Canterbury Bankstown

The multicultural fabric of our
community is truly on display
this time of year.
From lively celebrations to quiet
prayers, culture is woven into the
very heart of our City.
This week alone, we observe
Ramadan in the lead up to Eid,
celebrate the Easter long weekend
and acknowledged Greek
Independence Day just five weeks
out from the Greek Orthodox
Easter celebrations.
Our City thrives on its culture and it is
beautiful to see so many of us coming
together to celebrate and it is a great
opportunity for people to connect.
With a City of 380,000 people from
more than 170 countries it seems that
not a week goes by without an event
taking place.
There’s Easter and Eid Toy Drives,
Ramadan markets to break your fast
with the community, Eid light
competitions and the raising of the
Greek flag that was followed with
traditional dancing in Earlwood
on Monday.
And if that’s not enough, there’s a
wide range of cultural activities
happening in Council’s Library and
Knowledge Centres.
You can participate in world dancing
lessons, bilingual story time or even
get your temporary henna tattooing
done to celebrate the wonderful and
rich harmony of cultures in our City.
I am proud to live in a City that
embraces cultural diversity and offers
safe spaces for everyone to
celebrate. Whether you participate in
traditional events or are simply
exploring new customs, I encourage
everyone to join the vibrant tapestry
of our City.
For more information on how to get
involved in our library celebrations,
visit cb.city/HarmonyDay, for more
information on the toy drives, visit
cb.city/EidEasterDonations
Regards
Clr Bilal El-Hayek
MAYOR

Each year, when Harmony Week comes around, I can’t help but think of a song made famous by former Beatle Paul McCartney and
Stevie Wonder.
The lyrics of the song and the imagery of the keys playing in harmony on a piano keyboard really strike a chord with me. This year, Harmony Week is more significant than ever.
It’s a time to be kind and respectful
to everyone around us, but also a
time to remember those who live in places where harmony seems like a wishful dream.
As we continue to turn on the news and be confronted with images of war and violence, let us make a point this Harmony Week to consider those who live in circumstances and locations where conflict exists.
And, how timely is it this year, that Harmony Week coincides with the holy month of Ramadan! I encourage everyone to use this time to pray for peace and reflect on the current crises in Palestine and the Ukraine.
Harmony Week is an opportunity to be thankful for the many wonderful privileges we have here in Australia and to be respectful of the many different cultures in our City.
Our Council fosters and encourages harmony in the community throughout the year and has a wide range of activities running in our Libraries and Knowledge Centres.
To highlight the week, there are world dancing lessons, henna tattooing, bilingual story times and more.
Let us continue to appreciate the rich diversity in our City and show respect to everyone we encounter.
For more information on how
to get involved in Council’s
Harmony Week activities, visit
cb.city/HarmonyDay
Regards
Clr Bilal El-Hayek
MAYOR

International Women’s Day is a reminder of the role women play, not only in our City but across
the globe.
This year’s theme ‘Inspire Inclusion’ highlights the disparity that still exists and aims to foster recognition, respect and the contribution women make.
A global day dedicated to celebrating the amazing things women have achieved, International Women’s Day reinforces how far female rights have come but is also a reminder
to keep working for a better future.
Although we see more gender stereotypes being challenged and more female representation than ever, the sad truth is gender-based violence, workplace harassment and discrimination still exist.
But it is up to us to make
lasting changes.
Whether they are the mothers carrying our future leaders or
the current leaders inspiring our younger generations, every
woman must be respected.
It is also crucial that organisations and employers step up to build gender inclusive environments. Council, for example, took International Women’s Day as an opportunity to host a panel of executive female speakers to share their insights and answer questions on women’s concerns, worth, wealth and world experiences.
But we must not limit our advocacy for women’s safety, goals and equal participation to just one day.
Let us make inclusion a regular practise in everyday life and continue building a brighter and safer community for all.
Regards
Clr Bilal El-Hayek
MAYOR