City of Greater Bendigo

Economy: Our main industries are healthcare and social assistance, retail, manufacturing, construction, and education and training. The region’s economy is valued at $10.6B per annum. (2) Large employers range from major institutional organisations to private business, including Bendigo Health, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, Hazeldene’s Chicken Farm, Thales Australia, Australian Defence Apparel, La Trobe University, Keech Australia, SERCO, Parmalat, MSD Animal Health, Fosterville and Mandalay Resources mines, Industrial Conveyancing, Hofmann Engineering, various Victorian Government departments and 7,900 small businesses that supply essential support services for a growing regional economy. (3) Arts and culture: Greater Bendigo’s reputation as a leader in the provision of arts and cultural experiences has been firmly established over the past decade. Bendigo Art Gallery has developed a reputation for staging international standard exhibitions that attract significant visitor numbers and deliver a dynamic and varied suite of public programs and events. The gallery is second only to the National Gallery of Victoria in terms of attendances at cultural institutions across Victoria. Our many attributes, such as award-winning restaurants and cafes, a celebrated arts and culture scene, a range of festivals and major events, quality recreation facilities, and beautiful heritage and natural surrounds also contribute to our brand as a liveable community. The Capital and Ulumbarra Theatres host quality music, theatre and other performances throughout the year. There is always something to do and see in Bendigo Heritage: Bendigo’s heritage is visible across the city and visitors can experience Bendigo’s living history at the Central Deborah Gold Mine, the Golden Dragon Museum, Joss House Temple and Bendigo Tramways. Bendigo’s stunning Rosalind Park and the Bendigo Botanic Gardens in White Hills offer great spaces to relax and take a break. Buildings like the Bendigo Town Hall and the old Post Office building (the Bendigo Visitor Centre) and many others, are beautiful examples of gold rush architecture visible in the city centre. Events: Greater Bendigo boasts an exciting and dynamic calendar of events with everything from the much loved Bendigo Easter Festival, to the Bendigo Writers Festival, Heritage Uncorked, Bendigo Craft Beer and Cider Festival, Bendigo Blues and Roots Festival and Bendigo Winemakers Festival catering for every taste. Throughout the year Bendigo plays host to major state, national and international sporting events, large conferences and a whole range of other events including car club events. There is something happening in Greater Bendigo almost every weekend throughout the year, with something to interest everyone. Gastronomy: Bendigo and the region have been recognised by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a City of Gastronomy, joining 245 other creative cities around the world. Bendigo is the first city in Australia to become a City of Gastronomy. The designation recognises our region’s diverse food culture and our community’s commitment to local, sustainable, delicious and creative produce. Our story is about growing, sourcing, cooking and sharing food. It is about how our culture and heritage is represented and shared through what we eat and drink, the places we share meals, and the memories we make around food, family and community.

Located just two hours from Melbourne by road or train, a 90-minute drive from Melbourne Airport, Bendigo’s own airport also offers direct flights to and from Sydney.