Councillor Steve Christou called for the monument to be installed at Holroyd Gardens but after a long debate, the council will now look across the whole of Cumberland for a site.
Cr Christou said Cumberland had a huge Afghan community and for many families and groups Holroyd Gardens was the place they visited – and would be perfect for a monument.
“I see a community whose country has suffered decades of war and infighting and they have fled their beloved homeland, which they still love, to come to Australia, and make Cumberland their home,” he said.
“They are very much engrained in Cumberland, you only have to walk down the road where you can see an amazing range of Afghan eateries, shops and supermarkets.”
Tahera Nassrat, from the Afghan Peace Foundation, favoured the gardens, where many Afghans gather for recreation and family activities, but was also open to the consideration of other sites.
“For many their lives and livelihoods are deeply engrained in Cumberland,” she said.
“A monument would help them feel welcomed and appreciated, and could be used as a celebration place for cultural events and gatherings.”
Councillor Eddy Sarkis said many communities had contributed to our society, and while there had been an influx of Afghans in the last 10-15 years, there were many different cultural groups within their community, and “we must make sure it is inclusive of all the groups”.
Potential funding sources for the monument would also be considered.
