The big Bendigo sign in the city’s Rosalind Park piazza has been zhooshed up by local artists as part of the Women of Gold project to celebrate International Women’s Day coming up March 8. 

Women of Gold is an immersive exhibition showcasing the works of local female artists and featuring diverse stories from the Greater Bendigo community to give visibility to the untold stories of women.

The project includes free public art displays, short film showings and events to recognise International Women’s Day 2024.

Creative artists involved in the project include Yorta Yorta artist Annie Brigdale, Ginny Jeong, Rhayven Jane, Sara McQueenie, Lauren Starr, Julie Andrews, and collaborators Aimee Chapman (music), Louise Fisher (Design Pond) and Mitch Nivalis (filmmaker). 

The Women of Gold project explores the hidden stories that women carry and gives visibility to these experiences. It explores concepts of inclusion, othering, the imposter syndrome, miscarriage, resilience, body positivity and racial stereotypes.

It sets a powerful example for equalling the narrative, fostering positive change and emphasising the community’s collective role in advancing gender equity. 

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf says the City is pleased to support the Women of Gold Project by sponsoring the decorating of the Bendigo sign.

“The letters all feature elements of the artwork of the upcoming Women of Gold exhibition which will take place in Pennyweight Lane from March 1, 2024,” Cr Metcalf said.

The Bendigo sign is a very popular spot for both locals and visitors, and we hope everyone is encouraged to celebrate International Women’s Day this year.

“Gender equality benefits all of us and requires a commitment from all of us.”

Creative force behind the Women of Gold project Megan Champion said the Bendigo sign is an asset to our community and an iconic symbol that contributes to our sense of place and belonging. 

“I am thrilled that the City and Bendigo Tourism is taking the lead by honoring and celebrating the stories of women in such a public place,” Ms Champion said.

“It’s a strong commitment to embedding the stories and perspectives of women in our community, culture, and history.”

In addition to the Bendigo Sign, there will also be the full artworks in Pennyweight Walk Exhibit B, Fountain Court from March 1 2024, an accompanying short film to be shown on screens across Bendigo listening to the stories of the artists as they create their artworks and a Women of Gold International Women’s Day Live Event at 11am Friday March 8 at  Emporium Creative Hub. 
 

The City of Greater Bendigo is inviting local artists and creatives to submit expressions of interest for a new program called Cafe Galleries.

The program will provide opportunities for local creatives to exhibit their art in one of several local cafes in Greater Bendigo, including Hoo-gah, Beechworth Bakery, and PepperGreen Farm. 

The Café Galleries program will be launched during the Paris: Impressions of Life 1880 – 1925 exhibition at Bendigo Art Gallery (which opens on Saturday March 16).

Local selected artists will be required to include a signature piece that relates to one of three themes: City of Love and Light, Bon Appetit and La Boutique, alongside other original works.

Successful applicants will have artworks on exhibition in local cafes from Friday March 29 to Monday May 14, 2024.

Installation, sales enquiries, and insurance on artworks will be the responsibility of the artist. 

City of Greater Bendigo Creative Industries Officer Mandy Field says the program was a great opportunity for artists and creatives.

“By displaying artworks in public settings, artists and creatives can raise their profile and promote their work in the community, to tourists and within the creative community sector,” Ms Field said.

“The program is a great way to support local creatives and artists with an opportunity to sell displayed artworks and attract potential commissions.

“As Bendigo is the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in Australia, the Cafe Galleries program also aligns with the City of Gastronomy brand.”

Police are investigating after a window was damaged at a business in Bendigo last Friday, 2 February.

It’s believed two unknown offenders approached the Mollison Street property just before 2.30am and threw a brick three times at the window, causing it to break.

The two are described as wearing all black clothing and face coverings, with black back packs.

Investigators have released images (above) of two people they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online via the Crime Stoppers website.

Dancenorth’s Wayfinder, a spectacle of dance, music and visual art is set to light up Bendigo’s Ulumbarra Theatre.

The internationally acclaimed dance company is collaborating with Grammy- nominated band Hiatus Kaiyote and renowned sound artist Byron J. Scullin and Japanese-Australian visual artist Hiromi Tango for an unforgettable performance.

Bendigo’s Ulumbarra Theatre is set to become a vibrant canvas for a kaleidoscopic fusion of dance, music, and visual art as Dancenorth, a dance company from Townsville, presents Wayfinder.

