Your community magazine featuring inspiring stories, exciting news and must-see events.
To read in your language, click on the 'globe' icon at the top right corner of this page.
Valued at $800. Terms and conditions apply.
Dear resident,
Can you believe we’re already halfway through the year?!
From planning our next big events to finishing up some major projects, it has been a busy start to 2025. Council has hit the ground running to stay ahead of our goals and create a great City we all love.
Our investment in parks and sports fields continues, with major upgrades recently completed at local favourites including Beaman Park in Earlwood, The Crest in Bass Hill and Croydon Park in Croydon Park – now open and ready for the community to enjoy.
We’ve also seen many residents stay active with the success of Council’s Active Seniors program.
Meanwhile, our Waste and Cleansing teams have been working around the clock. From clearing illegal dumping to picking up litter, you’ll get to read about some of those dedicated people behind the scenes helping to keep Canterbury-Bankstown clean and tidy.
We’ve already achieved a huge amount this year, and there is so much more to look forward to, including one of Council’s most popular events, Bankstown Bites, celebrating its 20 year anniversary in July!
Keep reading to discover more of what’s happening across our City. And don’t forget to subscribe to Council eNews at cb.city/WIN for your chance to win a kid’s birthday party package valued at $800 – including exclusive access to our brand-new indoor play centre at Morris Iemma Indoor Sports Centre.
Regards,
Mayor Bilal El-Hayek
As one of the largest and fastest growing local government areas in Australia, we know how important it is to plan carefully and act boldly.
That’s why our 2025–29 Delivery Program and 2025/26 Operational Plan are focused on making Canterbury-Bankstown an even better place to live, work and play – not just today, but for generations to come.
Over the next four years, we’ll deliver new libraries, upgraded playgrounds and parks, improved sporting facilities and vibrant new community hubs that bring people together. We’re also enhancing our roads, footpaths and public spaces to ensure our suburbs are accessible, welcoming and safe.
We’re advocating strongly for better outcomes from the NSW Government — pushing for improved hospitals, reliable public transport, sustainable river catchment solutions and planning reforms that respect our City’s unique character.
At the same time, we’re creating opportunities for local businesses, trialling entertainment precincts and growing events that showcase our culture and creativity. We’re investing in our young people, empowering volunteers and embracing innovation to improve the way we serve our community.
It’s about building on the progress we’ve made – and planning for an even brighter, more connected future, together.
FAST FACTS
- 28 key services
- $6.2B in assets
- $90M capital works program
The Crest at Bass Hill has been transformed into a state-of-the art facility following a $4 million investment by Council. Upgrades include new drainage and irrigation systems, refurbished amenities, upgraded lighting and the installation of a protective ball screen.
Bankstown Sports Strikers Football Club secretary, Mark Merlino, said players and spectators are all thrilled to return to their home ground.
“The Club is really excited about the upgraded facilities and fields, and we are looking forward to a big season and not too many washouts,” Mark said. “We’re expecting this transformation will increase participation as teams can now rely on the new drainage system for consistent training and game schedules, even during wet weather periods.”
Funding for the project is in partnership with the NSW Government through a $1.59 million grant awarded through the NSW Office of Sport’s Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund.
Council has also recently completed park upgrades at Parry Park, Lakemba, Kelso Park, Panania and Beaman Park, Earlwood.
Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said the upgrades will benefit the entire community.
“The recently upgraded sports and playgrounds around our City will make for popular spots for local athletes and families who can come together to enjoy the amazing facilities we have on offer,” he said.
FAST FACTS
- $4M project
- $1.59M grant
Keeping the kids entertained on a budget just got easier with parks across our City transformed into exciting new and interactive play spaces.
The all-new play space at Roma Reserve is now open! With upgraded playground equipment for the kids and new park furniture for parents, it’s the perfect spot for a fun family day out.
The upgraded playground is perfect for little explorers, while the brand-new fitness area offers fun and fitness for all ages and abilities.
Boasting brand new play towers, musical instruments, outdoor gym equipment and family-friendly furniture, The Crest playground transformation has created a welcoming space for all ages to enjoy.
With new synthetic surfacing, extended run-ups and improved safety fencing, it's the ideal training space for cricketers of all levels. The next Don Bradman could get their start right here in Yagoona!
We've delivered a new playground and welcoming picnic area, expected to open soon.
