Coloured tri-fold brochure titled Fortuna Villa. There are several coloured photos of the Villa and garden, a short history, information on the Villa Fortuna Action Group and their ideas for its future use. There is also a printed membership form. A small location map is included.bendigo, clubs, fortuna villa, christopher ballerstedt, theodore ballerstedt, 180 mine, george lansell, edith lansell, william beebe, vahland, getzschmann, emil maumann, commonwealth department of defence, the fortuna villa action group, city of greater bendigo, julian prowd, geoff hocking, bart-n-print

The Department of Defence has delayed the assessment of Fortuna Villa, pushing the expected completion date to August, with the sale now planned for late in the year. Initial hopes were to finish assessments by December of the previous year, but this timeline was not met. Multiple assessments are required to understand the property's characteristics, and the Defence Department emphasizes the importance of thoroughness.The first draft of these assessments is still incomplete, and the property also needs to be valued before any sale can proceed. The Villa Fortuna Action Group, led by president Merle Hall, is aware of the delays and is awaiting the audit assessment results. The group plans to lobby the City of Greater Bendigo to support their proposal for the property's future use and is preparing a more detailed submission for council consideration.Fortuna Articles - "A Vision for Fortuna Villa" Feb 2009 The Bendigo Advertiser by Nino Bucci, picture Julian Prowd This item contains the following: 11217.37a Colour Photo of Fortuna 11217.37b Part of Page - "A Vision for Fortuna Villanon-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, villa fortuna action group, merle hall

Germans were the third largest ethnic group on the Bendigo goldfields in the mid-19th century, numbering 2,000–3,000 by 1860. Many were experienced miners from the Harz mountains and led the development of quartz mining at Sandhurst. Christopher Ballerstedt, a German miner, established a successful quartz mining operation and built Fortuna Villa, later sold to George Lansell. Other notable German names include Wittscheibe, Koch, Killian, Ketterer, Roeder, and Mueller, who contributed to mining and local society. German architects, especially William Vahland, played a major role in shaping Bendigo’s architecture, including work on Fortuna Villa. Germans contributed to Bendigo’s cultural life, with several daughters of German-born residents achieving international fame as opera singers. The community was active in commerce, wine production, trades, and professions (e.g., priests, chemists, mayors). Despite some families anglicizing their names during World War I, many German surnames remain prominent in Bendigo. The document advocates for greater recognition of German pioneers, suggesting Fortuna Villa as a venue for a museum or display to celebrate their legacy, inspired by the example of the Chinese Museum in Bendigo. The author urges the community to preserve and showcase the stories, artifacts, and memorabilia of all Bendigo’s pioneers, emphasizing the importance of remembering the city’s immigrant past. Beverley Carter is the author of the document and is introduced as a retired secondary school teacher, part-time journalist, reviewer, and editor. She is a member of Bendigo's Lansell family and is currently writing a comprehensive history of her family, covering their European and English origins and their role in Bendigo's development. Carter's 'Fortuna Glimpses' series focuses on the life of mining magnate George Lansell and his home, Fortuna Articles - "Time to Honour Pioneers" May 01 2009 The Bendigo Advertiser by Bevely Carter, picture by Julian Prowd This item contains the following: 11217.39a Colour Photo of Fortuna. 11217.39b Part of Page 17 - "Time to Honour Pioneers"non-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, beverley carter

The Villa Fortuna Action Group, led by president Merle Hall, has received positive feedback from many council election candidates regarding the future of Fortuna Villa. The group reached out to prospective councillors, sharing their proposal and inviting responses, which were thoughtful and enthusiastic. The group is committed to keeping Fortuna Villa under public ownership for the benefit of the Bendigo community. They propose that the City of Greater Bendigo acquire the property, following Commonwealth Government guidelines for priority sale at concessional rates. The Action Group envisions developing Fortuna Villa as an arts, cultural, and heritage centre. Their model is based on other successful, self-sustaining projects in similar historic properties. Fortuna Villa was previously home to the Australian Army's map-making unit, which has since relocated to new premises nearby.Fortuna Article - "Fortuna Support Praised" - The Bendigo Miner Thursday Nov 13 2008 Picutres Julian Prowd This item contains the following: 11217.19a Colour Photos of the Villa and Gardens 11217.19b Part of page - Article "Fortuna Support Praised" - "Moves afoot at Fortuna"non-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, fortuna action group, merle hall

