The state government this morning announced a $50,000 grant for
Bendigo’s Golden Dragon Museum to undertake a planning study that will
examine ways to extend the world-famous attraction.
Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan made the announcement during a visit to the museum this morning.
“The Golden Dragon Museum was built in 1990 to mark the significant contribution made to the development of Bendigo by the city’s Chinese community, and to preserve and display the community’s marvellous collection of Chinese dragons,” she said.
“Over time, the museum has built up a rare collection of important artefacts and dragons including Loong, the oldest surviving Imperial dragon in the world, and Sun Loong, which at 100 metres is the world’s longest Imperial dragon.
“The Brumby Government recognises that the multi-award winning museum has outgrown its current spaces, and is in urgent need of expansion.
“This initiative will enable the museum to produce conceptual material for a future extension while developing approximate costings for any such extension project.”
Ms Allan said Bendigo was proud of its Chinese links that dated to the gold rush era of the 1850s when people came predominantly from Canton province and established themselves in the region.
“Extension of the Golden Dragon Museum will enable Bendigo to build on the wealth of its historical links with China, which will in turn generate economic benefits to the region by attracting additional visitors while also providing new opportunities for social interaction.”
Ms Allan said the City of Greater Bendigo was contributing $30,000 toward the $100,000 total costs of the planning study, the Bendigo Chinese Association was contributing $20,000, and the Victorian government was contributing the rest through its Living Regions, Living Suburbs program administered by Regional Development Victoria.
