Residents can help decide on the new home for the Dandy Pig.
By Nicole Williams
THE new home for the Dandy Pig will be decided by Greater Dandenong residents.
The Dandy Pig was put into storage during the Dandenong Market redevelopment but councillors could not agree on the best location and are now calling on the community to help decide.
At a council meeting in April, council proposed the sign would be reinstated at the Clow Street frontage of the Dandenong Market but councillor John Kelly was concerned the neon sign would be shielded by trees.
And Cr Jim Memeti said the community should be involved in the decision of its new location.
“It is an icon of the city,” Cr Memeti said at the meeting.
“I think the appropriate position is somewhere in the market.”
The two locations suggested by the council are in Lonsdale Street, or at the Clow Street frontage of the Dandenong Market.
Mayor Roz Blades said it was time the pig was on display again.
“Both these sites already have a strong affiliation with the Dandy Pig sign and are well connected to its history,” Cr Blades said.
“The Dandy Pig is an icon of our city and will be reinstated to a prominent place in Dandenong. We are now calling on the community to help us decide where.”
Star put the question to Facebook and 60 per cent of responses said the Dandenong Market was the ideal place for the pig but 40 per cent preferred Lonsdale Street.
The Dandy Pig is said to be the oldest animated neon sign in Victoria and was used to promote the Dandy Hams and Bacon Factory until it closed.
It was refurbished andmoved to the Dandenong Market in 1996 and removed in 2009 to allow for the market’s redevelopment. To have a say, phone Margaret Andrews on 9239 5277.
