Black and white photograph of George Lansell's bedroom at Fortuna villa. History of object: George Lansell 'The Quartz King', Fortuna Villa, Chum Street, Bendigo. Ornate furnishings of a bedroom of period showing half of room. Ornate wardrobe and mirror on marble topped table next to marble fireplace. W Ninnisplace, residential

Postcard. Fortuna Villa, Lansell's Family Home, Bendigo C, 1910.

Handwritten, 3 page carbon copy of a classification request for victoria Hill. Notes give locality, housing program in the area, immediate surrounds of the area, prominent citizens, buildings, mines, geographical formations and gold production. Notes prepared by Albert Richardson.mining, parish map, victoria hill, classification request for victoria hill, gold mines hotel, john brown knitwear factory, lansell's fortuna villa, army survey corp, housing commission, hercules, energetic, ironbark, manchester arms hotel, bendigo goldfield, old miners homes, george lansell, sir george lansell, bendigo advertiser, theodore ballerstedt junior, mr c t c johann ballerstedt, mr wm rae, david sterry, adventure, wittscheibe's 'jewellers shop', luffsman & sterry's rich claim, ballerstedt open cut and mine, lansells 180, victoria quartz, rotary club of bendigo south, bendigo cemetry

Slide. Old Chum Mine on New Chum Hill, image taken from rear of lake at Lansell's 'Fortuna' Villa. Mine buildings and poppet head in background, lake and vegetation in foreground.No. 3 on bottom of slidemine, gold, fortuna & old chum mine, bendigo mines-jack hattam collection

Black and white photograph of Old Chum Mine and New Chum Hill and Lansell's Fortuna with villa and lake. Lake in foreground.place, mining site, new chum

Plan drawn on waxed paper. Titled 'Section of Handrail, Geo Lansell Esq, Fortuna Villa. On bottom ' Nosing of steps'Vahland & Getzschmann, Architects, Sandhurst.bendigo, house, fortuna villa

A calendar for the year 1986 showing twelve B & W pictures of Fortuna Villa with two pages of history about George Lansell and Fortuna villa.buildings, house

Lansell's Fortuna Brochure -Stapled brochure -sketch of main entrance to Lansell's Fortuna Villa on the front cover /rear page shows 'Conceptual elevation for the development of Fortuna Villa by architect W.O. Beebe / the first page shows "Commanding Officer's Introduction 'with mention of George Lansell's most likely approval of the Army's acquisition of his property /the brochure contains black and white and coloured photosdocument, fortuna villa, lansell

Bendigo Advertiser ''The way we were'' from 2000. Luxurious: George Lansell's bedroom at Fortuna Villa. Picture courtesy Bendigo Historical Society. The clip is in a folder.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

This document explores the myths, legends, and mysterious phenomena of the Goldfields region in Australia, focusing on several recurring themes: Numerous reports of large, exotic cats (such as black panthers and pumas) have been recorded in Victoria, with over 4,500 sightings documented by the Australian Rare Fauna Research Association since 1984.Notable individuals, like John Higgins and Paul Clacher, have provided detailed accounts and physical evidence (e.g., large footprints) supporting the existence of these animals. Theories about their origins include escaped zoo or circus animals, mascots released by American servicemen after WWII, or even the survival of the supposedly extinct Thylacoleo (Marsupial Lion). The Goldfields are reputed to be home to many ghosts, with frequent reports from locations such as Camp Hill Primary School, Castlemaine's Theatre Royal, and especially the historic Fortuna Villa.Accounts from both military personnel and civilians describe unexplained voices, apparitions, and other paranormal events within these historic buildings. Specific stories include encounters with apparitions, mysterious voices, and doors opening on their own, often witnessed by credible sources like army sergeants and captains. The document also references other unexplained phenomena in the region, such as UFO sightings and missing people, contributing to the area's reputation for mystery and intrigue.Fortuna Article - "Steeped in Mystery" Dec 01 2007 by Sarah Harris This item contains the following: 11217.33a Colour Photo of Fortuna, once home to the Lansell family, Fortuna Villa is now occupied by the Department of Imagery and Geospatial Organistion mapping unit, and apparently, some apparitions 11217.33b Colour Photo of Russel Henthorn with his camera and gear he used for a UFO photo in 1983 11217.33c Part of Page 4 - Article "Steeped in Mystery" non-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, russell henthorn

