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More than 600 people came together to celebrate Ramadan and break their fast at the annual Mayoral Iftar Dinner on
I am looking forward to the Easter break this weekend, a time for family, friends and reflection.
The Easter story has relevance for all of us within our multicultural community. So, let’s take advantage of this opportunity to stop and reflect on the Easter message of hope, love and peace.
May we be inspired and reminded
of the responsibility we have to each other, our families, friends
and the vulnerable people in our communities.
While Easter is a perfect time to gather with family outdoors, at
one of the City’s many parks and reserves, please take care on our roads which are traditionally busy
at this time of year. Also, double demerit penalties apply from
6-10 April inclusive.
We’ve planned more than 60 different activities to help keep children and young people entertained these autumn
school holidays. From slime-making and pyjama parties to skateboarding and cycling clinics, there’s something for kids with
all interests.
Check out the program and join
us these school holidays at
cb.city/SchoolHolidays
Also please remember, while Council’s Customer Service Centres may be closed from Good Friday (7 April) through to and including Easter Monday (10 April), you can still call Council at any
time on 9707 9000.
From everyone here at Council,
we wish you a very safe and enjoyable holiday break with
family and friends.
Yours sincerely,
Clr Khal Asfour
MAYOR
5 April 2023
Dear Residents
Mayoral Message
School holidays are just around the corner and the City of Canterbury Bankstown has announced an action-packed program of more
I am looking forward to the Easter break this weekend, a time for family, friends and reflection.
The Easter story has relevance for all of us within our multicultural community. So, let’s take advantage of this opportunity to stop and reflect on the Easter message of hope, love and peace.
May we be inspired and reminded
of the responsibility we have to each other, our families, friends
and the vulnerable people in our communities.
While Easter is a perfect time to gather with family outdoors, at
one of the City’s many parks and reserves, please take care on our roads which are traditionally busy
at this time of year. Also, double demerit penalties apply from
6-10 April inclusive.
We’ve planned more than 60 different activities to help keep children and young people entertained these autumn
school holidays. From slime-making and pyjama parties to skateboarding and cycling clinics, there’s something for kids with
all interests.
Check out the program and join
us these school holidays at
cb.city/SchoolHolidays
Also please remember, while Council’s Customer Service Centres may be closed from Good Friday (7 April) through to and including Easter Monday (10 April), you can still call Council at any
time on 9707 9000.
From everyone here at Council,
we wish you a very safe and enjoyable holiday break with
family and friends.
Yours sincerely,
Clr Khal Asfour
MAYOR
5 April 2023
Dear Residents
Mayoral Message
There’s no excuse to stay at home this autumn, with the City of Canterbury Bankstown’s sensational line up of shows
In the trenches on the Western
Front in 1917, at Pozieres in France,
a soldier comforted his dying mate and said to him: “I’ll look after the missus and the kids”.
That final exchange between the two diggers became known as
The Promise, a promise which was the inspiration that lead to the formation of Legacy in 1923.
A promise which lives on today, supporting over 40,000 widows, partners and children of veterans across Australia who lost their lives or were badly injured while serving our country.
This is a historic year for Legacy, celebrating 100 years of caring,
love and commitment.
To commemorate the anniversary,
a torch will be lit at Pozieres on
23 April 2023 and will make its way, similar to the Olympic Torch relay, from France, to London and on
to Australia.
The torch will travel over 50,000 kilometres through 100 locations, carried by approximately 1,500 Torch Bearers.
Our City, which boasts one of Sydney’s largest Legacy divisions, has been chosen to be a part of the Centenary celebrations with the Torch being officially received at a ceremony at Paul Keating Park on
20 July.
The War Memorial will be the backdrop of this exciting event with the President of Sydney Legacy handing the Torch to me before passing it on to a local Legacy beneficiary with a disability.
It will be attended by Legatees, Legacy beneficiaries, and their families, Defence Forces
personnel and many others.
I called on Council at last night’s meeting to support this important event and host a morning tea style reception at the Council Chambers.
A milestone to keep The Promise alive in our City, as we enter into
the centenary year and beyond.
Yours sincerely,
Clr Khal Asfour
MAYOR
Mayoral Message
29 March 2023
Today we celebrate the beginning
of the holy month of Ramadan.
For tens of thousands of Muslims across our City, and indeed around the world, it’s a time to pray and reflect on their lives. It’s also a time to give back to the community and help those in need.
During this period, Muslims fast
from early morning until sunset
and abstain from food and drink.
It promotes patience, discipline
and increases purity of the mind
and piety.
I’m proud of our City and its vibrant culture… people from all races and religions. And grateful we have the opportunity during this important time to learn about different cultures, traditions and celebrate
our diversity.
My favourite part of this time
is seeing our community come together… Muslims and
non-Muslims, for Ramadan
Nights Lakemba.
During the holy month, Haldon
Street is transformed into a global food bazaar from dusk until 3am. Thousands of Muslims will break their fast with family members and friends, while non-Muslims alike
will be welcomed for a culturally eye-opening experience.
Last year, we saw more than
1.2 million people visit the event throughout the month, and I have
a feeling this year is going to be bigger than ever.
I encourage you all to come out
to Ramadan Nights to taste the delicious foods on offer and see what Ramadan is all about. For those wanting to avoid the crowds, come along on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and come early in the evening, as stalls are open from 5pm. Consider taking public transport via the T3 Bankstown line to Lakemba Station or the free shuttle buses running every night.
And may we all take inspiration from this holy occasion to reflect and renew our faith.
Ramadan Mubarak!
Yours sincerely,
Clr Khal Asfour
MAYOR
Mayoral Message
22 March 2023
Harmony Week is all about celebrating one of our greatest strengths – our diversity!
It’s about showing respect, acknowledging and appreciating everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.
And fittingly on 21 March, we also observe the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination across
the globe.
Here in Canterbury-Bankstown, we have a vibrant, rich culture with more than 129 nationalities represented and around 200 languages spoken.
What makes us so special as a community, is how we embrace the diverse cultures and customs of people who live here.
I love to see people in our City from all backgrounds joining in the special events of different cultures. Recently, we saw thousands get involved the Lunar New Year festivities, and just next week, many will flock to the streets of Lakemba to join in the Ramadan celebrations.
Statistics show that diverse communities are happier, healthier, and more prosperous. Including everyone really does make the
world a better place.
I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate this important occasion than by welcoming our newest citizens who have chosen to call our City home. I’m looking forward to welcoming 500 new citizens, from
all parts of the world, at a special Harmony Day Citizenship Ceremony on Tuesday.
Watching our newest citizens
singing the Australian Anthem
and lining up to take photos and say hello is what makes my job all the worthwhile. I truly believe that with every new citizen, our City is richer and stronger.
And for those wanting to learn more about our diversity, I encourage you to join us for a special International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination event. There will be a panel discussion, morning tea and anti-racism pledge tree. For more information and to register,
visit cb.city/IDERD
This harmony week and beyond,
may we all strive to continue living
in harmony and cast aside any prejudices. Happy Harmony Week!
Mohammad Zarqa can be heard calling out “yummy yummy” from miles away while he serves up his deliciously creamy dessert
A range of new initiatives at Bankstown Arts Centre will help shape the next generation of Canterbury-Bankstown artists.The exciting program
