Brief report by Compton Associates Pty Ltd re Bendigo Arts Council, June 1979. This a Report as to the capacity of the Bendigo Arts Council to embark on a fund raising programme (Conclusion - ''negative'' at that stage). Section II of the Report provides Recommendations re 'right attitude', timetable, site, prepared plans, opening night tax deductibility and publicity to provide the basis of a successful fund-raising campaign.Signed by Glen Johns, Assistant Managing Director.

Bendigo Arts Council - Cabaret details - one page information and application for cabaret night September 15th (no year given) at Whitel Hills Technical School with Dutch Tilders jazz/blues entertainment - tickets and table bookings info.

Various documents of the Bendigo Arts Council - a. Information sheet For the Information of Bendigo City Councillors (re Community Arts Activity Centre; points from public meeting of 12/10/1976; b. information re Cabaret 15/9/19?? (booking & tickets; c. review/analysis of 1979 Subscription Series; d. Sheet giving the ''Aims - Organization - Activities'' of the Branch; e.Handwritten list of 183 Bendigo clubs and organizations ''contacted'' (with an unspecified form sent out) and those organisations that responded. Attached is list of 10 additional organizations on back of Bendigo Arts Council subscription form.

Submission by Bendigo Arts Council to the Bendigo Urban Renewal Liaison Committee - ''A Blueprint for the Future'' (undated submission but reference internally indicates it being post September 1974). Six pages with four Sections: Sec. 1 - Preamble; Sec. 2 Buildings currently in use; Sec. 3 Arts Council activity to improve facilities; Sec. 4. Arts Council recommendation for the inclusion of the Community Arts Centre in the study area; Sec. 5 Conclusions. Two copies of the submission in differently coloured covers.

Collection of various Bendigo Arts Council Newsletters (1979-1981) - these Newsletters sometimes included reports on held Meetings. Newsletters are as follows: No. 8 Aug-Sept. 1977 (entitled ''Artifacts''); No. 9 Nov-Dec 1977 (entitled ''Artifacts''; Newsletter July 1979; Newsletter November 1979; Newsletter and Minutes of the April Meeting (April 7, 1981); Mid-Year newsletter June 1981; August Newsletter and Report on the AGM; (1981 by inference); September (Spring) Newsletter and Report on the AGM 1981 by inference); Spring Newsletter (second instalment) November 1981.

Submission by Bendigo Arts Council; Urban Renewal Study re site for a performing arts facility in Bendigo. This document is a heavily annotated draft of the final document entitled ''A Blueprint for the Future'' (Arts Council of Australia; Bendigo) - refer to 8350.3. In addition to the edited text in this document are the following: form 1974 letter from the Hon Sec of the Arts Council of Australia, Bendigo Branch re a ''Community Arts Centre'' inviting submissions from interested organizations and individuals and request for comments on the draft statement;original letter on City of Bendigo letterhead plus copy of that letter received from the Urban Renewal Liaison Committee to Arts Council of Australia, Bendigo Branch re participation in a study area (Queen St/Lyttleton Terrace/Mundy/Myers/Mitchell St.) 10/9/1974;

Merle Hall Collection - collection of Bendigo Arts Council Minutes of Branch Executive Meetings.a: 4/10/19774; b. 15/11/1977; c: 13/12/1977; d:7/2/1978; e: 4/4/1978; f: 2/5/1978; g: 15/7/1978; h: 30/1/1979; i: 6/3/1979; j: 5/6/1979; k:3/7/1979; l: 15/8/1979; m:9/10/1979; n: 7/11/1979; o:4/3/1980; p: 1/4/1980; q:6/5/1980; r: 3/6/1980; s: 8/7/1980; t: 2/9/1980; u: 1/10/1980; v: 4/11/1980; w: 2/12/1980; x: 3/2/1981; y:3/3/1981; y: 5/5/1981; z: 2/2/1982