Mrs Edith Lansell (nee Bassford) from Bendigo, was the second wife of George Lansell, after his first wife, died in the late 1870s. Mr Lansell was a well respected a mine manager in Bendigo, making significant wealth and died in 1906. The first marriage didn't produce children, however his marriage to Edith resulted in six children from early 1880s, ensuring Lansell family heirs.Wooden box with plaque on the top ''Mrs. George Lansell''. Inside a large ornate black leather bound book with metal plaque ''In Memoriam''. On the first page a black and white oval photo of George Lansell, died Bendigo, March 19th 1906. The photo and words are surrounded by flowers. Next page a dedication to Mrs. George Lansell, Fortuna Villa, Bendigo April, 1906 with an eulogy from the representatives of the various companies in which Mr. Lansell was involved. The following three pages are full of cards from mining company with signatures of directors and managers. The Address states "Mrs George Lansell – “Fortuna Villa” Bendigo April 1906. Dear Madam, as representatives of the companies in which the late Mr Lansell took a special interest, being personally concerned in the management, we desire most respectfully but sincerely to express this sorrow felt at his death, not only by those now immediately constituting the management of the companies, but by the many hundreds of shareholders who reside all over this continent. Many of us have worked in cooperation with him for years and all are imbued with profound respect for the sound judgment, sagacity, strict impartiality and kindness of heart displayed by him. In all the varying fortunes through which his companies name here have passed, he was ever the same cheerful, enterprising hopeful man. Such success as has attended them is largely due to his association with the management and many who perchance did know him are now reaping the benefit of his courage and experience. His enterprises and judgment in presenting the operations of our mines and his tenacity of purpose in holding fast to ventures when disappointments were met and success was long delayed and seemed improbable have built up this district contributed largely to the wealth of many and found employment for thousands of workers for the past two generations. He has passed awa y in the fulness of years, but in passing he has left a name for enterprise and uprightness that will be as ensuring as the rocks themselves and he an example and incentive to generations yet to come. We tender our heartfelt sympathies to yourself and family in the great bereavement you have sustained and pray that God in his goodness may brighten your life with the devoted love of your family and bless you with many years of happiness and peace. On behalf of the companies named we subscribe ourselves. Yours most respectfully"person, individual, george lansell

Plan drawn on waxed paper. On top 'Side elevation' written in black ink, shows bottom treads of staircase, ornate bottom post of balustrade. On bottom of plan 'Ground Plan' written in black pen, 'Scale 1 Inch to a Foot' Plan contained in Fortuna Villa, George Lansell documents, although Fortuna Villa not written on plan.bendigo, house, fortuna villa

Plan of hot water heater, Fortuna Villa, drawn on heavy paper. On top of plan in red ink 'Plan of Hot Water Heater for G. Lansell Esq for Fortuna Villa Sandhurst' Drawings show front, transverse, longitudinal, back and side elevations of heater, also back, side and front elevation of individual water heaters, including one with ornate screen. On bottom of document: floor plans of ground plan and basement. Plan stamped on RH bottom: William C. Vahland, Architect, Sandhurst.bendigo, house, fortuna villa

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

These nine photographs of contractors felling a sequoia Californian redwood tree was taken at the Army Survey Regiment, Fortuna, Bendigo on the 16th of September 1994. Although 23 photos were taken at the time, 14 were not scanned due to their similarity to the nine featured photos. Two sequoia Californian redwood trees were planted at the front entrance of Fortuna Villa in the early days of gold mining magnate George Lansell’s occupation in the 1870’s. They were of immense proportion and much admired during the Lansell era and RA Svy’s occupation from 1942 to 1996. In these early days of Army occupation, the trees were lopped due to concerns of their size and proximity to the Villa. The felling of the tree in 1994 was considered unsafe due to perceptions of disease. These perceptions were upsetting to staff, as some believed that although there were a few dead branches, the tree was OK. As the tree had a noticeable lean, measurements were taken indicating the tree was stable. A sequoia sapling was eventually planted as a replacement to the diseased tree. It was decided to mill and store the timber of the felled tree on-site due to its historical significance. Although future uses were not determined at the time, the timber was eventually used to construct display cabinets and souvenir pens. When Defence decided to relocate geospatial production to a new facility in Junortoun an outer suburb of Bendigo in 2008, the sequoia timber was used as a beautiful feature in the front foyer as well as several feature walls within the building, providing a historical connection Fortuna Villa.This is a set of nine photographs of contractors felling a Sequoia (Californian redwood) tree at the Army Survey Regiment, Fortuna, Bendigo on the 16th of September 1994. The colour photographs were printed on photographic paper and are part of the Army Survey Regiment’s Collection. The photographs were scanned at 300 dpi. .1) - Photo, colour, 1994, Felling of sequoia Californian redwood tree. .2) - Photo, colour, 1994, Felling of sequoia Californian redwood tree. Neil Morgan (ground maintenance) is hugging the tree. .3) - Photo, colour, 1994, Felling of sequoia Californian redwood tree. .4) to .8) - Photo, colour, 1994, Felling of sequoia Californian redwood tree. .9) - Photo, colour, 1994, background on left - WO2 Bob Garritty, foreground L to R: Geoff (ground maintenance), unidentified, Neil Morgan (ground maintenance)..1P to .9P – No personnel are identified.royal australian survey corps, rasvy, army survey regiment, army svy regt, fortuna, asr

