Canterbury Bankstown

Mayoral Message
@MayorBilalElHayek
@ClrBilalElHayek
@Bilal.ElHayek
Contact me at:
P 9707 9522 E [email protected]
6 December 2023
There are many things we take
for granted. Like walking upstairs, parking outside shops and
watching television.
During this week, we celebrate International Day of People with Disability. It’s a time we reflect on the achievements and lived experiences
of those in our community with
a disability.
It’s also a reminder for decision makers and planners to enhance and make our cities more inclusive and accessible. And it is also a chance for us to make positive changes to the lives of over four million Australians living with disability by raising awareness, understanding and acceptance.
Council celebrated International
Day of People with Disability by
holding a special event, hearing
from a number of people sharing
their stories and being entertained by various performers. Despite the many challenges living with a disability
may have, it was obvious from the speakers and performers that nothing would prevent them from achieving their goals.
From maintaining community work as members of CBCity’s Universal Access Advisory Committee, to giving back as peer workers with the Diversity and Disability Alliance, each speaker reminded us of the importance of community work for making our City
a more inclusive place to live.
Of course, there is always more that needs to be done. International Day
of People with Disability serves as a poignant reminder that inclusivity
is not just a goal; it is a shared responsibility that defines the
strength of our community.
Our City is home to a wonderfully diverse population, and it is imperative that we continue working towards a City that is accessible, accommodating and welcoming for everyone.
But I’m proud to say through programs like our Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) and Disability Abuse Prevention Collaboration, we are fostering positive attitudes, creating liveable communities, increasing opportunities and improving our processes for people with disabilities in our City.
We can all do our part to help grow
a more inclusive Australia.
Regards
Clr Bilal El-Hayek
MAYOR

The Christmas countdown is well
and truly on.
With less than a month to go, our
City is preparing to welcome in the festive season with colour, song
and a sprinkling of Christmas magic.
And there is a lot to get excited about!
I’ll be warming up my vocals, and encourage you all to do the same,
as we belt out everyone’s favourite Christmas songs at Carols in the Park on Saturday 2 December.
Council has lit up Christmas trees across our City while residents are decorating their homes and hanging out their lights to compete in our Christmas Lights Competition.
Our business community is also getting involved with a number of
stall holders participating in our exciting brand-new Christmas Village Markets at Bankstown and Campsie.
It’s a joyous time of the year, but
we should never lose sight of the importance of spending quality time with our families and giving back to the community.
Whether it’s donating food or clothes to a charity, volunteering your time or even supporting small businesses, every little bit helps and can make someone’s Christmas wish come true.
But with the ever-increasing cost of living, it’s no surprise that Christmas can also be a stressful time of year.
The stark reality is that there are
many children who will go without receiving a gift this year. There are families doing it tough who simply cannot afford new toys or to splash out on a feast.
My annual Mayoral Toy Drive is one way we can all contribute and put another toy in Santa’s sack.
You can drop off your toys at our Customer Service and Library
and Knowledge Centres before Wednesday 13 December. Let’s do
our bit to make this Christmas
special for everyone. For more information on how to donate, visit cb.city/MayoralToyDrive
Regards