See more of the colour and excitement from the Easter weekend, including the parade, here.
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For everyone involved in bringing Dai Gum Loong to life for his first Easter, Sunday was a very special occasion.
But there were perhaps few people for whom it was a more significant occasion than Helen Lock.
The former Bendigonian flew down from Queensland to act as a carrier for the new dragon and pay homage to her family's history.
The Lee Lock family was one of the families who, back in the late 1800s, started Bendigo's cherished dragon customs.
Related: The history of Bendigo's dragons
Dai Gum Loong, the first of Bendigo's major dragons to be carried by females, meant Helen could carry on the tradition of carrying the dragons in the Easter parade.
Her father, grandfather and great-grandfather had all been involved, she said.
"I think they're helping me... it's pretty emotional, but good," Helen said.
Helen said her family's connection to the Easter period meant it was bigger than Christmas, a time when everyone came together.
Karen Chea and Hunter Kong were responsible for carrying the fire pearl and water pearl, the objects Dai Gum Loong chased along the parade route.
"It's just amazing, it's so good, especially now females are allowed to participate," Hunter said of taking part in the dragon's debut parade.
Karen had been a part of the Easter parade since she was a child, so to participate in the historic occasion on Sunday was special.
Years of watching the dragons also made yesterday a remarkable occasion for Kate Pritchard and Cloe O'Brien.
Kate described the experience of participating as "absolutely incredible".
Dragon-carrying was a bit of a family tradition, Cloe said.
"It's pretty special to be able to now join in," she said.
But not all the carriers were lifelong Bendigonians.
Thomas Yeung and Randy Wong travelled down to Bendigo from Sydney, where they are members of the Chinese Youth League's lion team.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
