By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
DANDENONG’S Little India has been formally announced as Victoria’s first Indian cultural precinct.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Robin Scott said the 20-plus-year-old shopping strip of south Asian food, clothing and art would be a place to celebrate and acknowledge the Indian community.
The precinct will receive $500,000 from the State Government, with a further contribution expected from Greater Dandenong Council, Mr Scott said.
Dandenong was chosen by an independent panel on the basis that it was “ready to go”, Mr Scott said.
A further $500,000 was announced for a second Victorian Indian hub in City of Wyndham.
He said the Dandenong precinct would be not just for the Indian community, but shared with the broader community in the mode of the Chinatown and Greek precincts in Melbourne CBD.
“If there’s one thing we need in the world at the moment, it’s greater understanding.
“This precinct will become a hub of activity – hosting festivals, a drawcard for tourism, supporting small businesses and boosting the local economy in Dandenong.”
