Historical information

The Army Survey Regiment, formerly the Royal Australian Survey Corps, was the Australian Army’s primary military mapping and charting capability. Operating out of the historic Fortuna Villa in Bendigo from 1942 until its disbandment in 1996, it was the largest mapping entity in the Southern Hemisphere.

In October 1988 the commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel J.W. Winzar outlined a proposal by the Australian Army's Historical Committee to restore part of the grounds surrounding the Fortuna mansion to their approximate 1900 appearance. The main objective was to Install a cast iron fountain with water recirculating equipment and pool; also to re-establish lawns and flower beds to match the historical layout from around 1900.

The Scope of Works included removal of existing shrubs and a section of bitumen pathway; installation of the fountain and necessary plumbing. Also to replant the area with lawn and appropriate plants. The restoration focused on the main approach area to the Fortuna mansion, which was currently in need of renovation.

The proposal references plans and photographs (in Annexes A, B, and C ) to illustrate the intended restoration area and its current condition.

Physical description

Fortuna Articles - Restoration of the gardens, and Scope of Works from the Australian Army.

This item contains the following documents:

11217.71a An 8 x 6 inch black and white photo of Fortuna and its gardens (as it was in 1900) including the fountain and pathways.

11217.71b A quote from Plants and Sculptures, 10 High St Glen Iris for a cast iron fountain for $2,200 and includes hand-written letter and product release pictures from B and C Foundries Co. Pty Ltd

11217.71c Letter and Scope of Works from Lieutenant Colonel J W Winzar Commanding Officer of Fortuna to the Secretary, third Military District Historical Committee, Headquarters Third Military District, Victoria Barracks, Melbourne - Proposal to restore a portion of the Fortuna grounds.

11217.71d Photograph of the location for the fountain in 1988

11217.71e Sketch of new fountain, and restored pathways (5 copies of the sketch plus the original tracing)

11217.71f Plan of the works for the new landscaping. (7 copies)

11217.71g Plan - A3 Side elevation showing the new fountain

11217.71h Letters to suppliers and information (product catalogs) re the fountain and accessories

11217.71i Letter to the Chief Engineer HQ Third Military District - progress report as at May 1989

11217.71j Letters to Billman's Foundry Castlemaine for quote on lamp pole and fitting and seat ends; and to Ajax Foundry Kyneton for seat ends, included coloured photos

Publication type

non-fiction