Steve Gibbons, Federal Member for Bendigo, suggests selling non-heritage parts of the Fortuna Villa property to fund maintenance of the historic mansion, ornamental lake, and mining battery. Non-heritage areas could be subdivided for private housing and possibly a health or aged-care facility. A new road connecting Marble and Chum streets could open up the site for these developments. The land west of the heritage lake and buildings is proposed for housing, while the corner of Chum and Booth streets is suggested for a health or aged-care facility. Gibbons emphasizes that only the original George Lansell property and its historic buildings are of heritage value; army-era buildings are not. He proposes that proceeds from development and ongoing rates be set aside to fund future maintenance of the heritage assets. Gibbons insists the mansion should remain in public ownership to preserve George Lansell's legacy and avoid burdening taxpayers or ratepayers. He is open to other ideas for the property's future use but stresses the need for a sustainable funding source. The City of Greater Bendigo is awaiting reports from the Department of Defence before making decisions about the property's future.Fortuna Article - "Fortuna part sale idea" Jan 24 2009 The Bendigo Advertiser by Sara Mennie This item contains the following: 11217.34a Colour Photo of Steve Gibbons, Federal Member for Bendigo 11217.34b Colour Photo of proposed extensions to the Fortuna site 11217.34c Part of Page 4 - Article "Fortuna part sale idea" 11217.34d Colour Photo of Front Page Photo from the Bendigo Advertiser showing Fortuna with a "For Sale Sign"non-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, steve gibbons

Steve Gibbons, Federal Member for Bendigo, suggests selling non-heritage parts of the Fortuna Villa property to fund maintenance of the historic mansion, ornamental lake, and mining battery. The Villa Fortuna Action Group (VFAG) is actively engaged with recent developments concerning Fortuna, as reported in The Advertiser.VFAG acknowledges Steve Gibbon's proposal for Fortuna but notes that their own vision for the site differs in certain details. The group has been preparing a detailed proposal regarding Fortuna, indicating ongoing planning and advocacy efforts. The group advocates for the Fortuna property to be owned and used by the community.Vision for the Site The proposal envisions a vibrant, world-class, economically viable, and environmentally responsible cultural facility. The facility would leverage the site's unique attributes to benefit the community and region. The centre would host a wide variety of attractions, including ongoing programs and specialized events. There is an emphasis on attracting international events to Bendigo, enhancing its profile. The proposal aims to provide significant promotional opportunities for Bendigo and contribute to its national and international recognition, especially regarding its historic heritage and future growth. Letter written by Merle Hall, President Villa Fortuna Action GroupFortuna Article - "Letters to the Editor" Jan 30 2009 The Bendigo Advertiser by Merle Hall, President Villa Fortuna Action Group This item contains the following: 11217.35a Colour Photo of Fortuna 11217.35b Part of Page 10 - Article Part of Page 4 - Article "Fortuna part sale idea" 11217.35c Part of Page 10 - Article Part of Page 4 - Article "Fortuna part sale idea"non-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, steve gibbons, villa fortuna action group, merle hall

Pale yellow page containing a picture and upstairs and downstairs plans of the Police Barracks, Rosalind Park, Bendigo. On the back is the history of the building and its use over the years since it was completed in 1860. On the 9 November 2002, the Bendigo Senior Secondary College presented a display of Police memorabilia to mark the opening of the refurbished Police Barracks. There were tours of the Barracks, displays and a Mounted Police display with horses. The Official Party was: Mr Graham Bastian, Principal, Bendigo Senior Secondary College, Mr Bob Cameron MP, member for Bendigo West, Ms Jacinta Allan MP, Member for Bendigo East, Ms Willi Carney, Mayor, City of Greater Bendigo, Mr Steve Gibbons MHR, Member for Bendigo and Mr Rob Blachford. There is a running sheet for the opening.buildings, government, police barracks, the police barracks rosalind park bendigo, bendigo senior secondary college, high school, bob marmion, p o flanagan, public works, alfred t snow, john robertson, bendigo goldfield, bendigo gaol, bendigo supreme court building, camp reserve, mounted constable james 'tiger' scholes 6438, education department, city of greater bendigo, graham bastian, willi carney, bob cameron mp, ms jacinta allan mp, steve gibbons mhr, bob blachford