Documents relating to Annual General Meetings - Arts Council of Australia (Victorian Division), Bendigo Branch/Bendigo Arts Council 1971-1981 a. 1971: Agenda, Executive Committee Presidential Report,Secretary/Treasurer's Report, Publicity Officer's Report, Recruitment Sub-Committee Report, Arts Centre Sub-Committee Report,Accounts, Constitution (dated 1st October 1971) Note; cover has a printed list of ''Branches'' (Arts Council of Australia, Victorian Branches??); b. 1972: Agenda, Office Bearers, President's Report, Secretary/Treasurer's Report, Publicity Officer's Report, Arts Centre Sub-Committee Report, Tour Manager's Report, Accounts;Note: Handwritten annotation to date on front cover is ''30th June 1973'' & handwritten annotations to the Office Bearers' page - headed Branch Executive Committee 1972-73 c. 1973: Agenda, President's report, Secretary's Report, Accounts, Publicity Officer's Report, Schools Report, ''Copy for Information'' attached; d. 1974: Agenda, President's Report, Secretary's Report, Accounts, Art Centre Sub-Committee Report (with handwritten additions), Attendance List (handwritten),Copy; e. 1975: Agenda, President's Report, Secretary's Report, Accounts, Art Centre Sub-Committee Report, Attendance List (handwritten), Copy; f. 1976:President's Report, Secretary's Report, Accounts, Notice of Meeting & Agenda, Handwritten list of representing Affiliated organizations (names, addresses, organization represented), Handwritten Attendance List; g. 1977 Minutes of 1977 Annual Meeting, Agenda, President's Report, Secretary's Report, page headed ''Community Arts Activity Centre'', Accounts; Copy; h: 1978 Agenda, Notice of meeting, Group Representative nomination form, Minutes of the 8oth Meeting of the Branch Executive (4/7/1978), page of activities for the months of July-November, President's Report, Secretary's Report, Accounts, ''Community Arts Activity Centrer'' report; I; Minutes of 1978 Annual Meeting; j; Minutes of 1979 AGM (one page and incomplete, page with three formatted Application Forms (cabaret, subscription, sub-committee), Bendigo Arts Council Newsletter July 1979, President's Report, Executive Committee (2 pages- one with handwritten annotations); k; Minutes of Annual meeting 1980, Notice of meeting, President's Report, Accounts; l: 1981 AGM Agenda, Secretary's Report, President's Report,

Correspondence In/Out; Bendigo Branch; Arts Council of Australia (labelled Dec 73/Jan 74 - though some letters dated outside this time-frame). Variety of correspondence but portion related to the establishment of a community arts facility. (e.g. letter for Darryl McClure MLA supporting application to Premier Hamer for grant of $5000).

Merle Hall Collection - Various documents re Arts (Bendigo City Council): a. 44 paged Draft Cultural Strategy ''Past-Present-Future'' August 2000 (breaknock consulting & Arts Plus); b. Annual Report of the Bendigo Sub-Regional Community Arts officer , March 1985; c. 21 paged Magazine (''Work on Paper'') , Summer Edition 1998, Lynda Newton, Editor - articles, prose, poetry & review; d. November 2001 issue of ''artznews'' compiled by Cultural Development & Events (CoGB); e. I Dec 2000 - Jan 2001ssue of ''artznews'' compiled by Cultural Development & Events (CoGB);

Bendigo Subscribers List 1979 - Arts Council of Australia. Six-paged typed list of Subscribers with asterisks denoting 'Financial'. (approx 150 names) - with addresses.

Savings Passbook (The Sandhurst Mutual Permanent Investment and Building Society) with entries from 1979 to 1983 re the 'Arts Centre Building Fund'.bendigo arts council, arts centre building fund

Various correspondence: City of Bendigo: From City of Bendigo 15/6/1977 re Investigation of Buildings and Sites suitable for the establishment of a Community Arts Activity Centre (with handwritten annotations); City of Bendigo invitation to a 'Bendigo Community Day' in Rosalind Park March 1979; City of Bendigo re date for Bendigo Arts Council to present a Variety Performance (attached is handwritten program for concert 18/3/19790; draft letter to Town Clerk from Bendigo Arts Council commending Mayor and Councillors on decision to seek land for a Cultural and Arts Centre (undated); Letter (17/8/1995) from City of Greater Bendigo re proposal to establish an annual sculpture prize with attachment providing detail of proposal.

Three-paged 'A Brief Background on ''Arts Bendigo'' Inc.' from formation in 1972 as the Bendigo Arts Council. Through to ?? (no date printed on this document but handwritten notation on first page: ''1994''. Finishing paragraph relates to the ''greatest need'' being for the City of Greater Bendigo to appoint a Community Arts Officer. Author/name at end of doc. Is Merle Hall, Secretary.

