Date: 31 October 2012
Date: 31October 2012
Last Wednesday I enjoyed the unique privilege of conducting two citizenship ceremonies. Clr Ian Stromborg, Clr Allan Winterbottom, Clr Dan Nguyen, Clr Alex Kuskoff, Tania Mihailuk MP, Aunty Margaret, Aunty Maggie and Raymond Arraj were also on hand to congratulate the 200 new Australians. A further highlight of the day was the excellent speeches delivered by four local students on what it means to be an Australian.
That night I also attended Council’s 2012 HomeGrown Garden and Photo competition awards at Bankstown Arts Centre. The competitions were created to build pride in our community and provide an opportunity for Bankstown’s gardeners and photographers to showcase their talents. Congratulations to all those who participated, there were many impressive entries this year making it difficult for the judges to decide on the winners.
On Thursday I was invited to the official opening of a new building at Hope Central Christian Church, Chester Hill. The recently completed facility will enable the church to expand upon its support of our community, which includes offering playgroups for children with a disability. I thank Pastor David McLennan for his invitation and congratulate the church on its landmark achievement.
I thank Clr Linda Downey for representing me at the official re-opening of Integrity Lending at Padstow.
On Friday Deputy Mayor Scott Parker, Clr Allan Winterbottom and I participated in the Torch Charity Golf Day which was held to raise funds for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. I was pleased to lend my support to the initiative and look forward to holding my own Pink Ribbon Day fundraiser with my wife Sally tonight at 6.30 pm to help win the war on breast cancer.
I thank Deputy Mayor Scott Parker for attending the Canterbury Bankstown Tennis Association (CBTA) reception hosted by MP Glen Brookes on my behalf. Since 2008 Council has granted the Association more than $13,000 to help them run a variety of tennis initiatives. I congratulate the CBTA on their great efforts to promote healthy and active lifestyles and a love for sport.
Last Sunday I addressed a large crowd of residents who gathered in Paul Keating Park to celebrate Eid Al Adha. I commend the Islamic Projects Charitable Association (ICPA) for the outstanding job they did in organising and running the event. I thank them also for their invaluable work in building bridges of understanding and friendship between Bankstown’s Islamic and wider community.
