Bendigo was buzzing with activities on Sunday with concerts, carols and markets drawing crowds from every area of the city.
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At the Sacred Heart Cathedral, the Aspire Foundation hosted a multicultural market with stalls and food vendors setting up at 4.30pm.
Aspire’s market follows on from their Concert on High event last year, which saw a number of cultures come together to perform and celebrate their identity.
There was also plenty of entertainment for the kids with a jumping castle, face painting and performances taking place.
“Ultimately, when precinct is built, we think it will lend itself to a lot of markets and Christmas activities here,” Aspire Foundation chairman Gordon McKern said.
“It’s a bit of a different theme this year, we would like to build on (that theme) year on year.
“Because it is a very casual market feel, the Bendigo Chinese Association lion dancers and the Karen community are performing.
“We didn’t want a whole repeat of last year. We wanted to mix it up, so there are only a few acts.”
The building on the corner of High and Short streets already boast Aspire signage, which Mr McKern said is helping people take notice of the project.
“It has definitely helped make people more aware. A lot of people have remarked on that building,” He said.
“It is such a great area and we are really excited about it.
“When people see us activating the space, we think it is a good way for people understanding the space is there and not just sitting idle.”
The Aspire Precinct is Australia’s first ecumenical interfaith precinct and will be a vibrant learning, community and entrepreneurial hub providing a gateway to the cultural histories of the region.
Construction on the $15 million project is expected to start late in 2017.
“Early in new year hopefully we will be able to announce some plans and be able start the build in the process,” Mr McKern said.
“It will be a staged approach instead of being all in one large build.”
Activities and programs that the Aspire Precinct will offer will be accessible to all local individuals, families and businesses regardless of religious beliefs.
Programs will also be provided for visiting school groups, teachers and business groups, as well as domestic and international tourists.