Six-paged document entitled ''The End of an Era''. This document has no signed author (possibly Merle Hall) and no actual date. However, it relates to the winding-up of Arts Bendigo and it begins - Thirty on years ago, late in 1970, …Review of three decades of arts activity of the variously named The Australian Arts Council-Victorian Division - Bendigo Branch/Bendigo Arts Council/Arts Bendigo.

Submissions from 29 Community Organizations and individuals re proposed Urban Renewal 1974. 33 paged document with Content page (cover) listing the names of those making submissions (some annotations). Last submission if that of the Arts Council of Australia - Bendigo Branch. This document has added information from the Bendigo Arts Council of a ''Budget of Income and Expenditure'' for a proposed Centre for the Performing Arts. Final plus annotated draft copy.

An Investigation into Performing Arts Activity in Bendigo - A Study Report (Frank Small and Assoc) prepared for Ministry for the Arts, Victoria July 1976. Index includes Summary and Conclusions and the following 'Current Activity Profiles' - Bendigo Arts Council, other Bendigo-based groups, touring companies, notes on facilities, activity projections. The Appendix lists performing arts activities published in the 'Bendigo Advertiser' from July 75 - June 76. Handwritten annotations throughout.

a. Extensive and detailed correspondence and documentation re site for Performing Arts Centre 1975/76; Letters from City Engineers; Town Clerk; Dr Westbrook (Ministry for the Arts); Drama officer (Ministry for the Arts); includes list in of Arts Council sponsored performances over the period 1971-1975; questionnaire relating to a Cultural & Arts Centre; list of Potential Users of an Art Centre Complex; minutes/correspondence re The Bendigo Urban Renewal Liaison Committee; plans for sites. Would need to be read and examined in its entirety due to complexity of the issue; b. Correspondence between City of Bendigo and Bendigo Arts Council (April 1976); Correspondence between City of Bendigo and Arts Council of Australia (Feb/Mar 1974) with Valuer's Letter and handwritten notes of sub-committee meeting.

Various documents relating to feasibility of Bendigo Arts Centre 1970-1977 - Correspondence; various notes (some handwritten); large plan of Crestknit factory layout; information re Public Meeting 12/10/1976; Address to Bendigo City Council by Dr Westbrook 15/9/1975; Bendigo Arts Activity Centre - Draft Brief; Bendigo Arts Council Minutes (50th meeting held 6y/4/1976); Performing Arts Centre Study - Sub-Committee Meeting 6/9/1976; Public Notice in Bendigo Advertiser for a Proposed Community Arts Activity Centre (16/10/197?); Statement fro Bendigo Arts Council re a Performing Arts Centre for Bendigo - what the Council knows & what the Council recommends; letter from The Bendigo Trust 29th March 1976 with details of the proposed Convention Centre to be part of the Dai Gum San project on Danger Hill (the Trust believing that a Cultural Centre should be incorporated into the proposed Convention Centre) - attached are a site plan, building plans(convention hall, proposed ground floor theatre and two architectural elevations of the proposed convention centre,

B&W Photograph of Janine Ballantyne, Soprano ''See ARTS BENDIGO Story for Council Sept. 16'' with sundy annotation. Head and torso photo of artist.

Various documents relating to feasibility of Bendigo Arts Centre 1981-1982: Correspondence re survey of potential user groups (Ross Ramus Architects) - two sites to be evaluated as part of that study - Central Bendigo site & BCAE, Flora Hill; Shire of Strathfieldsaye notification of proposed Bus Tour of performing arts centres in Melbourne; Reports of the Liaison Sub-Committee regarding Performing Arts Centre - minutes of meetings of 15/12/1981 and 22/4/1982; Revised List of User Groups per Bendigo Arts Council - addresses and names of Groups (some defunct); 9-paged document entitled ''History of Existing Policy'' covering history since the establishment in 1974 of the Regional Arts Centre Program - a Ministry for the Arts publication?) with details of state-wide commitments to thirteen arts centres - Bendigo having ''commitment in principle'' with four already in existence prior to the commencement of the program.

