Karl (Khodr) Saleh, who arrived in Australia from Lebanon in 1985, is a long-time resident and active community member in the Canterbury Bankstown area. As he runs for the Councillor election for Roselands Ward, Saleh brings a history of dedicated service to his community, marked by his involvement in significant local and national issues.
On 24 October 2023, Councillor Khodr Saleh was acknowledged as a part of written history in Australia after being front and centre in the resolution to raise the Palestinian flag in Canterbury Bankstown Council in solidarity with the people of Gaza until a ceasefire.
After more than 11 months, the flag still remains flying high in Bankstown and Campsie, council chambers and will continue to remain flying until a ceasefire in Gaza.
The local council elections are set to be held on Saturday 14 September 2024, with early voting starting from Saturday 7 September 2024.
A record of community service
Khodr Saleh first made waves in 2004 when he became the first Australian Lebanese Arab to be elected as a Labor Councillor for the City of Canterbury’s West Ward. This milestone was celebrated by the Lebanese and Arab communities both in Australia and abroad.
His electoral success continued with three consecutive terms in 2004, 2008, and 2012, during which he also served as Deputy Mayor in 2008, 2012, and 2015.
His commitment to multiculturalism is evident in his founding of the Canterbury Bankstown Harmony Group in 2006. This group comprises over 25 local multicultural community groups and works to promote inclusivity and harmony across the region.
His dedication to social causes extends further, as he was appointed an Ambassador for “White Ribbon” Day in 2014, recognizing his work against domestic violence.
Since November 2015, Saleh has served as the Vice-Chair of the Board of Riverwood Community Centre, demonstrating his ongoing dedication to supporting local communities. Additionally, in July 2016, he was appointed as a member of the City of Canterbury Bankstown Council Advisory Group, focusing on policy review for the Community and Services Committee.
He is married to Nadia Saleh with four children, Mohsen, Kamal, Hady and daughter Rana.
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