MEDIA RELEASE

11 SEPTEMBER 2014

Council and Diocese collaborate to enhance Cathedral site

One of Bendigo’s most treasured cultural, tourism and religious icons will now be much more visible, thanks to a new program of work on the grounds adjacent to Sacred Heart Cathedral.

The Yamaha motorbike shop on High Street will be demolished over the next week, which is part of a staged beautification and development program.

Stage one of the works will be the installation of a magnificent new 3-metre statue of Australia’s first saint – Saint Mary MacKillop – which will be unveiled and celebrated at an event in late October.

Dignatories from around Australia will be attending the event, at which time the Diocese and Aspire Foundation will be showcasing the plans for the wider precinct development.

“We currently have more than 80,000 visitors each year to our magnificent Cathedral, and the works that both groups will complete over the coming years will ensure that this precinct is much more visible, accessible and enjoyed by the wider community for many years to come,” says Gordon McKern, Chairman, Aspire Cultural and Charitable Foundation.

“We have long talked about a ‘Faith on the Goldfields’ cultural interpretative centre being located on the grounds, and we have come up with some really exciting ideas to benefit the wider community that we look forward to unveiling next month.”

The works are being managed by the Aspire Cultural and Charitable Foundation and the Diocese of Sandhurst, in liaison with the City of Greater Bendigo.

“We’re delighted to be assisting the Aspire Foundation and Diocese and on these important works, which we see as enhancing this important gateway entrance into Bendigo,” says Cr Barry Lyons, Mayor, City of Greater Bendigo.