Sunday, March 7, 2010
Add my Name! - 'Letter of Support'
Yes,
I want to add
my name *
to the following 'Letter of Support':
* whole name please, not first/given name or nickname
"I support the concept of retaining the full
Fortuna site - the Villa and gardens - with a use that maximizes
community involvement and access. The
Victorian government and/or the City of
Greater Bendigo Council should present
such a plan publicly and urgently promote this plan
to the current owners, the Federal government".
To add your name to the list of supporters
1. Click on word 'Comments' just below the red text below.
2. Scroll down to last name at bottom of list.
3. Enter e.g. - "Another supporter" or "I'm a supporter" or short supportive statement into the 'Leave your comments' box.
4. Copy the the displayed "Verification" code into the box provided (our blogsite anti-spam protection).
5. Scroll to 'Choose an identity'; click on 'Name/URL' and enter your Name (not just first/given name please!) in the Name box. You do not have to put anything in the URL box. We cannot track/identify you so your registration is only received by us as your signed-in full name, given in good faith.
DO NOT USE THE 'ANONYMOUS' OPTION AS THIS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
6. To finish registering as being a supporter of the Letter, you should click the 'Publish your comment' box. This will not appear immediately as this is a moderated site - be patient!
7. (Optional) Now that you have added your name, you could help us to mulitply the support by doing a 'copy and paste' of the red text below (RE: A Bendigo Blog) and sending it to those on your email address list who would be interested and willing to help the cause.
THANK YOU
NOTE: * This is a moderated site to register names of supporters for the 'Letter' above. Please understand that we/others cannot trace you from your posting on this blog.
If you have any comment of a more general nature regarding Fortuna, go to our website http://www.villafortuna.org.au/ OR
write a letter or send an email to the newspaper, City of Greater Bendigo council or a local Federal or State politician.
RE: A Bendigo Blog - for copying to friends
Hi -
I've added my name to a blog that is trying to get the Bendigo council and the Victorian government to talk with the Defence Department in Canberra about what will happen to 'Fortuna' (it's a mansion and gardens from the gold mining days).
The blog says that it shouldn't be cut up for development and a future use should be made of it so that there is public access and involvement for future generations.
Are you able to spend a few minutes adding your name to the list on the blog? And can you forward this to anyone in your address book who would be interested in preserving important Australian heritage?
http://www.charter4fortuna.blogspot.com/
Thanks. This is urgent - there are only a few weeks left before Decision Day.
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144 comments:
I'm a supporter
I'm a STRONG supporter
Merle Hall
Yes, I'm a supporter too.
I am a passionate supporter of "Fortuna"
I am a supporter. Fortuna is the jewel in the Crown of Bendigo's heritage. But because it has been locked away in Government hands, the people of Bendigo do not realise how valuable an asset it is.
Pat Thwaites
Another Supporter
Being in government hands Fortuna is able to be imaginatively restored, maintained and used - as with the Abbotsford Convent in Melbourne. It could be partof the distinctive built heritage of bendigo and a location for arts, food and wine celebrations etc ie cultural and ecotourism. Go for it!!
Another supporter
Another supporter. Fortuna Villa is a priceless assett to the City of Greater Bendigo and should be preserved & kept in public hands at all cost.
Allan.Trevena.
I'm another supporter.
I support the move to keep Fortuna intact for the people of Bendigo and Victoria. It is a gem.
I'm a supporter.Fortuna is an important part of Bendigo's heritage and should be kept intact for the people of Bendigo and those who served in the Survey Regt.
Another supporter who firmly believes that with vision and commitment, the Greater City of Bendigo can and must take this opportunity to develop Fortuna to showcase Bendigo's heritage and culture for future generations.
Another supporter to preserve this beautiful and historic building for the citizens of Bendigo.
I'm a supporter of retaining Fortuna, the mansion and gardens. There should be no separation of the gardens, as it is only historically relevant if it is kept intact, like Werribee Park.
I'm a supporter.
Majestic buildings need preserving in this age of mediocrity.
I'm a supporter
Another supporter
i'm a supporter
I'm a passionate supporter. Bendigo's Jewel in the Crown!for all Australians
We must not sell off our irreplaceable heritage
I'm a supporter
I'm a strong supporter. All three levels of government MUST work together to secure Fortuna's future for the people of Australia. Fortuna is vitally important to the citizens of Bendigo (goes without saying), but this is not just a local or a state issue. Australia's heritage is at stake here.
