October 2026
Magazine
CBCC 2026: A City of Opportunity Business, Investment and Inclusion
Connecting Canterbury-Bankstown’s businesses, people and ideas. Inside Your Dynamic Connection to Southwest Sydney's Growth: > Small Business Needs Cash-Flow Flexibility > Multibillion-Dollar City Forum: A City of Momentum > Autism & Disability Forum: Connecting Our Community > Meet Our Corporate Partners > Small Business Month: Business & Entrepreneurship Expo > Save the Dates: Annual Gala & Women in Leadership
TABLE OF CONTENTS CEO Message
04
Multibillion Dollar City Forum Recap
07
Autism & Disability Fourm Recap
10
Corporate Partners
12
Upcoming Events
14
Advertise with us
47
Join - Membership Benefits
48
Contact
49
2026 STRATEGIC GOALS
The Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce
BUSINESS GRWOTH
LOCAL INVESTMENT
BILL PARASIRIS
TRACY MINETT
WSU - Director
Minett Group - CEO
BOARD OF
ANTOINETTE KHALIL Khalil Lawyers - Principal Solicitor
DI RECTORS
JASON ARRAJ IFLEX - Director
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
CEO Message
SMALL BUSINESS NEEDS CASH-FLOW FLEXIBILITY An alternative way to pay is not necessarily an equivalent solution. At the Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce, we believe small businesses should meet their tax obligations and that taxpayers should not be required to unnecessarily carry the cost of payment processing. However, we are concerned about the Australian Taxation Office’s decision to stop accepting credit card payments for tax obligations from 30 November 2026. We acknowledge that the ATO is providing alternative payment options and assistance to help businesses transition. But we believe the broader issue deserves greater consideration. For many SMEs, a credit card is not simply a payment method. It is a cash-flow management tool. A business may have a tax obligation due today while waiting 30, 60 or 90 days for customers to pay outstanding invoices. Access to an existing credit facility can provide the flexibility to meet that tax obligation while retaining cash within the business to pay employees, suppliers, rent, energy and other essential operating expenses. The ATO itself recognises the importance of cash-flow management for small business, identifying cash-flow issues as a major problem for businesses experiencing financial stress. That is why we should be careful not to assume that providing another payment method necessarily replaces the financial flexibility that a credit card can provide.
It may replace the payment method. It does not necessarily replace the cash-flow benefit. This is not about avoiding tax. It is not about seeking a tax concession. And it is not about asking the broader taxpayer community to subsidise unnecessary processing costs. It is about finding a smarter solution. The Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce is calling on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Treasurer Jim Chalmers and the Federal Government to engage directly with the small-business community before this change takes effect. We believe the Government should consider a cost-neutral model that could, for example: allow eligible SMEs to continue using credit cards for tax payments; provide for a transparent and capped processing fee paid by the business choosing that option; explore lower negotiated processing rates between government, financial institutions and card providers; and consider appropriate limits or eligibility criteria so the facility is targeted to genuine small businesses. This would address the ATO’s concern about the broader taxpayer community bearing processing costs, while preserving an important financial tool for businesses that choose to use it. We are not asking government to choose between fiscal responsibility and small business. We believe it can achieve both. Small businesses are already managing higher wages, insurance, energy, rent, finance, compliance and other operating costs. At a time when government is asking businesses to remain resilient, productive and competitive, we should be looking carefully at any policy that removes an established tool for managing working capital. The answer should not simply be to take away the choice.
Let’s solve the cost issue without taking away the flexibility. The Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce will continue to advocate for practical policies that recognise the realities of running a small business and ensure the voice of SMEs is heard in decisions that directly affect them. Small business deserves flexibility. Small business deserves consultation. And small business deserves to be heard. Wally Mehanna CEO Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce
CITY & INVESTMENT
CANTERBURY BANKSTOWN / 2026
A CITY OF MOMENTUM Government, investors, property and business leaders came together to explore the projects and partnerships shaping Canterbury Bankstown’s next chapter.
Canterbury Bankstown’s transformation was at the centre of the Multibillion-Dollar City Forum 2026, held on 21 September at Canterbury League Club. Hosted by the City of Canterbury Bankstown and the Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce (CBCC), the forum brought government, investors, property leaders, business executives and key stakeholders into one conversation. The focus was the scale of investment and change across the city and the broader Sydney South-West growth corridor.
