From arriving in Australia unable to speak English to becoming one of the youngest mayors in the country, Bilal Hayek’s story is one of resilience, service and deep community connection. 

In this episode of Uncommon Ground, Bilal reflects on his migration journey from Lebanon, the challenges of adapting to a new country, and the teachers and mentors who shaped his path. He shares how an unplanned career in youth work led him into politics, and what it really means to represent one of Australia’s most diverse communities. 

The conversation also explores the realities of local government, the pressures of public office, and the importance of standing up to racism and division with leadership grounded in respect, inclusion and action. 

Subscribe to Uncommon Ground on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@talal.yassine  

Links 

Learn More About Talal talalyassine.com.au 

LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/talaly 

Facebook facebook.com/talal.yassine.1 

Instagram instagram.com/talalyassine 

 

Episode Running Order 
Early memories in Lebanon and childhood influences (00:52) 
Migration to Australia at 11 and adapting without English (01:55) 
Family background, education and growing up between cultures (04:02) 
Understanding the contrast between life in Lebanon and Australia (11:32) 
The challenges of starting over and facing racism in school (14:42) 
The role of teachers and school experiences in shaping his path (18:09) 
Wanting to become a tradie vs pressure to pursue formal education (23:07) 
Starting a karate dojo and early leadership experiences (24:28) 
Marriage at 20, fatherhood and financial pressures (27:10) 
Living with parents and the importance of culture and family (28:20) 
Early career in youth work and finding purpose through service (31:49) 
Joining PCYC and working with young people for a decade (32:50) 
Accidental entry into politics and joining the Labor Party (34:23) 
Running for council and becoming Deputy Mayor, then Mayor (36:33) 
Leading one of Australia’s largest and most diverse LGAs (38:04) 
Understanding local government systems and community expectations (39:09) 
The realities of being on the frontline of government (43:03) 
Balancing community needs, limited resources and public expectations (44:31) 
Lakemba Nights, controversy and responding to public criticism (46:52) 
Addressing racism, hate speech and political division (49:56) 
Leadership philosophy: unity, respect and inclusion over politics (52:24) 
The pressure of public office and staying grounded (54:55) 
What’s next: politics, youth work and staying open to opportunity (57:42) 
Major developments shaping Canterbury-Bankstown’s future (01:00:34) 
Quick-fire: chocolate, misconceptions and life lessons (01:02:23) 

 

From arriving in Australia unable to speak English to becoming one of the youngest mayors in the country, Bilal Hayek&rsquo;s story is one of resilience, service and deep community connection.&nbsp;
In this episode of Uncommon Ground, Bilal reflects on his migration journey from Lebanon, the challenges of adapting to a new country, and the teachers and mentors who shaped his path. He shares how an unplanned career in youth work led him into politics, and what it really means to represent one of Australia&rsquo;s most diverse communities.&nbsp;
The conversation also explores the realities of local government, the pressures of public office, and the importance of standing up to racism and division with leadership grounded in respect, inclusion and action.&nbsp;
Subscribe to Uncommon Ground on&nbsp;YouTube -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@talal.yassine">https://www.youtube.com/@talal.yassine</a> &nbsp;
Links&nbsp;
Learn More About Talal <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjBHUnlBS2hCZkg5aGMwei0yRDZYYnJfMGsyUXxBQ3Jtc0tsLXNvaUFzU2NZWWdfdnFMZDFXdERKRVNBVnhqckZtUTc3eXRmbTZLOGVOMUItXzNaTlhlRlZjZDI3T2NuMFJFUjUyVUdLTHN6STRZX2Qzc0dMbnZhT0RrUXlCYlBucG5lazF0LVQ1Sk5GR05fUUF3SQ&amp;q=www.talalyassine.com.au">talalyassine.com.au</a>&nbsp;
LinkedIn&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2hZNTg0aFlta1NjakhncVdORXlCczUwaVAyd3xBQ3Jtc0tsdENCUFZyWUowcHlwUnhHR0pXM3IxMENyUndjczBBOHJoVnp0UTZkNzNpLWl4XzRKQlo4dldadlRlSDVUX2l4a0pXMFBwZE5vMkZJdkI2OTBNMG5yQlNxc2ZQbmRGVmdnVjk5YUtqNnc4QTZ5ajRHRQ&amp;q=www.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Ftalaly">linkedin.com/in/talaly</a>&nbsp;
Facebook <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbDYwWFZLVHA0N2pxRHRXSmprdjZpX0dxSnMwZ3xBQ3Jtc0trZ3oxQ2Rhem01QkNIYTNCWHp1NEVnVUJfQUI2d3RydG9xaWJoWVBIa0Qya2pVNjV0TW9TY0wzaUxlTnBZWVJvbXRQc2Z5WWY3aHJJN0h6VEVrTVprcnRSSWJxSnFXU0JQTy1sSEVsTHNYZURDMDJKZw&amp;q=www.facebook.com%2Ftalal.yassine.1">facebook.com/talal.yassine.1</a>&nbsp;
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&nbsp;
Episode Running Order&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Early memories in Lebanon and childhood influences (00:52)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">Migration to Australia at 11 and adapting without English (01:55)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">Family background, education and growing up between cultures (04:02)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1">Understanding the contrast between life in Lebanon and Australia (11:32)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1">The challenges of starting over and facing racism in school (14:42)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1">The role of teachers and school experiences in shaping his path (18:09)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="7" data-aria-level="1">Wanting to become a tradie vs pressure to pursue formal education (23:07)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1">Starting a karate dojo and early leadership experiences (24:28)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="9" data-aria-level="1">Marriage at 20, fatherhood and financial pressures (27:10)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="10" data-aria-level="1">Living with parents and the importance of culture and family (28:20)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="11" data-aria-level="1">Early career in youth work and finding purpose through service (31:49)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="12" data-aria-level="1">Joining PCYC and working with young people for a decade (32:50)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="13" data-aria-level="1">Accidental entry into politics and joining the Labor Party (34:23)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="14" data-aria-level="1">Running for council and becoming Deputy Mayor, then Mayor (36:33)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="15" data-aria-level="1">Leading one of Australia&rsquo;s largest and most diverse LGAs (38:04)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="16" data-aria-level="1">Understanding local government systems and community expectations (39:09)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="17" data-aria-level="1">The realities of being on the frontline of government (43:03)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="18" data-aria-level="1">Balancing community needs, limited&nbsp;resources&nbsp;and public expectations (44:31)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="19" data-aria-level="1">Lakemba Nights, controversy and responding to public criticism (46:52)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="20" data-aria-level="1">Addressing racism, hate speech and political division (49:56)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="21" data-aria-level="1">Leadership philosophy: unity,&nbsp;respect&nbsp;and inclusion over politics (52:24)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="22" data-aria-level="1">The pressure of public office and staying grounded (54:55)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="23" data-aria-level="1">What&rsquo;s&nbsp;next: politics, youth work and staying open to opportunity (57:42)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="24" data-aria-level="1">Major developments shaping Canterbury-Bankstown&rsquo;s future (01:00:34)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="22" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="25" data-aria-level="1">Quick-fire: chocolate,&nbsp;misconceptions&nbsp;and life lessons (01:02:23)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

