New developments and street upgrades are changing the face of Dickson, but the multicultural, eclectic heart of this iconic suburb remains.

As Dickson evolves, new businesses are moving in alongside existing favourites to give the streets a fresh identity.

Papa J’s Resto Bar is a new family run business offering Filipino-Asian fusion located in Dickson’s newest precinct just off Challis Street.

Father and daughter team Joemel – better known as Papa J– and Keena Naboya say it’s the authentic Filipino food and character that makes their restaurant special.

^{Father-daughter team Joemel and Keena Naboya are bringing Filipino culture  to Dickson.}

“Papa J’s is the first Filipino-Asian fusion restaurant in Dickson and it’s great to share our food and culture with the community,” Keena said.

“It’s really rewarding when we see our customers loving our food and leaving the restaurant happy.

“Before opening the restaurant, we were doing food stalls and were encouraged to open in a permanent location. With new residential and commercial developments in the area we decided Dickson was a great place to do that.”

^{Jewellery maker Jessica Devers, one of 20 local members that make up Trove Canberra.}

On the other side of the suburb in Dickson Place, Trove Canberra is a local institution established by a group of Canberra craftspeople that has been operating in the ACT for eight years.

Local jewellery maker Jessica Devers is just one of 20 members of Trove Canberra’s cooperative owners that sell their arts, crafts, homewares, clothing and more through the Dickson store.

“I have been a part of Trove since the beginning in 2014 and we’re happy with our location here,” Jessica said.

“Trove has been here in Dickson for four years now and we are enjoying it.

“Dickson feels more lively than other locations Trove has been. We’ve found the location and customer demographic suits our business ”

^{Inside Trove Canberra’s store in Dickson.}

Work is currently underway to upgrade Dickson’s Woolley Street dining precinct, making it a more accessible, safe and attractive destination for businesses, residents and visitors.

You can learn more about the renewals and upgrades occurring in Dickson by visiting the City Renewal Authority website.