Victoria Quartz Gold Mine was on Victoria Hill, Ironbark, Bendigo. The Victoria Hill Quartz Gold Mines are scientifically important, as they contain relics span nearly sixty years of mining (1854 to 1913), documenting the richest and most significant years of Bendigo's world-famous quartz mining industry. Enhancing the significance of the place are relics from the Victoria Quartz Company operations, including, at 4,870 feet, the world's deepest nineteenth-century gold mining shaft. (Heritage Victoria) Geology of Victoria Hill: https://aigjournal.aig.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/AIG-Victoria-Hill-Mining-Reserve_FinalWeb.pdfTyped copy of what appears to be a speech. Mentioned is that after 1910 the Commonwealth took over the minting it's own money. Gold mining was chosen for the one pound note and a Bendigo scene was chosen. The scene chosen shows boring operations in the Victoria Quartz Mine. The picture was taken by Vincent Kelly of the five figures but for engraving only three were shown. They were Mr W Healy, Mr J Smith and Mr James Beverage. James Beverage was a member of Bendigo's first fire brigade. He went to Beechworth for a demonstration and on the way home stopped at Christie's Hotel in Swanston Street. There was a fire at the hotel and Mr Beverage rescued Mrs Christie, her baby and a servant. At a later date Mr Beverage saved a woman from a burning building in Moore Street in Bendigo. He received the Royal Humane Society's Medal which is now housed at the Bendigo Fire Station in Hargreaves Street. In the City's formative years the area that deposited its rain water into the Long Gully Creek was considered to be in Long Gully and for many years the Victoria Quartz Mine deposited many thousands of gallons of water into the Long Gully Creek. Mr Steve Gibbons unveiled the plaque.bendigo, history, long gully history group, the long gully history group - banknotes and james beverage, victoria quartz mine, vincent kelly, shepard's bush, mr rickards, mr abraham, mr w healy, mr j smith, mr james beverage, south iron bark mine, rae's hill, sandhurst no 1 fire brigade, christie's hotel, mrs christie, royal humane society's medal, bendigo fire station, long gully history group, mr steve gibbons, department of environment water heritage, arts commnmoration of historic events and famous persons

Photograph - in colour, group photograph of twelve soldiers wearing Disruptive pattern camouflage uniform with civilian also wearing DPCU clothing. Background trees. White colour card - name plate below photograph. Mount - mid green colour cardboard. Frame - brown stain timber with gold colour inner trim. Glass front and MDF board and brown paper backing. Two white paper adhesive labels on back.Name plate information; "NORFORCE: Arnhem Squadron/ Nhulunbuy NT August 2005". Adhesive labels; Top - "Property of STEVE GIBBONS". Lower - "PREMIER COLOR/ for all enquiries please phone 03 5441 2898".framed accessories, photograph

Various Arts Bendigo Outwards Correspondence - To: Mailout to District Football and other clubs for show ''No Time On''; Steve Gibbons MP re nomination of Merle Hall for a Certificate of Recognition (for outstanding contribution to AB and the community (July 2001); Cr Weston Mayor COGB, re AB support for Council's application for funding for Bendigo Arts Precinct- Art Gallery Project 1997; 1998/199 Report summary of AB activities calendar for 1999; Roman Rudnytsky re confirmation of concert date Aug 1997; David Scheel re performance 1997; Dr I McBean, University College of Northern Victoria, re re Bluthner piano 'Loan arrangement'' and restoration planned (1991); ''Alexandra''?? March 1991 re performance Agreement and directions;arts bendigoo, merle hall collection

The Defence Department is opening Fortuna Villa to the public on Saturday as part of a community consultation process before its sale.This provides a rare opportunity for locals to visit one of Bendigo's most iconic properties, formerly home to mining magnate George Lansell. Federal Member for Bendigo, Steve Gibbons, encourages the community to visit and learn about the villa's history and potential future uses.The Villa Fortuna Action Group expects a large turnout and welcomes the opportunity, though they note the limited visiting time. Visitors can take a self-guided tour along a designated route to view significant elements of the villa. Some areas will be restricted due to safety hazards, and not all grounds will be accessible.The villa is located at 22-48 Chum Street, open from 9:30am to 3:30pm, with last entry to the grounds before 3pm.On-site parking is limited, and disabled access is not guaranteed.Fortuna Article - "Letters to the Editor" - The Bendigo AdvertiserThursday Dec 04 2008 This item contains the following: 11217.23 Colour Photo of Fortuna Villa Entrance 11217.23b Part of page 10 - Article "Letters to the Editor" The Defence Department is inviting the public to visit Fortuna, a significant historical site in Bendigo, on Saturday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.The invitation is warmly endorsed by Jim Evans, president of the Bendigo Historical Society Inc.non-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, villa fortuna action group, jim evans

