Building Bendigo's Golden Dragon: A Tale of Heritage and Determination
Episode Overview
Anita Jack grew up experiencing both racism and cultural pride in Bendigo. The Bendigo Easter Parade features the world's longest golden dragon. Anita led the project to build a new dragon when Sun Lung became too old. She found Master Hoi in Hong Kong to craft the new dragon. The community came together to help build and parade Dai Gum Lung.
I was unconsciously absorbing how to build a golden dragon.
Ever wondered what it takes to build the world's longest golden dragon? In this episode of Days Like These — True Stories, you'll follow Anita Jack's incredible journey from childhood rollerblading in a shed to leading the charge on a monumental project in Bendigo. Growing up as an Australian-born Chinese, Anita experienced the ups and downs of cultural identity, but the annual Bendigo Easter Parade always brought her heritage into the spotlight.
The star of the parade, Sun Lung, a 100-metre-long dragon, was reaching the end of its days, and Anita realised a new dragon was needed to keep the century-old tradition alive. The episode dives into Anita's quest to find the perfect dragon maker, which takes her all the way to Hong Kong.
She and her partner in crime, Lee McKinnon, navigate through countless dragon makers until they find Master Hoi, a passionate young craftsman who agrees to take on the challenge. From negotiating with Virgin Australia for free freight to mobilising an entire community to build the dragon, Anita's story is a testament to dedication and cultural pride. The episode is packed with heartwarming moments, including Anita's father choosing to walk with the new dragon, Dai Gum Lung, in its inaugural parade.
Anita's journey is not just about building a dragon; it's about preserving a piece of cultural history and bringing a community together. Tune in to hear how one woman's determination can keep a century-old tradition alive and kicking. Whether you're into cultural stories, epic projects, or just love a good underdog tale, this episode has something for everyone.