Council News | Celebrate Ramadan, Lunar New Year and more
Lakemba Nights during Ramadan returns!
Every Thursday-Sunday, 6pm-2am, 19 February-15 March
Haldon Street and The Boulevarde, Lakemba
Get ready to dive into Sydney’s largest multicultural event at the vibrant Lakemba Nights during Ramadan! With more than 50 food stalls and trucks serving food from several continents, you’ll have the opportunity to taste the authentic flavours of Ramadan!
Please note parking is extremely limited. To get the most out of this event, take public transport using the Southwest Link buses, which drop you off within a 2-minute walk.
Lakemba Nights during Ramadan is partly funded by the NSW Government.
This event is proudly sponsored by Western Union, SBS, Sydney Water and iJuice Sugarcane.
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Mayor's Message
Dear community,
Australia Day has always held a special meaning for me, ever since I came to this country as a 12-year-old boy with little to no English. I am a proud Australian and grateful for the opportunities this country has given me.
Presiding over our 2026 Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony as Mayor was a special privilege.
I was joined by Her Excellency the Hon. Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia and Australia Day Ambassador Christopher Cheng to welcome 35 new Australians.
In a first for our City, I was honoured to present the Key to the City and Local Hero Award to Bankstown local, Ahmed Al Ahmed.
Ahmed’s extraordinary courage during the Bondi terror attack in December last year saved many lives on one of the darkest days of our nation’s history. His belief in humanity over hate, and his unwavering resilience in the face of injury, reflect the very best of the Australian spirit.
We also celebrated inspiring people across our community including Mathew Howard and Kelly O’Brien who were named joint Citizens of the Year for their advocacy for youth mental health after tragically losing their 12-year-old daughter Charlotte to bullying.
Our Young Citizen of the Year, Lejla Sinanovic, demonstrated remarkable leadership through her volunteer work and commitment to cultural unity.
Long‑serving volunteers Franklin Davies OAM and Graham Tomkinson were recognised for decades of service, from supporting more than 60 community organisations to leading the SES through countless emergencies.
Bankstown Canterbury Community Transport, our Community Organisation of the Year, has spent over 40 years providing compassionate, accessible support to vulnerable residents.
Sofia Najjarin, our Community Woman of the Year, empowers young people and migrants through education and employment pathways, while Dorothy Luther, recipient of the Jack Mundey Environment and Heritage Award, has transformed Council’s biodiversity work through her tireless volunteer efforts.
Each has made an outstanding contribution to our City, and we thank them for their service.
Regards,
Mayor Bilal El-Hayek
Celebrate the Year of the Horse in Bankstown
Saturday 7 February, 4-9pm at Griffith Park, Bankstown
The countdown is on for Bankstown Lunar New Year 2026!
Step into the Year of the Horse with non-stop action: high-energy main stage entertainment, roaring Chinese dragon and lions, delicious food and appearances by the God and Goddess of Fortune.
This event is proudly sponsored by Western Union, Bankstown Sports and SBS.
What’s on
Campsie Lantern Festival
Active Seniors in the City
Twilight Sports