First-of-its-kind state funeral to be held in Bendigo for Russell Jack
Russell Jack established the famous Golden Dragon Museum to ensure traditions brought to the Bendigo goldfields by Chinese Australians were remembered.
A unique state funeral will take place in Bendigo this Saturday, August 29, for the founder of the Golden Dragon Museum, Russell Jack AM. This marks the first of its kind in the regional Victorian city in over a century. Jack, who died on August 11, will be laid to rest at the Ulumbarra Theatre, after which a traditional Cantonese mourning lion ceremony will be held at Bendigo Cemetery.
The lion, a rare sight, will travel alongside Jack to the cemetery, where the community will be invited to pay their respects. This solemn act of respect is believed to be the first of its kind in Bendigo in over 170 years. The lion, crafted by Hong Kong's celebrated dragon maker Hui Ka Hung, symbolizes mourning, filial piety, and the final farewell to the deceased.
The ceremony, which will include drums, cymbals, and ceremonial movements, aims to reconnect Bendigo's Chinese community with their heritage while honoring Jack's dedication to preserving the city's Chinese traditions.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