History of Fortuna Villa booklets were produced covering owners and occupiers, the building and the tours during Army tenure. A number of different versions of the Tour booklet were produced. Each version had a different colour cover. The orange covered edition of the booklet was the last version produced and printed and this flyer was produced as a handout companion for those tours. Contains a photograph of Fortuna Villa and a short history as well as location, cost, timings, other activities and booking information.The single page orange printed Flyer is for the Fortuna Tours conducted by the Army Survey Regiment. The Flyer has a photograph of Fortuna Villa taken from across the lake and is printed in orange on gloss paper. It contains a location diagram and details about the tours.royal australian survey corps, rasvy, fortuna, army survey regiment, army svy regt, asr

These documents 9018.1 and .2 discuss the significant Cultural Heritage value of Fortuna Villa and is a report regarding the acceptance of the Heritage Values by the Heritage Council of Victoria. 9018.2 while almost identical to 9018.1 in content does have additional information in red. Fortuna Villa was the family home of George Lansell the "Gold King" of Bendigo prior to being occupied by the Australian Army's Land Headquarters Cartographic Coy in WWII from 1942. The Army Survey Regiment was disbanded in 1996 and Defence left the site in 2004..1 A A4 Paper Heritage Report of Fortuna Villa. 26 x Pages of the Assessment part of the document, further 24 x Pages are the City of Greater Bendigo discussions of Heritage permit Exemptions. The document is two hole punched and held together with a metal Arnos fastener. .2 A second copy of the document containing 32 x unnumbered loose Pages held together with a small "bulldog" clip. Name Fortuna, VHR Number : PROV H2211, Hermes Number 1775royal australian survey corps, rasvy, fortuna, army survey regiment, army svy regt, asr, heritage victoria

This is a set of nine photographs of cartographic typesetting equipment and personnel in Cartographic Squadron at the Army Survey Regiment, Fortuna, Bendigo circa 1968 to 1979. The rooms on the top floor of Fortuna Villa where the photos were taken were formally the nursery and boys bedrooms during the Lansell family’s occupation of the building. The Fotosetter type setting machine replaced the letterpress method of type production in 1956. Its operator entered the text using a type order provided by cartographic draughtsmen/ draughtswomen. The type was output on a film positive, which was contacted onto strip film. The text was cut out by cartographic draughtsmen/ draughtswomen and affixed onto type sheets using bees wax. Cartographic Squadron’s CPL Arty Lane specialised in the operation of the Fotosetter type setting machine for many years, as shown in photos .3P and .4P. For more information on the Fotosetter, see page 71 of Valerie Lovejoy’s book 'Mapmakers of Fortuna – A history of the Army Survey Regiment’ ISBN: 0-646-42120-4. The computer based Editwriter Model 7500 typesetting system was introduced in 1975 as a replacement to the aging Fotosetter. It was operated by a specialised technician, who generated a large variety of map type styles and sizes quickly and reliably, as well as text panels. Output on Copy proof adhesive backed stripping type film replaced messy wax and spray adhesives in 1978. The Editwriter capability supported all RASvy units and its contractor type setting requirements. SGT Jim McDonald operated the Editwriter for a couple of years in the late 1970’s. He is seen in photos .7P and .8P. reading off a type order and entering text into the computer. See item 6181.23P, photo .1P for a reduced scale photo of SGT Jim McDonald undertaking this task. Also see item 6123.12P photos .1P and .2P featuring CPL Paul Richards, who was another technician that operated the Editwriter for several years in the 1980s. The Editwriter was also operated by SSGT Pat Lumsden, as featured in photo .9P taken in 1979. The Monotype Photolettering Machine seen in photos .5P and .6P is understood to be in service for a shorter period, as it was not as productive compared to the Fotosetter and Editwriter. This is a set of nine photographs of cartographic typesetting equipment at the Army Survey Regiment, Fortuna, Bendigo, c1968 to c1979. Black and white photos are on photographic paper and scanned at 300 dpi. .1) - Photo, black & white, c1960s, Fotosetter type setting machine, unidentified technician. .2) - Photo, black & white, c1960s, Fotosetter type setting machine. .3) to .4) - Photo, black & white, c1968, Fotosetter type setting machine, CPL Arty Lane. .5) to .6) - Photo, black & white, c1970s, Monotype Photolettering Machine, unidentified technician. .7) to .8) - Photo, black & white, c1979, Typesetting machine, ‘Editwriter’ Model 7500, SGT Jim McDonald. .9) - Photo, black & white, 1979, Typesetting machine, ‘Editwriter’ Model 7500, SSGT Pat Lumsden.Personnel and equipment are identified in photos .1P to .3P. on a card. A description is provided: ‘Fotosetter: This model was used from 1956 to 1974. Where photograph was taken: Army Survey Regiment. Person in Photograph: Arty Lane. Approx date photograph taken: 1968. Any Misc Information: All type on maps was set on this machine. The operator of the machine (Ex SGT Lane) joined the Army in 1956 and was discharged in 1977. Also with Survey from 1942 to 1946. Information given by: Arty Lane’. Photo .9P is dated 1979 on the back.’royal australian survey corps, rasvy, army survey regiment, army svy regt, fortuna, asr, carto

