During the last election, the Albanese Labor government made the commitment to delivering funding for the Central Debroah Gold Mine Revitalisation project.

The Central Deborah Gold Mine Revitalisation project includes:

• A fully refurbished visitor centre, including new entrances, ticketing and retail spaces, expanded customer amenities, a new café and outdoor dining area, and accessible tram platforms.

• A refurbished artificial creek with accessible gold panning and associated early goldrush and indigenous themed landscaping.

• New perimeter fencing to allow more of the site to be used for displays and improved privacy for neighbours.

• A relocated video safety briefing room and a dedicated viewing room for the historic ‘Kelly Model’.

This project helps tell the stories of the Central Deborah gold mine and Bendigo’s broader gold story and ensures people will have access to the unique experience offered by the historic gold mine tourist attraction.

Bendigo Heritage Attractions were invited to apply through the Major and Local Community Infrastructure Program.

The program is vital in delivering community and sporting infrastructure, open space improvements, and other community priorities. The program will run over 4 years from 2025-26.

This is an invitation-only program. Only organisations identified by the Australian Government are invited to apply for funding for nominated projects.

All applications must be received by 5:00pm (local time) on 1 December 2025 unless an extension has been granted in accordance with the program guidelines.

Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BENDIGO, LISA CHESTERS MP: 

“Regional Victoria is a vibrant community with a rich gold mining history.

“This project will encourage more visitors to come to Bendigo, stay in Bendigo, and learn more about the story of our region.

“We’re delivering on our election commitments and building community infrastructure to support Bendigo”