Khal Asfour re-elected as Canterbury Bankstown mayor
Bilal El-Hayek, who learnt English only after arriving in Australia 11 years ago, is now the proud deputy mayor of Canterbury Bankstown, serving under re-elected mayor Khal Asfour.
The Express
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Labor councillor Khal Asfour has been re-elected mayor for a second term at Canterbury Bankstown until the next council elections in September 2020, with Bilal El-Hayek elected deputy mayor.
Councillor Asfour, the first mayor of the amalgamated council in 2017, previously served as Bankstown mayor.
He will have a new deputy in fellow Labor councillor Bilal El-Hayek.
Both defeated Liberal rival Glen Waud by nine votes to four at the council meeting on Thursday where councillors gathered to vote for the two positions.
Cr El-Hayek, who has been honoured for his community work, replaces Labor colleague Clare Raffan. It continues a remarkable rise for the Lebanese-born El-Hayek, 32, who had to learn English after migrating to Australia when he was 11.
Two councillors, Linda Eisler (Greens) and Philip Madirazza (Liberal) did not attend the special session of the council on Thursday evening.
Cr Asfour, 41, said he would continue to make the state government accountable specially in providing vital infrastructure including transport, schools and hospital.
“With the support of my fellow councillors, I will be seeing through important council projects, programs and initiatives, which will lead to numerous benefits for our more than 361,000 residents,” Cr Asfour said.
AL HIKMA AMONG FASTEST GROWING SCHOOLS
“The first term was challenging but things have settled down a lot and the community has been really mature about the changes.
“We have a lot of challenges ahead of us, including the lack of infrastructure by the State Government and there are a lot of bottlenecks in the city.
“I want to continue on the path we are on and also ensure the rates are equitable for all.”
Cr Asfour, who was born in Greenacre, was first elected to Bankstown Council in 2004 and is a big believer in making the area a smart city.
He is proud of the diversity on the 15-member council, saying “it should reflect the community”.
DID NOT DREAM OF THIS MOMENT
Cr Bilal El-Hayek said he was stoked at becoming the deputy mayor, saying it was something he did not imagine when he migrated to Australia.
“Having arrived in Australia as an 11-year-old and not speaking a word of English, I would never have dreamt of where I am today,” he said.
“This is another proud moment for me, and I want to thank my wife and kids and my parents and family for their support.
“I love helping people and my work with the Bankstown PCYC and the council complement each other.”
Cr El-Hayek studied for a year at Belmore Boys High School before finishing Year 12 at the Australian International Academy Strathfield.
“I look forward to working closely with Mayor Asfour and my fellow councillors, and am committed to striving to provide an even better level of service for local residents.”
Cr Waud, a two-term Bankstown councillor, said he was not disappointed at losing both contests saying he understood he did not have the numbers.
“I wanted to put my hand up (for the two posts) because it is important that we do,” Cr Waud said.
“I wish Mayor Khal all the best in future endeavours and I mean it.”
He said despite the councillors having different political affiliations they were definitely working for the community.
Under the NSW Local Government Act, the standard term for councils is four years, with a mayor elected every two years.
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