04/05/2006 - The Hon.
Greg Hunt MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister
for the Environment and Heriated today launched
new book that reveals the personal experiences
of 29 local Dandenong retail traders. The book,
Trading Places, has been produced with the assistance
of $33,636 from the Australian Government.
"Trading Places provides
a fascinating snapshot into a rapidly changing
city and how a once rural community has quickly
grown into a vibrant multicultural centre,"
Mr Hunt said.
"The book has been produced
by the Greater City of Dandenong, with assistance
from the Australian Government through the Sharing
Australia's Stories programme.
"The 29 stories it contains,
the result of interviews with local retailers,
capture the ideas, experiences and feelings of
a group of small traders operating in central
Dandenong.
"The book reveals much
of the personal story of the city's retailers,
what makes them who they are, how and why they
came to set up business in Dandenong, and their
hopes and dreams for the future.
"Many of those interviewed have come to Australia
to start new lives. This book illustrates the
challenges they have faced in their new home,
their triumphs and how they contribute to our
rich multicultural society.
"I would like to congratulate everyone who
has been involved with this important project,
including local historian David Crofts, who was
responsible for capturing the stories of participants
and photographers Ponch Hawkes and Hiton Stone,"
said Mr Hunt.
The Sharing Australia's
Stories programme provides an opportunity for
everyday Australians to tell the stories that
have contributed to the great events and themes
that have helped shape our nation. Trading Places
was one of 22 projects around the country to receive
funding through the programme in 2005.
Trading Places is available from the Greater City
of Dandenong.
