Historical information

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is to position ATSE as a leading defence mapping organization in Australia and internationally.The initiative addresses outdated hardware, enabling the production and distribution of digital defence data across Australia.Project TimelineTenders for the project are set to close soon,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.

Physical description

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 jobs

Publication type

non-fiction