History of Fortuna Villa covering owners and occupiers, the building and the tour during Army tenure. Mentions original owner Christopher Balderstedt, George Lansell and Royal Australian Survey Corps tenures. A number of different versions of this booklet were produced. Each version had a different colour cover. This orange covered edition was the last version produced and printed.6001.1 The white covered version is the first edition of the Fortuna Tour booklet. 6001.2 The orange and off-white covered booklet is the final edition of the Fortuna Tour booklet produced by the Army Survey Regiment, 36 pages, contains black and white photos, colour photos, plans, sketches, maps, diagrams, gloss paper, stapled spline 20cm x 29cm 6001.3 The green covered edition is a second variation of the Army Survey Regiment Tour Bookletroyal australian survey corps, rasvy, fortuna, army survey regiment, army svy regt, asr

The flyer contains a photo of part of Fortuna Villa on the front side and a simple location map. Coloured photos on the reverse side plus a short history and contact details for Sunday tours and group tours by arrangement on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The Villa was the home to the Army Survey Regiment from 1942 to 1996.A double sided coloured A4 sized Flyer. Contains a number of coloured photos of Fortuna Villa and includes a location map.royal australian survey corps, rasvy, fortuna, army survey regiment, army svy regt, asr

document: Description of Fortuna Villa prepared for open day. Historic information based on 'Lansell's Fortuna' tour guide booklet ( no date ) printed on bottom of document.place, fortuna, history, fortuna, bendigo, lansell's, lansell, heritage

Document ( part missing ) Fortuna Glimpses #3, Eventful Years, the 1870's at Fortuna Villa.place, fortuna, history, bendigo, fortuna, george lansell, lansell

Black and white photograph of Fortuna with lake in foreground. Poppet head and chimneys in background. Inscriptions: on front - 'W Ninnis' Photo Bendigo. Inscription on back: 'Old Chum Mine - New Chum Hill. Taken from rear, Lansell's Fortuna lake.' A. Richardson, 29 Harrison St., Bendigo.buildings, residential, fortuna villa, bendigo, mines and mining, mine, mines, mining, poppet head, old chum mine, landscape, mining landscape

Fortuna Villa George Lansell purchased Ballerstadt's claim on Victoria Hill for £30,000. The purchase included a two-story villa. Lansell extended the building in the following years with the last major additions in 1904 - 1905. Architects included Vahland and Getzschmann, W.C. Vahland and William Beebe. Contractors include J.K. McLean and W.H.Johns.Album, covered in blue fabric. Printed in gold lettering on front 'Photographs of 'Fortuna' Bendigo". Album contains 48 black and white photos of George Lansell's home, Fortuna, taken in late 1800s, ranging from photos of the interior of the house, the garden and the lake.place, fortuna, photo album, george lansell, gold mining, ballerstedt, victoria hill, historic building

Produced by Army Survey Regiment, Bendigo. Describes grandeur of Fortuna and the vision and enterprise that saw the complex of mansion, gardens and mine buildings develop on the site. Twelve pagesArmy Survey Regimentbendigo, house, fortuna villa, fortuna, george lansell, ballerstedt, sandhurst, bendigo

A two page article from the Bendigo 'Advertiser' on 'Open Day at Fortuna.' Apart from information about Fortuna it includes photographs of some of the rooms at Fortuna including the Royal Australian Survey Corp's AHQ Survey Regiment mapping room. It also has other photographs within the house and in the grounds. 7/4/1970.bendigo, buildings, fortuna villa, lydia chancellor collection, collection, fortuna, homestead, house, houses, building, buildings, ahq survey regiment, royal australian survey corps, mapping, bendigo, fortuna employees, printing, army, colonel l. b. sprenger, national trust, george lansell, lansell family, heritage, place, house. houses

Composite Panoramic Black and White Photograph showing Fortuna Villa & surrounds with Lake in foregroundplace, building, residential, fortuna villa, mine, mining, fortuna, george lansell, christopher ballerstedt