In South Melbourne, passers-by have been leaving offerings of flowers, notes, and water by the red and black gates of the See Yup Temple, Australia’s oldest continuously operating Chinese temple. These gifts are not for the deities or ancestral tablets that line the temple’s walls but for the volunteers who have been working tirelessly to secure and maintain the site since a devastating electrical fire occurred in February. The fire, which ripped through the central building during Chinese New Year celebrations for the Year of the Dragon, left the uninsured temple in need of significant repairs. Thanks to a $60,000 grant from the state government, the volunteers are now able to appoint a project manager and expert consultants to oversee the restoration process.
The current iteration of the See Yup Temple was built in 1866 and features a blend of Chinese and early-Australian architecture. Despite the temple’s age and historical significance, the volunteers who maintain the site were facing financial struggles in the wake of the fire. The grant from the state government has been a much-needed lifeline, allowing the volunteers to begin the restoration process and ensure the temple’s continued operation. The funds will also help address concerns about toxic materials, such as the paint used in the 1800s, which may have been present in the building and damaged during the fire.
See Yup Society president Michael Lam expressed gratitude for the grant, calling it the second miracle to occur at the site in seven months. The first miracle was that, despite the severity of the fire, none of the gods or deities housed within the temple were harmed. Lam acknowledged the symbolic significance of this event, noting that it was “amazing” to see the flames launch upwards instead of outwards, sparing the sacred artifacts within. The volunteers and members of the community have rallied around the temple, leaving messages of support and small tokens of appreciation at the gates in recognition of the work being done to preserve this important cultural landmark.
In addition to the damage caused by the fire, the historic panelling near the deities was badly damaged, and the central skylight was destroyed. These structural issues will need to be addressed as part of the restoration effort. With the support of the state government grant, the volunteers are now able to bring in the expertise needed to assess the damage and plan for the restoration work. The See Yup Temple holds deep cultural significance for the Chinese Australian community, and it is heartening to see the outpouring of support and appreciation for the volunteers who have dedicated their time and effort to preserving this important part of Australia’s history.
As the restoration process moves forward, the volunteers at the See Yup Temple continue to work diligently to secure and maintain the site. The outpouring of support from the community has been a source of encouragement for the volunteers, who are grateful for the recognition of their efforts. With the help of the state government grant and the expertise of project managers and consultants, the volunteers are hopeful that the See Yup Temple will be able to reopen its doors to the public in the near future. The ongoing dedication of the volunteers and the community’s support are ensuring that this historic temple will continue to be a place of cultural significance and spiritual reverence for generations to come.
