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This week’s message is an important one and one with which I addressed Councillors at our last Council meeting.

Martin Luther King Jr said: “Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

Those words were spoken almost sixty years ago, yet their meaning and intent have never been more relevant than today.

As you look at what is happening around our beautiful country, one cannot turn a blind eye to the growing demonstrations of hatred and ill-feeling towards people of different backgrounds.

Whether it is in our Parliament, on our streets, or across the various media and social platforms, we are witnessing growing resentment and divisiveness by a very small minority.  

While some march against mass immigration, my position is very clear: I celebrate those that have come to this country. People from different cultures and faiths that have built our suburbs, strengthened our communities and contributed to our country’s future well-being.

Here in Canterbury-Bankstown, our multi-cultural fabric is made up of many people from countries like Vietnam, China, Lebanon, Greece, Bangladesh, Korea, Italy, Macedonia, Ireland and so many more.

They came here for a better life for themselves and their families.

I came to this country as a 12-year-old boy, and I am proud to tell everyone that I am an Australian-Lebanese. Like most migrants, I love this country and should never be made to feel ashamed of my culture or my heritage.

I abhor racism, and I denounce Islamophobia, antisemitism and all forms of hate speech as un-Australian.

Our Council has long been committed to programs and awareness campaigns aimed at stamping out racism. But there is always room to improve, we must do more. Hate has no place here. Unity and love always will.

Regards,

Mayor Bilal El-Hayek