The Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce leads the conversation on smart housing solutions for a stronger community.
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2025 STRATEGIC GOALS
The Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce
BILL PARASIRIS
WSU - Director
MINETT Minett Group - CEO
JASON ARRAJ
IFLEX - Director
ANTOINETTE KHALIL
Khalil Lawyers - Principal Solicitor
GEOFF GAYMER
TAFE NSW - Manager
JESSICA WEHBE
Kleanwell - Director of Client Relations
D I R E C T O R S B O A R D O F
TRACY
M E S S A G E C E O
CEO MESSAGE INSPIRING COLLECTIVE ACTION
At the Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce, we believe that successful businesses don’t just thrive on strategy they grow through connection, collaboration, and shared purpose.
While our mission remains focused on empowering and advocating for our business community, we equally understand that strong social bonds are a powerful driver of leadership and long-term growth. Business leadership today isn’t defined solely by profits or performance, but by the relationships we build and the values we uphold together.
That’s why at CBCC, we place a strong emphasis on fostering meaningful engagement—beyond transactions and beyond the boardroom. Whether it’s through networking events, informal gatherings, or collaborative initiatives, we are committed to creating a space where ideas flow, partnerships flourish, and a genuine sense of belonging takes root.
Our vision is to build a Chamber that not only supports business success but inspires collective action where members stand together to drive positive outcomes in areas like local economic development, youth employment, sustainability, and social inclusion.
In strengthening our social fabric, we reinforce the foundation of true leadership trust, unity, and the shared will to shape a better future.
Let’s continue to lead, connect, and grow together.
Wally Mehanna CEO THE CONNECTOR
NSWPlanningReimagined:
In a defining moment for urban planning and housing reform in New South Wales, the Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) hosted a sold-out crowd for its BA5 event, Housing & Planning NSW 20, welcoming more than 300 business leaders, industry professionals, and policymakers to a night of powerful dialogueandpolicyinnovation
The highlight of the evening was the keynote address by the Hon Paul Scully MP, NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, who unveiled the government’s forward-thinking approach to accelerating housing supply and simplifying the approval process across the state
Fast-tracked DA’s
Minister Scully officially launched the NSW Housing Pattern Book a landmark initiative that provides eight architect-designed, sustainable home templates available for just $1 each, all eligible for fast-tracked development approval within 10 to 20 days This move, he explained, is designed to unlock housing supply, speed up delivery, and empower communities with practical,well-designedhousingsolutions
“This Pattern Book is not just about design it’s about delivering homes that people can afford, that councils can approve quickly, and that communities can be proud of,” Minister Scully said during his address. “It’s a bold step forward in tackling the housingcrisiswithsmart,scalablesolutions”
The announcement was met with enthusiastic support from the crowd, especially when paired with details of the Pre-Sale Finance Guarantee a complementary measure aimed at removing financing bottlenecks for developers and ensuring viable projects move from planstohomes.
The event was masterfully moderated by Eddy Chahine, whose expert facilitation kept the conversation grounded, engaging, and relevant Attendees praised Chahine’s ability to bridge policy detail with community perspective, making complex planningreformsaccessibleandactionable
Among the distinguished guests was Mayor of Burwood, John Faker, whose remarks echoed the importance of collaborative leadership in solving regional housing challenges “It’s clear that planning reform is no longer a matter of ‘if’ it’s about how we doitresponsiblyandinclusively,”MayorFakersaid
AbouttheAuthor Dr.CharbelTadros,JP
CBCC CEO Wally Mehanna commended the state government’s approach and reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to driving dialogue that produces real results for the community. “Tonight was a testament to what happens when government, business, and community come together with a shared goal to build a better, moresustainablefuture,”hesaid
The event closed with networking, lively discussion, and a shared sense of optimism about the future of housing in NSW With actionable reforms on the table and a government eager to engage, the CBCC BA5 Housing & Planning NSW 20 event will be remembered as a turning point in the state’s planningnarrative
Charbel Marcellino Tadros is an avid reader and has been writing since a very young age He holds a BA in English Pedagogy from the Lebanese University and a MA in Education with an emphasis on Special Education from Notre Dame University He also holds a Honorary Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Multicultural Engagement from QAHE In 2010, Charbel published his first novel, “The Destined Journey”, which turned out to be a success in Lebanon and the world Later on, he published a spiritual poetry collection entitled “When the Spirit Speaks” followed by many others Most recently, he published the instant success book “Embracing the Spirit Personality” He is also the president of the Australian International Multicultural AssociationInc
Upcoming Events
OUR INITIATIVES
These initiatives include Business Advocacy, Community Cohesiveness, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Environmental Sustainability, Innovation, Volunteering, Women in Business, and Youth Initiatives. Each program aims to support local businesses, promote inclusivity, and drive progress within the Canterbury Bankstown region.
The Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) Initiatives page outlines the Chamber's commitment to fostering economic development and community engagement through various programs.
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