G'day,
If it had not been for my great, great grandfather, the state of Victoria, would not have received it's much needed "kick start'' in the mid 1800's.
Fortuna needs to be saved so my/our great, great grand children can understand how Victoria became such a great and successful State.
John Lansell
South Yarra
I'm a strong supporter of a wonderful vision that, with the right support and other visionaries on board, can become a reality for Bendigo.
I am an ardent supporter of Fortuna as an icon of History in Central Victoria
I'm a supporter. It would be very short-sighted of Bendigo if it failed to develop this historical site.
Chaille Lansell,Armadale
Another supporter
Fortuna must be retained intact as part of the heritage of Bendigo and of Victoria. Each of Local, State and Federal Governments need to recognise the primacy of heritage areas to regional populations. To alienate in total, or in part, what is primarily a community asset is not acting in the community interests. Residents MUST be fully consulted before any further steps are taken in the process of resolving the future of Fortuna.
Another Supporter
I'm a strong supporter!
Another supporter,
I support saving histroy.
Anita
Richmond
I grew up spending my September holidays in Bendigo. It has some wonderful historic place including Fortuna Villa. It must be saved for future generations.
Another supporter - it is a beautiful part of Bendigo's heritage.
I'm a supporter. we need to keep this heritage alive.
I'm a supporter
A fantastic piece of heritage. It should not be lost to Bendigo and the nation
I support the protection of this historic building 'Fortuna' for the people of Bendigo
Another supporter, being one of the most historic buildings in Bendigo Fortuna Villa must be kept in public hands and preserved for all to enjoy.
Raph.Beh.
I support the protection of Fortuna for the Australian public. John Mason
Another supporter of this cause
I am a supporter of keeping Fortuna in public ownership,It's our history here and now. Reg Cambridge
I'm in Queensland now but come from the goldfields area of Vic. I know how important it is to tell the history - Fortuna obviously does that.
I am a strong supporter of retaining Fortuna as a whole site-gardens and mansion. We have a moral duty to preserve this important heritage site for future generations.
I'm a supporter! It's part of Bendigo's history.
Im a supporter
I am a strong supporter to retain Fortuna and use it for the publics historical and recreational enjoyment.
I support retaining Fortuna as a public asset. It is a rich site containing diverse and important local, national and international stories.
"Im a supporter" of keeping this Bendigo icon for public use to gain the most benefit for the local community.
"I'm a supporter"
Tanya Lea
This Autralian heritage icon must be preserved for all.
I'm a supporter - Bendigo's heritage sites are of great historical interest & should be shared with the local population. Finding funds to restore and turn Fortuna Villa into a national tryust property would be the best option for this lovely heritage building.
I'm a supporter.
David Lea
Yes, I'm a strong supporter.
Mary Thomas
Count me as an enthusiastic supporter.
I support retaining Fortuna as an historic residence open for the public.
I support to save Fortuna for the community. Bendigo's history and its heritage buildings are reasons to be proud of this beautiful city. I see Fortuna as a great asset with so much potential, that should be saved for all to enjoy.
Siarn James
I'm a supporter. Fortuna is an important part of Bendigo's history.
We are loosing way too much of our history, I believe that we need to try and save as much as we can. I visited Fortuna while I was employed with Department of Defence and it has left a lasting impression on me. I would like to show all of my family this piece of Gold Rush History but I believe it needs to be restored by D of D. their yearly budget exceeds $13 Billion of tax payers money and the restoration would only be a drop in the ocen to them or the Federal Government. We are able to give millions overseas when required, how about spending some on our local history.
I'm a supporter. Fortuna is a vital part of Bendigo's history and needs to be preserved for generations to come. Its a beautiful and interesting building that needs to be able to be enjoyed by all. SAVE FORTUNA!
Im a supporter
Another supporter to save Fortuna
I'm a supporter.
I'm a strong supporter - Fortuna is not only Bendigo's heritage but part of Australia's history.
I'm a supporter of keeping Fortuna in public ownership
I'm an enthusiatic supporter for retaining this magnificent and important part of Bendigo's
"Golden History" for the community. We cannot risk losing another of our historic treasures. This opportunity may never arise again.
Marg Gaskell
I'm a supporter
I'm a supporter
I'm a supporter - Fortuna could indeed be the 'jewel in the crown' of Bendigo attractions.
another supporter "Fortuna" is part of Australia it should be saved for the public.
Rose Becke
HELLO,
HOW ARE YOU?
