RUSSELL JACK has stepped down as president of the Bendigo Chinese Association, but says his work in the community is not yet finished.
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After 32 years leading the association, Mr Jack has handed over the mantle to Charles Lougoon.
With Loong, the imperial dragon, entering retirement after its 120th and final parade through the streets of Bendigo at this year’s Easter Festival, Mr Jack said it was the right time for him to take a step back from the leadership.
He said the move was about encouraging a new vision for the association in its next stage of development.
“I’ve always been of the opinion that you need younger minds with fresh ideas to help lead the association in new directions,” he said.
Mr Lougoon, the association’s newly elected president, said the legacy forged by Mr Jack was significant.
“He injected new life into the association and helped bring it to where it is today,” he said.
“We want to continue with Russell’s work and move with the times and get more funding for the museum extension.”
Mr Jack said establishing the Golden Dragon Museum, which opened in 1991, was one of his proudest moments as president.
He said work on the major extension of the museum, which will cost more than $20 million, would continue to keep him busy.
“I’ll still be in seven days a week. I am still as enthusiastic as ever, and I will still be working at the same pace as I have in the past regarding the association and the museum extension.”
Mr Jack said he was glad to reflect on the way the association had evolved from small beginnings to the major growth it had sustained over 32 years.