Russell Goldfield Jack AM 雷陽名 will be remembered as one of Bendigo’s most beloved and remarkable community leaders.
Beginning in the 1960s, Russell’s vision and hard work helped breathe new life into the Bendigo Chinese Association (BCA) and the Bendigo Easter Festival, including fundraising to replace the iconic procession dragon.
Together with his late wife Joan, he founded the Golden Dragon Museum in 1991 as a place to share and celebrate the stories, treasures and traditions of the Chinese community in Bendigo.
Following years of tireless work, the Golden Dragon Museum is a much-loved cultural institution, attracting more than 80,000 visitors to Bendigo every year. It is home to the world’s longest imperial dragon - Dai Gum Loong - as well as the world’s oldest imperial dragon, Loong, and a collection of other dragons.
For 32 years, Russell guided the BCA as president, a role in which his warmth and generosity became as well-known as his dedication. For many years through to Easter 2026, he remained closely involved in the Easter Festival, leading the procession of Dai Gum Loong throughout the city.
Russell’s decades of service were honoured when he was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in 1993 and named Victorian Senior Citizen of the Year in 1998.
Russell’s legacy lives on within a grateful community that will continue to treasure the contributions he made throughout his long life and remember him with great fondness.
Date
Saturday, 29 August 2026
Time
Doors open at 9:45am.
The State Funeral Service will commence at 11am.
Location
Ulumbarra Theatre
10 Gaol Rd
Bendigo VIC 3550
Tickets
Ticket registrations are not required to attend the State Funeral Service, but capacity is in line with seating available in Ulumbarra Theatre, which can seat up to 960 patrons.
Live stream
The State Funeral Service will be live streamed on this page for those unable to attend.
A link to view the live stream will be available closer to the event.
How to get there
By car
The estimated travelling time from Melbourne to Bendigo is 90 minutes, via the Calder Highway.
There are a number of car parks in close proximity to Ulumbarra Theatre including Park Road (behind the Golden Dragon Museum) and the QEO car park behind The Capital. On-street parking is available around the Bendigo Town Hall. Meters and time restrictions apply.
For ca rpark opening hours and more information about parking in Bendigo visit the City of Greater Bendigo’s where to park.
By public transport
If you are taking the train, the estimated travelling time from Melbourne to Bendigo is 90 minutes. The arts precinct is approximately a 15-minute walk from Bendigo train station. Alternatively, from Bendigo train station, you can catch the number 3 or 5 bus to the View Street arts precinct and take a short walk to reach Ulumbarra Theatre.
For Bendigo train timetables, fares, maps, and travel information visit the Transport Victoria website or the V/Line website.
Accessibility
To ensure support is provided, please pre-register your attendance by emailing contact@dpc.vic.gov.au or calling 1300 366 356 between 8.30 am and 5 pm Monday to Friday.
Accessible parking
There is a disabled car parking zone adjacent to the venue and a drop off point immediately at the front of the venue for all Ulumbarra Theatre patrons.
Wheelchair seating
Wheelchair access seating is available. Please contact the Ulumburra Box Office on 03 5434 6100 between 10am to 5pm to discuss options.
Hearing loop
The auditorium is equipped with a hearing loop sound system for use by those with hearing aids.
Closed captions will be available on the live stream of the service.
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