Community Arts Centre - a. Space Requirements: 'Spreadsheet' - single page ruled up with horizontal rows listing 21 Bendigo arts organizations and vertical columns inserting 20 varied space requirements (e.g. main auditorium; stage; back stage; wings; etc) + Total space requirement for each organization. No date or author provided; b. Same 'spreadsheet' but specified as space in square feet. Attached is a handwritten note (no stated author) entitled ''Plaza Proposal'' (19/1/77) stating that the schedule is for the area requirements of local groups with information as to spending money of architectural surveys of existing buildings and time constraints on putting forward any proposition. List of Community Arts organisations; M.A.S.B.,M.L., Competitions society, Repertory society, Shakespeare Society, Operatic Society, concert Orchestra, Benola Choristers, Brass Bands Association, Pipe Bands Association, Victorian Society of Organ's, Film Group, Bendigo Arts Council, Photographic Society, W.E.L., Music Teachers, Spinners & Weavers, Wyse Players, Organ Club, Friends of the Art Gallery, California Gully Youth Club.

Letter dated 23rd Feb. 1982 from Arts Bendigo to local Councils (City of Bendigo, Shires of Strathfieldsaye, Marong, Huntly and Borough of Eaglehawk) re formation of Arts Bendigo and invitation for council representation on the committee. List of Office Bearers included.

On front cover is: ''Community Arts Centre - Deputation Notes''. Within this stapled collection are the following: typed notes for presentation at a Public Meeting at Bendigo Municipal Offices (25/6/1975) re the ''establishment of a cultural centre in Bendigo''.J. Cannon with the names of six supportive speakers; handwritten Notes from Public Meeting 25th June 1975 (two pages); handwritten ''Notes from Public Meeting 36 June 75'' (meeting to hear address from Federal Department of Tourism and Recreation (with newspaper advertisements of meeting); Loddon Campaspe Regional Council for Social Development Interim Committee questionnaire for seminar on nine aspects - housing, educational facilities, medical and welfare services, municipal and other public services, transport and communication, conservation features, active and passive recreation, employment, shopping; handwritten notes for Public Meeting 25th June ; handwritten notes re the Plaza theatre being up for sale, letter to The Editor re the recent reported announcement by the City Council of its intention to seek Federal finance to assist in the purchase of the Plaze theatre; two-paged document (letter??) re the problems of keeping the Plaza theatre and, instead, promoting a ''fine modern facility'' of the Bendigo Arts Council (no named author); ; handwritten notes of Sub-committee - Arts Centre Building (Report - J. Cannon); handwritten notes from the ''Tours Officer'' for comments on the past year's activities; handwritten list of 30-40 local people with 'ticks'' for their (potential) interest and time??

a. B&W Photograph of Jon Finlayson & Jon Stephens ''as Flanagan & Allen in NICE PEOPLE Bendigo march 8 Victorian Arts Council tour 1991'' with sundry annotations. Close-up photo oaf heads of performers with hats.b. poster advertising the Bendigo perfomance giving some detail as to the ''nostalgic songs and comic sketches'' presented at the Bendigo Regional Arts Centre performance.

Bendigo Symphony Orchestra Concert, Bendigo City Hall. Saturday December 1st, 1984, 8pm. Conductor: David Lord. Guest Artists: Anne Marshall (oboe), Stephen Kenyon (Clarinet), Clare Morton (Bassoon), Catherine Moore (French Horn), Veronika Kenyon (Flute). Program. Members of the Orchestra. Violins: Ellis Ormerod, Sister Cecilia, Jean Boulton, Ruth Weldon, Natasha Anderson, Daniel Herbst, Sally Tidwell. 2nds: Graeme Balaam, Thelma Harvey, Edna Osborne, Myrtle Robbins, Jean Wilson, Margaret Cowder, John Gault, Elizabeth Grounds. Cellos: Diane Chapman, Marge Bubb, Chris Wilson. Bass: Neville King. Flutes: Colin Bubb, Sally Pell, Nigel McGuckian, Karen Hansen. Oboes: David Tunley, Rob Boxshall. Clarinets: Jane Davies, Craig Spenceley, Trevor Quirk. Bassoons: Stuart Anderson, Michael Grounds. Horns: Giles Lean, Gaye Cooper, Allan Davies, Anthony van Emmerick. Tuba: Brian Brewer. Trombones: Stephen Vine, Neil Newman. Cornet: Paul Cooper. Trumpet: Neville Pearce. Percussion: Lloyd George, Nola McIver, Jim Merritt. Acknowledgements: The Orchestra wishes to acknowledge the support given by the Victorian Ministry for the Arts, & the Bendigo & Castlemaine Arts Councils.program, music, bendigo symphony orchestra, bendigo symphony orchestra concert, bendigo city hall. december 1st, 1984, . conductor: david lord. guest artists: anne marshall (oboe), stephen kenyon (clarinet), clare morton (bassoon), catherine moore (french horn), veronika kenyon (flute). program. members of the orchestra. violins: ellis ormerod, sister cecilia, jean boulton, ruth weldon, natasha anderson, daniel herbst, sally tidwell. 2nds: graeme balaam, thelma harvey, edna osborne, myrtle robbins, jean wilson, margaret cowder, john gault, elizabeth grounds. cellos: diane chapman, marge bubb, chris wilson. bass: neville king. flutes: colin bubb, sally pell, nigel mcguckian, karen hansen. oboes: david tunley, rob boxshall. clarinets: jane davies, craig spenceley, trevor quirk. bassoons: stuart anderson, michael grounds. horns: giles lean, gaye cooper, allan davies, anthony van emmerick. tuba: brian brewer. trombones: stephen vine, neil newman. cornet: paul cooper. trumpet: neville pearce. percussion: lloyd george, nola mciver, jim merritt. acknowledgements: victorian ministry for the arts, bendigo & castlemaine arts councils.

