Read this week's Council News
This World Environment Day (5 June) is a powerful reminder to reduce plastic waste and protect our community’s future.
Plastic pollution isn’t just harmful to the planet — it affects our environment, wildlife and health right here in Canterbury-Bankstown. Plastic can end up in our streets, waterways and food, with tiny parts called microplastics entering our bodies and impacting our health.
That’s why Council is taking action to reduce plastic pollution in our City through street and waterway cleaning, refill stations, waste education and banning single-use plastics at events.
But real change happens when we all pitch in. It takes simple changes like saying no to single-use plastics, recycling right and choosing reusable.
Small actions can make a big difference.
In the whirlwind of our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to become absorbed in our own routines and challenges. But every so often, we are reminded of the importance of stepping back, seeing the bigger picture and recognising the quiet strength, resilience and courage that exists all around us.
I recently had the privilege of hearing the stories of two remarkable young men, Jerome and Alessandro, whose extraordinary bravery has deeply inspired me.
Jerome was a typical eight-year-old boy whose life was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer in 2020. His challenging journey through chemotherapy and other intensive therapies to relearn how to walk, talk and eat is a powerful example of courage. And now he and his family are behind the push to raise awareness and funds for brain cancer.
Alessandro is a young man living with profound autism and a remarkable gift – his love of animals and his ability to capture them in drawings. With the support of his mother, Fiona, he has published books and t-shirts featuring his artwork. Fiona shared with me the challenges they face and had a clear message that I wholeheartedly support – families living with severe autism deserve to be seen, heard and supported.
These two young men are more than just reminders that behind every face is a journey we may never fully understand. They are shining examples of the resilience which lives right here in our City.
But the sad reality is many of us will hear these eye-opening stories of strength and revert to old routines.
I encourage everyone to consider these two young men, ponder how many more people in our City are experiencing similar circumstances and challenge ourselves to lead with empathy, listen and act. Not just with words, but with meaningful support.
Because we never truly know what our neighbours are going through.
Regards,
Mayor Bilal El-Hayek