What a year it has been for our City so far! From the vibrant flavours of Lakemba Nights during Ramadan to the warm hospitality of Let’s Go Italian, the colourful celebrations of Bankstown Lunar New Year and the charm of Love Earlwood yet to come. 

Homelessness Week is a time to come together as a community and recognise the very real and urgent issue of homelessness affecting thousands of Australians every night.

Every great city is built on strong foundations – roads, parks and public infrastructure, and services like waste and community support – but what truly sets us apart is how we bring people together.

Each winter, my Mayor’s Lights Out Sleepout reminds us of the harsh reality many in our community face – the reality of not having a safe, warm place to sleep every night. 

As Mayor, I’ve met many residents who rely on disability parking just to go about their day – whether it’s attending medical appointments, picking up groceries or visiting family. 

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 exist all around us.

Imagine a world where everybody takes time out of their already busy schedule to help the less fortunate around them. A place where acts of kindness and generosity are the norm, and the only reward is the satisfaction of making someone else’s life a little bit easier. 

Road safety affects each and every one of us. And during National Road Safety Week, from 11-18 May, it’s an appropriate time to refocus on this important issue. 

At dawn, Australians across the country will gather to remember the men and women who fought bravely for the rights and freedoms we all enjoy today. 

Remember when you were a kid, how much you looked forward to school holidays?