Bendigo Cup public holiday hangs on razor-thin survey split
A survey of 2,672 people shows just 2.2% more support keeping Bendigo Cup's public holiday than switching to Melbourne Cup day.
Bendigo's council surveyed the community on whether to shift the public holiday from the local Bendigo Cup to Melbourne Cup day. Results show 38.7% back keeping the Bendigo Cup date, which was 2.2% higher than those who prefer Melbourne Cup timing, and 24.7% want it moved to Bendigo Show day.
Businesses that responded split sharply from the public: more than half the companies surveyed said Melbourne Cup alignment would benefit work and operations, even though only 4% of all respondents were businesses.
The council will decide on September 21. A change could affect about $3.2 million in Bendigo spending, with bars and clubs seeing about a 27% trade increase during Bendigo Cup week.
- 2,672 people and businesses
- Survey respondents
- 38.7%
- Bendigo Cup support
- 36.5%
- Melbourne Cup support
- 27% for bars and clubs
- Trade boost during Cup week
Why it mattersThe council's choice will either keep local trade flowing to Bendigo's venues or realign the city with Victoria's main racing event and working calendar.
