City of Canterbury Bankstown has a program full of activities to help residents celebrate Australia Day, which will include pool parties and festivities at Belmore Oval.

Mayor Khal Asfour said Australia Day is a time when everyone can come together and celebrate.

“This year, we will see the return of our pool parties at the Birrong, Canterbury, and Max Parker Leisure and Aquatic Centres,” Mayor Asfour said.

“At the parties, residents can expect a live DJ, a jumping castle and inflatable play park, and lots of food and drinks to choose from.

“Then, from 5pm, residents can head to our Twilight Party at Belmore Oval, where we will have free carnival rides, obstacle courses, and live entertainment, including a performance by Baby Shark for the little ones to enjoy.

“At Belmore Oval, residents will also have the chance to meet members of the Canterbury Bulldogs Rugby League team and even have the chance to dance with the team’s cheerleaders.

Mayor Asfour highlighted that at both the pool parties and the Twilight Event in Belmore, that Council will be collecting gold coin donations to go towards the Red Cross’ efforts to rebuild communities affected by the bushfires.

“If you see one of our Council officers with a collection tin, please spare a gold coin or two. Our state is experiencing some of the worst bushfires in recent history and many communities have been impacted,” he said.

Mayor Asfour added that, earlier in the day, he will have the pleasure of welcoming 20 new Australian Citizens and naming the winners of the Canterbury-Bankstown Australia Day Awards.

“This is one of the best parts of the day – not only welcoming new citizens on Australia Day but also acknowledging the contributions of our City’s residents.

“Joining me will be our City’s 2020 Australia Day Ambassador, actress, entertainer and author, Maria Venuti AM.”

Maria Venuti said she is looking forward to celebrating one of her favourite days of the year in a community that means a lot to her.

“The citizenship ceremony is very close to my heart and Canterbury-Bankstown is a special place where I’ve always enjoyed performing and making wonderful friends,” she said.