Update, Monday, February 19, 1.00pm: An electrical fault was the likely cause of a fire that gutted buildings at the Garden for the Future, a City of Greater Bendigo spokesperson said.
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City Director Presentation and Assets Brian Westley said investigations into the fire would continue over the coming days.
It was too early to estimate the dollar value of the impact the fire, Mr Westley said.
"The fire has caused significant damage to the conference facilities at the venue and impacted the [Omari Bendigo] restaurant's operation," Mr Westley said.
He said city staff had been in contact with the owners of Omari Bendigo to find a way forward.
"We will work with [Omari] to identify how we can assist the business to get back up and running as soon as possible," Mr Westley said.
Earlier: A fire which ripped through Garden for the Future buildings including the Omari Bendigo restaurant is no longer being treated as suspicious, police say.
"An arson chemist assessed the scene and the fire is being treated as non-suspicious," a police spokesperson said.
Overnight Sunday organisers started a GoFundMe fundraiser for the owners of Omari Bendigo who "lost almost everything ... and only source of income" after the blaze.
"There are still staff to try and pay, but they will also need to issue refunds for several planned events that can no longer go ahead," the fundraiser description read.
Sunday, February 18: A "suspicious" early morning blaze has caused "significant damage" and forced the temporary closure of the Omari Bendigo restaurant in White Hills.
Gates to the Garden for the Future at Bendigo Botanic Gardens, where the restaurant is located along with a council operated function centre and community room, remained shut on Sunday, February 18 while police investigated the cause of the fire.
Police said they were called to Hamelin Street to reports of flames coming out of the roof of a business about 5.45am on Sunday. It remained unclear where the fire broke out.
The fire was being treated suspicious and an arson chemist would attend the scene later on February 18, police said.
Police tape had also been hung up across the damaged building with at least two police cars on scene.
In a statement on social media Omari Bendigo said it would remain closed "until we receive further instructions on how to proceed".
"Operating is not feasible while the area is assessed," the statement read.
"Unfortunately, we do not have any further information at hand and we will work with local authorities."
An total of three fire crews managed to bring the fire under control in around 30 minutes, a Fire Rescue Victoria spokesperson said.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus knocked down the fire, while Ambulance Victoria were also on scene to monitor the health of emergency services.
A spokesperson for City of Greater Bendigo said the incident "remains an active investigation".
