Dragon saved from extinction

WORKS to restore a centrepiece artefact at Bendigo’s Golden Dragon Museum are complete.

The head of 120-year-old processional dragon, Loong, along with its pearl and flame body, has been restored and placed on fixed display at the museum following a $133,000 grant from the State Government.

“I would like to congratulate the staff and volunteers at the Golden Dragon Museum for the magnificent and professional work done on the preservation of dragon Loong,” said Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards.

“I would like to pass on to the team my thanks, and I am sure the Bendigo community’s thanks, for the tireless work carried out by all involved.”

The restoration took 2375 hours, and was completed by 18 conservators, and more than 40 Chinese community volunteers.

Loong was a mainstay on the Bendigo Easter Festival parade for decades until it was retired in 1970.

Handmade from papier-mache, silk, bamboo, feathers, and beads, the 30-metre dragon was created in the Chinese city of Foshan in the 1890s by the Sing Cheung workshop.

Money for the restoration works came via the Living Heritage Program.