To celebrate Bendigo Art Gallery's Australiana: Designing a Nation exhibition, the City of Greater Bendigo in collaboration with Bendigo Tourism members has developed an autumn program, Fair Dinkum Bendigo - A Taste of Culture.
City Manager Tourism and Major Events Terry Karamaloudis said the autumn program in Bendigo was a fair-dinkum reflection on Australian culture in all its notions of style and identity.
"The Fair Dinkum campaign celebrates the taste of Australian food that has shaped our culinary industry, fashion, design and art, inspired by our nation's social and cultural history from Australia's First Peoples to modern notions of style," Mr Karamaloudis said.
"The City has worked closely with Bendigo Tourism members to create a program that celebrates Australiana through a mix of fun events, experiences, tours, food creations and retail products for visitors and residents to enjoy.
"This is an opportunity for residents and visitors to the region to revel in the food, art and culture of our nation in Bendigo this autumn, the creative City of Gastronomy.
"I encourage residents and visitors to check out the Fair Dinkum program which cleverly captures all kinds of Australiana themes that will resonate with many people."
This new autumn program follows the successful Viva Bendigo campaign last year which saw 90,000 downloads of the program during the Elvis: Direct from Graceland exhibition at Bendigo Art Gallery. The Viva Bendigo campaign won gold in the Marketing and Campaigns category at the 2022 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards last week.
Here are some of the highlights from Fair Dinkum Bendigo - A Taste of Culture in conjunction with Bendigo Tourism members:
Gastronomy:
• Indulge Fine Belgian Chocolate has Australiana-themed tasting plates that feature Australian chocolate-shaped animals, Vegemite and tasty cheese scones, Lamington cupcakes
• Wine Bank on View is supporting local producers East Bendigo Brewing Company and Noble Bootleggers. Tastings are on Saturday April 15
• Hoo-gah will host a six-course degustation (tbc) that will showcase native foods featured as part of the Aboriginal six seasons Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba and Kambarang
• Bridgeward Grove 'Catch and Cook' Yabbie expedition is on Saturday 15 April. This is a family-fun filled day of catching yabbies and then Bridgeward Grove will cook up the days catch for tasting. There will be other foods, drinks and activities available
• Craft beers, comedy nights and an Australian quiz at the Cambrian Hotel
Creativity:
• Djaa Djuwima artist talks will be held on Saturday 8 April. Trina Dalton-Oogjes and Keira Long are the guest speakers
• Swoop at the Living Arts Space (located in Bendigo Visitor Centre) celebrates a collection of works from local artist Frankie O
Local retailers:
• Bob Boutique brings together unique locally designed ranges from accessories, homewares and souvenirs. Customers who spend $10 can spin the Aussie wheel for a chance to win a prize from the all-Australian range
• Maude and Maple stocks Australian brands where possible including Maudie Jewellery which is handcrafted in Bendigo by designer and creator Kirsty Nevinson
• Col-Iron is in an authentic 70-year-old iron factory and features handcrafted goods produced on the premises including handcrafted wood holders, fire bowls, rustic garden art and raised planters
Experiences:
• A series of Bush Dance and BBQ events will be held in Hargreaves Mall from March to June. The first dance is this Saturday March 25 from 12pm to 3pm
• Star Cinema in Eaglehawk presents three of the most successful and iconic Australian films: Babe will be screened on Tuesday April 11: Australia on Tuesday May 9 and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of The Desert on June 13
• Pinot and Picasso will host Australiana-themed paint and sip sessions in March and April including still life native and harbour city.
• Walk into History is a guided tour of the Bendigo Botanic Gardens, Garden for the Future and Larni Garingilang precinct on 10am on Sunday April 2. The tour is presented by Bendigo Historical Society/Friends of the Botanical Gardens
Fair Dinkum Bendigo runs from now until the Sunday June 25. The full program can be viewed at: http://www.bendigotourism.com/
