Gum Loong is an authentic Chinese fortune dragon who was awakened at Sovereign Hil in Ballarat on 11 March 1995. Gum Loong was created by the Canadian Lead, Mt Blowhard and Sebastopol Primary School Communities with support from the Ballarat Chinese Community Association, the Australia-China Friendship Society in Ballarat, the Asia Education and DEET. A Gum Loong Dragon Team of at least 80 students representing the three schools assist him on his special outings giving him legs. Gum Loong's body is 50 m long. Fifteem wooden barrels make his backbone. Colour photograph of Gum Loong the Golden Dragon of Ballarat, in the foyer of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute.chinese dragon, chinese, ballarat chinese community association

Chinese participation in the Bendigo Easter Fair is a rare surviving cultural practice of Chinese involvement in similar events, which also took place in Melbourne, Beechworth, Ararat, Ballarat and other gold mining towns in the nineteenth century. According to Chinese tradition the dragon is a mythical creature with the attributes of a number of animals. The dragon has associated regalia in the form of a pearl (or teaser) and a flame. In procession, dancers carrying Loong's pearl and flame preceded the dragon. The pearl was intended to entice the dragon to join the procession and encourage him to play while the flame symbolised the power of the dragon. The pearl and flame were imported from China, possibly in the nineteenth century. The Easter Fair has since 1871 raised money for the Bendigo Benevolent Home and Asylum and the Bendigo Hospital. The Chinese took part in the annual Easter Fair celebrations from 1879, providing traditionally dressed actors and dancers for the procession in the streets of Bendigo. From 1892, a dragon provided a focus for the Chinese contribution to the festivities and was extremely popular with the whole community. Two large dragons and one small dragon participated in the Federation celebrations held in Melbourne in May 1901. It appears that one of the large dragons was Loong and the other large dragon may be the one now held at the See Yup temple in South Melbourne. There is slight doubt as to the date the present Loong was made and imported from China as there were a number of dragons in use in Bendigo and Melbourne at the time, and there are contemporary newspaper reports from Bendigo and Melbourne of dragons and regalia being imported in 1892, 1901 and 1906. Ceremonial dragons are fragile items made of organic materials and some of the dragons described in contemporary sources no longer exist. However the State Library of Victoria holds a photograph of a dragon in front of Parliament House at the Federation celebrations. This photo is securely dated to May 1901 and was definitely taken during the Federation celebration. The details of the dragon's decoration and regalia are almost identical to the existing Loong. The only minor differences seem to be loss of ornament on the chin and sides of the face which are likely the result of later restorations. Therefore Loong almost definitely dates from 1901 at least and may be earlier. Whether Loong dates from 1892 or 1901 does not diminish his significance as a rare surviving artefact relating to the Chinese in Victoria.(source Victorian Heritage Listing)Commercially printed poster mounted on foam core and framed. Engraved plaque lower centre. Poster includes an image of Loong, believed to be the oldest complete imperial dragon in the world. This poster plays on a pun of Loong being 100 years old. Bamboo look molded frame. Engraved plaque centre lower edge of glass: Presented to / City of Bendigo / By the / Committee of Management of Bendigo Easter Fair Inc / In appreciation for / Mayor sponsorship of the 1992 / Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Fairbendigo easter fair, bendigo golden dragon museum, sun loong