Merle Hall Collection - Arts Bendigo, Various sundry documents- a. One-page notice (''To All Teachers of Piano in the Bendigo Area'') of visit to Bendigo of former Bendigo student Tony Gray, notice date March 1993 - concert in the Banquet Room, Capital Theatre 14/3/1993; b. One-page notice of visit of Russian pianist Elisio Virsaladze and ''Moving Harps'' (trio) for October dates Year??; c. A5 brochure of information and dates for 1985 ''for many of the local and visiting arts-associated functions''. (3 pages of functions with dates, summary of performance and location of show; d. Single-page sheet of ''Arts Bendigo Activities Oct. '84 - Sept. '85 with paragraphs of ''Major Achievements'' and ''Disappointments'' and ''Thanks''. Also - ''Just Happened of Still To Come''; d. Six paged listing of 'Bendigo Subscribers' List 1979'' (Arts Council of Australia) with * annotations of being ''Financial'' - mostly personal names/addresses but some organizations. Approx 150 entries; e. two-paged list of ''Arts Bendigo Members July 1985'' with annotations of s= Single and F = Family members - approx 65 names; f. one-page Brief Report of Program Subcommittee June 1982, with rough analysis of attendance figures for recent shows; g. 3-page report of AB Development Sub-Committee meeting of 25/2/1985; h. two-paged report on ''Possible rehearsal and performing spaces in Bendigo area as known at June 1988 by Merle Hall, Secretary - brief details of 7 facilities and a number of ''Other'' facilities, with a final section on ''The Grand Vision''; i. One-page ''Proposals from Development Sub-committee'', prepared by Ellis C Blainer 3/3/87 - eight proposals in small detail; j. Bi-fold flyer ''Membership Information'' with description of AB activities and membership details/application form (not dated); k. A5 invitation of 'parchment' paper to ''25 Years of Achievement in the Arts'' (27/101995) - a brief AGM with a Social Evening from 8 pm; l. one-page invitation note accompanying the formal invitation to the special evening for 25th celebration of working with the arts in the Bendigo region.

