The historic hotel was ruined after a blaze broke out inside the lounge of the 1896 building in the early hours of February 3 last year.

Police believe it was deliberately lit.

However, four days later Bendigo experienced one of its darkest days in history and the investigation was halted as the focus shifted to the Bracewell Street fires.

Detective Acting Sergeant Mark Crossley of the Bendigo Criminal Investigation Unit said the arrest of two teenage boys last month in relation to the Black Saturday fires had allowed police to reopen the investigation.

“The Farmers Arms was overshadowed by Black Saturday and it didn’t receive the attention it should have,” he said.

Detective Acting Sergeant Crossley said the investigation was largely based on information from the public and he urged anyone who had contacted police or Crime Stoppers last year to do so again.

“We received a number of calls following the fire,” he said.

“We are asking anybody who might have contacted Crime Stoppers then to recontact police.”

Former publican Des Flower joined Detective Acting Sergeant Crossley at the site of the old McIvor Highway business yesterday afternoon.

He too encouraged anyone with information to come forward, saying it would bring much-needed closure to him and his wife.

Mr Flower only held the licence to the premises for four months before he was forced to flee though a bedroom window as flames engulfed the historic building.

He said it was devastating knowing that someone had broken in and stolen drinks and cigarettes before setting it alight.

“It’s earth-shattering,” he said.

“I’ve got no income, no business . . . I’m still waiting for the insurance to come through and I’ve still got to pay the creditors that I owe.

“It’s real bad at the moment . . . it’s never ending.”

Anyone with information about the fire can contact the Bendigo CIU on 5448 1370 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

You can also visit www.crimestoppers.com.au