Since the day gold was discovered in Central Victoria in 1851, Bendigo has enjoyed a history of strong support for arts and culture. The gold rush miners were entertained in numerous theatres and places of entertainment, and in the intervening time Bendigo has continued to improve and upgrade its performing arts facilities. On Monday night this week that 151 year history came to an end.
17 Jul 2002 12:00
David Eedle
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Performing Arts
Since the day gold was discovered in Central Victoria in 1851 Bendigo has enjoyed a history of strong support for arts and culture. The gold rush miners were entertained in numerous theatres and places of entertainment, and in the intervening time Bendigo has continued to improve and upgrade its performing arts facilities. On Monday night this week that 151 year history came to an end.
Amid controversy, the Greater Bendigo City Council voted not to proceed with a $14.5 million performing arts centre development. A footnote was also added to history with the Mayor voting against the adoption of the Council budget in protest – believed to be a first in Australia.
David Eedle is the President/Guru of The Dramatic Group P/L, the publisher of www.artshub.com.au and www.artshub.co.uk. He started life as a stagehand and lighting designer (after being kicked out of Monash Uni for spending too much time working backstage, and not enough time working on his degree). David went on to the safety of various performing arts venues across the country, ending up as Manager of Bendigo Regional Arts Centre, before founding his own arts and media consultancy in 1996. David has had a long association with the internet, and remembers what it looked like before there were pictures on it.