4 page A4 printed document. Achievements of Peter Ellis (for consideration for the Order of Australia) Peter is regarded as one of the leading collectors and presenters of traditional dance tunes, dances and musical instruments in Australia. At the 2005 National Folk Festival it was announced by Robyn Holmes that he has the largest selection of dance related material collected in the National Library Archives in Canberra. Peter has been collecting for many years and has collected with the late John Meredith (AM), Shirley Andrews (AM), Rob Willis and Dave Di Santi amongst others. Peter has literally travelled Australia collecting over the past thirty years. He has extensive field recordings from Western Australia and Tasmania in addition to his Victorian collection, for example. Most of his recording has been in North Western and Central Victoria. Peter collected a lot of his material from Harry McQueen ( Castlemaine), which led to a double CD of Harry's music. Harry had played in dance bands for over sixty years in Central Victoria. Harry had a number of tunes from Bill McGlashan who had taken Harry under his wing as a young man. Through Peter's efforts much valuable material and knowledge from almost a century ago was saved for posterity. Founder, Charter member and life member of the Bush Dance and Music Club of Bendigo. Life Member of the Victorian Folk Music Club. Recipient of the Graham Squance award (for the person who has done the most to promote folk dance and music in Victoria)) from the Folk Song and Dance Society of Victoria. Member of the famous Wedderburn Old Timers Band for over twenty-eight years (two platinum and several gold recordings in that time). Founder and leader of the Emu Creek Bush Band (twenty-nine years old in 2010) Emu Creek has made many CDs of dance music as listed. Friday Night at the Spring Gully Hop, Three double CDs called 'Quadrille Mania' which contain many rare dances and tunes which have been learnt and recorded, under Peter's guidance, so they would not be lost to posterity. A triple CD called 'Take Me Back To Bendigo' with heritage songs and music from the Gold Rush to Federation (solely organised and financed by Peter) These CDs show the multicultural heritage in Bendigo and include music and groups from the Koorie, Chinese, Cornish, German, Irish, Italian, Scots, English and Welsh communities of Bendigo and district. Upon his recovery of costs Peter has handed over copyright to the Bendigo Community so future profits go back into the community. Three double CDs called 'The Merry Country Dance' with dances and tunes going back to the time of Governor Lachlan Macquarie's Ball in 1804. Most of the tracks are performed by Emu Creek Following much practice under Peter's tutelage. For further authenticity Peter liaised with other musicians to record some tracks which were revived from almost two hundred years ago and have now been recorded using the instruments of the time. A three volume set of Bush Concert recordings (Vol 1 Goornong (launched Australia Day 2006 with any profits going to the Soldier's Memorial Hall Committee), Vol 2 Heywood and Vol 3 Maldon/Sutton Grange, already recorded and to be released as money from other projects becomes available. NOTE: None of these CDs have led to any profit. All money raised is put back into the community and further heritage recordings, books and videos through the Bush Dance and Music Club of Bendigo Inc. In 2009 a full collection of all Peter's book and CDs was donated to the John Gorton Library as part of the recognition of the fifty year career of the Gay Charmers Dance Band from Lake Charm. 'Music of the Diggings' (4 tracks by Peter or Emu Creek). In addition the Emu Creek Band, under Peter's leadership, has appeared on a CD backing Bruce Watson on his song, 'The Old Bush Dance'. Emu Creek has performed at National Folk Festivals in four states and several times at the National Folk Festival in Canberra. They have also been mainstays of the Maldon Folk Festival for over twenty years as well as doing dance programs for the Port Fairy Folk Festival on two occasions. Peter has written and published many books related to traditional music and dance. These include Three volumes of 'Collectors Choice' which is musical notation for bush dances coupled with much dance history which would have been lost without Peter's efforts. 'Two Hundred Dancing Years - How to run a Colonial Ball: (co-authored with Shirley Andrews (A.M.), 'Music Makes Me Smile - The Music of the Nariel Valley' (co-authored with Harry Gardner). The Merry Country Dance' (292 pages) a companion to the three double CDs. He has also been a contributor to Verandah Music' authors Rob Willis and Graham Seal and 'The Oxford Companion to Australia Folklore' Ed Graham Seal. Peter is also a regular contributor to 'Trad and Now' Magazine. His latest completed book is titled 'The Merry Country Dance' and is over three hundred pages of social history, recipes and dance instructions. It was completed with the assistance of a Victorian Government Heritage Grant. The first edition sold out in only a few weeks. Peter has taught many children about old time musicianship through the junior bands which have functioned over the years with many children joining Emu Creek and then going on to follow their own musical inclinations. He has trained several young concertina and button accordion players over the years. Peter has been a regular tutor with Continuing Education in tin whistle, harmonica and old time dancing for many years. Peter has conducted workshops in music dance at National Folk Festivals in Perth, Alice