Bendigo Easter Fair 1985, April 5-8. Programme Booklet. Friday: Sun Loon Display, Easter Bowling Carnival, Rotary Easter Art Show, Book Bazaar, Model Railroaders Exhibition, Dudley House, Exhibition of Dolls, Embroiderers Guild, Art Gallery. Saturday: Mardi-Gras Street Carnival, Busking, Outdoor Theatre, Arts & Music, Bendigo Theatre Company, Cynthia Holland & Bendigo Talent Club Sun Loong Display, Rotary Art Show, Handcraft Bazaar, Motorcycle Show-Sandhurst Historic Vehicle Club Trams, Central Deborah, Dudley House, Exhibition Dolls, Antique Fair, Model Railroaders, Fire Brigades' Carnival for Children, Horse & Harness Parade, Book Bazaar, Bowling Carnival, Football, Photographic Exhibition, Family Activities, Cinema 180, Exhibition of Paintings silver furniture & porcelain, Embroiders Guild. Sunday: Horse Spectacular, Model Railroaders, Rotary Art Show, Handcraft Bazaar, Antique & Historical Display of Arms Weapons & Military, Antique Fair, Torchlight Procession, Awakening of Dragon, Exhibition of Dolls, Dudley House, Trams, Central Deborah, Book Bazaar, Mardi-Gras Street Carnival, Hargreaves Mall, Motorcycle Show, Photographic Exhibition, Family Activities, Cinema 180, Art Gallery, Embroiderers Guild. Monday: Philatelic Society Exhibition, Rotary Art Show, Handcraft Bazaar, Antique Fair, Model Railroaders, Bendigo District Bowling Assn. Easter Bowling Carnival, Exhibition of Dolls, Dudley House Bendigo Branch Royal Historical Society, Trams, Central Deborah, Motorcycle Show, Antique and Historical Display of Arms Weapons & Militaria, Mardi-Gras Street Carnival, Hargreaves Mall, Gala Street Procession, Carnival For Children, Sun Loong on Display, Photographic Exhibition, Fusion, Cinema 180, Art Gallery, Embroiders Guild. Church Services in Bendigo City Area During Easter (listings for Thursday, Good Friday, Eater Saturday, Easter Day). The Bendigo & District Tourism Association Welcomes you to Victoria's Premier Town. Listing of events over Easter with map to guide all around. Bendigo Easter Fair Incorporated Phone: (054) 43 9191Bendigo Easter Fair Inc. would like to thank the Ministry for the Arts for its continued assistance over the past 11 years. 3 1/2 pages of information on the Bendigo Easter Fair and its rich history dating back to 1871. The first Fair was held to aid 2 charities: Bendigo Base Hospital and the Home and Hospital for the Aged (Benevolent Asylum). Gone are the days of the Fancy Bazaar, Fat Baby Contest and the greasy Pig Chase, many tradition remain the same. Links to the Chinese community date back to when the first settlers arrived seeking gold. This gives the Fair its unique quality and Brings visitors in their thousands each Easter. The Monday Procession has always been the most famous as many old photographs show. Some photos taken before the turn of the century. Many made the journey to Bendigo from Melbourne and outlying districts. Visitors line the route to see floats, bands, and the once a year appearance of the Chinese Dragon, ''Sun Loong'' or ''New Dragon''. The longest Imperial Dragon in the World; 300ft plus in length. His predecessor, ''Long'', is acclaimed as the worlds oldest Imperial Dragon. Easter Saturday Procession has taken form of a Horse and Harness Parade, attracting and immense variety of entrants. The torchlight Procession on Sunday evening includes fireworks, Fire Brigades, Fire Trucks, firemen, marching girls and illuminated floats. The Army has helped with the procession since around the time of Federation. 15th Transport Squadron (15 Tpt. Sqdn.), processions are assembled & dispatched with Army efficiency. Marshalling the Monday Procession this year will be done by the Army as well as our own Easter Fair marshalls with a new communications system.1930 the Popular Girl contest was introduced. The four main streets of Bendigo, Pall Mall, Mitchell Street, Hargreaves Street and Williamson Street (formerly View Street), sponsored their particular girl by means of raffles, street stalls and a variety of fund raising. The winner was the one that raised the most money, and was announced from the balcony of the Shamrock Hotel, by the Mayor of Bendigo on Easter Saturday Night. The Popular girl contest is still held with a lot of the fund raising now done by service clubs and voluntary organizations. 1984 fund raising efforts, in excess of $50,000 was distributed to charities in our area. The combined Bendigo Brigades' record support for the Easter Fair goes back of many years in a variety of ways. Bendigo people are known for their love of sport and the choice in the city is very wide. There will be no Easter Sports Carnival this year but Easter Fair will still be holding functions at the Bendigo Sports Centre in Park Road. Bendigo city centre will be alive with stalls, raffles and rides of every description over the three days of sports, Sat-Sun. Hargreaves Mall will be the focus of relaxation, buskers, community theatre, arts with craft activity & musical entertainment. The Rotary Club of Bendigo and the Easter Fair Society had had independent Arts Shows but in 1981amalgamate their shows. 