Clr Bilal El-Hayek - Mayor

 

Mayor Bilal El-Hayek was re-elected unopposed as Mayor at an Extraordinary Council Meeting on Tuesday 8 October 2026.

 

Clr Bilal El-Hayek was elected to the merged City of Canterbury Bankstown in September 2017. He served two terms as Deputy Mayor before being elected Mayor on 11 May 2023, a role he has held since.

 

Driven by a strong commitment to serving the community, Mayor El-Hayek is passionate about giving a voice to those who may otherwise go unheard. Having arrived in Australia from Lebanon at the age of 12 with limited English, he attended an intensive English school before studying at Belmore Boys High School and completing his senior years at Noor Al Houda School in Strathfield. He lives in Greenacre with his wife and four children and proudly represents the Bankstown/Darani Ward.

 

One of his first roles was as a Youth Coordinator at the Bankstown Police Citizens Youth Club, where he mentored young people and helped deliver youth and family programs. His passion for supporting young people remains a defining part of his community service and leadership.

 

As Mayor, Clr El-Hayek has championed multiple initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing, supported vulnerable residents, and bring people together. He is a strong advocate for mental health and has led awareness campaigns, including the Mayor's 24-Hour Challenge, raising funds and encouraging important conversations about mental health and resilience, particularly in our city's youth.

 

Mayor El-Hayek is a strong advocate for the prevention of domestic and family violence, bringing together community leaders, service providers and stakeholders to raise awareness, strengthen support networks and drive community action. He also established the annual Mayor's Lights Out Sleepout, raising funds and awareness for people at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness.

 

He is a passionate supporter of local community groups, sporting clubs, charities, and grassroots organisations, and is committed to ensuring they have opportunities to grow and continue their valuable work.

 

In 2018, he was awarded the Premier's Harmony Medal in recognition of his contribution to community harmony and social cohesion.

 

Passionate about the City he calls home, Mayor El-Hayek is committed to building on Council's work to deliver high-quality services and maintain investment in parks, roads, libraries and community facilities for current and future generations.