Photo: Hady Saleh at his swearing in ceremony on Monday 16 February at Canterbury-Bankstown Council chambers.
Hady Saleh, 31, was formally sworn in on Monday 16 February 2026 evening at Canterbury-Bankstown Council chambers, becoming the youngest member of the current council and marking a significant moment for one of Sydney’s most diverse communities.
He was elected following a formal countback conducted by the NSW Electoral Commission, which redistributed votes from the previous election to fill the vacancy rather than triggering a by-election.
The ceremony was attended by family members, community leaders and elected representatives.
Among those present were the Grand Mufti of Australia, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammed; NSW ministers Sophie Cotsis and Jihad Dib; the federal Member for Banks, Zhi Soon; Mayor Bilal Hayek; and local community figures.
During the ceremony, Saleh chose to swear his oath on the same copy of the Qur’an used by his father more than 20 years ago when he was elected as the first Muslim Deputy Mayor of Canterbury.
Saleh said he was honoured to serve alongside Mayor Hayek and fellow councillors, committing to support a strong, inclusive and forward-looking Canterbury-Bankstown.
Outside council, Saleh works as a community engagement and student wellbeing officer at a local school, bringing more than a decade of experience supporting young people and families across the district.
He has played local rugby league with St Johns Eagles and Greenacre Tigers and is a passionate supporter of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs — longstanding ties that reflect his deep connection to grassroots sport and community life in the area.
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