The article highlights the opening of the $52 million Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation (DIGO) facility in Junortoun, Bendigo, emphasizing its strategic and economic significance The new DIGO centre is the sole provider of geospatial intelligence for Australia's defence and national interests. The facility ensures DIGO remains a world-class organization in geospatial information and services. Bendigo has been important to Australia's defence since 1942, previously hosting Defence mapping at the Fortuna site. Defence spends about $130 million annually in Bendigo on personnel, equipment, services, and facilities. The new DIGO facility is expected to promote local employment and economic growth. Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon visited Thales Australia, which designs and produces the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle.Defence recently ordered 293 more Bushmasters, totaling 737 vehicles.Fortuna Article - "DIGO's new home opens" - The Bendigo Miner Thursday Nov 13 2008 Picutres Julian Prowd This item contains the following: 11217.20a Colour Photo of Joel Fitzgibbon 11217.20b Part of page 5 - Article "DIGO's new home opens" non-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, digo, geospatial intelligence

Fortuna Villa, a prominent Bendigo landmark, will open to the public before Christmas. The Defence Department confirmed the open day will occur within the next month, though the exact date is not yet set. The opening is part of a broader community consultation process ahead of the property's eventual sale. Visitors will be able to tour the Villa and its grounds, but the level of access is still being discussed with heritage consultants. Details about the consultation process and the timeline for the property's disposal remain undecided, as site investigations are ongoing. The Villa Fortuna Action Group welcomed the announcement but expressed concern that the timing near Christmas might limit public attendance due to seasonal pressures.Fortuna Article - "DIGO's new home opens" - The Bendigo Miner Thursday Nov 27 2008 by Nino Bucci, picture Julian Prowd This item contains the following: 11217.21a Colour Photo of Fortuna balcony 11217.21b Part of page 8 - Article "Fortuna to Open Up"non-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, villa fortuna action group

George and Edith Lansell returned to Sandhurst (Bendigo) in 1887, initiating major renovations to Fortuna Villa to accommodate their growing family and staff. Significant architectural additions included a three-storey extension, master bedroom suite, indoor bathrooms, central heating (the first private home in Victoria to have it), and a grand picture gallery/billiard room. The house saw continuous expansion: a mansard attic (1890), new entrance hall and bay window (1893–1895), extended eastern front (by 1900), decorative plasterwork and metal ceilings (by 1904), and the iconic 'candle snuffer' roof feature. The grounds were beautified with trees, rose gardens, marble statues, and removal of industrial elements. The Lansell family grew to include six children, with the house and grounds providing ample space for play and family gatherings. The extended Lansell and Bassford families were closely involved in social events at Fortuna. Fortuna Villa became a center for social life in Bendigo, hosting vice-regal visits and large family occasions. George Lansell contributed to civic pride, donating a gold Mayoral chain to the Bendigo Council and previously to Margate, Kent.Music and cultural events were prominent at Fortuna, reflecting the vibrant community life. Lansell celebrated Bendigo's pioneers and the town's development, notably hosting a dinner for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 1897 for notable local citizens.The document highlights the transformation of Sandhurst to Bendigo and the area's role in broader Australian history.Fortuna's Age of Growth Article - The Bendigo Advertiser Monday Sept 08 2008 by Beveley Carter, Photo by Julian Prowd This item contains the following: 11217.17a Coloured photo of the impressive Fortuna Villa and surrounding gardens 11217.17b Part of page 8 - Article "Fortuna's Age of Growth"non-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, edith lansell

The Defence Department is finalizing due diligence investigations into Fortuna Villa, including heritage, environmental contamination, and unexploded ordnance studies. These investigations have taken longer than expected, with completion delayed by almost six months. Once the due diligence report is completed (expected by early next month), it will be shared with the State Government and the City of Greater Bendigo.State or local government will have the first opportunity to purchase the property before it is offered on the open market. The site has not yet been valued, and the timing for the disposal process remains uncertain, pending full consideration of the due diligence studies. Dr. Mike Kelly, the parliamentary secretary for Defence Support responsible for Defence property disposals, plans to visit Fortuna Villa, though his visit has been delayed.Fortuna Articles - "Decision on Villa's future moves closer" June 26 2009 The Bendigo Advertiser by Nino Bucci and pictures by Julian Prowd This item contains the following: 11217.42a Colour photo of the Villa Fortuna 11217.42b Part of Page - Fortuna Articles - "Decision on Villa's future moves closer"non-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, dr mike kelly