There’s something for everyone at Croydon Park! Kids can explore the new play space while parents get moving with upgraded outdoor gym equipment – fun and fitness all in one spot.
The all-new play space at Roma Reserve is now open! With upgraded playground equipment for the kids and new park furniture for parents, it’s the perfect spot for a fun family day out.
The upgraded playground is perfect for little explorers, while the brand-new fitness area offers fun and fitness for all ages and abilities.
Boasting brand new play towers, musical instruments, outdoor gym equipment and family-friendly furniture, The Crest playground transformation has created a welcoming space for all ages to enjoy.
With new synthetic surfacing, extended run-ups and improved safety fencing, it's the ideal training space for cricketers of all levels. The next Don Bradman could get their start right here in Yagoona!
We've delivered a new playground and welcoming picnic area, expected to open soon.
There’s something for everyone at Croydon Park! Kids can explore the new play space while parents get moving with upgraded outdoor gym equipment – fun and fitness all in one spot.
For over 50 years, Bankstown Meals on Wheels has been a lifeline for residents like Sher.
Living alone with coeliac disease, she finds it difficult to cook healthy, affordable gluten-free meals for herself. “It’s a real blessing to have these home-delivered meals every day,” she says.
Bankstown Meals on Wheels is the only local service delivering hot meals, as well as other options including chilled, frozen, halal and gluten-free. With generous portions and a rotating menu full of flavour and nutrition, it’s no surprise clients are eager to recommend it.
“In winter, the hearty casseroles are particularly nice,” Sher shares. “I love the Tuscan beef and Moroccan chicken, things you wouldn’t cook just for yourself.”
The volunteers are wonderful.
Delivered Monday to Friday by kind-hearted volunteers, the meals are more than just food — they're a source of comfort and connection.
"Rain, hail or shine, the volunteers come here with a smile on their face. They’re very kind, very friendly. It’s not just receiving the meal — it’s interaction with the person as well,” Sher says.
If you, or someone you care for, is aged over 65 or living with a disability, and lives in the Bankstown, Bass Hill or Revesby wards, you may be eligible.
Your next meal could be just a knock away.
FAST FACTS
- 32,000+ meals delivered each year
- 80+ volunteers caring for our community
When Swaroop arrived in Australia 15 years ago, he never imagined he’d one day serve the very community that welcomed him.
After proudly receiving his Australian citizenship at a Council ceremony in 2023, he felt a calling to give back. Today, he works with the Roads Operations Team, playing a role in maintaining and improving our local roads.
“I felt a sense of purpose,” Swaroop says. “I wanted to give back to the community.” His story is a powerful reminder of how every citizen, new or old, can help shape our City.
Your old phone may be junk technology to you, but for a domestic violence victim, it could be a lifeline.
If you have an old phone or two rattling around in your drawers that you don’t know what to do with, then we’ve got the answer. Any functioning phone, however old, is a way for someone in need to call for help when it is most needed.
Our customer service centres and libraries are now collection points for DV Safe Phone, a non-profit organisation helping to tackle domestic violence one old phone at a time. Simply drop your phone off in one of the boxes, or hand it over to a library staff member. We pass donated phones on to DV Safe Phone who use a network of support organisations to get them to people in crisis.
📅 Saturday 26 July
⏲ 10am-4pm
📍 Olympic Parade, Bankstown
The woks are firing up, dumpling steamers are hissing and you can almost hear the charcoal sizzling in the air – all in preparation for the 20th anniversary of Bankstown’s most popular food festival.
Food influencer and author, Karima Hazim, will be crafting some traditional Lebanese dishes on stage, while heavyweight Sydney chef, Sam Young, will share his skills from working in top restaurants like Mr. Wong, Queen Chow, Totti’s and Lotus in a Celebrity Chef Masterclass.
But they’re not the only special guests joining us this year. We’ll be welcoming back Birrong local, John, who’s been to his fair share of Bankstown Bites after discovering the festival over a decade ago.
“We started coming when my kids were only little and they’re 21 now. It would have been well over 10 years ago,” John said.
With his wife and two kids, John has joined us for at least one food tour each visit – but when they first started coming, it was closer to three or four.
“We had two young kids, and this was a chance to expose them to different foods, so we thought, why not! It’s brilliant to discover new things and find out about the different types of food I didn’t realise we had.”
