Twilight Talks, Spring Season | Into the Dragon's Den, The Chinese Commmunity in Bendigo

Russell Jack, the visionary founder of the internationally renowned Golden Dragon Museum, spent his life breaking barriers and preserving the history of the Chinese Australian community. Growing up in the shadow of the White Australia Policy, he turned adversity into strength, using the vibrant traditions of Chinese dragon processions as a bridge between cultures. Through the power of storytelling and historical insight, Dempsey paints a vivid portrait of a man who replaced fear with knowledge and ignorance with beauty.

This compelling biography ('Saving Dragons: The Life and Times of Russell Goldfield (Louey Yeung Man) Jack' by Dianne Dempsey) explores Jack’s humble beginnings, family legacy, athletic achievements, community leadership, and the extraordinary creation of the Golden Dragon Museum—a cultural institution that transformed Bendigo’s understanding of its Chinese heritage.

Told with verve, compassion, and illuminating vignettes, Saving Dragons offers a unique slice of Australian social history and a testament to the resilience of a Chinese community that has shaped the nation’s identity.

Find out more: https://ballaratmi.org.au/talks/

You may also like the following events from Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute:

• This Thursday, 18th September, 08:00 am, In conversation with Chrissie Bellbrae, author of 'The Florentine Quilt' in Ballarat
• Next Wednesday, 24th September, 07:30 am, Twilight Talks, Spring Season | Gold! Gold! Bendigo v Ballarat in Ballarat
• Next Thursday, 25th September, 08:30 am, In conversation with Paula Gleeson in Ballarat