The article outlines the launch of the Fortuna program's new computer mapping project at the Army Topographic Support Establishment (ATSE). Workforce ExpansionATSE will increase its staff from 135 to 150, adding 15 new jobs as a result of the project. The project, named Parare, is valued between $8 million and $10 million.Its goal is to position ATSE as a leading defence mapping organization in Australia and internationally.The initiative addresses outdated hardware, enabling the production and distribution of digital defence data across Australia.Project TimelineTenders for the project are set to close soon, indicating the project is in its early procurement phase. The historic Fortuna property is undergoing a $1.5 million refurbishment to restore the main building and outbuildings to their original 1870s grandeur. Over 40 workers spent at least two months on the project, which includes new carpets, painting, lighting, rewiring, and rehabilitation of a former stone crushing area. Fortuna Villa was built by George Lansell, a prominent figure in Bendigo's gold mining history, and designed by architects W. C. Vahland and William Beebe. The property has served as home to the Army Survey Regiment for 54 years and was recently taken over by the Army Topographic Support Establishment (ATSE). The fully restored three-level building will open to the public on March 16, with guided tours every Sunday for $8 per person, including devonshire teas in the hall. ATSE will move its production and administrative staff into the villa after renovations, with printing operations at the rehabilitated stone crushing site. State-of-the-art computer equipment will be installed in the building. 20 beer bottles from the 1940s were found in a ceiling.Fortuna Restoration Article - "Villa fit for a Quartz King" - Bendigo Advertiser Sat Mar 08 1997 - Author Ashok Verma This item contains the following: 11217.1a Couloured photo of Brad Murray fixing a light shade as part of the retoration work 11217.1b Part of page 2 - Fortuna Program Maps out new jobs 11217.1c Part of page 2 - Fortuna Program Maps out new jobsnon-fictionbendigo, fortuna, army tropographic support establishment

Despite a report suggesting otherwise, tours of the historic Fortuna house in Bendigo will not cease when the Army Topographic Support Establishment (ATSE) takes over from the Army Survey Regiment. Both Army representatives and ATSE management confirm that public access and tours will remain unchanged. A mistaken news story led to a surge in tour attendance, with numbers tripling as people rushed to visit before the supposed closure. Recent tours have seen up to 70 visitors, including interstate travelers and descendants of the Lansell family. Fortuna is a 140-year-old house with deep ties to Bendigo's history.Originally owned by Christopher and Theodore Ballerstedt (1855–1871), it is most famously associated with the Lansell family, particularly George Lansell, a prominent gold mine owner known as the "Quartz King." The Army initiated tours 20 years ago to connect with the local community and showcase the building and the regiment's work.The tours provide an opportunity for the public to interact with soldiers and learn about their activities. After the death of George Lansell's wife, a symbolic procession with an empty coffin protested poor mine ventilation and miners' health conditions, highlighting social issues of the time.The document shares anecdotes from tours, such as Lansell's purchase of goats from local children, illustrating his character and the community's relationship with him. The homestead includes notable features like a grand entrance hall, glassroom, main staircase, Pompeii fountain, and a Roman bath.The house is known for its eclectic Victorian architecture, with many styles incorporated based on Lansell's preferences. Guided tours cover the complete history of Fortuna Villa and the Lansell family, lasting about three and a half hours on Sundays.Bookings are available by phone.Recent Military UpdatesThe Army will remain at the Fortuna site, though the military side will move out and soldiers will be reassigned or enter the workforce.Fortuna Restoration Article - "Fortuna Opens its Doors" - Bendigo Advertiser Sat Mar 30 1996 - Author Nicole Ferrie This item contains the following: 11217.2a Black and White Photo of one of the tour guides - Lance Cpl Richard Arman in the Fortuna Gardens 11217.2b Black and White Photo of one of the tour guides - Lance Cpl Richard Arman on the balcony 11217.2c Part of page 2 - Fortuna Open its Doors 11217.2d Part of page 2 - Fortuna Open its Doorsnon-fictionbendigo, fortuna, army tropographic support establishment

