Bendigo church reopens after fire, repairs to cost $1.1 million
St Kilian's Church in Bendigo reopened after a July 31 fire destroyed its sacristy, with repairs costing about $1.1 million.
The historic wooden church on McCrae Street reopened for a funeral on October 29 and held its first scheduled Mass on November 1, nearly three months after an early morning fire destroyed the sacristy at the building's rear.
Total repairs will cost more than $1 million; repair work already completed, including carpet replacement, cleaning and organ restoration, has cost about $200,000. The church is insured but faces an about $10,000 excess it does not currently hold in funds.
The sacristy housed hymn books, vestments, altar cloths and other items needed for services. Church management will also install a smoke detection and fire suppression system.
The church usually hosts about 500 to 600 worshippers each week.
- $1.1 million
- Total repair cost
- $200,000
- Current repairs completed
- $10,000
- Insurance excess unpaid
- 500 to 600
- Weekly worshippers
Why it mattersThe church can rebuild with insurance but must find $10,000 quickly. The reopening restores this historic worship space after nearly three months of closure.
AustraliaSt Kilian's Church is central to Bendigo's Catholic community and heritage. The reopening restores a key local gathering place.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
