth Day Cross was led through a procession from Roberts Park to Saint Charbel's Church. It was a very significant spiritual event for the Maronite community and I thank Father Tarabay for the kind invitation. Clr Asfour and Jason Clare MP were also present.

A reminder that tomorrow (27 March), Council will be holding the Opening of Greenacre Town Centre Improvements. The lively celebrations will begin at 3.30 at  McGuigan Place
Waterloo Road, Greenacre. There will be local entertainment, Indigenous performances, refreshments and much more to be enjoyed. I hope to see you there. For more information contact my office on 9707 9523.

Bankstown's Sport A Month program for April is Gymnastics. Bankstown City Council, in partnership with Bankstown City YMCA is giving residents the opportunity to have fun and ‘Come and Try Gymnastics’.  Sessions are completely free of charge. For more details please call Council's Recreation Team on (02) 9707 9641.

I would like to thank Clr McLaughlin for representing me at the Canterbury-Bankstown Community Harmony Initiatives (CHIPS) Harmony Day celebration last Thursday, which consisted of the presentation of the grants and many multicultural performances.

On Friday night I attended the Chester Hill Neighbourhood Centre book launch of the "Chester Hill Junior Rugby League Book Celebrating 60 Years". The launch provided an opportunity for the local community to unite and celebrate the achievements of the Chester Hill Hornets Junior football. I would like to congratulate the Chester Hill Neighbourhood Centre and all those involved in bringing this project together.

On Saturday I launched Council's Recreation Expo. The Expo was organised as part of Council's Active Bankstown Strategy to encourage residents to lead active, healthy lifestyles. The day was a success with a range of fun activities and entertainment, which were enjoyed by young and old. It was great to see such a large turn out.

On Saturday evening Clr Khal Asfour represented me at the Australian Druze Community 38th Annual Druze Party. 

Bankstown Council will shortly be officially celebrating the Greenacre Town Centre Improvements on 27 March between 3.30pm and 5.30pm. There will be local entertainment, refreshments and free balloons for the kids. For more information contact Council's Events Coordinator on 9707 9447.

This year Bankstown will be celebrating National Youth week with a series of fun events which will take place from 5 to 13 April. Council has supported a range of local community groups in organising exciting events for the youth to enjoy. For general enquiries about Youth Week, please contact Council's Youth Development Officer, Thom on 9707 9605.

A reminder that Council has released its Senior's Week program, which this year takes place from April 6. Council has planned an ongoing week of activities for residents over 60.  For more information contact Council's Corporate Communications unit on 9707 9559 or 9707 9447.

Wednesday 12 March 2008

On Wednesday evening Council held a farewell reception to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of Superintendent Dave Darcy, who has been Bankstown's Local Area Commander since October 2005. The reception provided Council with an opportunity to thank Superintendent Darcy for his hard work and wish him the best for the future. It was an insightful evening as Dave shared stories about his time at Bankstown. Clr Khal Asfour, Jason Clare MP, Clr Kevin Hill, Deputy Mayor Richard McLaughlin, Daryl Melham MP and Clr Les Osmond were in attendance.  Community leaders, representatives from our local clubs, community organisations and Council Committee members were also present to farewell Superintendent Darcy.

In celebration of International Women's Day a number of events have taken place in our local community. I would like to thank Clr Helen Westwood MLC who represented me last Monday at the Older Women's Network International Women's Day Event. The event was based around a launch of artwork titled the "Art of Getting Well". The artwork was produced by the women within the network and targeted women with depression.

With Harmony Day fast approaching Council is inviting all primary school students to submit a personal expression piece that relates to this year's theme of "Reconciliation".

On Wednesday 19 March at 4pm, Council will hold an exhibition where all submissions will be displayed at Bankstown Town Hall.  For more information contact Council's Events and Marketing Assistant on 9707 9891.

This Saturday (15 March) Council is holding a Recreation Expo. The day will be filled with activities and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, including a skating competition, healthy food, sports demonstrations, free children's rides and everything you need to know about living a healthy lifestyle. The event is from 10am to 2pm at Carysfield Park, Johnston Road, Bass Hill. For more information contact Council's Recreation Officer on 9707 9641.

