One of Canterbury-Bankstown’s longest-serving councillors, and one of Sydney’s most respected community leaders, has stepped down from his role after 20 years at the end of 2025, marking a transformative chapter in the city’s history
Cr Saleh was the first Muslim Labor councillor elected to the former City of Canterbury in 2004. He has also been a champion of building Muslim community infrastructure over more than two decades.
A historic moment in council history
On 24 October 2023, he was acknowledged as part of Australian history after being front and centre of a council resolution to raise the Palestinian flag for the first time in Australia, at the nation’s largest council, in solidarity with the people of Gaza.
Advocacy, representation and service
He has been a tireless advocate for the local Muslim and diverse communities. Over more than two decades in office, he has remained a steadfast champion of diversity, multiculturalism, and interfaith harmony, helping to guide the council through periods of growth, challenge, and innovation.
“I have loved this role. Canterbury-Bankstown is a very special place, and to have been entrusted to serve as its elected councillor for 20 years is one of the greatest honours of my life,” Cr Saleh said.
From Riverwood public housing to public office
Cr Saleh grew up on the Riverwood public housing estate in Sydney’s west after migrating from Lebanon in 1986. He raised four children with his wife, three sons and one daughter—and has remained deeply connected to the local community.
He began his community work as a volunteer at Riverwood Community Centre in 1987 and continues to be actively involved to this day. His early exposure to hardship helped shape a lifelong commitment to advocating for vulnerable and working-class people, and for equality of opportunity across the community.
Two decades of elected service
Mr Saleh first entered elected office in 2004 as a councillor on Canterbury Council, before being elected Deputy Mayor in 2008. This marked the beginning of a long local government career, with re-elections in 2004, 2008, 2012, 2021 and 2024, and service as Deputy Mayor in 2008, 2012, 2015 and 2024.
His life story , from public housing to Deputy Mayor of one of Australia’s largest councils—symbolises Australian social mobility and remains central to his political identity. In total, Khodr Saleh has provided courageous and creative leadership to Canterbury-Bankstown communities for more than 35 years.
Recognition and community leadership
In 2019, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his outstanding service to the Canterbury-Bankstown community.
He founded the Canterbury-Bankstown Harmony Group (Harmony Care Inc) in 2005 and, in 2009, founded and chaired one of Sydney’s most vibrant and culturally diverse events, the Lakemba Ramadan Night Festival, which attracts more than one million visitors.
Leadership beyond council
He brings extensive governance and Leadership expertise across not-for-profit organisations and local government, and holds higher education qualifications in governance, media, leadership, and management.
Mr Saleh has been a tireless advocate for the importance of local Muslim community services and social responsibility. He has chaired the Riverwood Community Centre Board since 2018 and will continue in that role.
Strengthening Riverwood Community Centre
He led the campaign to upgrade the Riverwood Community Centre, securing a $6 million commitment from the Minns Labor Government. Under his leadership, the Centre was recognised as Community Organisation of the Year in 2025, reflecting strong governance and sustained community impact.
Tributes from community leaders
Riverwood Community Centre President Pauline Gallagher OAM paid tribute to Mr Saleh’s legacy, describing him as a visionary leader, adviser, advocate, and mentor.
“Mr Saleh’s accessibility to residents and his passion for supporting the most vulnerable have been hallmarks of his leadership,” Ms Gallagher said. “His ability to bring people together across diverse perspectives has been invaluable in strengthening multiculturalism, participation, and harmony within our community.”
Leadership during the pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Saleh guided the local community through a period of intense pressure, overseeing the delivery of emergency relief packages to residents in mandatory self-isolation and helping to maintain community cohesion and morale.
Political and community praise
Former Member for Lakemba and NSW Shadow Minister for Transport, Robert Furolo, said Cr Saleh’s tireless commitment to community welfare and his organising talents had been remarkable.
“I was always in admiration of his ability to bring a wide range of people together in harmony and with purpose,” Mr Furolo said. “His vision to make Harmony Day a true celebration of our rich diversity and love for our country made it a powerful achievement. He is a true leader and a friend to the whole community.”
A badge of honour
A fellow councillor recalled that after his 2024 election, when Councillor Saleh was labelled “only a councillor for the Muslim community”, he listened, smiled, and calmly replied that it was a badge of honour—adding that the label carried a responsibility to address long-neglected Muslim community infrastructure in one of Australia’s most diverse regions.
A legacy of generosity
The President of the Lakemba Chamber of Commerce, Omar Yassin, said Mr Saleh’s defining quality was his generosity of spirit.
“No matter how much he does, he always finds time—time to listen, time to show genuine interest, and most importantly, time to care, not only for the Muslim community but for the entire community,” Mr Yassin said.
“That generosity has had a lasting impact on everyone who has worked with him.”
An inspiring public journey
The Director of Islamic Voice Radio, Ibrahim Al-Zoubi, described Councillor Saleh’s 20-year public journey as inspiring, defined by generosity, integrity, and meaningful service to the Muslim community and the broader society.
Local resident George Coory paid tribute, saying:
“A true leader knows when the time is right to step aside, while still at the height of respect, influence, and popularity. Councillor Saleh is one of them.”
A message to the next generation
Reflecting on his journey, Cr Saleh said:
“I hope my journey, from public housing to Deputy Mayor, continues to inspire young people from Muslim and non-English-speaking backgrounds to believe that real change is possible. You can achieve whatever you set your mind to , just never stop trying.”
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