Real leaders. Real conversations. Real opinions.

What drives someone to speak up, stand out, and keep going when the pressure hits hard? Uncommon Ground is a monthly podcast hosted by entrepreneur and philanthropist Talal Yassine, where he sits down with high-profile Australians who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo.

In each episode, Talal goes beyond the headlines to explore the values, convictions, and personal struggles that shape public figures. It’s not just about what they’ve done, it’s about who they are when things get difficult.

Honest, raw, and deeply human, this is Uncommon Ground. Subscribe now and be part of the conversation.

Real leaders. Real conversations. Real opinions.
What drives someone to speak up, stand out, and keep going when the pressure hits hard? Uncommon Ground is a monthly podcast hosted by entrepreneur and philanthropist Talal Yassine, where he sits down with high-profile Australians who aren&rsquo;t afraid to challenge the status quo.
In each episode, Talal goes beyond the headlines to explore the values, convictions, and personal struggles that shape public figures. It&rsquo;s not just about what they&rsquo;ve done, it&rsquo;s about who they are when things get difficult.
Honest, raw, and deeply human, this is Uncommon Ground. Subscribe now and be part of the conversation.

Real leaders. Real conversations. Real opinions.

Uncommon Ground with Talal Yassine

Real leaders. Real conversations. Real opinions.

What drives someone to speak up, stand out, and keep going when the pressure hits hard? Uncommon Ground is a fortnightly podcast hosted by entrepreneur and philanthropist Talal Yassine, where he sits down with high-profile Australians who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo.

In each episode, Talal goes beyond the headlines to explore the values, convictions, and personal struggles that shape public figures. It’s not just about what they’ve done, it’s about who they are when things get difficult.

Honest, raw, and deeply human, this is Uncommon Ground. Subscribe now and be part of the conversation.

Real leaders. Real conversations. Real opinions.
What drives someone to speak up, stand out, and keep going when the pressure hits hard? Uncommon Ground is a fortnightly podcast hosted by entrepreneur and philanthropist Talal Yassine, where he sits down with high-profile Australians who aren&rsquo;t afraid to challenge the status quo.
In each episode, Talal goes beyond the headlines to explore the values, convictions, and personal struggles that shape public figures. It&rsquo;s not just about what they&rsquo;ve done, it&rsquo;s about who they are when things get difficult.
Honest, raw, and deeply human, this is Uncommon Ground. Subscribe now and be part of the conversation.