Mrs. Speechley worked as a maid at Fortuna, Bendigo's grandest home, for eight years starting just after leaving school. The estate was renowned for its size (40 rooms) and beautiful gardens. The household employed a staff of seven, including two German maids who served the family for 50 years. Workdays were long, starting at 7:30 am and ending after 10 pm, with only brief afternoon breaks. Duties included serving afternoon tea to guests, often from Bendigo's leading families, and maintaining the entire house even though only two Lansell family members lived there. Despite the decline of the gold baron era, the Lansells maintained a lavish lifestyle, hosting elite guests such as Lords Stradbroke, Stonehaven, and Sommers.The family owned several of Bendigo's finest homes and frequently entertained high-profile visitors, including governors and relatives from England. Staff enjoyed simple pleasures like boating on the lake and relaxing in the gardens when the family was away.Mrs. Speechley recalls specific incidents, such as serving while Lord Stonehaven was in residence and working at other Lansell properties like Dendra and Lansellstowe.Mrs. Speechley's memories provide a unique glimpse into the domestic service and social life of one of Bendigo's most prominent families during the 1920s, preserving a romanticized view of a bygone era. The Lansell family maintained high standards at Fortuna mansion, especially during visits from governors, with special preparations such as new curtains, linens, and engraved silverware.Mrs. Lansell preferred to shop in Melbourne rather than Bendigo due to her high social status and discomfort with local attention. The document shares a lighthearted story about a governor misplacing his bathing suit and retrieving it himself. Mrs. Speechley, a former staff member, recalls her experiences working for the Lansell family, including her brief departure and return after Mrs. Lansell's advice. After the Army took over the mansion in the early 1940s, the elegant furnishings and gardens were lost, which Mrs. Speechley describes as a shame.Fortuna Restoration Article - "Gold and Governors" - Bendigo Advertiser Sat 23 Sept 1995- Author Mathew O'Sullivan This item contains the following: 11217.2a Black and White Photo of Myrtle Speechley displaying a picture of herself as a young maid at Fortuna 11217.3b Part of page 23 - Gold and Governors 11217.3c Part of page 23 - Gold and Governorsnon-fictionbendigo, fortuna, army tropographic support establishment, myrtle speechley

Fortuna house is open to the public with weekly guided tours, contrary to the belief that it closed after the Army Survey Regiment left. Tours are led by Mal Fosters and run every Sunday from 1pm to 3pm, with group bookings and alternative times available by contacting Pat Graham. Tour attendance declined after the army's departure, impacting funding for restoration and upkeep. Funds from tours are essential for ongoing restoration projects, some of which are on hold due to limited resources. Original wood and artefacts are stored until funds allow for their proper display. Furniture sold in 1934 has been gradually repurchased by the Regiment and Lansell family members.The house features luxurious marble baths, stained-glass windows, grand staircases, and intricate ceiling work, reflecting George Lansell's taste. Every part of Fortuna contains elements of Bendigo's history.Fortuna Restoration Article - "Fortuna Open For Inspection" - Bendigo Advertiser Tues 08 July 1997- Author Susan Turpie, photographer Peter Hyett This item contains the following: 11217.5a Colour Photo of Fortuna tour guide Mal Fosters pointing out the intricate details of a ceiling in one room, before showing people into one of George Lansell's former dining rooms in the majestic mansion. 11217.5b Colour Photo of tourists scanning the stained-glass windows 11217.5c Colour Photo of one of the dining rooms 11217.5d Part of page 2 - Fortuna Open For Inspectionnon-fictionbendigo, fortuna, army tropographic support establishment

Valerie Lovejoy is writing a comprehensive history of the Army Survey Regiment as part of her Master's degree at La Trobe University. The project was initiated with support from the Ex-Fortuna Survey Association. The Bendigo community has contributed about $19,000 towards the writing and publishing of the book. Additional funding came from a scholarship, a $3,000 community grant from the City of Greater Bendigo, and support from the Army's Officer's, Sergeant's, and Soldier's messes. Lovejoy conducted over 80 interviews and distributed questionnaires to former regiment members.Interviewees expressed enthusiasm and pride in their work and the friendships formed during their service. The Army Survey Regiment, based at Fortuna in Bendigo since June 11, 1942, was the largest unit in the surveying corps.The regiment played a significant role in the development of Bendigo and Australia, particularly through mapping efforts. The writing of the book is being officially launched by the Mayor of Greater Bendigo at Fortuna.The book is expected to be completed by March 1999.Fortuna Restoration Article - "Gold and Governors" - Bendigo Advertiser Sat 05 July 1997- Author Susan Turpie This item contains the following: 11217.4a Colour Photo of author Valerie Lovejoy, centre, with Gary Wamest from the Ex-Fortuna Survey Association and City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Barry Ackerman on a verandah at the steps of the grand old mansion. 11217.4b Part of page 2 - Story Mapped Out - Book Writes new chapter in Hisotrynon-fictionbendigo, fortuna, army tropographic support establishment, valerie lovejoy, barry ackerman

After the Army Survey Regiment left, Fortuna house is now open to the public for weekly guided tours. Tours are led by Mal Fosters, who aims to correct the misconception that the house is closed. Tour attendance dropped after the army's departure, impacting funding for restoration and upkeep. Funds from tours are essential for ongoing restoration projects; some projects and artifact displays are on hold due to limited resources. The house features luxurious elements such as marble baths, stained-glass windows, grand staircases, and ornate ceilings, reflecting George Lansell's taste. Many original furnishings, sold in 1934, have been gradually reacquired by the Regiment and Lansell family members. Tours are held every Sunday from 1 pm to 3 pm, with group bookings and alternative times available by arrangement.Fortuna Restoration Article - "Landmark Opens Doors" - Bendigo Advertiser Thur 10 July 1997- Author Susan Turpie This item contains the following: 11217.6a Black and White Photo of Fortuna tour guide Mal Fosters with another curious group visiting Fortuna 11217.6b Part of page 7 - Fortuna Open For Inspectionnon-fictionbendigo, fortuna, army tropographic support establishment