The Golden Dragon Museum in Bendigo will be redeveloped into a national Chinese landmark, celebrating the history of Chinese Australians from the gold rush to the present day.
Premier and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan, alongside Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards, visited the museum to announce more than $392,000 in funding to plan the next stage of its transformation. The redevelopment will see the museum reborn as the National Chinese Museum of Australia.
The museum attracts over 80,000 visitors each year and is home to Dai Gum Loong, the world’s longest imperial dragon, created by Master Hui for Bendigo’s Easter Festival. It also houses Loong, the world’s oldest imperial dragon, and a collection of other dragons central to the city’s cultural life.
Premier Allan said the redevelopment would cement Bendigo’s role in telling the story of Chinese Australians. “Bendigo is home to one of Victoria’s most important cultural institutions – and this funding will help the Golden Dragon Museum grow into a national museum that tells the story of Chinese Australians for generations to come,” she said.
The funding is part of more than $2 million allocated through the Chinese Community Infrastructure Fund, which supports projects across Victoria. Other recipients include works on an underground car park at Avalokitesvara Yuan Tong Monastery in Deer Park, lighting upgrades at the Museum of Chinese Australian History in Melbourne, and courtyard improvements at the Chinese Association of Victoria in Wantirna.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt said the program was designed to strengthen community spaces. “Victoria’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths and we continue to back programs like the Chinese Community Infrastructure Fund – to ensure our multicultural communities have a place to come together,” she said.
Maree Edwards said the museum was central to Bendigo’s identity. “The Golden Dragon Museum is a much-loved part of Bendigo’s history and identity – this investment will ensure it continues to share the stories of our local Chinese community with visitors from across Victoria and beyond,” she said.
The announcement comes days before the Premier embarks on her first trade mission to China, where she will launch the Government’s China Strategy in Beijing. The strategy will highlight the long-standing role of Chinese Victorians in the state’s history and outline opportunities for collaboration with China in education, innovation and agriculture.
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