ALBANESE GOVERNMENT DELIVERING FOR CHINESE COMMUNITY IN MACNAMARA
A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will commit $60,000 to revive the See Yup Temple, the oldest continuously operating Chinese temple of its kind in Australia.
The heritage listed temple suffered significant damage in February 2024 when a devastating fire caused by an electrical fault broke out during the Lunar New Year of the Dragon celebrations.
This funding will match the Victorian State Government’s contribution made in September 2024, to aid the See Yup Society of Melbourne in restoring and reopening the more than 150-year-old building.
Since it was first built in 1866, the See Yup Society has managed and cared for the temple and its programs, including Chinese language classes, worship and traditional festivals.
Inside this magnificent temple are over 13,000 engravings in commemoration of members who have passed away and those who have contributed to the community dating back to the gold rush.
This election commitment will support the restoration efforts for the fireplaces, the heavenly well, and tile flooring, as well as electrical works and the cleaning and conservation of religious and cultural objects. The reconstruction of this historically and archeologically significant temple is supported by the Victorian State Government, the City of Port Phillip and Heritage Council Victoria.
Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.
Comments attributable to Josh Burns MP:
“For everyone who lives or works in South Melbourne, the See Yup Temple is a proud part of our community’s story.
“Our multiculturalism is our community’s strength, and I am so pleased to play a part in protecting it.
“When I visited the See-Yup Temple for Lunar New Year celebrations I saw a resilient and vibrant community, who had come together to repair this landmark. I am proud to join this wonderful community in working towards the Temple’s restoration”.
