- Published:
- Wednesday 2 December 2015
Dandenong will be home to Victoria’s first ever Indian Cultural Precinct, with the Andrews Labor Government further announcing a second Precinct in the works for Melbourne’s west.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott was today joined by Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams to announce the transformation of Little India in Foster St, Dandenong.
The 2015-16 Victorian Budget included $500,000 to create Melbourne’s first Indian Cultural Precinct.
Dandenong was selected following consultation with the Indian community through an advisory panel, community consultations, written submissions and an independent feasibility study.
The Labor Government has further committed to a second Precinct to be established in Melbourne’s West, given the region’s growing and thriving Indian community.
Mr Scott said a second Indian Cultural Precinct or community centre will be created in Wyndham.
The Government will commit $500,000 from the Cultural Precincts Fund towards its development, with an exact location to be determined.
Victoria is proudly home to Australia’s largest Indian community, with more than 111,700 Indian-born Victorians, representing 40 per cent of Australia’s Indian population.
The Precincts will provide a place for Indian communities to make their own in Greater Dandenong, Casey and Wyndham, while also giving Victorians more opportunities to experience Indian culture.
Both regions will benefit from greater investment and tourism, more jobs and more liveable and enjoyable communities.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Robin Scott
“This Precinct will become a hub of activity – hosting festivals, a drawcard for tourism, supporting small businesses and boosting the local economy in Dandenong.”
“We will also create a second Indian Precinct in Wyndham to grow and celebrate the large and thriving Indian community in Melbourne’s west.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams
“We listened to community members and groups to determine the best location for this precinct, and it’s a huge win for the people of Dandenong.”
“Both Precincts will recognise the important contribution the Indian and south Asian communities continue to make to Victoria every day.”