City of Greater Dandenong cultural planning officer Grissel Walmaggia speaks at the Melbourne Cricket Ground at a national conference exploring ideas for main streets.GREATER Dandenong council and VicUrban have been showcasing key projects at a major national conference on main streets held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground this month.
About 400 delegates from all levels of government attended the Sixth National Mainstreet Conference from 18 to 21 March, at which representatives shared ideas and solutions to revitalise urban, suburban and rural main streets.
Council and VicUrban staff used presentations to showcase key projects for the city including the revitalisation of central Dandenong, walking and cultural tours and the Trading Places initiative.
Greater Dandenong mayor Youhorn Chea said the projects were leading examples other councils could follow.
“Each of these projects is breaking ground in the revitalisation of central Dandenong,” he said. “The good work happening within our city will be on show to the nation and this is something we are extremely proud of.
“Council also had a display booth at the conference promoting what’s on offer in Greater Dandenong including the Drum Theatre, cultural tours, Walker Street Gallery and the region as a whole.
“It is an exciting opportunity not only to show Australia the good work under way in our city, but also to learn from the example of other councils across the nation.”
Greater Dandenong cultural planning officer Grissel Walmaggia and place manager Jenny Pemberton-Webb made presentations, along with VicUrban staff.
Leading Dandenong retailer Paul Atherton of Answers for Hair was among the few retailers making a presentation at the event.
The 2005 National Young Retailer of the Year outlined how his active involvement in the local business community, retail association and awards had raised his profile, his business’ profile, and that of the region.
