Fortuna is a historically significant mansion in Bendigo, once home to the Lansell family from 1871 to 1935. George Lansell, Wendy's ancestor, was a prominent goldmine owner known as "the quartz king of Bendigo. Wendy Caldwell, aged 50 and a business owner in Melbourne, was inspired by her visit to Fortuna to organize a major family reunion. She planned and brought together 250 relatives for the event. The reunion began with tours of Fortuna, celebrating the family's historical legacy and connection to the site.Fortuna Restoration Article - "Family Fortuna Sparks Reunion" - The Herald Sun Sunday Nov 02 1997- Author Adrian Tame This item contains the following: 11217.7a Black and White Photo of George Lansell's sister's grandson, Stan Budds, 95, with some of his relatives, Picture by Phil Weymouth 11217.7b Part of page 15 - Family Fortuna Sparks Reunionnon-fictionbendigo, fortuna, stan budds, wendy caldwell

Nearly 300 descendants of the Lansell family gathered in Bendigo for a reunion, organized after months of planning and outreach led by Wendy Caldwell. The event included a formal dinner attended by 250 family members and a large barbecue at Fortuna, the family's historic home. George Lansell, known as the "quartz king of Bendigo," was a leading goldmine owner who settled in Bendigo during the gold rush and established the family home at Fortuna in 1871. The Lansell family lived at Fortuna until 1935, and the property served as a central location for the reunion. George Lansell was recognized for his generosity and business success, notably providing financial support for Bendigo landmarks such as the Alexandra Fountain and Rosalind Park Cascades. He also donated the pendant that is part of the mayoral chain.Family Legacy. The reunion allowed family members, including the oldest attendee Stanley Budds (grandson of George's sister), to reconnect and celebrate their shared heritage.Fortuna Restoration Article - "Lansell Family Reunion" - The Bendigo Advertiser Monday Nov 03 1997- Author Susan Turpie This item contains the following: 11217.9a Black and White Photo of 95 year old Stanley Budds, grandson of George Lansell's sister Susan Budds (nee Lansell) was the oldest family member to attend the weekend reunion 11217.9b Part of page 3 - Lansell Family Reunionnon-fictionbendigo, fortuna, stan budds, george lansell

George Lansell was born in Kent, England, on August 24, 1823. Inspired by his brother Wootton's reports of opportunities, George and his brother William arrived in Port Adelaide in 1853 and moved to Bendigo to seek fortune in gold mining. Lansell initially lost all his savings twice investing in gold mining. His fortunes changed in the early 1860s after successful investments in the Advance and Cinderella mines, laying the foundation for his wealth. He acquired the property Fortuna in 1871. He Married Bedelia Javis, an Irish immigrant, in 1872; she died eight years later at age 38. Despite being the area's most successful mine owner, Lansell faced hostility from miners and left for Britain in 1880 after a threatening incident. He returned to Bendigo after a petition from thousands of residents, contributing significantly to the city's revival. He donated much of his fortune to charities, public buildings, and monuments, including the Rosalind Park Cascades. He died on March 20, 1906, at age 82. His death marked the end of Bendigo's golden era; the goldfields' output declined sharply within a decade.Fortuna Restoration Article - "Quartz King's uneasy reign" - The Herald Sun Sunday Nov 02 1997- Author Adrian Tame This item contains the following: 11217.8a Black and White Photo of George Lansell 11217.8b Part of page 15 - Quartz King's uneasy reignnon-fictionbendigo, fortuna, stan budds, george lansell