Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib has praised the role of grassroots arts in bringing people together during a visit to Bankstown Arts Centre on Friday, 23 October 2026, where local groups raised the challenges of funding, attracting younger participants and giving artists greater public exposure.
The NSW minister toured creative facilities and met members of the centre’s arts community before joining a discussion on the future of local arts and the role of creativity in youth rehabilitation.
“This arts precinct is just as good as any other one that I’ve visited,” Dib said.
“I think what we have is something so special and so unique, and I want to do everything I can, of course, to be able to help.”
The visit included conversations with community theatre representatives and a tour of the lapidary workshop, where members demonstrated how stones are cut, shaped and polished, alongside jewellery-making and silverwork.
Theatre representatives described their efforts to welcome performers across age groups and include people with disability. They also discussed preparations for the musical Gypsy, which Dib said he was looking forward to seeing.
For Dib, the value of the centre extended beyond the artworks and performances it produced.
“But I think more than anything else, what it does is it brings people together,” he said.
He spoke of the friendships formed through regular creative activities and the opportunity for residents from different backgrounds to connect.
“We come from all different parts of the world. We’ve all got different stories, but somehow we find a place to connect, and I think that’s really special.”
The discussions also highlighted the practical pressures facing volunteer-led arts groups. Lapidary club members explained that they funded equipment maintenance and replacements themselves. Dib offered to speak with local clubs about possible grant support.
Bankstown Art Society representatives discussed opportunities to involve local high school students, including making space available for senior students to work on major projects. Other participants called for greater visibility for exhibitions and ways to bring new teachers into the local arts community.
Dib encouraged stronger connections between generations.
“I want to see intergenerational things. I want to see our community all get to know each other,” he said.
An outdoor community performance was also discussed, with Dib and participants exploring the possibility of using a local amphitheatre for music, theatre or a variety event. The idea remained a proposal, rather than an announced event.
During questions, attendees raised concerns about arts funding, access to the precinct and local heritage preservation. Responding to a question about arts funding and young people in custody, Dib acknowledged financial pressures and outlined his belief that accountability should be accompanied by opportunities for rehabilitation.
“We’ve got to have the consequence, but with the hope of a redemption, of an opportunity, of a rehabilitation,” he said.
Dib, whose portfolios include Youth Justice, described the role of art and cultural activities in helping young people build confidence and express themselves. He also discussed efforts to connect young people with education, practical skills and employment pathways.
Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce chief executive Wally Mehanna was among those acknowledged during the visit, with discussion highlighting opportunities for stronger connections between arts groups and the business community.
Thanking participants for sustaining local creative activities, Dib recognised the effort required to keep community arts going.
“It’s pretty hard sometimes to keep arts things alive, and I know the funding situation is difficult,” he said.
“I just thank you for keeping it alive.”
