Thursday, 5 March 2026

 Gabrielle WILLIAMS (Dandenong – Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Minister for Public and Active Transport) (10:27): I rise today to update the house on the Ramadan night market that is currently underway in Dandenong. Following the incredible success of last year’s inaugural event, this year it has returned bigger and better with hundreds of metres of stalls and an extended period of time is even stretching for a couple of nights into Casey as well. It has already drawn tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of people to the south-east – not just locals but people from right across Victoria. On that note, it was great to have the Premier come down and visit the market on Saturday night to experience all it has to offer and the great community connection that it represents. The Ramadan night market is delivered by the Bright Community Organisation, led by Ahmad Ghowsi, and it is built on strong local partnerships and the tireless work of volunteers, sponsors, largely local businesses and community leaders. It obviously takes place during the holy month of Ramadan, and it is designed to draw in people from all backgrounds, to encourage connection, to encourage a sense of community and of course to have people sharing their traditions, faith and knowledge as well. I am very proud to be part of a government that backs events like these. We were able to share on Saturday that we have supported the market with a $50,000 grant. At a time when some seek to stoke division, events like the Ramadan night market are the ultimate antidote to hate, creating spaces where understanding grows.