Councillor Bilal El-Hayek has been elected the new Mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown following
an extraordinary Council meeting held tonight.
Mayor El-Hayek, 36, was elected unopposed by his fellow Councillors after the former Mayor Khal Asfour stepped down from the City’s top job.
The Council Chamber was packed with family and friends, with many supporters watching the meeting, which was livestreamed at the nearby Bryan Brown Theatre.
In a heartfelt speech, the new Mayor thanked his wife, Maysa, and his four children and the community for their unequivocal support. “This is a dream come true – being elected as a leader of one of the State’s biggest Councils,” Mayor El-Hayek said.
“This is a realisation that no matter who you are, or whatever background you come from – it is possible to achieve and reach your goals in life.”
Mayor El-Hayek arrived in Australia in 1999, at the age of twelve. Not speaking a word of English, he temporarily resided in Lakemba before eventually settling into his family home at Greenacre, which he still shares with his mother, Sana.
“My interest in politics, and the Labor Party, was borne out of a desire to help those who have no voice, those struggling to make ends meet and to tackle social injustices and prejudices.”
He was elected to the newly merged Canterbury-Bankstown Council in September 2017 and has since served twice as Deputy Mayor.
He has also served as a youth coordinator at Bankstown Police Citizens and Youth Club and is an active member on the Ramadan, Diversity and Inclusivity and Audit and Risk committees.
As the Mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown, Councillor El-Hayek is committed to keeping up his active presence in the community.
“It is my intention to get out and about and chat with as many people as possible, from town centres to local neighbourhoods and suburban streets.”
“We have without doubt one of the largest multicultural and diverse Cities in the country and I will strive to work closely with religious and cultural organisations and do what I can to promote harmony and inclusivity
He added he will continue to support charitable organisations and will do his fair share of volunteering and packing food hampers.
But his strongest message was directed at young people who have aspirations of becoming leaders.
“I hope my story of the kid who migrated here and couldn’t speak a word of English, to become Mayor, will inspire you all to achieve your goals.”
Both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Clare Raffan, will hold their positions until the next Council elections in September this year
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