Bankstown +10 Program

Introductions and insights from key city leaders and decision-makers.

Unpacking audience perceptions of Bankstown with Mayor, Clr Bilal El-Hayek

With The Hon. Jihad Dib MP, Member for Bankstown, Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Youth Justice

With James Carey, Director City Future, City of Canterbury-Bankstown

Bankstown is uniquely positioned, geographically already a leading connector in the eco-system of NSW.

How can Bankstown leverage a $1.3 billion health precinct, a newly opened $350 million Western Sydney University Campus, a multi-million revamp of Bankstown Airport that has contributed over $1bn to the NSW economy, and a redeveloped city centre?

What will these precincts focus on in ten years’ time, what are they connecting to both inside the LGA and both outside and what infrastructure is required to ensure their success?  

Speakers include:

• Daniel Jarosch, CEO, Aeria Management 
• Jennifer Assef, A/General Manager, Bankstown Hospital 
• Thomas Nance, Centre for Western Sydney, Western Sydney University 
• Alia Karaman, Project Director, South West Metro, Sydney Metro

Renowned as the city of burgeoning beginnings, Bankstown boasts the second-largest cohort of registered small enterprises in New South Wales, numbering 37,000 trailing only behind the bustling Sydney City CBD. How do we encourage local business to grow and attract others through Bankstown’s unique offer and assets, and balance this with upcoming renewal? Who are the future workforce and what kinds of spaces and places do we need to provide for them? 

Panel: 

• Michelle McNally, CEO, Aware Real Estate 
• Siobhan Lyndon, Co-Founder & COO at AMSL Aero 
• Michael Wotherspoon, CEO and Managing Director, Macquarie Heart Group 

Bankstown Poetry Slam, Ramadan Night Markets, Bankstown Arts Centre, Outloud, The Lebanese Film Festival, a flourishing music scene and amazing options for every foodie! We are just scratching the surface when it comes to why you should visit Bankstown. Hear why you need to spend more time in Bankstown and discover a few things you haven’t heard about. 

Speakers include:

• Mike Thomas, Manager, City Business and Engagement, CB Council 
• Rachael Kiang, Arts Director, Bankstown Arts Centre 
• Samantha Khater, Foodie Influencer, Dessert Boxes, Tiktok Lane
• Yasmina Sadiki, Singer, songwriter, graduate of the TAP   
• Matt Levinson, Director Corporate Affairs and Culture Policy Lead, Committee for Sydney

Local leaders and changemakers present their visions and dreams for their city.

Speakers include:

• Vy Hoang, Senior Urbanist, Ethos Urban and Bankstown resident
• Sara Mansour, lawyer, writer, poet, and founder/artistic director of the Bankstown Poetry Slam
• Khadijah Habbouche, Winner of the 2022 Premier’s Multicultural Youth Medal and was CB Council’s 2023 Young Australian of the Year at the CB Bankstown Australia Day Awards

What kinds of homes and amenities do different kinds of communities and families in Bankstown need and how do we keep renewal targeted to retain the people who make Bankstown great, but may also fall outside the stats? 

What opportunities do the new TOD planning reforms present for the Canterbury Bankstown region and how should we design when we consider life outside of work?  

Speakers include:

• Camille Lattouf, Manager City Strategy and Design, City of Canterbury Bankstown 
• Michael Wheatley, Head of Housing, Homes NSW 
• Maha Abdo, CEO, Muslim Women Australia and Sydney Award Winner
• Tom Loomes, Executive Director, Strategic Planning & Policy, Department of Planning, Housing & Infrastructure 
• Estelle Grech, Planning Policy Manager, Committee for Sydney