Bendigo Joss House - Emu Point
Updated: 24 October 2008
According to Chinese tradition the number 8 is considered to represent good fortune. In order to provide acknowledgement to this tradition, the Bendigo Tramways rostered tram #808 for service on 8th August 2008. Here we see the tram at the North Bendigo terminus with the entrance of the Joss House visible in the distance.
The Bendigo Chinese Joss House is located adjacent to the North Bendigo terminus of the Vintage Talking Tram Tour at Emu Point. It was built during the latter half of the 19th century as one of a number of places of worship for the thousands of Chinese who came to Bendigo in search of gold.
By 1941, the Joss House was the only surviving remnant of what was once a large and thriving Chinese community at Emu Point. During the ensuing years the structure became derelict when in the 1960s the National Trust went into battle to preserve the historic building. Consequently, the National Trust became the custodians of the Joss House and maintained it until 2007. In that year an agreement was reached between the National Trust, the City of Greater Bendigo and The Bendigo Trust for the custodianship to be handed over to The Bendigo Trust.
Bendigo Council contributed $40000 and the National Trust $20000 towards the refurbishment of the Chinese Joss House and on 25th July 2007, the building was re-dedicated.
Click on the bar listed to the right to take an on-line tour of the Bendigo Chinese Joss House.
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