1981 Rotary Club of Bendigo added the Antique Fair to the Easter Program, held in the RSL Memorial Hall, Pall Mall. Last year some event were cancelled, but last year's Fair was quite a success. With many outdoor activities, the weather plays a vital role. It has been necessary to alter some venues in the past years, with Easter being a week early in April this year we are looking forward to fine conditions. The Chinese and Bendigo Easter Fair, The First Chinese arrived on the goldfields in mid 1850's in teams or groups to work the rich alluvial gold fields of Dai Gum San (Big Gold Mountain). Most were of poorer class from the district of See Yup, an area of four villages near the provincial capital Canton (Kwangchow). By far the largest group came from the village of Toi Shan. The alluvial gold quickly petered out so by the time of the first Bendigo Easter Fair in 1871 most Chinese had either left for richer fields or turned to other pursuits such as stores, market gardens, laundries, herbalists etc.. Many of course had died on the fields from the rigors of mining of diseases not encountered in their homeland. The Benevolent Asylum (Home & Hospital for the age) and Bendigo Base Hospital had become places of rest, help and haven for old, sick and lonely Chinese. SO when the idea was mooted to hold a charity fair to raise money for these worthy establishments, the Chinese were only too happy to join with the Easter Fair Society in this charitable work. It has for over 113 years. Chinese showed their costumes, scenery, and weapons of warfare, but it was not until 1892, that the first of the 5 loongs (dragons) appeared.. . The pageant was marshalled by Mr T Chapman and headed by Mr Moody, attired in habiliments of a most gorgeous character on a gaily caparisoned horse, and his get up as a Chinese grandee was perfect. . . Tom toms , bagpipes. . Wind instrument resembling a clarinet. . Bagpipes,.. The Weekly Advertiser, Friday, April 22,1892. . . Today the Chinese Association, made up of descendants and families of the early Chinese and associate members, carries on the charitable works of their predecessors. A Little Of Dragons, We have all heard of St. George Bendigo dragons (loongs) have none of these characteristics, in fact they have only brought good to Bendigo. There are 3 chief species of Chinese Dragons of which ''The Lung'' (Loong) is the most powerful. It is also the spiritual dragon which produces wind and rain. It has 9 resemblances, the head of a camel, horns of a deer, eyes of a rabbit ears of a cow, neck of a snake, belly of a frog, scales of a carp, claws of a hawk and palm of a tiger. Loong is a vegetarian, favourite food pomelo (ooluk), the father of our modern grapefruit. The abode, according to legend is the sky or water. He is also deaf, thus requiring loud noises to awaken him and to keep him awake. . . Number of claws they have represent rank. Dragons have 2, 3, 4 or 5 claws, the latter being reserved for the Emperor. Loong and Sun Loong have both five claw dragons. Bendigo has had 5 or 6 dragons, the number being confused by the fact each dragon was called 'Loong'. Today Three dragons remain in Bendigo, Loong, Sun Loong, and Yar Loong. Loong is the oldest Imperial Dragon in the world. He continued his walk through the streets of Bendigo til his retirement in 1970. He was created in Fat Shan in the Peoples Republic of China. Built of. . . Sun Loong replaced Loong after the 2 dragon procession of 1970. Created by Mr Law On, . . Yar Loong is a night dragon, came in 1930's. . . Long history of dragons. . The Birth Of A Dragon. . . To awaken A Dragon. . . The Easter Monday Chinese Procession. . . Procession divided into 6 sections,.. The Easter Monday Procession comprises,… over 350 people. Conclusion It is hoped that in the near future a museum can be built to house the priceless regalia gathered together over the last century and a half by the Bendigo Chinese Association. Advertisements; Historic Bendigo Pottery, Mim's Restaurant, Antique Fair (Rotary), The Copper Pot, Sandhurst Town (Develop Victoria Council Tourism Award 1983-1985), Bendigo Motor Co. (Mazda), Diggers, Chaplin's, Bendigo's Dunny Diner, Arakoon, Quin's Bluebird, Allara Motor Lodge, Lakeview Motor Inn, The Armoured Car Company, Gillies, Mardi Gras Street Carnival, Handcraft Bazaar, Art Show (Rotary) Bendigo Model Railroaders (Easter Exhibition), Bendigo Easter Fair Highland Games brought to you by TV8 and Coca-Cola Bottlers. Design and Finished Art By Graphics Group, Bendigo.Graphics Group Bendigoevent, easter fair, bendigo easter fair incorporated, bendigo easter fair 1985, april 5-8. programme. friday: sun loon display, easter bowling carnival, rotary easter art show, book bazaar, model railroaders exhibition, dudley house, exhibition of dolls, embroiderers guild, art gallery. saturday: