Mayoral Message Archives

Canterbury Bankstown Mayoral Message

It’s November, and you know what
that means… it’s time to start
growing that mo!
The Movember Foundation runs
events each year in November to
raise awareness and funds to tackle
prostate and testicular cancer and
suicide amongst men.
It’s no secret that men are dying on
average five years earlier than
women, and for largely preventable
reasons. Around 10.8 million men
globally are diagnosed with prostate
cancer, and you may be surprised
to learn that testicular cancer is the
most common form of cancer among
young men. It’s also devastating to
know that, across the world, one man
dies from suicide every minute of
every day.
To spread awareness and raise funds,
thousands of people across the globe,
and I know many in our City, will grow a
mo. And for those who prefer
contributing in other ways, there are
some fun ways to get involved and
show your support. To find out how,
go to au.movember.com
It’s an initiative by the Movember
Foundation to take action so we can
all live healthier, happier and longer
lives. And with men’s health in a state
of crisis, it’s never been more
important to get involved.
Council will be playing its part by
supporting each Councillor and staff
member who grows a mo. For each
Councillor who gets involved, Council
will donate $100 to the Movember
Foundation, and $50 for each staff
member.
A donation which might seem like a
drop in the bucket, but if we all band
together, could change the face of
men’s health. Over the last 18 years,
the Movember foundation has
funded the development of 54
inventions, 70 therapies and 107
diagnostic tests for prostate cancer.
So, this November, it’s time to muscle
up for men’s health and mo up! Your
contribution could help save a father,
a brother, a son, a friend, a man’s life.
Whether it’s a Chopper Reid, a Johnny
Depp, a William Shakespeare, or even a
handlebar, whatever you choose will
help save a bro.
Yours sincerely,
Clr Khal Asfour
MAYOR

Mayor Khal Asfour October 29, 2022

Canterbury-Bankstown Mayoral Message

Mayor Khal Asfour August 20, 2022

Canterbury-Bankstown Mayoral Message

Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders.
Investing time and listening to our
young people is paramount to
creating a better society, both now
and into the future. And with an
ageing population, we must never
lose sight of this fact.
This was quite evident during the past
week, as we celebrated United
Nations International Day of Youth.
The day itself may have come and
gone, but it is an important reminder
of the role we can all play in
mentoring and educating the young
people in our lives.
Young people can learn a lot from
those with years of experience, and
equally the same can be said for our
older generation.
In Canterbury-Bankstown, we have
more than 65,000 young people
between the age of 12 and 25 – that
makes our City one of the largest in
that age group in the state!
With their incredible talent,
dedication and energy, they play an
important role in our community. Their
inspiration and perspectives help
make our City stronger.
That’s why we invest in programs and
events to help them thrive. Over the
weekend, we saw hundreds of
families and young people turn out to
listen to the tunes of renowned pop
star, Dami Im.
From entertainers, to sports stars, to
academic achievers, or community
leaders, our young people strive to be
the best and are truly an inspiration
to many.
Council also has an awesome youth
team, who coordinate a wide range of
programs to support young people at
Belmore Youth Resource Centre
(BYRC). From after school drop-ins
and homework help, to dungeons and
dragons games nights and sporting
programs, BYRC is a one stop shop for
young people in our City.
I have no doubt the engagement and
fruitful discussion by those involved
in the groups at BYRC add another
layer to the fabric of our City. And, I
hope to see more young people get
involved.
Yours sincerely,
Clr Khal Asfour
MAYOR

Mayor Khal Asfour August 12, 2022

Canterbury Bankstown Mayoral Message

As the Mayor of this great City,
there are many projects and events
that we are working on for our
entire community.
Some of the things we’re planning
include master plans for our main
centres that will deliver job
opportunities, major events to
support out local businesses, and
trialling new technology which will
enhance our services.
However, it is the small things we do
for our community that mean so much
and quite often, go unnoticed.
We supported our local cafes and
restaurants by waiving footway dining
fees, assisted our nurses and medical
staff by providing free hospital parking
passes, and when it was brought to my
attention our sporting organisations
needed a hand, it was time to step in.
The recent rain meant that our parks
and most of our sporting facilities
were waterlogged. Several
of our grounds were forced to close
because they were unsafe to use.
Thousands of players missed out on
their weekly games, and in some
instances, the grounds were so badly
affected they were shut for weeks on
end. As a father myself, I know how
disappointing it was for the kids who
had been looking forward to their
weekend games, to be told their
games were put off.
But it wasn’t only the kids who were
devastated by the unprecedented and
constant heavy rain… there were huge
financial implications on the many
sporting organisations and federations
that run sport in our City.
These sporting bodies are not
multi-million dollar organisations that
are dripping with cash… they rely on
the mums and dads paying registration
fees, the weekend barbeques, the
canteens and the sausage sizzles to
stay afloat.
To put it simply, when the grounds are
closed, there are no games and they
take the financial hit.
That’s why at the last Council
Meeting, I ensured these sporting
organisations wouldn’t be left behind.
Council decided to waive the sporting
ground fees for winter sports, which
had been affected by the weather for
two months.
Hopefully, we’ve seen the last of
the lousy weather and our sporting
organisations can get back on the field
without the financial burden.
Yours sincerely,
Clr Khal Asfour
MAYOR

Mayor Khal Asfour August 8, 2022

Canterbury Bankstown Mayoral Message

I have no doubt that our City is
the perfect location for the
SBS headquarters.
From the early days where most households struggled to get any reception, to the digital
transformation of today, the SBS
has told the stories of diverse communities from across Australia.
And as our country’s most diverse, multilingual, multiplatform media organisation, it just makes sense that
it be situated in the multicultural heartland of Australia.
It’s no secret that our City boasts one
of the most diverse populations in the state. According to the latest Census data, we’re home to more than 371,000 people, with 268 different ancestries and 176 languages spoken.
That’s why I’m doubling down on
calls for the SBS to be shifted from
its long-term home in Artarmon.
Let’s not forget that SBS was established in Artarmon because it needed to be located near the other networks such
as Channel 9 and ABC, which have since moved elsewhere. And thirty years on, it’s time for SBS to once again evolve
and plant its roots into a diverse, multicultural community which aligns with its charter and values.
The Federal Government is undertaking a feasibility study to examine the merits of moving SBS to Western Sydney.
In 2018, we presented a proposal to the Federal Minister for Communications
to create an exciting and ambitious cultural and media hub in the heart
of Campsie.
I have a vision of a media zone called ‘Campsie Cultural and Creative Centre’ – a purpose built $120 million hub in Campsie. This is about breathing new life into our City. It’s a partnership that will showcase our vibrant multicultural community, create hundreds of jobs and attract major investment.
But a lot has changed since that proposal and it’s time to review and update our decisions. At the last Council Meeting, I called for Council to update the proposal to give us the best possible chance of securing SBS in our City. We will be identifying other suitable sites to house the media giant and any major City partners which may have something to offer our bid.
In the last week, we’ve seen the ABC shift 300 staff to the Parramatta CBD. We don’t want to see the same thing happen here. I will fight to ensure we
do not miss this opportunity.
It’s time to bring SBS to where diverse communities have made their home!
Yours sincerely,
Clr Khal Asfour
MAYOR