An article from Colleen McCarthy, Eaglehawk
Autumn in Bendigo once again provided the perfect backdrop for the vibrant Bendigo Easter Festival, where colour, culture and community came together across the four-day long weekend. As always Rotary played a significant role in bringing the festival to life. 
BBQ tongs to the ready
Bendigo’s five Rotary clubs --Bendigo, Bendigo South, Eaglehawk, Kangaroo Flat and Bendigo Sandhurst - each contributed to the success of the weekend through a range of fundraising and community- focused activities. The Rotary Club of Bendigo Sandhurst contributed to the action with its much anticipated Easter Markets.
Held in the heart of the CBD, the Easter Markets once again proved to be one of the festival’s major drawcards, showcasing an extensive range of stallholders offering handcrafted goods, clothing, gourmet food, local produce and artisan products, creating a lively and welcoming space for both visitors and locals. What sets the markets apart is not only their scale, but the strong sense of collaboration. Community-based partnerships enhance the overall festival experience with the Bendigo Chinese Association’s stunning display of traditional regalia and performances to ‘Wake the Dragon’ with the joyful sounds of firecrackers and rhythmic drumming. Bendigo Tramways convenient park-and-ride services brought families directly to the market area. The market’s location between Rosalind Park and the Chinese precinct ensured visitors were immersed in the full atmosphere of the festival.
Enjoying the beautiful Easter weather at the Easter Market
Importantly, the markets also created opportunities for fellow Rotary clubs. The Rotary Club of Eaglehawk hosted a well-supported book sale, while the Rotary Club of Bendigo South operated a popular BBQ.
The Rotary Club of Bendigo Art Show, held at the Bendigo Town Hall, again attracted strong interest as one of regional Victoria’s premier art exhibitions. Meanwhile, the Rotary Club of Kangaroo Flat continued its proud tradition of a Hole-in-One golf competition, raising valuable funds for local community initiatives.
On Good Friday, families gathered in Rosalind Park for the much loved Easter Egg Hunt, supporting Vision Australia which added to the excitement of the Festival and reinforced its strong community connection.
Despite concerns about the impact of petrol prices, international uncertainty and reduced spending, the markets exceeded expectations. With strong crowds and a vibrant atmosphere there was overwhelmingly positive feedback from stall holders on the success of the event.
Rotary Club of Eaglehawk's Book Stall
Many reported excellent sales and praised the organisation, efficiency and friendliness of Rotary volunteers.
For members of the Rotary Club of Bendigo Sandhurst, the Easter weekend is a time of commitment. Members remain in Bendigo working together to deliver their club’s most significant annual fundraiser. In doing so, they demonstrated the true spirit of Rotary—Service Above Self—Rotarians in Action.
Rotarians across District 9800 are warmly invited to consider Bendigo as a Easter destination in the future, drop in, introduce themselves, and experience firsthand the fellowship and shared purpose that defines Rotary in the Bendigo region. And if you are handy on a barbie, we have a set of tongs waiting for you.