Croydon Heritage Festival 2025
Published on 02 July 2025
Where Golden Legacy Meets the Orient
Croydon’s 2025 Heritage Festival (19 - 27 June) brought the town’s rich multicultural story to life under the theme “Where Golden Legacy Meets the Orient.” The nine-day-long celebration welcomed visitors from across the country to honour Croydon’s golden history and strong community spirit through events, exhibits, and performances.
A standout moment was the official opening of the Archaeological Chinese Temple Site — a project of state and national significance. The temple site recognises the vital role of the Chinese community in Croydon’s early goldfield development and offers a meaningful glimpse into the cultural footprint left behind. Years of archaeological research and heritage work led to the site’s revitalisation and public interpretation.
The red ribbon was cut by a distinguished group of guests, including: Lai Chu Chan, Nancy Lau, Cedric Hughes, Dr Ruan Zongze (Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Brisbane), Mayor Trevor Pickering, Councillor Wayne Bing Chew, CEO Jacqui Cresswell, Violet Dargan, and Helen Ellems. Together, they revealed the newly installed Fu Dog statues, symbolic guardians that now welcome visitors to this extraordinary cultural site.
Festival highlights
The Festival opened with high-energy Campdraft and Rodeo events, proudly presented by the Croydon Rodeo and Campdraft Association—setting the tone for nine days of celebration and connection.
From the dazzling “Oriental in the Outback” Dinner to trivia nights, family games, stargazing, live music, and immersive heritage tours, each day delivered a unique experience.
Highlights included the scenic Gulflander heritage train journey to Golden Gate, fireside storytelling by lifelong locals, guided heritage walks and a heartfelt duet by Emily James and her daughter during the finale—an emotional performance that resonated with the crowd. The evening concluded in spectacular fashion, with fireworks lighting up the Outback sky.
Council thanks the community, visiting dignitaries, volunteers, and sponsors for making this year’s celebration one to remember.
View the festival photo gallery here.