Blaze of colour for Little India

CENTRAL Dandenong’s Little India precinct will be given a pink and gold theme in order to give the cultural shopping area definition in the city.
The City of Greater Dandenong said new branding would be used on bins and shop windows to confirm to shoppers and passers-by that they are in a unique shopping strip.
City mayor Youhorn Chea said the project supported the precinct and brought the colour and feel of what is available in the shops out on to the street.
“This shopping strip is extremely popular, attracting people from far and wide because of the wonderful saris and authentic Indian spices,” he said.
The bright pink and gold brand was developed during a series of consultations with local traders.
The council’s place manager Jenny Pemberton-Webb said the project would be implemented from this month.
Meanwhile, the council has extended its free walking tours of Little India.
It announced this week that the tours would operate monthly throughout 2007.
An experienced tour guide will take people on a journey to reveal the city’s rich Indian culture through clothing, cosmetics, food, film and music.
The tour includes visits to unique and exotic shops, an introduction to the world of Bollywood film and music, Indian cuisine, authentic spices and ingredients, Punjab sweets and colourful sari fashions.
Tour dates are Fridays 23 March, 27 April, 25 May, and 22 June.
Bookings are essential.
Phone the council on 9239 5134.