By CASEY NEILL
THOMAS Street is a slice of Afghanistan in central Dandenong.
The Afghan Bazaar was established in 2000, is Melbourne’s only recognised Afghan precinct, and is home to about 20 shops.
There are speciality goods from Afghanistan’s various regions and communities available.
They range from warm bread cooked in traditional clay ovens to kebabs cooked over hot coals, fruit and nuts, groceries, sweets and Halal meat.
Stores also stock traditional clothing, jewellery, rugs and musical instruments.
Stage one of a $1 million makeover for the bazaar was completed in March.
The Thomas Street Streetscape Enhancement Project is designed to improve the area’s cultural identity and make the precinct more user-friendly and social.
Blue highlights throughout the landscaping and timber outdoor seating bring a touch of Afghanistan to the street, and artwork The Lamp now sits on the corner of Thomas and Walker streets as a distinctive marker.
The base features blue mosaic tiling, referencing the high value Afghan people place on traditional arts and culture, and a complex lattice weave on the top section allows light to filter through.
It represents the different cultures and backgrounds of the people who call Australia home and symbolises freedom, peace, love and respect.
The $1.1 million project also included better lighting, overhead power line removal, expanded footpaths, new trees and better links to the new civic square on Lonsdale Street and Dandenong Railway Station.
City of Greater Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti said the project recognised the Afghan Bazaar’s status as an emerging cultural precinct in Melbourne.
“The Afghan Bazaar has become a popular attraction for food lovers,” he said.
“But perhaps more importantly, it has established itself as a social space where community members meet, exchange news and support one another with settlement in Australia.
“The streetscape design has been a collaborative effort between traders, community leaders and precinct stakeholders and the end result is a vibrant precinct which celebrates the Afghan people.”
The Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship and the City of Greater Dandenong jointly funded stage one.
The council is investigating funding options for the project’s second stage, which would include enhancement works throughout the entire precinct between Scott and Walker streets.