WHERE VISION MEETS INVESTMENT CBCC / CITY & INVESTMENT
The exhibition showcased major projects and developments, alongside an exclusive Investors Lounge. Discussions explored infrastructure, urban renewal, investment and economic growth, offering a glimpse of the city’s future. The evening’s message was one of momentum: major infrastructure, transforming precincts and new opportunities for business and employment are shaping a growing city at the heart of Sydney’s South-West growth story.
2026 FORUM / PEOPLE & PARTNERS
BUILDING THE FUTURE TOGETHER
Guests and speakers at the Multibillion-Dollar City Forum 2026.
A SHARED FUTURE The forum also highlighted the value of working together. Government, business and investors each have a part to play in turning a shared vision into opportunities for people and communities. For CBCC, bringing these groups together is part of building the relationships that support the city’s future. The conversation continues as Canterbury Bankstown enters its next chapter of investment and transformation.
WITH APPRECIATION CBCC extends its sincere appreciation to Minister John Graham, the forum’s distinguished key guest, for joining the conversation, and to Minister Jihad Dib MP and Minister Sophie Cotsis for their ongoing encouragement and support for Canterbury Bankstown. Thank you also to Mayor Bilal El-Hayek, councillors, Members of Parliament, government representatives, investors, property leaders, panel speakers, the business community and all stakeholders who contributed to the occasion.
CBCC / CITY & INVESTMENT
OUR VALUED PARTNERS MAJOR SPONSOR
Arada Australia
EVENT SPONSORS
Construction Consultants Class Realty Aim Consultant Engineers Where Interesting Happens VENUE PARTNER
Canterbury League Club WITH THANKS
Tayta’s Food Bubooza Jay Productions
COMMUNITY
AUTISM & DISABILITY FORUM 2026
A conversation for our community The inaugural CBCC Autism & Disability Forum brought families, lived experienceandlocalexpertisetogethertoopenawiderconversation about inclusion.
The moderator and panel at the inaugural CBCC Autism & Disability Forum 2026.
It began around a table, with a group of like-minded people and a shared belief: we can do more to support people with autism and disability, their families and carers. At the inaugural CBCC Autism & Disability Forum 2026, that conversation became a gathering for the wider community.
CBCC / COMMUNITY & INCLUSION
THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES
Where connection begins The forum brought together families, people with lived experience, carers, educators, support providers, businesses and community leaders. It created a space to listen, learn, ask questions, share experiences and connect. The conversation centred on greater understanding, inclusion, connection and opportunity, alongside the challenges many families face. Encouraging feedback and engagement throughout the evening reflected the value of bringing these voices together. Our moderator and panel generously shared their expertise, experiences and passion, bringing valuable perspectives to the discussion.
A role beyond business For the Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce, our role extends beyond business. Bringing people together and using our platform to shine a light on important issues are part of helping build a stronger, more inclusive community. Our supporters, partners and everyone who attended helped make the forum possible. Thank you to those who listened, shared their experiences and asked the difficult questions.
WITH THANKS
Our moderator & panel Nicole Smith Head of Disability Support SSI
Vanessa Gauci CEO Autism Community Network
Christine Nassif Co-Founder & Director The Inclusion Centre
Darine Medawar Managing Director Aus Able Disability Services
Morgan A. Fitzpatrick CEO Koorana Child & Family Services
Our supporters & partners Koorana Child & Family Services Aus Able Disability Services Sydney
This first forum is a beginning. Together, we can help create a community where everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute, belong and thrive.
Autism Community Network The Inclusion Centre Angels Link Canterbury League Club
Now, let’s keep the conversation going. CBCC / COMMUNITY & INCLUSION
CORPORATE
PARTNERS
Upcoming Events OCT
19 MAR
05
BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP EXPO Celebrating small business month 2026.
2027 WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP Save the Date! Sponsorship opportunities available. Contact Wally.
NOV
21
2026 ANNUAL GALA
Small Business Month October 2026
PO Box CP 156 Condell Park NSW 2200 0416 012 747 ceo@cbchamber.org.au
Don't hesitate to contact us for any enquiries. We highly appreciate your suggestions and opinions.
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