I was pleased to host elders and community leaders today, who came together to call for peace and calm.
In recent weeks, our usually cohesive community has been divided over the name of the Thomas Street precinct in Dandenong. We understand the strongly held views on this matter link to painful experiences of conflict overseas. We appreciate the importance of people expressing their views and being listened to.
However, local community elders and leaders have expressed concerns about community safety and the behaviour of some people online and in the local area.
Demonstrating great leadership, elders and community leaders from diverse ethnic and faith backgrounds came together today. They understand there is no place in Australia for people to threaten, frighten or intimidate others and they decided to come together to speak about it.
They shared their pride in the Thomas Street precinct, created by hardworking traders who have worked side by side for more than two decades.
They signed a joint statement, emphasising the importance of community safety and peace. I was pleased to stand with them and join their calls for calm and peace.
Signed Statement of Elders and Community Leaders - 16MB
Mayor, Councillor Jim Memeti