By Laura Michell
A Ramadan night market could be held in Broadmeadows, under a proposal put forward Hume councillor Naim Kurt.
Cr Kurt asked council to investigate holding the market in the Hume Central precinct in Broadmeadows as a way of celebrating Hume’s “rich multiculturalism”.
He proposed operating the market on a limited basis, such as Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights during the first two weeks of Ramadan, and asked council to investigate potential funding opportunities and partners.
In raising the proposal during the Monday, March 24 council meeting, Cr Kurt said the concept for the market was based on the successful Lakemba Night Markets run by Canterbury-Bankstown council in Western Sydney, which have become a major tourist destination attracting over 1.5 million visitors annually.
“There have been ongoing discussions over a number of years between parliamentary representatives, councillors, and community leaders about replicating a similar initiative in Hume,” he said.
“With Ramadan following a lunar calendar, it will move into the summer months over the next few years, providing an opportunity to establish a vibrant outdoor night market in more favourable weather conditions.”
Cr Kurt said a Ramadan night market could attract visitors from across Melbourne, support local businesses, and act as a cultural celebration.
“Hume has the largest Islamic community in Victoria – around 20 per cent of our population,” he said.
“A well-planned night market could serve as both an economic driver and a cultural celebration, reinforcing Hume’s reputation as one of Australia’s most diverse municipalities and the capital of cultural events for Melbourne.”
In a submission to the council meeting, Broadmeadows MP Kathleen Matthews-Ward said she supported the proposal and been working with local stakeholders to develop such a market for some time.
Cr Sam Misho said he believed the market would be good for the community.
“Ramadan for the Muslim community is a time for family and friends. After the time they break their fast, they get together,” he said.
“It is a time of social events.”
Council officers will now investigate the feasibility of the proposal.
