Canterbury Bankstown

Imagine a place we could gather and
enjoy a meal from countries near and far,
where every dish told a story.
Bankstown Bites offers just that – a
smorgasbord of dishes with aromas
and flavours mixed with the rich culture,
history and anecdotes of the people
who prepared the meals. A universal
language that transcends time by
connecting us to our heritage while
bringing us together with people from
all walks of life to try, share and compare
what is so unique to us.
Food really is a powerful symbol of unity,
and when I think of all the amazing new
and original restaurants and cafes
around our City, I’m proud of our rich
multicultural community.
We have access to hundreds of delicious
cuisines from all over the globe, and
whether you feel like warm pho on a
cold, rainy day, or a hearty kebab after a
hard day at work, we have it all right here
in our own backyard!
And there’s no better place to start
experiencing what we have to offer in our
City than to come along and be the
ultimate taste tester at our upcoming
food festival, Bankstown Bites.
I encourage everyone to join us on
Saturday 27 July, from 10am-4pm as we
taste the world at the tantalising food
festival that truly has it all.
With cooking demonstrations,
live music, dancing, and food tours,
plus an open day at Bankstown Arts
Centre, I’m sure there is something for
everyone to discover.
Plus, I’ll be on the job working my way
through the more than 30 mouthwatering
food stalls and sampling the
different flavours from around the world.
For more information about the food
festival, visit wih.city/BankstownBites
Regards,
Clr Bilal El-Hayek
MAYOR

We are set to unveil an exciting
new play space in the heart of Bankstown.
Local parents and children will
love how we have transformed Paul Keating Park into an inspiring space designed to spark curiosity, encourage exploration and bring joy.
With an epic hero play tower, a splash pad to cool off on hot days, nature play elements to connect with the outdoors, comfy hammocks to relax in, and plenty of hangout areas to catch up with friends, it’s the perfect place to have a blast
or unwind.
More than just a playground, the Paul Keating Park creates a green space in a corridor linking the new Bankstown Metro, Western Sydney University campus, and the soon-
to-built $1.3 billion Bankstown-Lidcombe hospital.
And, if that’s not enough, you’ll
also be excited to learn that the
play area upgrade is just the first step in our 20-year vision for the
Paul Keating Park precinct.
I have no doubt our local kids are going to love the new play equipment and we’ll see the whole area come to life with activity.
This multi-million dollar project, built in partnership with the NSW Government’s Public Spaces Legacy Program, will officially open on Thursday 25 July, and I expect to
see residents both young and young at heart come out to experience the fun for themselves.
To learn more about the exciting plans for Paul Keating Park’s
future, view the Master Plan at
cb.city/PKPMasterPlan
Regards,
Clr Bilal El-Hayek
MAYOR
Dear Residents
Mayoral Message
@MayorBilalElHayek

When I look back on my childhood, I think
fondly of the hundreds of happy
memories I shared with friends and
family, and like many of you, I sometimes
wish I could rewind the clock and relive
the good days.
From getting ready for Saturday sports
with my late father, to riding my bike with
my siblings after school, there was
always something to look forward to.
And whether it was Sunday barbecue
with the family or simply coming home
after a long day to the smell of my
mother’s cooking, I always knew the next
meal was on the way.
But as each new day goes by, the sad
reality strikes me that these childhood
memories we often take for granted are
not a reality for the children of Palestine.
Children whose school day routines have
been replaced with running from war or
starving from the lack of food and water
available to them. And for many, no
home or warm bed to sleep in but rather
an overcrowded refugee camp.
Since October 2023, more than 14,000
innocent children have been killed and a
generation scarred with memories that
will last a lifetime.
There are many world organisations on
the ground in Gaza providing food,
bottled water, tents, blankets, hygiene
kits, fuel and offering mental health and
psychological support.
One of those organisations, UNICEF, is
leading the humanitarian aid and support
as this crisis continues.
That’s why I am calling on like-minded
community members and organisations
to support my Children of Palestine
dinner, in partnership with UNICEF, to
raise funds for the children in Gaza.
With proceeds going directly to its
Children of Gaza Crisis Appeal, I urge you
to donate and help give these innocent
kids their childhood back.
You can support the cause by visiting
UNICEF or cb.city/UNICEF
Regards,
Clr Bilal El-Hayek
MAYOR
Dear Residents
Mayoral Message
@MayorBilalElHayek @Bilal.ElHayek @ClrBilalElHayek
Contact me at: P 9707 9522 E [email protected]
10 July 2024