Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has helped launch Dandenong’s Ramadan Night Market for its second year, marking the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.
He was escorted down Thomas Street by his team, along with the Bright Community Organisation founder and president, Ahmad Ghowsi and executive members, Ibrahim Hassan, Hassan Maqsoudi and Ali Ibrahimi, on the opening night on 19 February.
Occasional stops and interactions were made with the array of food traders where the PM tasted baklava with Australian pistachio but with a Lebanese twist, giving nods of approval to the indulgent, sweet pastry.
A kebab stop was made, where Mr Albanese tasted some famously mouth-watering fresh kebabs cooked live.
“It’s good fun – bit crowded – but good fun and great food!” he said.
“Ramadan is a very important time, holy month for the Islamic community and I’m pleased to offer the support.
“We live in the best country on earth, and it’s made even better by our multiculturalism and the fact that people of different faiths come and celebrate an event like Ramadan.
“How good’s this country? We’ve stronger for the fact that our country celebrates and respects all.”
Community members surrounded the Prime Minister, eager to take photos with him.
Mr Albanese was very accommodating, as he stood and posed for each phone lens, sometimes he grabbed the phone to take the selfie himself.
He was received by a large throng of community members, including Bright Community Organisation members, City of Greater Dandenong Council CEO Jacqui Weatherill, mayor Sophie Tan, councillors Jim Memeti, deputy mayor Phillip Danh, MPs Julian Hill, Gabrielle Williams, Cassandra Fernando, and Lee Tarlamis.
Also in attendance was City of Casey mayor, Stefan Koomen and councillor Hadi Saab from City of Kingston Council.
Although the holy month of Ramadan is largely celebrated and observed by people of Islamic faith, the event welcomes people from all backgrounds and faith.
Bigger than last year’s inaugural event, the event stretches more than 400 metres from one end of Thomas Street to the other, as well as Scott Street – more than 500 metres in total.
It allows event goers to roam freely, browse their options for food like kebabs, corn on the cob, traditional Afghan food like Bolani, dogh, sheryakh, retail, desserts, and a variety of drinks.
For the duration of the event, the Adhan (call to prayer) is also made through speakers, signalling a halt where people have the option to pray at Harmony Square and continue to enjoy the night market.
Visitors arrived from country Victoria, Caroline Springs, Glen Waverley, Brighton, Casey and other areas, saying they had never experienced anything like this.
At the official opening, Holt MP Cassandra Fernando and Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams expressed how proud they were to represent the multicultural communities of Greater Dandenong and Casey.
“The most important part of our community in these events is the constant reminder to protect this diversity,” Ms Williams said on the evening.
“It’ll be one of the most exciting events in our multicultural calendar.
“Events like the Ramadan Night Market show the very best of our community.
“They bring people together, celebrate our diversity and promote respect.
“It was wonderful to welcome the Prime Minister to Dandenong where he was keen to show his support for this important event and all it represents – connection, understanding and harmony.”
Bright Community Organisation founder and president, Ahmad Ghowsi calls it moments of “social cohesion” not just a night market.
“In today’s world, we often hear about division but here, we create connection, understanding and harmony.
“Our vision is even stronger, to bring communities together not further apart because when people gather in safe working and inclusive environment, fear disappears and understanding grows.”
He says the event also supports local traders on Thomas Street through the exposure, creates opportunities for small business and helps them grow and also helps young generations and children to grow in a community where diversity is the norm.
