GREATER DANDENONG: Progress on Thomas St naming
Greater Dandenong Council says there has never been an official name for the Thomas St precinct.
“The name ‘Afghan Bazaar’ or ‘Afghan Cultural Bazaar’ has never been formally adopted on the Register of Geographic Place Names Victoria,” said a Council representative.
“This name has only been used as a marketing and promotional name. The area is formally named as Thomas Street, Dandenong.
“Council formally acknowledged the diverse and genuinely held views in the community regarding the name ‘Afghan Bazaar’ and that while the term ‘Afghan’ is widely understood in the broader Australian community to include all people originating from Afghanistan, not everyone understands the word that way.
“We acknowledged the deep and rich contribution of the Hazara community and all ethnic groups from Afghanistan to Greater Dandenong including in community and business life.
“We acknowledge the ethnic and religious persecution of Hazaras in Afghanistan and other countries over many decades. We acknowledge that people from Afghanistan of all ethnicities have suffered from decades of conflict and violence.
“We affirmed that everyone in the City of Greater Dandenong should feel a sense of belonging and inclusion, and that the formal naming of public places should be undertaken through proper processes that seek to build consensus, not divide the community.
“Further details on the stages of this community development initiative will be shared in the coming weeks,” the representative said.