Councillor Khal Asfour has been re-elected Mayor of the City of Canterbury Bankstown, at an extraordinary meeting of Council last night.

Councillor Linda Downey was elected Deputy Mayor. They will represent the City for a further three months until the council elections, which will be held on 4 December.

The decision to reinstate Mayor Asfour was overwhelming, with Councillors praising him for his leadership, especially over the past three months in dealing with the pandemic crisis.

“I would like to thank my fellow Councillors for the trust they have continued to place in me, to lead our City until the end of this Council’s term,” Mayor Asfour said.

“Our City has endured hardships over the past three months, and it was important to maintain stability and ensure our voice is continued to be heard at the highest level of governments.

“As restrictions are eased there is much to be done in the community, and I’m grateful to be a part of ensuring we get a fair deal.”

Mayor Asfour congratulated Deputy Mayor Downey on the new appointment, and said she brought with her years of experience and commitment to the community she serves.

“I would also like to thank Councillor Rachelle Harika, for the outstanding job she has done,” Mayor Asfour said.

Under the NSW Local Government Act, the standard term for councils is four years, with a Mayor appointed every two years. It is the responsibility of each council to determine whether a Deputy Mayor is required. If it decides that is the case, a new Deputy Mayor is elected each year.