Council navigates $487m debt as growth plan unveiled

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1. {"key_facts": ["Greater Bendigo City Council is heading into the second half of 2026 with more unresolved business than at any point since amalgamation, marked by contentious votes, a capital works bl

   Greater Bendigo City Council is heading into the second half of 2026 with more unresolved business than at any point since amalgamation, marked by contentious votes, a capital works blowout, and a divided chamber. The council carries $487 million in long-term borrowings into the 2026–27 financial year against a rate base of roughly 60,000 properties.

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2. Bendigo ranked third nationally for per-capita tech startup formation in 2026, behind only Melbourne and Brisbane, with a median founder age of 34 [1].

   Bendigo ranked third nationally for per-capita tech startup formation in 2026, behind only Melbourne and Brisbane, with a median founder age of 34. Desk occupancy across Bendigo's coworking spaces exceeded 90% for three consecutive quarters as of June 2026, signaling strong remote worker adoption.

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3. Bendigo is Australia's first and only UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy, recognized for its creative and thoughtful food, wine, and dining culture [3][6][9].

   Bendigo is Australia's first and only UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy, recognized for its creative and thoughtful food, wine, and dining culture. The dining scene features award-winning restaurants in unique heritage settings, including historic bank vaults, former glass factories, and a 1916 tram serving dinner on Saturday nights.

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4. The Bendigo Employment Region had approximately 82,000 employed people in August 2025, with Health Care, Retail Trade, Construction, Manufacturing, and Education & Training accounting for 57% of total

   The Bendigo Employment Region had approximately 82,000 employed people in August 2025, with Health Care, Retail Trade, Construction, Manufacturing, and Education and Training accounting for 57% of total employment. Retail Trade saw a significant 32.9% employment increase to 10,100 workers over the year to August 2025.

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On in the city

• WEDNESDAY NIGHT TRIVIA

  The McIvor Bendigo, Kennington · 2026-07-21T14:00:00+00:00

• City LOVE Scavenger Hunt Date Night For Couples - Bendigo Vic Area

  **Recommended starting point or another city spot of your choice! (MUST USE PDF TICKETS-NO QR CODES), Bendigo · 2026-07-22T14:00:00+00:00

• 20-07-26 COGB Council Meeting

  Bendigo · 2026-07-25T14:00:00+00:00

• Active Mind Kits: Show and Tell

  Bendigo Library, Bendigo · 2026-07-28T14:00:00+00:00

• Board games: Roll and relax

  Bendigo Library, Bendigo · 2026-07-30T14:00:00+00:00

• 2026 School Principals' Event

  La Trobe Art Institute, Bendigo · 2026-08-05T14:00:00+00:00

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