Bendigo's Digital Image Replacement: What Happens Next and the Key Decisions Ahead

Bendigo's digital image replacement project has reached a critical juncture, with the City of Greater Bendigo set to decide on the next phase of implementation by the end of August 2026.

The project's significance extends beyond mere aesthetics, as it touches on the city's cultural heritage, tourism industry, and community identity. With La Trobe University's regional campus and the Bendigo Health capital expansion driving local economic growth, the city's digital image will play an increasingly important role in attracting visitors, students, and businesses. Furthermore, the project's outcome will have implications for the Murray River environment and water policy, as well as regional arts funding and Aboriginal cultural heritage protection.

Locally, the project will affect iconic landmarks such as the Bendigo Art Gallery on View Street, the Capital Theatre on Hargreaves Street, and the Golden Dragon Museum on Bridge Street. Organisations like the Bendigo Tourism Board, the City of Greater Bendigo, and the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation will be instrumental in shaping the project's direction. The Bendigo Library on Lyttleton Terrace and the Bendigo Visitor Centre on Pall Mall will also be involved in promoting the city's new digital image to residents and tourists alike.

According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the city's population has grown by 12.1% since 2016, with a median age of 38 years old and a median household income of $73,900. With 43.1% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher, the city's digital image replacement project will need to cater to a diverse and educated community. The project's budget, set at $250,000, will be allocated across various stakeholders, including $120,000 for community engagement and $80,000 for digital infrastructure development.

Key Decisions Ahead

As the City of Greater Bendigo prepares to make key decisions on the project's next phase, residents and stakeholders can expect a series of community consultations and workshops. The first consultation, scheduled for July 15, 2026, at the Bendigo Town Hall, will provide an opportunity for the community to share their thoughts and ideas on the project's direction. Additionally, an online survey will be launched on July 20, 2026, allowing residents to provide feedback on the proposed digital image replacement options. With the project's outcome set to impact the city's identity and heritage, it is essential for residents to engage with the decision-making process and have their say on what happens next.