11217.16a Letter to the Editor from Terry Davidson, Villa Fortuna Action Group The Villa Fortuna Action Group emphasizes a community-led, multi-use proposal for the Fortuna site, rather than limiting it to a single purpose like an artists' retreat. The group encourages patience, open-mindedness, and a belief that ambitious outcomes are achievable. Fortuna is recognized as significant on a national level. Bendigo city councillors have visited the site and found it to be in surprisingly good condition. The Commonwealth Government, through the Defence Department, is committed to preserving the site's heritage and will undertake comprehensive works before transferring ownership. The document advocates for staged development and initial seed funding, noting these are proven methods for achieving significant community projects.Economic viability is considered possible, referencing the successful example of Abbotsford Convent. The group cautions against dismissing community ideas as unrealistic or too costly without proper consideration.The importance of being patient and receptive to diverse ideas is highlighted as essential for the site's future. 11217.16b Letter to the Editor from Brenda Stevens-Chambers, Kyneton Suggests the federal government should transfer ownership of Fortuna to the people of Bendigo as a cultural gesture. Notes that the building is reportedly run down, implying the government should take responsibility for its restoration before gifting. Opposition to Medical UseExpresses a preference against converting Fortuna into a medical establishment. Emphasizes the desire to see Fortuna and its grounds opened to the public as a cultural and recreational space, reflecting personal and community aspirations. 11217.16c Letter to the Editor from Beverley Carter, Bendigo Fortuna Villa is recognized as a significant property in Bendigo. The restoration and ongoing maintenance of Fortuna Villa will require a substantial financial investment.Potential. There is an implication that, with proper restoration, Fortuna Villa could become highly valuable or a "goldmine" once again. Restoring and maintaining historic properties like Fortuna Villa is costly but enriches community life by preserving connections to the past. The City of Greater Bendigo has the opportunity to add Fortuna Villa to its portfolio of iconic buildings. There is strong community support for keeping Fortuna Villa in public ownership. Any future use must be financially viable to ensure long-term sustainability. Two main proposals have emerged: A health facility, supported by Cr Kevin Gibbins. A community arts complex, proposed by the Villa Fortuna Action Group. Some stakeholders, such as Mr. Carter, believe the arts centre idea is unrealistic.Evaluation of ProposalsWhile a health facility would benefit Bendigo, it could be purpose-built elsewhere and may not leverage Fortuna Villa's unique appeal. 11217.16d Letter to the Editor from Simon Mulqueen, Quarry Hill The author strongly advocates for Fortuna's preservation, highlighting its significance to the city and reinforcing the need for ongoing protection efforts. The use of Fortuna Villa must not burden the community or compromise its heritage value. Any development should be sustainable, practical, and non-destructive to the Villa's historic character. Suggests selling the current municipal offices and using the proceeds to build a new facility adjacent to Fortuna Villa. This would allow for the creation of an integrated civic precinct, including new council offices, adequate parking, and maintained gardens. Emphasizes the need for vision, commitment, and cooperation among council, community members, and state and federal governments.Advocates for broad community involvement to ensure the success of the project.Role of Fortuna Villa. Envisions the Villa being managed as a community facility, hosting council and community functions, exhibitions, and attracting visitors. Stresses that Fortuna Villa should be developed and managed as a national heritage icon for the benefit of the city.Fortuna should be multi-use Article - The Bendigo Weekly Friday Aug 01 2008 This item contains the following: 11217.16a Letter to the Editor from Terry Davidson, Villa Fortuna Action Group 11217.16b Letter to the Editor from Brenda Stevens-Chambers, Kyneton 11217.16c Letter to the Editor from Beverley Carter, Bendigo 11217.16d Letter to the Editor from Simon Mulqueen, Quarry Hillnon-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell

In 1853, Bendigo Miners protested against the 30 shilling miners licence the had to pay the government. They wore red ribbons to show their protest and shopkeepers hung red ribbons outside their premises in support. Thousands of miners signed a petition to Governor LaTrobe to no avail. A protest gathering in Pall Mall marched to the Government camp on Camp Hill but this was a peaceful event again to no real avail.Various documents. The topics are: 4029.1 Public donations and organised charities in Bendigo (1850's to 1900's by Carol Holsworth. 4029.2 The spirit of Bendigo R711 and the loco driver on the return trip from Bendigo by Rod Giri, also several photographs of the train. 4029.3 Diary of a new chum - Johnny Greenfield Gill. 4029.4 Family history by Pat Hocking. 4029.5 The story of the Gaylards as told by Ella Gaylard. 4029.6 Journalism- History first draft by Wayne Gregson. 4029.7 List of residents of Thistle Street, Bendigo approx. 1950's compiled by Cynthia Stringer. 4029.8 Sandhurst club history by David Cotton. 4029.9 Sandhurst boys centre compiled by Brian Dillon. 4029.10 Lily Street Walk 24/04/2018 notes by Jim Evans. 4029.11 Document - All things Bendigo, wine food and music fest. 4029.12 White Hills Sandhurst copies of maps and two pages of district directory1908. 4029.13 Draft report of interview with Noel Smith of 5 Summit Drive, Kennington. 4029.14 Three brothers from Scotland by Rae Alexander Anderson. Also, seven newspaper articles by James Lerk on William, Alexander Rae and John Rae. 4029.15 St. John Presbyterian church, Bendigo. Historical record. 4029.16 Journal of Thomas Llewellyn Raston. 4029.17 Recollections of Sandhurst in the 1850's - Joseph Anderson Panton, 22 segments from Panton manuscript by Terry Davidson. Also, a photographs of a portrait of Joseph Panton. 4029.18 Photocopy of letter of Chinese storekeepers, miners and residents to Joseph Anderson Panton esquire, resident warden of Bendigo dated August 28th, 1858, with transcription and the reply from Esquire Panton dated 29 August, 1858. 4029.19 View street reborn, tours of inspection ''welcome to View Street'' view Street properties part of stage 1 of the project: National Trust Chambers, Temperance Hall, Art Gallery Annexe, Trades Hall, Bendigo Regional Arts Centre, Bendigo Regional Performing Arts Centre, Dudley House. 4029.20 View Street early 1900's in between and now. From handwritten notes by Mr. Bob Carr written in 1989. The handwriting has been transcribed by Beverly Ellis. 4029.21 Transcription of ''Diary of a voyage to the colony of Victoria and back'' June1856-September 1858 by Charles Groves. 4029.22 Adelaide Vale historic homestead built by Cr. John Harney. Tour notes prepared by the Central Victorian Branch of the National Trust. 4029.23 Four pages essay titled Spanish Tomato Growers. 2440.29. Eight pages of notes compiled by Leonard Henderson title: Trade token issuers of Bendigo district. The issuers mentioned are: Grieve, Hodgson, Stead and Williams. 4029.25 City of Bendigo tourist promotion Committee. Eight pages document describing the formation of committee for the promotion of tourism in the City of Bendigo. 4029.26 Article ''The Birdman of Bendigo'' Bendigo Advertiser 17th January 1968 detailing the life of Mr. Redvers James Eddy. 4029.27 Speech presented by Miss Margaret Brennan on the occasion of the Drechsler family reunion, Sunday 5th April 1987. 4029.28 Robert Gray Ford - A man before his time! Talk by James Lerk to the Bendigo Historical Society 3 February 2006. 4029.29 Copy of an article from The Bendigonian Annual from November 16, 1910. The demand for good music, how a Bendigo firm has met it. The article is about the life of Oscar Flight. 4029.30 Five photocopies of the Bendigonian masthead showing the changes through the years, plus the notice of the final issue on April 8th, 1920. 4029.31 The red ribbon rebellion & the Bendigo petition, a proposal to commemorate a significant event in Bendigo. Also three different sizes poster for the August 26, 2016 re-enactment and two invitations to join the red ribbon agitation memorial. 4029.32 Two handwritten pages of notes on the red ribbon rebellion. 4029.33 Three pages of typewritten notes on the Creeth and Howie families. 4029.34 An Australian Edward Medallist - Joseph Davies honoured by Paul Street. 4029.35 A. H. Chisholm obituary. 4029.36 Catalogue auction sale of the entire collection of antique furniture, objects d'art etc of Mr. and Mrs S. Cragg. 4029.37 Two coloured photographs of Cherry Tree Hotel in Melbourne Road just north of Tuckerman's lane, Big Hill. Photos taken March 2000 by Joan Paynter. bendigo, red ribbon rebellion