Meet Anna and James, hosts of this groundbreaking podcast that will introduce you to the unique people of CBCity, aka Canterbury-Bankstown, one of the most diverse areas in NSW, Australia. 

From his upbringing as an Indigenous boy in a Queensland riven by the Aboriginal Protection Act to becoming an OAM and a respected elder in the City of Canterbury Bankstown, Uncle Harry’s story is heartbreaking and triumphant.

A descendant of the Gudjala people, Uncle Harry Allie AM BEM tells hosts Anna and James about his lived experiences, including how his family was divided by the Aboriginal Protection Act, joining the airforce and becoming a RAAF Indigenous Elder.

Julie has lived her whole life in the heart of Bankstown. She is an active community member and disability advocate.

In this episode, Julie shares her experiences of the impacts of intersectionality, experiencing racism and living with disability. Julie is empowered by advocating for people with disability.

In episode three we interview Andrew Mortimer. Andrew is a passionate Rugby League man dedicated to the growth in participation and engagement in the game. He has played at a semi-professional level for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Newtown Jets and now coaches and volunteers on the committee of St Christopher’s JRLFC.

Andrew joined the advisory board of Concussion Legacy Foundation as a result of his famous father, Steve Mortimer’s diagnosis of Dementia in recent years. A passionate son, father, volunteer in league, Andrew is keen to contribute to the developing knowledge of CTE and its impact on players at both professional and amateur level.

For those who don’t know, Andrew’s father Steve Mortimer also known as “Turvey” was an NRL halfback for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, also representing on the Country team, NSW State of Origin team and Australian team. Steve played 272 games between 1976 and 1988, winning four premierships with the Bulldogs in the 1980s.

Zoe herself grew up in a low socio-economic community in Queensland and developed a passion for justice. After years working in the Government sector, Zoe has now developed her own business, focused on developing inclusion within communities and workplaces.

Zoe spent many months in 2024, engaging with the Canterbury-Bankstown community and listening to their stories to help shape the development of the CBCity Social Justice Charter.

Hear how Zoe’s childhood impacted on the work that she does today and the benefits it will create for Canterbury-Bankstown. 

After leaving Lebanon in 1999, Mayor El-Hayek arrived in Australia at just 12-years-old, unable to speak a word of English. He attended an intensive English school before enrolling at Belmore Boys High and finishing his senior years at Noor al Houda school at Strathfield. In this episode, Bilal shares his journey of growing up in CBCity which has led him to becoming the leader of CBCity.

His passion is to serve the community and give a voice to those with no voice.

The bonus track on this episode is Outloud’s RESPECT Program – “Equality is a Necessity” by Georges Hall Public School.

CBCity’s 2024 Inspirational Youth Award winner Adila shares her journey moving to Australia, after being forced to flee her war-torn country at the age of 13. 

Adila was able to reconnect with her family after years being apart and is now settling into her new life here in Australia. 

Adila shares some of her fond childhood memories living in Afghanistan along with the differences of life in Australia. 

Tri shares his experience of his refugee journey to Australia over three decades ago. Tri travelled to Australia, committed to find a better life for his family, driven by his determination and strong work ethics.

After a diverse working career and raising his family, Tri now gives back to his community through volunteering at Bankstown Meals on Wheels.

The bonus track on this episode is CBCity Talent Advancement Program participant Matilda Ames from Mount Saint Joseph School Milperra.

Safa shares with us her experiences of growing up in and love for Canterbury-Bankstown, while gaining an understanding and appreciation of her own identity.

Safa discusses intersectionality and how the many parts of her identity and passions have shaped her career and life directions.

The bonus track on this episode is Jamie Chidiac from St Charbel’s College performing “Go the distance”.

Episode 9 meets with Imam Ahmed Abdo, local resident and Vice President of the Australian National Imams Council and Reverend Trevor Jennings, Minister for Campsie, Earlwood, Clemton Park Uniting Church.

Part 1 of this interview discusses some of the similarities and differences between the Christian and Islamic faiths, core beliefs, rituals and practices. The faith leaders share more information about traditions such as Ramadan and Easter.

The bonus track on this episode is “If they can pronounce Shakespeare” by Yasmin Lewis, poet from Bankstown Poetry Slam. 

Episode 10 is Part 2 of the interview with Imam Ahmed Abdo, local resident and Vice President of the Australian National Imams Council and Reverend Trevor Jennings, Minister for Campsie, Earlwood, Clemton Park Uniting Church.

In Part 2 we discuss the impacts of faith on social cohesion, social issues and injustices.

The bonus track on this episode is “Where I’m from” by Layla Mkh, poet from Bankstown Poetry Slam.

Annabella Luu, a Vietnamese-Australian writer, slam poet and student from CBCity shares with us how her love of writing and poetry has grown since her involvement with Bankstown Poetry Slam. Bella shares how poetry is a way to access the tenderness of our hardened selves.

Bella discusses how spoken word poetry provides a platform to amplifies voices and quite often in Bankstown, has a strong connection to social cohesion. Her work sustains an ongoing conversation between her cultural heritage and her experiences as a second-generation daughter of refugees, living on Darug Land.

The bonus track on this episode is My Australia by Sara Mansour, poet from Bankstown Poetry Slam.

Season One of Voices of CBCity finishes with a conversation with a local young neurodivergent person. Our guest, who chooses to remain anonymous, shares their lived experiences of Autism and ADHD while also navigating the challenges for their self and their family due to cultural stigma.

The bonus track on this episode is "Where Does Your Accent Come From?" by Leila Mansour, poet from Bankstown Poetry Slam.