Council News | Mayor's Challenge for Mental Health, Lantern Festival and more

Read this week's Council News

26 Feb 2026

Lakemba Nights during Ramadan Mayor’s 24-Hour Challenge for Mental Health Community news Whats on

Campsie Lantern Festival – on this Saturday!

Sat 28 Feb, 5-9:30pm at Anzac Mall and Anzac Square, Campsie

Get ready to soak up the good fortune and be amazed by this iconic festival, returning to Campsie for Lunar New Year! Catch the live cultural performances, get a photo with the Lantern Lady and taste your way through a range of food stalls.

On the menu is a range of tasty treats from dumplings and noodles to okonomiyaki and tanghulu. Bring your family and friends for this FREE event, on this Saturday.

Thank you to our sponsors and supporters Western Union, Westpac Campsie and SBS.

Council news

Dear Community,

This year’s Senior’s Festival promises to be one of the best yet!

The theme, “Live Life in Colour”, speaks for itself, with our City planning an exciting program of events to entice those young at heart to get involved.

Each year, this celebration reminds us of the remarkable contribution older residents make to our City. With more than 90,000 residents aged 55 and over living in Canterbury-Bankstown, our Seniors Festival is one of the most vibrant and diverse in the state.

From 2-15 March, we’re rolling out a jam-packed schedule with social, creative and active experiences designed to bring people together. Whether you’re keen to try something new or reconnect with old friends, there’s truly something for everyone.

Some of the exciting events include a full day pickleball trial, drumming circles, art workshops, movie mornings, library events, Sydney Harbour cruises and even a trip to Sydney Zoo.

For those wanting a slower pace, we have crochet circles, soft pastel classes, gentle yoga and Zumba sessions. And if you’re seeking community connection, our Bus to Library service remains a wonderful way to meet new people over a cuppa.

Staying active and socially connected is vital for wellbeing, so I encourage you to take the opportunity to join in, explore the City and try something you’ve always wanted to do but never had the chance.

I also ask everyone in our community to look out for the seniors in their lives. Start a conversation, offer support or simply share a moment together. Sometimes the smallest gesture can make the biggest difference.

To see the full list of events, visit cb.city/SeniorsFestival, or pick up a program from our Customer Service Centres, Library and Knowledge Centres or Leisure & Aquatic Centres.

Let’s make this Seniors Festival one to remember, full of fun, connection and new adventures.

Regards,

Mayor Bilal El-Hayek

Lakemba Nights during Ramadan

Every Thu-Sun, 6pm-2am, 19 Feb-15 Mar at Haldon Street and The Boulevarde, Lakemba

One week down, three to go at Sydney’s largest multicultural event! To help you work your way through the food stalls, we asked what people’s favourite dish was at Lakemba Nights during Ramadan:

Murtabak: a crispy flatbread stuffed with cheese, egg, meat or a combination – a Ramadan staple
Knafeh: a sweet dish made of layers of crispy pastry and cheese, all soaked in a sweet rosewater syrup
Satay: smoky chicken or lamb skewers grilled over coals served with an addictive peanut sauce
Sahlab: a warm, drinkable milk pudding, flavoured with cinnamon and deliciously sweet

Please note: the public Taraweeh Prayers will take place on Haldon Street on Thursday 5 March. There will be a reduced number of stalls operating on this day.

Lakemba Nights during Ramadan is partly funded by the NSW Government.

This event is proudly sponsored by Western Union, SBS, Sydney Water, iJuice Sugarcane and Shan Foods.

View the full program

Mayor’s 24-Hour Challenge for Mental Health

Thu 16 Apr 8:30am-Fri 17 Apr 9am at The Crest Athletics Track, Bass Hill

Did you know 75% of mental health challenges begin before age 25?

But there’s hope. Join Mayor Bilal El-Hayek in a powerful movement to raise awareness and support for mental health in our community.

The Mayor’s 24-Hour Challenge will test your resilience, and will be a fun-filled event packed with entertainment, guest appearances and community spirit.

Gather a team, join a team or take it on solo – and walk, run, cheer and keep the movement going for 24 hours! From seasoned runners to parents with prams, businesses to community organisations and everyone in between, anyone aged 8+ can join.

Every step you take and every dollar you raise makes a difference. All funds support Charlotte’s Wish Scholarships via Step into Action Foundation – helping young people access mental health support to help them thrive.

Move for change