Twilight Talks 2025, Season 3, Spring Season | Into the Dragon’s Den, The Chinese community in Bendigo
Bar open at 5pm
Humffray Room
Saving Dragons: The Life and Times of Russell Goldfield (Louey Yeung Man) Jack by Dianne Dempsey
Russell Jack, the visionary founder of the internationally renowned Golden Dragon Museum, spent his life breaking barriers and preserving the history of the Chinese Australian community. Growing up in the shadow of the White Australia Policy, he turned adversity into strength, using the vibrant traditions of Chinese dragon processions as a bridge between cultures. Through the power of storytelling and historical insight, Dempsey paints a vivid portrait of a man who replaced fear with knowledge and ignorance with beauty.
This compelling biography explores Jack’s humble beginnings, family legacy, athletic achievements, community leadership, and the extraordinary creation of the Golden Dragon Museum—a cultural institution that transformed Bendigo’s understanding of its Chinese heritage.
Told with verve, compassion, and illuminating vignettes, Saving Dragons offers a unique slice of Australian social history and a testament to the resilience of a Chinese community that has shaped the nation’s identity.
Saving Dragons book review | 13 May 2025
View Article: Saving Dragons Book Review by Steven Carroll in The Age and Sydney Morning Herald
Publication: The Sydney Morning Herald
Date Published: 30/04/2025
Speaker: Di Dempsey
Dianne Dempsey
“I am a freelance journalist, specialising in literary and regional journalism, writing for metropolitan as well as regional newspapers and magazines. I have also been a newsroom reporter. As a scriptwriter, I have written for Neighbours (Reg Grundy) and Altogether Now (Clive Packer). I made Gorilla Girls (Film Victoria), and Shredded (the Victorian Women’s Trust).
I almost forgot to mention my books, Girls in Our Town, When He Came Home, and most recently, Saving Dragons: The Life and Times of Russell Goldfield Jack. I live in Bendigo, in the shadow of the Cathedral. It’s a beautiful town. It’s where my family comes from and I love it here.
I hope you enjoy this story of our city’s revered Chinese elder, Russell Louey Jack.”
Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities.
This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong
Tickets and Bookings
Tickets $9.73 BMI members & $13.83 general admittance, includes gst & bkg fee.
This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work, learn and create. Always Was, Always Will Be, Aboriginal Land.
