“with tens of thousands of people flocking to Bendigo over the Winter holiday period, there has been a significant flow-on effect for accommodation and hospitality businesses.” —ABC Central Victoria

 

‘AWAKEN’ Bendigo, Australia

Every night over the period of 26 June 2021 – 17 July 2021, Bendigo’s beautiful Rosalind Park was transformed with a series of vibrant installations that engaged and immersed regional visitors to Bendigo in an unforgettable sensory experience.

This “journey-style experience”, attracted nearly 80,000 people from all over Bendigo and surrounding regions. Considering the measures that were taken to control attendance and provide a COVID-safe experience, having a sold-out show, every single night, was incredible!

Using projection, holograms, LASERs, lighting and special effects; each installation captured Bendigo’s stories of the city and its rich history, through a radiant display of light, colour and sound in a spectacular fashion. 

At Rosalind Park Piazza— an illuminated Acknowledgement of Country, a beacon of light that represents the traditional custodians of the land, the Dja Dja Wurrung People. Continuing into the park was illuminated representations of all things Bendigo, including beautiful art installations celebrating their Horticultural heritage, Chinese heritage, vibrant art history, famous tulips, and even a “River of Gold”.

See the incredible imagery of some of the chapters featured at ‘AWAKEN’ below.

 

‘Acknowledgement of Country’

As you enter Rosalind Park, a beautiful light sculpture awaits you as it shines brightly on the ground and throughout the air, its message acknowledging the traditional owners. LASERVISION worked extensively with Bendigo’s traditional owners, the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Peoples on this and other installations throughout the installation. Their artwork is used within this piece on the tops and bottoms of this 2-meter-high, light sculpture surrounding the acknowledgement:

“THE CITY OF GREATER BENDIGO IS ON DJA DJA WURRUNG AND TAUNGURUNG COUNTRY, WE ACKNOWLEDGE AND EXTEND OUR APPRECIATION TO THE DJA DJA WURRUNG AND TAUNGURUNG PEOPLE, THE TRADITIONAL OWNERS OF THE LAND. WE PAY OUR RESPECTS TO LEADERS AND ELDERS PAST, PRESENT AND EMERGING FOR THEY HOLD THE MEMORIES, THE TRADITION, THE CULTURE AND THE HOPES OF ALL DJA DJA WURRUNG AND TAUNGURUNG PEOPLES. WE EXPRESS OUR GRATITUDE IN THE SHARING OF THIS LAND, OUR SORROW FOR THE PERSONAL, SPIRITUAL AND CULTURAL COSTS OF THAT SHARING AND OUR HOPE THAT WE MAY WALK FORWARD TOGETHER IN HARMONY AND IN THE SPIRIT OF HEALING.”

 

 

‘Traditional Owners’

“Djaara (Dja Dja Wurrung People) have lived on our traditional lands and cared for djandak (Country) over many thousands of years. For us, djandak is more than just a landscape, it is more than what is visible to the eye; it is a living entity which holds the stories of creation and histories that cannot be erased.”

 

 

‘Horticultural Heritage’

“Rosalind Park has a rich horticultural heritage, home to many trees that date back to the 1800s. Hear the stories of their past from the trees themselves, their wisdom connected with Bendigo by their roots. “

 

 

‘River of Gold’

“Mrs. Margaret Kennedy discovered Gold in Bendigo Creek in 1851. Not long after, Bendigo became known for its gold, with over 5000 mines established in the area. Bendigo yielded more gold between 1851-1900 than anywhere else in the world! Can you find the gold within the river?“

 

 

‘Dai Gum San’

“In the mid-1800s, 20% of Bendigo’s population hailed from China. They came as miners and merchants, bringing their customs, culture, and beliefs to the goldfields of Bendigo; giving the name “Dai Gum San” (Big Gold Mountain) to the area. Today, we celebrate their rich heritage and influence in the Bendigo community“

 

 

 

‘Art Scene’

“Bendigo is known for its thriving Art Scene and love of the arts. Established in 1887, Bendigo Art Gallery is one of the oldest and largest regional galleries in Australia. Celebrate the essence of Bendigo’s exhibitions, street art, historical sculptures, murals, and installations.“

 

 

 

 

‘Tulip Town’

“Each autumn, our horticulturists plant over 50,000 tulip bulbs in the renowned Bendigo Tulip Display which paint the town in vibrant colours every spring. But spring comes early this year as Bendigo blooms with the brightly lit colours of tulips with a modern twist.“

 

 

 

‘Flora & Fauna’

“The flowering Gums of Bendigo attract two of Australia’s most unique native animals, the Swift Parrot and Sugar Glider. The parrots and gliders love the sweet nectar from the eucalypts. Can you spot the Sugar Gliders? Watch out, they’re quick!“

 

 

‘Mining Memories’

“Bendigo is proudly built upon on a gold rush legacy stretching back to the 1850s. More than 5000 mines were formed in the Bendigo Goldfields and a handful are popular tourist attractions to this day. Explore the mines of an age gone by that lead to what Bendigo is today.“

 

 

 

‘Starlight’

“Bendigo is one of the state’s top spots for stargazers. Kick back and enjoy this serene scene of Australia’s great southern sky beaming through the treetops of Bendigo.“

 

 

 

‘Aurora Australis’

“Lie back and experience the elusive Aurora Australis right here in Bendigo and be consumed by its mesmerizing beauty as it dances overhead in the night sky.“