Moreland Mayor fears tensions could rise in Fawkner and other multicultural suburbs Moreland Mayor Oscar Yildiz says he was concerned tenstions could worsen in Moreland. A SUBURBAN mayor fears trouble could erupt between long-term residents in Fawkner and the Muslim community as the face of the community changes. His comments came after RMIT researchers warned the northern suburb - which is experiencing an influx of mainly Muslim migrants - was at risk of becoming a ghetto. The report, supported by Moreland Council, said the area could spiral downhill due to socio-economic disadvantage, potential marginalisation of the growing Muslim community and employment problems for migrants. Social cohesion was a challenge, with reports of women wearing hijabs and burqas being abused and spat on, it said. Moreland Mayor Cr Oscar Yildiz said he was concerned tensions could worsen in future, not just in Fawkner but other similarly multicultural suburbs. He said he was disturbed by racially-motivated violence in communities in NSW and the US, and worried that "enclaves, gang mentalities" could develop here. "People here may feel threatened by what is going on ... (and ask) are they trying to take over our area?" he said. We haven't had any clashes or big issues but I've had residents say Bonwick St (the main shopping strip) is turning into ... a Middle Eastern country. I say we can't stop people coming in and living their culture, as long as they don't disrespect other people. He said while he supported multiculturalism, new arrivals should make an effort to assimilate into the local culture. He said he aimed to speak to heads of the different community groups to try to develop better social cohesion in the area. One in four residents are of Muslim background and were attracted to the suburb by Darul Ulum College, Fawkner mosque, and lower housing prices, the report said. Local Muslim community member Mohamed Elrahifi said he had lived in Fawkner all of his life and rejected concerns of serious clashes. "I don't see it as a place where people are forming ghettos, but a place to celebrate Australia's diversity," he said. But Mr Elrahifi, who ran unsuccessfully for Moreland Council last year, admitted certain groups may be disadvantaged. "We need to provide training and English classes to help them find jobs," he said.