Tuesday, 10 February, 2026
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SPORT
Friendly reception The welcome mat - and banner - was out for federal Multicultural Affairs Minister Dr Anne Aly at Wellsprings for Women on Friday. Dr Aly, pictured centre, was flanked by Wellsprings chief executive Dalal Smily and chair Janet Cribbes at the meet-and-greet. For more, turn to page 8
(Stewart Chambers: 532816)
Growing pains Dandenong’s upcoming blockbuster Ramadan Night Market is expanding to 16 nights and more than doubled last year’s footprint along Thomas Street. Many more visitors are expected to flock to the event, after 350,000 were estimated at its stunning debut last year. But despite the expected boon, some traders have raised concerns about extra stall fees and a lack of consultation from organisers.
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Stall fees have risen from $3000 for nine nights in 2025 to premium $13,000-plus packages for 16 nights. Existing traders on Thomas Street argue that their stall fees should be waived or reduced, given they will also suffer from lack of parking. Bright Community Organisation organisers say the rise is reasonable, and similar to other large events like the Lunar New Year festival in Springvale and the Nawroz Festival in Dandenong.
“The Bright Community Organisation is a non-for-profit organisation, we invest whatever funds we receive back into the event,” executive member Hassan Maqsoodi says. “In comparison to the Lakemba Nights and other similar local events, I think we’re charging less and it’s very reasonable.” Executive director, Ali Ibrahimi says the organisation must cover costs of more than $1 million for an event of such a scale, including traffic control, electricity bills, security, generators and
potentially Victoria Police’s presence to name a few. “We definitely have something bigger and better this year compared to last year’s success. “Our team always strives towards improving the event to better cater the wider community. “The government funding, sponsors for the event doesn’t come close to the amount of bills stacking up for an event of this capacity.” For more on the story, turn to page 4