The Department of Defence is considering opening Fortuna Villa for public inspection before vacating the property, likely in September or October, as part of community consultation. The City of Greater Bendigo and the Brumby Government will have the first opportunity to bid on the property before it is offered on the open market. There is significant uncertainty about the property's value, with multiple valuation methods resulting in differences of millions of dollars. After the Defence Department vacates, the property will be assessed by heritage experts, architects, surveyors, and engineers to determine necessary work for sale readiness.The Defence Department will conduct an audit and coordinate with the local council before finalizing sale preparations. The Villa Fortuna Action Group is actively monitoring the process and engaging with the community, emphasizing that progress is slow but ongoing.Maggie Maguire, CEO of Abbotsford Convent Foundation, spoke at a public meeting, drawing parallels between the efforts to preserve Villa Fortuna and similar heritage battles in Melbourne.Fortuna Article - "Villa May Open to the Public" - The Bendigo Miner Thursday Jul 10 2008 - Author Nino Bucci, photos Nick McGrath This item contains the following: 11217.12a Colour Photo of Maggie Maguire at the Villa Fortuna Action Group public meeting 11217.12b Colour Photo of the Villa 11217.12c Part of page - Villa may Open to the Publicnon-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, villa fortuna action group public meeting, maggie maquire

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