Bazaar gets big break

DANDENONG’S cultural precincts were again in the media spotlight with another visit by Coxy’s Big Break producers this week.
Coxy’s team visited the city’s Afghan Bazaar precinct to interview and film local traders, who proudly showcased their fashion, food and home wares.
Television personality Geoff Cox was joined by Greater Dandenong’s place manager for revitalising central Dandenong, Jenny Pemberton-Webb, on a tour through the Afghan Bazaar in Dandenong.
After arriving on set via a camel, Coxy was dressed in a traditional Afghan suit called a ‘Patarni suit’, made bread, sampled a traditional Afghan banquet, and experienced rug making.
Ms Pemberton-Webb said Coxy’s visit was another great opportunity to showcase the diversity Dandenong had to offer.
“By promoting cultural precincts like the Afghan Bazaar and Little India we are encouraging other people to come and experience Dandenong for themselves,” she said. “People are seeking out a more genuine experience and want information presented to them on a more cultural level.”
Ms Pemberton-Webb said Coxy was simply treated to what is available each day in Dandenong.
“We know what we have here is great and this will help get the word out to other people,” she said.
The Afghan Bazaar Cultural precinct has developed organically since 2001, and council has been operating monthly cultural tours since late 2007.
The tours provide the opportunity to explore and experience the diversity Dandenong is famous for.
Mayor Pinar Yesil joined the tour to welcome Coxy and his team to the city.
“It’s fantastic to see such high profile shows taking a real interest in our city, and the wonderful cultural offerings we have here,” she said. “It also highlights the Afghan traders in Dandenong as a definable precinct.”
The Coxy’s Big Break special on Dandenong’s Afghan Bazaar precinct is expected to air on Channel 7 on Saturday 25 April.