BENDIGO, 07 February 2026 – The historic goldfields city of Bendigo is currently navigating a challenging summer season, marked by significant bushfire recovery efforts and ongoing infrastructure repairs following a major transmission outage. As the regional hub of Central Victoria, the city continues to balance its rich 19th-century heritage with modern developments in sport and community infrastructure.
Recent Developments and Breaking News
The Bendigo region has been on high alert during what has been described as one of the most dangerous bushfire seasons in recent years. Victorian Premier and Member for Bendigo East, Jacinta Allan, recently acknowledged the devastating impact of blazes that destroyed homes, livestock, and crops across the region. In a significant legal development this week, a 28-year-old man was charged with recklessly lighting four wildfires in the McIntyre, Cochranes Creek, and Wehla areas over a three-week period.
Residents are also seeing a gradual return of essential services following a fire at the Mount Alexander transmission site three weeks ago. The blaze silenced local broadcasts, causing widespread outages for ABC TV and radio. While services are being restored at reduced power, full free-to-air television reception is expected to remain patchy for some homes in the immediate future as technicians work on the damaged tower.
Infrastructure and Sport
Despite the environmental challenges, Bendigo is undergoing a period of physical transformation. Major upgrades are currently underway at both the Bendigo Stadium and the Bendigo Showgrounds. These projects, led by head contractor AW Nicholson, aim to modernise the city’s sporting and event capabilities. The investment has already yielded results, with the city securing four blockbuster NBL games, further cementing its reputation as a premier regional sporting destination.
Historical Context and Facts
Founded on the wealth of the 1850s gold rush, Bendigo remains one of Australia’s most architecturally significant regional cities. The discovery of gold at Bendigo Creek in 1851 transformed the landscape from a quiet sheep station into a global centre of wealth.
| Milestone | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Discovery | 1851 | Initial find at Bendigo Creek triggered the boom. |
| Municipal District | 1855 | Declared a formal municipal district. |
| HM Bendigo Gaol | 1861–1864 | Built on a hill overlooking the town (now Ulumbarra Theatre). |
| Shire Status | 1863 | Area officially became a shire. |
| City Status | 1871 | Bendigo officially declared a city. |
Community and Culture
The city’s cultural landscape has seen recent debate, particularly following the Bendigo Writers’ Festival in late 2025, where a new code of conduct led to discussions regarding censorship and artistic freedom. However, the community remains vibrant, with local organisations like “Be Bendigo” and the National Association of Women in Operations (NAWO) actively hosting events to support regional growth and professional networking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there a TV and radio outage in Bendigo?
A fire at the Mount Alexander transmission site in mid-January 2026 caused significant damage to broadcasting equipment. While ABC services are beginning to resume at reduced power, full restoration for all free-to-air channels is ongoing.
What major construction is happening in the city?
The Bendigo Stadium and Bendigo Showgrounds are currently undergoing multi-million dollar redevelopments to expand seating capacity and improve facilities for regional exhibitions and national sporting events.
Who is the current local representative for Bendigo East?
The Member for Bendigo East is Jacinta Allan, who also serves as the Premier of Victoria. She has been active recently in coordinating the state’s response to the regional bushfire crisis.
Is Bendigo still a mining town?
While commercial gold mining on the scale of the 19th century has ceased, the city’s identity is still defined by its “golden past.” Many former mining sites, such as the Central Deborah Gold Mine and the repurposed Bendigo Gaol (Ulumbarra Theatre), serve as major tourist and cultural attractions.