INDIAN PRECINCT IN THE WORKS FOR MELBOURNE’S WEST

The Andrews Labor Government will establish an Indian Cultural Precinct or community centre in Wyndham. 

The Labor Government will commit $500,000 from the Cultural Precincts Fund towards its development, with an exact location to be determined.

Member for Altona District Jill Hennessy welcomed the news, given the region’s growing and thriving Indian community and the strong interest from locals.

Ms Hennessy said that Melbourne’s West would benefit from greater investment and tourism, more jobs and more liveable and enjoyable communities as a result of this commitment.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott announced this morning that Dandenong will be home to Victoria’s first ever Indian Cultural Precinct, in the existing Little India precinct of Dandenong.

The 2015-16 Victorian Budget included $500,000 to build the Precinct in Dandenong.

Locations were selected following consultation with the Indian community through an advisory panel, community consultations, written submissions and an independent feasibility study. A feasibility study will be undertaken in Wyndham to determine the exact location of the second precinct.

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 Wyndham, Greater Dandenong and Casey, while also giving Victorians more opportunities to experience Indian culture.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Robin Scott

 “This Precinct in Wyndham will grow and celebrate the large and thriving Indian community in Melbourne’s west.”

 “It will become a hub of activity – hosting events, a drawcard for tourism, and boosting the local economy in Altona District.”

Quotes attributable to Jill Hennessy MP, Member for Altona District

“I have heard from so many locals passionate about bringing an Indian Cultural Precinct to Wyndham. This is a huge win for the whole community, particularly the community members and groups who have been advocating for the West throughout this process.”

 “Thank you to all the people who signed my petition, contacted my office, attended the community consultation and worked hard to activate the local community. Your voices have been heard.”

“I am thrilled that the vibrant, growing Indian community in Wyndham will have a place to call their own. All of Melbourne’s West, and indeed Victoria, will benefit from having these spaces to enjoy and to learn about Indian culture.”