We’re proud of our beautiful region, and we’re expecting a few reasons to celebrate living here in the new year.
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Bendigo will be in the spotlight – literally, in some instances – as the state celebrates culture, art, innovation and tradition.
Pop these dates in your diary and keep a lookout for our coverage in 2018.
Happy holidays!
We’re doing White Night
Save the date – September 1 is White Night in Bendigo.
The city will be one of three regional centres hosting all-night light festivals in the new year.
More than 40,000 people visited Ballarat to see the spectacle in 2017. But some leaders are of the opinion Bendigo can do it better.
We’re the inaugural Regional Centre for Culture
What does that mean, you might ask?
Get set for a year of events, specially commissioned artworks, and projects celebrating the region’s creativity and culture.
The City of Greater Bendigo, Mount Alexander Shire, Central Goldfields Shire and Hepburn Shire will be at the heart of the initiative in 2018.
Sun Loong’s last solo jig
Support for a new imperial dragon for Bendigo has come from near and far as the sun sets on Sun Loong’s reign.
Next year is expected to be the dragon’s last solo Easter festival, with newcomer Dai Gum Loong expected to join the parade in 2019.
The Sun Loong 750 campaign sought to raise $750,000 to replace and restore the much-loved dragon.
We followed the campaign as it gained momentum and exceeded its target.
The new Bendigo hospital project is set to be finished
One of the biggest events of this year was the opening of the new Bendigo hospital.
With the first anniversary fast approaching, work on the second and final stage of the project races ahead.
We watched as the new air link bridge went up above Arnold Street, connecting the two stages of the $630 million project.
Bendigo Health expects the second stage – including a helipad, multi-storey car parking, a conference centre and retail outlets – to be finished by mid-2018.
We’re home to a globetrotting, giant Jade Buddha
The Jade Buddha for Universal Peace is making a comeback after about eight years travelling the world.
A three-day, $400,000 celebration is planned to welcome the statue home to the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, where it is expected to live for the next few years.
Festivities are set to start on May 18.
Emma D'Agostino
Covering general news and Bendigo council.
Covering general news and Bendigo council.