Last Friday, Deputy Mayor Richard McLaughlin represented me at the Coolaburoo Neighbourhood Centre Annual General Meeting held at Revesby Community Hall.

We held our Community Participation planning workshop on Saturday. I would like to thank Raymond Arraj, Dale Donadel, Graham Tomkinson, Peter Simpson, Councillors Asfour and McLaughlin and the staff involved. It was a very productive day and gave us an opportunity to brainstorm various ideas on community consultation and engagement.

Last Tuesday I met with a delegation from the Chinese Australian Association who discussed forming strong ties and investment opportunities in Bankstown.

On Friday I popped into the second round of Council's Social Planning Conference at the Town Hall. The conference offered an avenue for our local community service representatives to plan and review our local social services.

A reminder that International Women's Day is on this Saturday. Bankstown will be celebrating the wonderful achievements of women with a series of weeklong activities organised by local community groups. With the assistance of Bankstown Council, the Bankstown Women's Issues Network is holding a free daylong celebration today, at the Wran Leisure Centre. For more information contact Council on 9707 9683 or visit www. bankstown.nsw.gov.au.

On Thursday, Clr Khal Asfour represented me at the Lebanese Community Council cocktail reception for the Ambassador to Lebanon Lyndall Sachs.

Council's free eWaste trial for Bankstown residents ends this weekend. If you have any old and unwanted eWaste (anything with a battery or power-cord) you can dispose of it at WSN Environmental Solutions, Muir Rd, Chullora. This eWaste offer is providing an environmentally responsible drop-off service for free for Bankstown residents, so please take proof of address.

Council has released its Senior's Week program, which this year takes place from April 6. Council has planned an ongoing week of activities for residents over 60.  For more information contact Council's Corporate Communications unit on 9707 9559 or 9707 9447.

Thank you to Clr Alan Winterbottom for representing me last Friday at Padstow North Public School's Student Representative Badge Presentation.

Wednesday 27 February 2008

Last Tuesday, I attended the St. Charbel's College 2008 Official Opening Mass and HSC High Achievers Awards. Congratulations to the school for being ranked in the New South Wales top 200 schools again in 2007. Tony Stewart MP was also present at this event.


Also on Tuesday morning, Council hosted a visit with the members of a Macedonian Trade Delegation. The exchange provided an opportunity for the delegation and our Council to showcase each other's business developments. Deputy Mayor Richard McLaughlin, Clr Grant Lee, Clr Les Osmond and Clr Alan Winterbottom were also in attendance.

Later that evening, I attended the Yagoona Lions 2008 Youth of the Year Quest Dinner Meeting. It was great to see the club acknowledging the achievements of our younger generation.

On Wednesday evening, Bankstown City Council held a farewell ceremony for our guests from Bankstown’s Sister City, Yangcheon, in Korea. The night was well attended and it was nice to hear that our visitors enjoyed their time here in Bankstown. Clr Khal Asfour, Clr Grant Lee, Clr Les Osmond were also present to farewell our guests.

On Saturday I had the opportunity to attend the Official Opening of the Salvation Army Weeroona Village High care facility. Congratulations to the Salvation Army, the management and staff involved in the planning of this new quality facility. Clr Les Osmond and Jason Clare MP were also amongst the guests.

In the afternoon, I attended the Picnic Point Men's Bowling Club Annual Bowling Tournament Presentation and Dinner. Governor Marie Bashir and her husband Sir Nicholas were the special guests for the evening. Daryl Melham MP, Alan Ashton MP and Deputy Mayor Richard McLaughlin were also there to celebrate this occasion.

Finally after a busy day I popped into the Bankstown District Cricket Association's 60th Anniversary Dinner at Bankstown District Sports Club. Congratulations to Pam Gavin and the team on a great night. Jeff Thompson and Lennie Pascoe were the special guests for the anniversary. Daryl Melham and Jason Clare were also in attendance

I would like to thank Deputy Mayor Richard McLaughlin for representing me at two events last week. These included last Wednesday's Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Council's Board Meeting which was hosted by Bankstown and the Grand Opening of the Schofield Flying Club at Bankstown Airport on Sunday.

A reminder that this Sunday is Clean Up Australia Day. I encourage residents to take part in cleaning a Council designated site, or a favourite local park or