Springs, Maleny, Melbourne, Adelaide, Kuranda and more recently at several Canberra National folk Festivals. He has also done this at Maldon for many years, Port Fairy, Glen Innes, Jamberoo and Kiama Festivals. For over thirty years Peter has been a guest player and MC for the dances at the Nariel Folk Festival (Australia's oldest continuing Folk Festival) Peter is very well known in the Corryong area as a collector and the co-author of the book, Music Makes Me Smile, about the Klippel/Simpson dynasty in the Nariel Creek Band. This book is currently being revised for re-issue as more material has come to light since the original publication. For many years Peter trained Debutante Sets in the Bendigo District. Peter was an instigator of the annual Dinki Di Ball held each September in Eaglehawk for the past thirteen years. At this ball three bands play for a quarter of the night and then join together for the final part of the evening. The bands are Emu Creek, The Wedderburn Old Timers and the Gay Charmers. Up to four hundred dancers, many in heritage costumes have attended this dance. The ball also pays tribute to, and involves, the old MC's. Through this example their skills have been passed down to a younger generation of MC's. All profits are returned to the Dance Club to foster our musical heritage. Each Ball includes presentations designed to promote social dancing in Australia. Over the years several young musicians have been presented with musical instruments at the Ball, libraries have been given copies of Peter's books and CDs and one year a keen young dancer was presented a pair of dancing shoes. Peter is a trained ballroom dancer and has gained gold medal status in this field. Peter is an accomplished musician and is one of Australia's foremost button accordion players. He is also highly accomplished on the tin whistle, bones and harmonica. He is the only exponent of the Swanee whistle that I have seen. Peter also plays the piano and ukulele. Thirty six years membership of the Bendigo Field Naturalists Club, Secretary in the 1970s and actively involved in campaigns to save Lake Pedder and establish the Whipstick and Kamarooka State Parks (now part of the Bendigo National Park). Peter was also extremely active in the establishment of the Salomon's Gully and Jackass Flat Flora Reserves in Bendigo which have now been saved for posterity. Peter has also been involved in efforts to save One Tree Hill and this area has now been included in the Greater Bendigo National Park. He has discovered and named new plant species in the Whipstick Forest and propagates Australian plants. Peter takes regular guided tours of interested people through the Whipstick each Spring on wild flower educational tours. He is a keen and gifted photographer of local plant species. Life member of the Bendigo Field Naturalists. Peter contributed text and photographs to their publication 'Wildflowers of Bendigo'. When the Victorian State Parliament had its first historical sitting outside Melbourne Emu Creek played during lunch for the guests and public. They have also played at functions such as the Centenaries of Federation, the Bendigo Post Office, the Shamrock Hotel and the opening of the new Melbourne Museum and the Federation Museum in Bendigo. The band regularly plays for Seniors week and at homes for the aged such as Bethlehem, Mirridong, Bignold Park, Bendigo Village and others. Peter has been instrumental in getting the band to play for fundraisers such as schools, scouts and environmental groups. The band plays many charitable 'gigs'. The band supports the Bendigo Easter Fair and the Eaglehawk Fair when able and has appeared in several parades over the years. The above list shows the invaluable contribution that Peter Ellis has made towards the collecting and distributing of Australia's musical and dance heritage. No one has done more than Peter in this area. He has also been active locally and nationally in his endeavours towads saving the natural environment. He has put many years of time and energy into both area's and has many on going projects in mind for the years ahead. The awarding of an honour from Australia would be just reward for a man who has preserved so much of our musical and dance heritage for future generations. Knowing Peter I have no doubt he would treasure such an honour as he has given so much to preserve Australia's music and dance heritage over most of his sixty plus years. Compiled by John Williams. Handwritten notes at bottom of last page reads: Referees Jacinta Allan MLA Steve Gibbons MHR Willie Carney ex Mayor of Bendigo Supporting letter Mary Smith Sec. Bush Dance + Music Club.person, individual, peter ellis oam

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Pathology Laboratory technical staff at 1st Australian Field Hospital, Vung Tau, South Vietnam. They analyse vital specimens from Digger patients, whilst Medic Steve Modrich, in the foreground, carries out a series of spot tests an a sample.photograph, 1st australian field hospital, vung tau, pathology laboratory, steve modrich (medic), digger, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph taken at the 1st Australian Field Hospital, Vung Tau, South Vietnam. In the left bay, a female VietCong prisoner is x-rayed and in the right bay, a male VietCong prisoner is assessed. Hospital pathology technicians are in the foreground, including Steve Modrich.photograph, 1st australian field hospital, vung tau, viet cong, prisoners, pathology laboratory, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, female viet cong prisoner, male viet cong prisoner, pathology, steve modrich (medic)