Thankfully for John, we’re not just touring Bankstown this year. The Bites Food Tours will also explore Belmore, Chester Hill and Panania in the three weeks before the main event on Saturday 26 July.
The action doesn’t stop there! Olympic Parade will be lined with food stalls, kids’ activities, demos and more at this iconic event.
Our summer events may be over, but the fun doesn't stop there – we've got a packed schedule of FREE events all year long!
Help tackle homelessness!
📅 6pm Friday 8 August-8am Saturday 9 August
📍 Belmore Sports Ground, 3 Edison Lane, Belmore
Mayor Bilal El-Hayek is hosting his third sleepout to support those experiencing homelessness. Show your support by registering to join him or by donating.
📅 Saturday 20 September
Join us in a celebration of the culture of Earlwood as we open the streets for this brand-new event. Stay tuned for details at cb.city/WhatsOn
📅 Saturdays in October
📍 Parks around Canterbury-Bankstown
Movies, starlight and the great outdoors. Enjoy a perfect spring night at our temporary outdoor cinemas this Spring! Stay tuned for details at cb.city/WhatsOn
There’s more to Italy than pizza, pasta and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Italy is an ancient culture, brimming with fascinating history, rich creativity and a unique passion for life.
And now you can experience it all right here in Canterbury-Bankstown. Our libraries are celebrating everything Italian with 'Let's Go Italian', a three-month extravaganza.
Starting in August, we’ll be bringing you Italian history, music, dance, artists, authors and much more. Plus delicious Italian cuisine, because who can resist?!
- Gnocchi-making classes for adults
- Gelato demonstrations for kids
- Bracelet making inspired by Murano glass
- Author talk with Melina Marchetta
- A Ducati exhibition
- Live music
- A butchery masterclass
- Author talk
- Living story
- Arts and crafts
- Painting classes
- Movie screenings
- An art exhibition
There's plenty more happening in Canterbury-Bankstown, find out at cb.city/WhatsOn
While most of our City sleeps, a quiet team is already in motion.
By 5am, our Waste and Cleansing crew are out inspecting town centres, picking up litter, emptying bins, clearing posters and preparing our streets for a brand-new day.
It’s tough, physical and often thankless work. “We can clean a town centre street and think we’ve done a perfect job, then come back an hour later and rubbish has been dropped,” says Eric, Team Leader. Yet the crew shows up, every day, with perseverance and pride.
Craig has been with the team for 25 years. “I’ve done garbage runs, weed control, toilet cleaning and now I’m on the street sweeper. There’s satisfaction in seeing the result.”
The challenges are many: illegal dumping, dangerous drivers, narrow streets and little acknowledgment. But the motivation comes from small moments. “When we get one thank you,” says Eric. “That one keeps us going.”
This dedicated team works 24 hours a day, seven days a week cleaning our City. “Many of us live and work here,” said Dimi.
We take pride in our work.
So next time you’re walking our streets, take a moment to appreciate the team behind the scenes and let’s all do our part to help keep our City clean.
What happens behind the scenes?
FAST FACTS
- 1,600+ kms of streets swept every fortnight
- 400 tonnes of bin waste and recycling collected each week
We’re enhancing cleaning services with smarter technology that will transform our town centres.
Supported by funding from the Special Rate Variation (SRV) and following a successful trial, Council has invested in a new model of electric powered outdoor vacuum that removes litter, stains and spills in nearly half the time.
Quiet, zero-emissions and safe to operate, the machine runs for up to 16 hours on a single charge, allowing more efficient and extended cleaning throughout the day. The new vacuum is already making a visible impact at Bankstown City Centre.
“We’re collecting around two 240-litre bins of litter daily, including hard-to-reach debris,” says Eric, Waste and Cleansing Team Leader. “We’ve received a lot of positive feedback — people appreciate the proactive cleaning and are impressed by the tidier shopping strip each day.”
This innovation is part of our ongoing commitment to clean and tidy public spaces across our City.
Clemton Park has gone over four months without a single case of illegal dumping following a Council-led trial.
The initiative targeted ongoing dumping of household waste in park bins – an issue that led to overflowing rubbish and attracted pests, despite more frequent bin collections.
Council developed and carried out a plan that involved new signage, surveillance cameras and solar powered motion-sensor lights highlighting an anti-dumping message.
