The 8-point Charter

This Charter provides a benchmark for community expectations for ANY proposed use of the Fortuna site.


1. Saving Fortuna for the people of Bendigo.
Fortuna needs to be preserved for the Bendigo community. We have a duty to look after and retain this majestic historic site, including the house and gardens for future generations.

2.Fortuna should become the 'jewel in the crown' of Bendigo attractions.
Fortuna has the potential to become the most famous historic icon and tourist attraction in Bendigo, complementing already famous sites such as the Shamrock Hotel and the Alexandra Fountain.

3. Fortuna as an accessible site for the widest community.
The Bendigo community and the wider Australian community should have frequent and extensive access to Fortuna - it should not result in a use that, even while 'preserving' the property, would lock it away or only provide for limited or exclusive access.

4. Integrity of the site.
It is important that the whole site with the Lansell-era garden area is retained. Recent heritge reports have emphasized the historic importance of the gardens. Retaining the whole site is most important for aesthetic reasons and future entrepreneurial type activities in the gardens.

5. Upholding a Heritage Management Plan.
The recommendation whereby the Federal Government transfers heritage controls to Heritage Victoria through registration on the Victorian Heritage Register should be supported. To uphold heritage controls, an Interim Heritage Order should cover any time gap during which responsibilities are being transferred from the Commonwealth to the State Government.

6. Involvement of the community - use of volunteers.
Involvement of community groups and interested parties in maintaining a dynamic 'Friends of Fortuna' organization would play an important role in staffing and maintenance of the property, in areas such as garden maintenance, tour guidance and information.

7. Historical importance of Fortuna.
The promotion of Bendigo's gold history and the history of the Lansells should play an important part in the development of Fortuna. This could include being the site for a first-class regional museum; historical displays in the Villa, and the re-instatement of the popular tours of the house and external features. The development of a National cartographic museum is also a potential attraction.

8. State government support in Fortuna's future.
Given the potential for Fortuna to become a Victorian 'must-see' venue, this Charter sees the financial involvement of the State as important, avoiding the sole responsibility resting with the Bendigo Council and its ratepayers. Furthermore, the Charter envisages any outcome of use of the Fortuna property as being predicated on sound commercial enterprise lines for a continuing viable use and community access.