Chinese participation in the Bendigo Easter Fair is a rare surviving cultural practice of Chinese involvement in similar events, which also took place in Melbourne, Beechworth, Ararat, Ballarat and other gold mining towns in the nineteenth century. According to Chinese tradition the dragon is a mythical creature with the attributes of a number of animals. The dragon has associated regalia in the form of a pearl (or teaser) and a flame. In procession, dancers carrying Loong's pearl and flame preceded the dragon. The pearl was intended to entice the dragon to join the procession and encourage him to play while the flame symbolised the power of the dragon. The pearl and flame were imported from China, possibly in the nineteenth century. The Easter Fair has since 1871 raised money for the Bendigo Benevolent Home and Asylum and the Bendigo Hospital. The Chinese took part in the annual Easter Fair celebrations from 1879, providing traditionally dressed actors and dancers for the procession in the streets of Bendigo. From 1892, a dragon provided a focus for the Chinese contribution to the festivities and was extremely popular with the whole community. Two large dragons and one small dragon participated in the Federation celebrations held in Melbourne in May 1901. It appears that one of the large dragons was Loong and the other large dragon may be the one now held at the See Yup temple in South Melbourne. There is slight doubt as to the date the present Loong was made and imported from China as there were a number of dragons in use in Bendigo and Melbourne at the time, and there are contemporary newspaper reports from Bendigo and Melbourne of dragons and regalia being imported in 1892, 1901 and 1906. Ceremonial dragons are fragile items made of organic materials and some of the dragons described in contemporary sources no longer exist. However the State Library of Victoria holds a photograph of a dragon in front of Parliament House at the Federation celebrations. This photo is securely dated to May 1901 and was definitely taken during the Federation celebration. The details of the dragon's decoration and regalia are almost identical to the existing Loong. The only minor differences seem to be loss of ornament on the chin and sides of the face which are likely the result of later restorations. Therefore Loong almost definitely dates from 1901 at least and may be earlier. Whether Loong dates from 1892 or 1901 does not diminish his significance as a rare surviving artefact relating to the Chinese in Victoria.(source Victorian Heritage Listing)Full colour photographic poster promoting Sun Loong. Black background with close up of head and shoulders. Text lower left; Sun Loong. the longest dragon' / dances each Easter through the streets / of Bendigo, one of five Dragon Cities in this world ... / - Bendigo Chinese Associationsun loong, bendigo easter fair

Book, soft paper cover, colour photo blue, green. Title in blue print, Authors in black. 216 illustrated pages, black & white photos, black print on white paper.books, military, history, air force

Booknon-fictionThe Tragedy & Glory of Gallipoli

Book

Sun Loong (simplified Chinese: traditional Chinese:) derived from the Cantonese pronunciation of "New Dragon", is an imperial parade dragon that was used in the Bendigo Easter parade from 1970 through 2019. It was believed to be the longest imperial parade dragon in the world, measuring approximately 100 metres (330 ft) long. Sun Loong was used in the traditional Chinese dragon dance and superseded Bendigo's earlier Loong in 1970; Loong is heritage listed as it is believed to be the oldest complete imperial parade dragon in the world. On 21 April 2019, a new dragon named Dai Gum Loong made its debut at the Bendigo parade and took over the title of longest dragon at 125 m (410 ft). Both Loong and Sun Loong are on permanent display at the Golden Dragon Museum in Bendigo.Newspaper Article 'Dragon short a few legs' Request for more volunteers to carry the Dragon at the Easter Parade in Bendigo, photo of Doug Lougoon and Ralph Beh with Sun Loong.history, bendigo, chinese, sun loong

The first Bendigo Easter Fair was held on April 10th and 11th 1871 and remains one of Australia’s longest running annual community events. Taking place over the Easter long weekend, the Bendigo Easter Fair features events throughout the City of Greater Bendigo and celebrations culminate in a parade through the streets on Easter Sunday. In 1892, large processional dragons became an integral part of the annual parade. The three principal golden dragons are Loong (1892–1970), Sun Loong (1970–2019) and Dai Gum Loong (2019–present), housed at the Golden Dragon Museum in Bendigo. The Bendigo Easter Fair Society is custodian of the Bendigo Easter Fair and continues to support the City of Greater Bendigo’s largest festival. Each year the City produces a poster to advertise the upcoming fair and this one from 2006 had the theme Boomba which may have been a play on the word Moomba, a Melbourne festival which takes place annually around Easter.Commercially printed promotional poster for Bendigo Easter Fair 2001 featuring Sun Loong and fairground attractions. Attached to foam core. April 13th to 16th, 2001In mount; Presented to / CITY OF GREATER BENDIGO / In recognition of their invlauable / commitment to the / Bendigo Easter Fair / and their substantial sponsorship / of the 131st 2001 Festival / 'A Celebration of Federationcity of greater bendigo easter fair, city of greater bendigo tourism

