FOR almost 20 years, Brianna Downing has been volunteering at the Bendigo Chinese Association.
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Eight years ago she joined the BCA’s Lion Team as a drummer.
“I also do monk as well as working with the guys who do the lions,” she said.
“I have been volunteeering with the association since I was eight, so 18 years.”
Brianna started by carrying the dragons at Easter before moving with the performing dragon team and eventually the lion team.
She said Chinese heritage was a massive part of Bendigo and something everyone should be involved with.
“It is such a great, cultural experience,” she said.
“It’s something that if you don’t do it now, you might not get a chance to do it.
“It’s also great to give back to the community.”
The BCA is always eager to show off their skills and history with Chinese New Year approaching.
“Chinese New Year is a big one for us and then Easter not long after that,” Brianna said.
“We have been training hard twice a week.
“There is heaps of training to do, it took me two years of practicing to get on a drum.”