mardi-gras street carnival, busking, outdoor theatre, arts & music, bendigo theatre company, cynthia holland & bendigo talent club sun loong display, rotary art show, handcraft bazaar, motorcycle show-sandhurst historic vehicle club trams, central deborah, dudley house, exhibition dolls, antique fair, model railroaders, fire brigades' carnival for children, horse & harness parade, book bazaar, bowling carnival, football, photographic exhibition, family activities, cinema 180, exhibition of paintings silver furniture & porcelain, embroiders guild. sunday: horse spectacular, model railroaders, rotary art show, handcraft bazaar, antique & historical display of arms weapons & military, antique fair, torchlight procession, awakening of dragon, exhibition of dolls, dudley house, trams, central deborah, book bazaar, mardi-gras street carnival, hargreaves mall, motorcycle show, photographic exhibition, family activities, cinema 180, art gallery, embroiderers guild. monday: philatelic society exhibition, rotary art show, handcraft bazaar, antique fair, model railroaders, bendigo district bowling assn. easter bowling carnival, exhibition of dolls, dudley house bendigo branch royal historical society, trams, central deborah, motorcycle show, antique and historical display of arms weapons & militaria, mardi-gras street carnival, hargreaves mall, gala street procession, carnival for children, sun loong on display, photographic exhibition, fusion, cinema 180, art gallery, embroiders guild. church services bendigo city easter , eater saturday bendigo & district tourism association victoria's premier town. bendigo easter fair incorporated bendigo easter fair rich history 1871. base hospital and the home and hospital for the aged (benevolent asylum). fancy bazaar, fat baby contest greasy pig chase, many old photographs floats, bands, chinese dragon, ''sun loong'' or ''new dragon''. the longest imperial dragon in the world; 300ft plus in length easter saturday procession horse harness parade. torchlight procession on sunday evening includes fireworks, fire brigades, fire trucks, firemen, marching girls and illuminated floats. army helped federation. 15th transport squadron (15 tpt. sqdn). monday procession by the army 1930 popular girl contest introduced. four main streets, pall mall, mitchell street, hargreaves street williamson street. winner announced shamrock hotel, easter saturday night. popular girl contest fund raising service clubs voluntary organizations. 1984 fund raising efforts, in excess $50, 000 distributed to charities. combined bendigo brigades'. no easter sports carnival holding functions bendigo sports centre in park road. stalls, raffles three days sports, sat-sun. relaxation, buskers, community theatre, arts with craft activity & musical rotary club of bendigo easter fair society independent arts shows in 1981amalgamate antique fair, held last year some event cancelled. with many outdoor activities, weather plays vital role. alter some venues in the past, easter being a week early first chinese arrived goldfields in mid 1850's dai gum san (big gold mountain). see yup, canton (kwangchow). toi shan. first easter fair in 1871 for richer fields other pursuits stores, market gardens, laundries, herbalists etc. benevolent asylum (home & hospital for the age) bendigo base hospital had become places of rest, help and haven for old, chinese. charity fair to raise money, chinese join easter fair society in this charitable work. costumes, scenery, weapons of warfare, 1892, the first of the 5 loongs. marshalled by mr t chapman by mr moody, caparisoned horse, chinese grandee. tom toms, wind instrument. bagpipes, advertiser, april 22, 1892. chinese association, descendants chinese and associate charitable works. st. george ''the lung'' most powerful. spiritual dragon wind rain. 9 resemblances, camel, deer, rabbit cow, snake, frog, carp, hawk tiger. a vegetarian, pomelo (ooluk), the abode, legend is the sky or water. deaf loud noises to keep him awake. claws represent rank. 2, 3, 4 or 5 claws, reserved for emperor. had 5 or 6 dragons called 'loong'. three dragons loong, sun loong, yar loong. loong oldest imperial dragon in the world. retirement 1970. created in fat shan peoples republic of china. built of. sun loong, loong 2 dragon procession 1970. created mr law on, yar loong a night dragon1930's.history dragons. birth of a dragon. awaken a dragon. easter monday chinese procession divided 6 sections 350 people. priceless regalia last century bendigo chinese association. advertisements; historic bendigo pottery, mim's restaurant, antique fair (rotary), the copper pot, sandhurst town (develop victoria council tourism award 1983-1985), bendigo motor co. (mazda), diggers, chaplin's, bendigo's dunny diner, arakoon, quin's bluebird, allara motor lodge, lakeview motor inn, armoured car company, gillies, mardi gras street carnival, handcraft bazaar, art show model railroaders highland games tv8 coca-cola. art by graphics group