Photograph. Chinese dragon Loong. In 1970 the replacement Sun Loong makes the first appearance.bendigo, chinese, chinese dragon

BHS CollectionBlack and white postcard of Chinese dragon, Loong. Loong is traversing a route around the Alexandra Fountain, Bendigo.Advertiser photoperson, individual, basil miller

The first Bendigo Easter Fair was in 1871 and from its outset the Chinese community of Bendigo was involved. The Fair has evolved into a 3-4 day event with several parades including the current Chinese Dragon Dai Gum Loong. The fair has many events that cater to all tastes and interests from art shows to antique sales to easter egg hunts. The fair aimed to raise money for the Bendigo Hospital and the Benevolent Asylum and still continues to donate amounts to charity.Booklet with white cardboard covers with black printing and picture of a dragon on front in colours of red, orange and green. Brown staining on the back cover. Pages inside are cream coloured with black printing. Numerous black and white photographs throughout the publication. The publisher and the printer are not mentioned in the booklet. The publication includes a program for the Easter Fari for 1974.1974, bendigo easter fair, loong, sun loong, chinese association

Slide. Bendigo Easter Fair. Chinese Loong.slide, bendigo, bendigo easter fair., bendigo easter fair.

Slide. Bendigo Easter. Chinese Loong.(Dragon).slide, bendigo, bendigo easter., bendigo easter.

Slide. Bendigo Easter Fair. Loong, The Chinese Dragon.slide, bendigo, bendigo easter fair., bendigo easter fair.

Black and white photograph of Sun Loong at his first appearance in the Bendigo Easter Procession in 1970.organization, society, sun loong, easter procession, 1970

Royal procession 1963. Policeman on motorcycle, Chinese dragon beside the policeman. Dragon 'Sun Loong'. Used as a teaching aid.Kodakroyal tour, wimmera, bendigo, procession, motor cycle police, dragon, sun loong

Bendigo's century a supplement to the Bendigo Advertiser volume eight: 1970-1979. On the front picture of Chinese dragon Sun Loong.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, centenary supplements

Cutting from a newspaper showing photograph of Sun Loong in Easter Fair parade at Charing Cross along with a brief history of dragon.event, easter fair, bendigo easter fair

Black and white photograph, with some hand colouring. Photo of Chinese dragon 'Loong' all in photo appear to be of Chinese appearance a couple of ornaments and a couple of people have been hand tinted. At 'Bendigo Showground' now known as 'Tom Flood Centre'. Markings/Inscriptions: Chinese Dragon 'Loong', on back; sticker Bendigo Historical Societyorganization, club/society, chinese society, event

Bendigo's first ceremonial dragon, the "Duck Bill" dragon appeared in Easter parades 1892-1898. "Moon face" only appeared in 1900. "Loong" paraded from 1901-2019 before being retired due to it's age and fragility. In the meantime "Sun Loong" was seen from 1970-2019. Bendigo's newest dragon, "Dai Gum Loong",(Big gold dragon) , is a water dragon and began service in 2019.From the Bendigo Advertiser, Wednesday September 28, 1988. Six loose pages. The articles related to the history of the Dragon in Bendigo. dragon city, bendigo advertiser, chinese

Programme of events held by the Chinese tea house to celebrate ''100 years Loong'' . The events run from April 11th to April 20th, 1992.chinese, chinese tea house

Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival. The aim of The Bendigo Easter Festival is to increase awareness of, and attendance at the Bendigo Easter Festival amongst regional, intrastate, and interstate audiences by 2006. Bendigo Easter Festival - Australia's oldest festival ... .... .. Gold, gold, gold. The year of 1871 was a great year for Bendigo. Parks were laid out, trees lined the streets. Although acknowledged as starting in 1869 the Easter Festival was considered an annual event by 1871. Under brilliant illumination the whole of the Camp Reserve (now Rosalind Park) was filled with a bewildering variety of groups, exhibits and individuals all eager to be involved in such a worthwhile cause. There were sports meetings, theatricals, bazaars and instrumental items as well as dancing and carnival rides. On Easter Monday, as it is today, there was a grand procession that included a variety of bands. 1871 also marked the first year that the Chinese joined in the festivities. Originally the Chinese participated in the procession by dressing in richly embroidered costumes, and carrying colourful banners in all shapes and sizes, which were specially made for them in China. In 1889, the Chinese were given their traditional place in the Parade, the end. They created a wonderful spectacle with their colourful costumes, banners and flags, and in 1892, Loong, the dragon appeared. The Bendigo Easter Festival had been fortunate in that it bad such a lively Chinese community in its midst. At the time of course, Bendigo was known as Sandhurst, and it was not until twenty years after the first Easter Festival that the town was known as Bendigo. These days with sponsorship from the Sandburst Trustees, the Festival is known as the Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival. 132 years later, the Sandburst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival has had many changes. But loyal followers have never been disappointed. This year people saw the traditions upheld with family entertainments and not Loong, but Sun Loong, meaning new dragon, a 100m long Imperial Dragon who was created to take the place of the aging Loong. Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival Administration Documents - Minutes of Meetings This Item includes the following Documents: 11213.2a1 Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival - Dragon Sun Loong 11213.2a2 Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival - Pamphlet Design 11213.2a3 Minutes of Meeting 28 Aug 1985 11213.2b Minutes of Committee of Management Thurs 18 July 2002 - Contact BHS for Details 11213.2c Minutes of Committee of Management Weds 31 July 2002 11213.2d Minutes of Committee of Management Thurs 15 August 2002 - Contact BHS for Details 11213.2e Minutes of Committee of Management Weds 28 August 2002 11213.2f Minutes of AGM Weds 4th Sept 2002 11213.2g Minutes of Committee of Management Tues 10th Sept 2002 11213.2h Minutes of Committee of Management Thurs 26th Sept 2002 11213.2i Minutes of Committee of Management Tues 10th Oct 2002 11213.2j Minutes of Committee of Management Thurs 7th Nov 2002 11213.2k Minutes of Committee of Management Thurs 12th Nov 2002 11213.2l Minutes of Committee of Management Thurs 28th Nov 2002 bendigo easter festival, bendigo easter fair

Easter In Bendigo 1983, 24 page booklet containing programme of events, advertisements & history of Bendigo Easter Fair, colour photograph of Sun Loong on front cover.event, easter fair, bendigo easter fair

Bendigo 1950s. Bendigo Easter Fair 22/4/1957. The then longest dragon in the Southern Hemisphere Loong bringing up the rear of the Bendigo Easter Fair Prosession.Kodakbendigo 1950s. bendigo easter fair 22/4/1957. the then longest dragon in the southern hemisphere loong

Black and white photograph of Easter Fair Procession in Pall Mall, Bendigo. Chinese dragon 'Loong', crowds of people, hats, Bendigo Law Courts, Conservatory Gardens, streetscape of Pall Mall, tram standards. Inscriptions: 'Hotel Shamrock', 'Dixon's, Yankee, Doodle Tobacco', 'Exchange Hotel', On back - adhesive label typed 'Bendigo Historical Society (Inc). Printed in image 'Easter Fair Procession in Pall Mall, Bendigo Date: Between 1900 - 1908place, streetscape, pall mall, bendigo, pall mall, shamrock hotel, bendigo town hall, town hall, chinese dragon, history, heritage, clubs and associations, buildings, entertainment, event, bendigo easter procession, bendigo easter fair, loong

Trifold document, white with red print. ( 2 copies of same ) On front ' 100 years Loong' Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Fair. Dates 18 - 20 April.bendigo, chinese, bendigo easter fair

Postcard, color. Bendigo Easter Fair at Alexandra Fountain. Dragon in procession. Ezywalkin building in background. On back ' Bendigo, Victoria, Sun Loong ( New Dragon ) at Charing Cross.Nu Color Vuebendigo, chinese, easter fair, bendigo, charing cross, easter fair, alexandra fountain, dragon

Black and white photograph of Sun Loong at his first appearance at the Bendigo Easter Procession in 1970, proceeding down Mitchell St. In the background are Homecrafts, Maples and Collier's Bootery.organization, society, easter fair procession, sun loong, easter procession 1970, mitchell st. homecrafts, maples, collier's golden key bootery