THE prospect of a new Chinese dragon for Bendigo continues to unite the community.
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Bendigo’s unity towards the Sun Loong 750 campaign was never more clear than on Thursday when Bendigo and Northern District, Strathfieldsaye, Kangaroo Flat and Eaglehawk community enterprises made a joint donation.
The four community groups donated $20,000 towards the creation of Dai Gum Loong.
“The four Community Enterprises have committed to making a collaborative community investment to support the Dai Gum Loong Dragon Redevelopment project,” Strathfieldsaye Community Enterprise chair Catherine Wilby said.
“It is a great example of how our community enterprises can work together for a joint central project that will support the Bendigo Chinese Association and ensure that Bendigo’s dragons continue as an iconic part of Bendigo’s heritage and our famous Easter parades.”
Kangaroo Flat Community Enterprise chair Jack Lyons said the Sun Loong 750 campaign was a project each of the enterprises wanted to be involved in.
“The four enterprises have been looking for a major project that we can all get involved in and this is it,’ he said.
“Without the dragon we have no Easter, so it was the perfect combination for us to get behind it.”
Bendigo and Northern Districts Community Enterprise chair Sandy Young said the new dragon would be fabulous for Bendigo.
“There have been other initiatives we have done together. The last one was was providing money for the Otis Foundation,” she said.
“All the enterprises are supported by Bendigo Bank and Bendigo Community Telco. Without them we couldn't do the sorts of things that we are doing today.”
The donation follows the state government’s commitment of $250,000 made to the campaign last week.
More than $750,000 is needed to restore Sun Loong, build new dragon Dai Gum Loong and purchase the accompanying costumes and regalia. Visit www.daigumloong.com.au to donate.