Two Suspects Sought for Alleged Vandalism of Centuries-Old Chinese Artifacts in Bendigo’s Golden Dragon Museum
The small town of Bendigo, known for its historic links to China and home to the oldest complete imperial processional dragon in the world, is currently under investigation following an alleged vandalism incident at the Golden Dragon Museum last week.
On May 5, 2023, two individuals are suspected of causing extensive damage to various artifacts and historical items worth over AUD$100,000 ($66,900) before making their escape in a silver Toyota Prado.
The vandalism incident at the Bendigo museum, which houses an extensive collection of Chinese heritage in Australia, has left investigators baffled and concerned. According to the Victorian Police, the duo used a destructive liquid to damage multiple statues and paintings throughout the museum.
The most significant damage was inflicted upon Loong, a sacred mythical creature in Chinese culture that is often represented as a dragon and the protagonist of festivities and rituals. Described by the museum as the oldest complete imperial processional dragon in the world, Loong dates back to 1901. Its successor, Sun Loong, which took over parading duties until its retirement in 2019, also sustained damage.
Bendigo, a city with a population of approximately 100,000 people, has had Chinese residents since the late 1800s. Miners and merchants brought their customs and culture to this part of Victoria during the goldrush, making up nearly 20% of the town’s residents at one point. The town, once called “dai Gum San” or “Big Gold Mountain,” still proudly celebrates its Chinese heritage with an annual Easter dragon parade to raise funds for a local hospital.
Founded in 1991, the Golden Dragon Museum aims to document, interpret, and preserve Chinese heritage in Australia. Loong was once a regular sight on Victoria’s streets until its retirement in the 1970s.
Hugo Leschen, CEO of the museum, shared with media outlets that Loong and its successor were targeted with an oily liquid. Stains were also discovered on at least 35 paintings, several statues of Chinese deities in the temple, and a nearby garden managed by the museum.
Security footage obtained by News Finder affiliate Nine News depicted a woman wearing a white sweater and grey beanie splashing liquid on a Buddhist altar. A man stood beside her in the clip. The extent of the damage to various sites within the museum and adjacent temple raises concerns that this was not a random act of vandalism but rather a deliberate, planned attack.
The Chinese Community Council of Australia has condemned the vandalism and expressed concerns that it may have been racially motivated, awaiting further information from authorities.
As the investigation into this incident continues, the museum and the Bendigo community remain steadfast in their dedication to preserving and celebrating their rich Chinese heritage.