For added prevention, bins were enclosed and relocated away from the roadside while ensuring easy access for park users.
The result is a cleaner, safer park and a successful outcome. We now plan to roll this out at more parks across our City.
Seen illegal dumping in your area?
Now in her 70s, Narwee resident Rhonnie knows the importance of staying active.
Part of her strategy is regularly attending Council’s Active Adults Over 55s fitness class at Riverwood Community Hub.
“The class is a bonus to what I do in my daily life to keep myself as fit and independent as possible,” says Rhonnie, who joined when the class was first trialled over three years ago.
“For me, the classes mean connecting with friends in a different way, having some giggles and at the same time working hard to keep fit. Being able to do the class for free is a bonus!”
Rhonnie and a group of friends from Active Seniors even took part in the 3K Harmony Day Fun Run at the I RUN festival.
“We walked and took it in turns to lead. We went back to the class and told everyone they had to come next year. It was great fun!” Rhonnie is committed to the Active Adults fitness classes.
“Everyone walks out of the class feeling really good, which is an incentive to keep going.”
Our Active Seniors program includes many creative, learning and physical activities.
In March, we held Canterbury-Bankstown’s first ever running festival, I RUN.
On a hot day in Mirambeena Regional Park, over 400 runners took to the bushland paths, running distances that ranged from a 21k challenge to a 3k fun run.
The welcoming range of distances attracted runners (and walkers) of all ages, with 68 participants aged under 18 and 40 aged over 55.
I RUN was so successful that we’ve decided to do it again! Stay tuned for more information on next year’s location.
A visit from our Home Library Service is “like Christmas morning!” according to customer Maryanne Krassoi.
These days, Maryanne finds it hard to get out and about. As a home library service customer, librarians select books that match her taste, then deliver to her door.
For many who are isolated, seeing people is just as important to them as receiving the books.
“The girls who deliver, they’re really lovely and friendly,” says Maryanne. “They even talk to my dog!”
Would you or someone you know benefit from our Home Library Service?
Our Craft-Tea Social Seniors program welcomes groups from residential aged care facilities into our libraries for a relaxed and engaging experience designed to bring people together. Each session includes a hands-on craft activity, a warm cup of tea or coffee and a friendly space to connect and chat.
It’s a simple way to spark creativity and bring joy through conversation and community.
If you know an aged care facility that would like to take part in this meaningful program, they can call us on 9707 9733
When 93-year-old Campsie local, Con Papagrigoriou, found out he'd won a Big4 Holiday Parks prize through our recent giveaway, he was speechless.
“I was very happy,” he said. “I never thought I could win things like this. I’ve been working since I was 10 helping my father and brother.”
Con has lived in Canterbury-Bankstown for 60 years and, despite his Greek roots, he proudly calls Australia home. “I feel more Australian than Greek,” he says with a grin. “I don’t make much money, but I have a good life. I love Australia.”
The holiday couldn’t have come at a better time. Con and his family are planning to use the voucher to go to Port Stephens. “We’re not waiting another year” his grandson added excitedly.
“I kid you not,” Michael, son-in-law, laughed. “The kids are more excited about the Big4 trip than they are about going to Greece!”
I never thought I could win things like this
Con is one of six lucky winners in our recent prize draw for our Council eNews subscribers, each receiving a $1,200 BIG4 Holiday Parks voucher.
It's one of the perks of subscribing to Council eNews which brings local news, events and surprises like this one to your inbox.
Our brand-new indoor play centre at Morris Iemma Indoor Sports Centre (MIISC) is officially open! Many local families joined us for a morning of fun, colour and excitement at the grand opening event.
Children aged 0–8 enjoyed full access to the play space, danced to music and showed off their face paint designs – from butterflies to superheroes.
Local mum, Katie, visits the play centre multiple times a week with her 8-month-old and 4-year-old.
“It’s such a universal space, perfect for both of my kids to enjoy. It just works for us,” she said.
“I recommend it to mums all the time. It’s a safe, local space where families can come, bring their kids and feel comfortable.”
But wait, the fun doesn’t stop there – it’s the perfect venue to celebrate your child’s next birthday! With party packages that include exclusive access to the play centre, it’s easy to plan a stress-free, fun-filled celebration.
Valued at $800. Terms and conditions apply.