The Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) hosted its 2025 Annual Gala Dinner in the Grand Ballroom of Bankstown Sports Club, transforming the venue into a vibrant meeting point for leaders from across New South Wales. More than just a celebration, the gala became a powerful showcase of collaboration between government, business and community sectors—affirming Canterbury-Bankstown’s growing influence as one of the state’s most dynamic regions.
Premier, Opposition Leader and Federal Representatives Attend
This year’s gala drew an impressive list of dignitaries. The Hon. Chris Minns MP, Premier of New South Wales, headlined the event, reinforcing the state’s support for CBCC’s ongoing work in business development and community advancement.
In a strong display of bipartisanship, NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane MP also attended, highlighting the chamber’s reputation as a neutral platform where economic growth and community wellbeing come before politics.
Federal representatives were equally well represented, including Minister for Education and Member for Blaxland Jason Clare MP, along with MPs Zhi Soon and Ash Ambihaipahar. Their presence underscored the region’s importance on a national scale—particularly in education, infrastructure and small business.
A Strong Turnout from NSW Parliament
A broad cross-section of state parliamentarians joined the celebration, reflecting CBCC’s wide reach across key policy areas. Attendees included:
- Hon. Jihad Dib MP
- Hon. Sophie Cotsis MP
- Hon. Damien Tudehope MLC
- Hon. Mark Coure MP
- Charishma Kaliyanda MP
- Dr David Saliba MP
- Kylie Wilkinson MP
- Jason Yat-sen Li MP
- Tina Ayyad MP
- Hon. Rachel Merton MLC
Their participation highlighted shared priorities around multicultural engagement, economic development, small business support, and community resilience.
Mayors and Councillors from Across the Region
The gala also became a hub for local government leaders, with a remarkable turnout of mayors from neighbouring councils:
- Bilal El-Hayek – Mayor, City of Canterbury-Bankstown
- John Faker – Mayor, Burwood
- Ned Mannoun – Mayor, Liverpool
- William Nemesh – Mayor, Strathfield
- Benjamin Cai – Mayor, Georges River
Deputy Mayor Rachelle Harika and councillors Khal Asfour, George Zakhia, David Walsh, Chris Cahill, Wendy Lindsay, Jennifer Walther, and Conroy Blood were also in attendance. Their presence reinforced the spirit of regional cooperation, especially on shared challenges such as infrastructure, transport, employment and urban growth.
Former parliamentary leaders and community advocates, including Diane Langmack OAM, Tony Stewart, Vernon Falconer, and former NSW Legislative Council President Hon. John Ajaka, also lent their support to the evening.
Business Leaders and Industry Heavyweights
The business sector was represented by top-tier executives from across Western Sydney and beyond, reflecting the chamber’s strong industry ties. Among the high-profile attendees were:
- Aaron Warburton – CEO, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
- Greg Pickering – CEO, Canterbury League Club
- Michael Clancy – CEO, Bankstown Sports
- Joseph Rizk AM – CEO and Managing Director, Arab Bank Australia
- John Khoury – Deputy Chairman, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
- Salim Nicolas OAM – President, Australian Lebanese Chamber of Commerce
- Michael Azzi – President, Liverpool Chamber of Commerce
From hospitality and finance to sport, retail, construction and professional services, the breadth of representation demonstrated Canterbury-Bankstown’s status as a growing economic powerhouse.
Commitment to Safety and Community
Senior representatives from NSW Police were also present, highlighting the strong partnership between law enforcement, local business and the broader community. With Executive Director Darren Bark, Commander Sheridan Waldau, Commander Christine McDonald and Acting Commander Darren Sly among the guests, the evening reinforced the ongoing commitment to safe, thriving precincts across the region.
Supporting Families in Need
This year’s gala carried a significant charitable focus, shining a light on The Supertee Project and its mission to support sick children and families facing hardship. The initiative resonated deeply with attendees, reflecting CBCC’s ongoing commitment to pairing business success with social responsibility.
A Flagship Event for a Fast-Growing Region
The Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce Gala Dinner has firmly established itself as one of Western Sydney’s most important annual events. With a guest list spanning premiers, parliamentarians, mayors, CEOs, police commanders and community figures, the night served as a powerful reminder of the region’s growing influence and the chamber’s vital role in shaping its economic and social future.
The 2025 event was more than a celebration—it was a statement. Canterbury-Bankstown is emerging as a major hub for innovation, investment, multicultural engagement and community cohesion, and the CBCC continues to stand at the centre of that evolution.