Taking the stage on March 8 and 9, Dancenorth promises to captivate the audience with a performance that transcends traditional boundaries. The immersive experience is further heightened by an undulating sound sculpture that condenses and expands in harmony with the brilliant score.

Japanese-Australian visual artist Hiromi Tango lends her artistic prowess to the production, contributing joyful and heart-expanding artwork to both the stage design and costumes.

Link: www. gotix.com.au

An artwork from First Nations artist Daikota Nelson has been unveiled to mark The Capital’s 150th anniversary in recent days.

Ms Nelson’s new work has pride of place in the entrance in a permanent, prominent position as you enter The Capital.

Ms Nelson (pictured above with her work) said the concept encapsulated First Nations storytelling, culture and Country, the history of the area and knowledge of The Capital’s history.

“The artwork resembles a tree when you cut it open, and you can see all the layers of growth,” Ms Nelson said.

“The layers represent time, knowledge and growth over the years.

“One of the layers looks like a bone structure and it depicts strength. 

“Colours that I went with were like the colours that I saw in the building, specifically in the main foyer.

“I wanted to go with something that is somewhat subtle but that also complements the space that it was going to be in.

“Passing of knowledge is a big inspiration for my artwork. Without my Elders and ancestors, I wouldn’t be able to learn about my culture. A lot of my artworks reflect stories that I know.”

Manager Bendigo Venues & Events Julie Amos said she was thrilled with the completed artwork.

“Huge congratulations to Daikota for her incredible artwork, which is a landmark piece to celebrate The Capital’s 150th anniversary milestone,” Ms Amos said.

“It is a striking contemporary artwork with a depiction of the rings of a tree to illustrate the passing of time.
“Ms Nelson’s work will be a celebrated focal point for all visitors to the building to see, talk about and admire.”

The permanent artwork was commissioned last June to mark the heritage building’s historic milestone. 

Ms Nelson’s concept was chosen following an expressions of interest (EOI) process in March 2023. First Nations artists practising or living in central Victoria were invited to apply. 

The EOI attracted a very high standard of submissions and Ms Nelson’s concept made a strong impression on the panel. The $8,000 commission covers the artist’s fee, framing and materials.

A priority action in the Greater CREATIVE Bendigo Strategy is to support First Nations artists and culture, and this high-profile commission is one of many City initiatives to support its commitment to reconciliation. 

As of yesterday, January 1, Greater Bendigo changed from being an off-leash default to an on-leash default municipality with new designated areas where dogs can be exercised off-leash.

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the change is happening to help keep public areas safe and enjoyable for everyone and every dog following the adoption of the City’s Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021-2025.

“Greater Bendigo will join other Victorian municipalities with the same on-leash requirements including Geelong, Ballarat, Mildura and Shepparton” Cr Metcalf said.

“Greater Bendigo has one of the highest levels of companion animal ownership in Victoria with more than one third of households currently owning a cat or a dog.  There are over 15,470 dogs and 5,570 cats registered in Greater Bendigo and in the last financial year the City received more than 4,500 requests for animal services.

“For residents and their dogs that love an off-leash walk, there are still plenty of spaces for dogs to have a run and play off-leash, including four fully fenced dog parks and 17 new designated off-leash areas.

“Residents can exercise their dog off-leash in the new designated areas at any time, except when the spaces have planned bookings for any organised event such as sports or training.  These new areas are not fenced, and residents will need to bring along their own water and dog poo waste bags.”

Greater Bendigo’s four, fully fenced dog parks have water, dog poo waste bags, shaded areas and small dog. It is important to remember that even when using the fully fenced dog parks and designated off-leash areas, dogs must always remain under the control of their owner.

Bendigo is hosting the Australian Women in Agriculture National Conference with a gala dinner this Friday November 24 followed by the main event on Saturday.

Among them CEO Farmers for Climate Action, Natalie Collard (pictured above) will be special guest at Friday evening’s dinner.

Natalie is a highly-regarded advocate for regional Australia, agriculture, renewable energy, innovation and women’s leadership. Her extraordinary cross-sectoral adventure ranges from defence and arms control, foreign affairs, telecommunications, energy, transport and – her great love – agriculture.

The conference provides a platform for women on the land to connect, learn and grow, and features a variety of special guest speakers.

The program also features workshops and networking opportunities and aims to foster a sense of community and support among women in agriculture.

It addresses important topics such as leadership, sustainable farming practices, and personal growth.