Australia’s oldest Chinese temple secures grant for revival following fire

Australia's oldest continuously operating Chinese temple, the heritage listed See Yup Temple on Raglan St in South Melbourne, has been awarded a $60,000 grant by the state government.

The initiative aims to help the See Yup Society of Melbourne restore the unique heritage temple and important place of worship while preserving its cultural significance.

The temple suffered substantial damage from a fire that broke out on the ground floor during the Lunar New Year of the Dragon celebrations in February 2024.

The 150-year-old Taoist temple, owned and built by the See Yup Society of Melbourne, was established in 1854.

It served as a mutual self-help society to support those who came to Victoria from the See Yup area of Kwangtung province in southern China.

Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny said that the See Yup Temple held a special place in Melbourne's multicultural history.

The temple has been used for important activities over the years, including Chinese language classes, worship, and traditional festivals, making it a central hub for the Chinese community.

Member for Albert Park Nina Taylor told Southbank News that the endowment “will help ensure this cherished site will continue to be a place where traditions are celebrated, and memories are made for generations to come.”