This document by Beverley Carter, (Lansell family historian) explores the future potential of Fortuna Villa in Bendigo, emphasizing its significance for community, tourism, and economic development. The Defence Department has vacated Fortuna Villa after more than 60 years. There is an opportunity for public ownership, with state or local government having first refusal, ensuring community access. Fortuna Villa could become a major asset for Bendigo, enhancing its profile and supporting economic growth. Cultural tourism is highlighted as a rapidly growing sector, with visitors who stay longer and spend more. The success of recent cultural events in Bendigo, such as the Golden Age of Couture exhibition, demonstrates the city's capacity to attract international attention. The Villa Fortuna Action Group proposes transforming the site into a hub for cultural, commercial, and community activities. Suggested uses include concerts, festivals, exhibitions, heritage tours, retail outlets, community meetings, conferences, weddings, and fine dining. The document references successful models like Abbotsford Convent and Werribee Mansion in Victoria, and Hylands House in the UK, as examples of adaptive reuse. While acknowledging significant short-term costs, the document argues that long-term financial and social benefits outweigh these concerns. The project is seen as a way to diversify the local economy, create jobs, and foster business partnerships.The author rejects the notion that tough economic times should prevent investment, suggesting such projects can help mitigate downturns. Fortuna Villa is presented as a once-in-a-lifetime chance for Bendigo to secure a property that symbolizes the city's golden past. The author stresses the importance of a comprehensive, coordinated approach to tourism in the region, with Fortuna Villa as a potential centerpiece.Urgency: There is a strong call to action, suggesting that the community must act quickly to secure the property before it is lost to others. The document is authored by Beverley Carter, a member of the Lansell family, who is writing a detailed family history and a series on George Lansell and Fortuna Villa, further underlining the site's historical importance.Fortuna Articles - "A Vision for Fortuna Villa" Feb 20 2009 The Bendigo Advertiser by Beverley Carter, photo by Julian Prowd This item contains the following: 11217.36a Colour Photo of Fortuna 11217.36b Part of Page 14 - "A Vision for Fortuna Villa" 11217.36c Part of Page 14 - "A Vision for Fortuna Villa"non-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, villa fortuna action group, beverley carter

This article outlines the key findings and recommendations from a Defence Department report on Fortuna Villa, a historic site in Bendigo: Any future development must respect and complement the heritage values of Fortuna Villa. The site's cultural landscape and archaeological resources should be managed and documented appropriately. Most buildings on the site are in good to very good condition, with minimal structural issues.Some buildings contain asbestos and lead paint; soil samples revealed elevated arsenic and low mercury levels, indicating environmental hazards that need management. Future uses should be sustainable and compatible with the site's heritage significance.Adaptive re-use of interiors and sensitive restoration are encouraged, with minimal changes to key heritage areas.Occasional public access should be considered in future plans. The Heritage Management Plan provides policies and specific recommendations for conservation before and after the property's disposal by Defence.The plan aims to ensure ongoing management aligns with official heritage values.Next StepsThe report will inform decisions by the City of Greater Bendigo and the State Government regarding potential purchase and future management of the site.Fortuna Articles - "Respect our heritage" July 23 2009 The Bendigo Advertiser by Nino Bucci, pictures Julian Prowd This item contains the following: 11217.44a Colour sketch of the policy for future landscape 11217.44a Colour photo of Fortuna 11217.44c Part of Page 7 - Fortuna Articles - "Respect our heritage"non-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell

Interior and exterior views showcase Fortuna's unique design elements.Notable features include the Pompeii fountain with detailed sculptures such as a boy on a pillar, Neptune, and a lion's head. Exquisite stained glass in the music room. Rooftop putti (cherubic figures) that add timeless appeal. Beverley Carter is the author of the document and is a retired secondary school teacher, part-time journalist, reviewer, and editor. She is a member of Bendigo's Lansell family and is currently writing a comprehensive history of her family, covering their European and English origins and their role in Bendigo's development. Carter's 'Fortuna Glimpses' series focuses on the life of mining magnate George Lansell and his home, Fortuna Articles - "Fortuna Details" May 15 2009 The Bendigo Advertiser by Beveley Carter, picture by Julian Prowd This item contains the following: 11217.40a Colour Photo of "Boy on a Pillar". 11217.40b Colour Photo of "Pompei Fountain Detail" 11217.40c Colour Photo of "Pompei Fountain Detail" 11217.40d Colour Photo of "Pompei Fountain Lions Head" 11217.40e Colour Photo of Stained glass from the music room, and ornate plaster. 11217.40f Colour Photo of roof top putti. 11217.40g Colour Photo of Etched and ruby glass panels on the conservatory 11217.40h Part of Page 16 - "Fortuna Details - Fortuna Glimpes"non-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, beverley carter