Giant views for city’s future

Muslima, 11 months old, in traditional Uzbekistan costume. 117500 Picture: ROB CAREW

AN ENTHUSIASTIC crowd countdown has launched a giant video screen that will bring the Greater Dandenong community together.
Mayor Jim Memeti led the chorus at the $65 million Greater Dandenong Civic Centre’s grand opening on Saturday.
The site at 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, includes a regional library, council chambers, community meeting rooms and outdoor civic space.
“We’ve already had a phenomenal response from the community – and the library in particular has been a big hit, with around 17,000 people visiting each week,” Cr Memeti said.
“And I’m sure the giant video screen will also attract the crowds as we gather together for major sporting events such as cheering on the Socceroos at the World Cup later this year.”
The festivities included music, dancing, children’s activities, fireworks and a screening of family movie The Lorax on the big screen.
Cr Memeti said the centre was another piece in the Revitalisation of Central Dandenong, which has also included new corporate headquarters and houses.
“Just 15 years ago the stockyards just around the corner were selling live pigs and chickens in the street,” he said.
“Today we have a brand new main street, the redeveloped Dandenong Market and the Drum Theatre breathing new life into the historic town hall.”