I AM ANOTHER SUPPORTER
I'm a supporter to keep this beautiful place and not to make private homes out of it.
i am a huge supporter of this magical place!!
I'm a supporter, it would be ashame to lose this beautiful villa. It would be an asset to Bendigo tourism.
I am a supporter
Another supporter who thinks that Fortuna should be saved for the people. It has the potential to do for Bendigo what Sovereign Hill has done for Ballarat (make it one of the most visited destinations in Victoria). We already have a good sized dot on the cultural Map of Victoria with our fabulous Regional Bendigo Art Gallery, The Golden Dragon Museum, The Easter Festival, The Talking Tram, The Bendigo Pottery and numerous festivals that take place each year. We're well represented too with the Madison and other sporting events but Fortuna could really take Bendigo to the next level. Without vision, the people perish. I would argue that without a permanent cultural home like Fortuna to support the creators of our region, these artists will perish in the harsh cultural landscape of Central Victoria. Let's get behind this vision for Fortuna. Lansell and other founders of Sandhurst/Bendigo did not quibble about over-capitalising this parched patch of ground, why should we quibble now. We are buying the cultural heritage for future generations. I hope the Council take a courageous decision and back this proposal for Fortuna.
I'm a supporter.
Don't lose this opportunity.
Debbie Forbes
Count me as a strong supporter
Jan McDermid
Yes, I'm a supporter
Karen Webb
A proposal worthy of support
Steve Marshall
I'm another keen supporter
I'm a supporter
I'm a supporter
I know from experience that this sort of thing with mansion and gardens is well-known and successful overseas - so why doesn't Bendigo try to put a feather in their cap and do something likewise?
Of course I'm a supporter of keeping this amazing piece of history in all its surrounds in the public hands.
A quick profit by govt. departments through subdivision would be an utter travesty and bring further disillusionment to the community which even now struggles to resist cynicism towards governments.
Terry Hunter
I'm a supporter. I have had a connection with the Villa Fortuna Action Group since it's formation, and have held the position of Public Officer since the Group was incorporated mid 2008.
I wouldn't have agreed to be involved if I didn't have admiration for the efforts of Merle Hall, Terry Davidson, and others; as well as a firm conviction that Fortuna is an extremely valuable asset for the community of the City of Greater Bendigo. It's future must be maintained and enhanced.
Fortuna is very much a big part of Australia`s rich gold history and every effort must be made to preserve this treasure for generations to come to apprecite what put Bendigo , Victoria & Australia on the map
Yes I'm A supporter. lucky enough to have had 2 visits through this most amazing property. Please preserve this opportunity for my grandchildren to enjoy also. As to the potential for the community of central Victoria and to Bendigo and to international tourism it will be "a must see destination."
I'm a supporter.
I'm another supporter
I'm a supporter' these heritage sites needs to be preserved.
Irene McPhee
Yes, another supporter
Verna Harrison
I'm totally in favour
Kath Rathbone
Certainly, another supporter
I'm a supporter. It would make a great backpackers and could also be open to the public who just want to come in and have a look as well. A good coffee and a yo-yo biscuit would do the trick.
Cameron James
Spring Gully
Jean Thomas
Here's another supporter!
Bronwyn Kaaden
I'm strongly in support of this
idea to keep Fortuna for the community
Sharon Treloar
Let's for for it!
Joan E Smith
I'm a strong supporter of this
"dream"
Please list me as another supporter
I'm a supporter
Here's another keen supporter
Norm Smith
What better piece of history could you have.
I support this
Alan Kaaden
I join with all forward-looking people to support this
Kerry Egan
A MUST for our community
Thelma Dingle
I'm totally in support
I'm a supporter
Michele Waddington:
I have the remains of a little concrete fawn in the shed that came from Fortuna. When it was sold up first, my father Paul Waddington bought an exquisite deer 'sculpture' of a deer lying down with the fawn against her side. He installed it beside a rockpool in "Bellefleur" in what is now Harpin St. (It was Devon Lane, renamed after a councillor in the 1930-1940 era). I'll see if I can find a picture of the sculpture on the web and we can regenerate it and install it when we win. Something Dad wanted to do.
I've been to Fortuna several times, and I can't stand the thought of never going there again. I'm a supporter.
I'm a supporter
I am an avid supporter that Fortuna MUST stay in the hands of the Bendigo community. My father spent approximately 20 of his 26 years while serving in the armed forces. My self and my family have very happy and fond memories of Fortuna. The enjoyment we had with other military families the times spent swimming in the lake, family picnics around the lake and the time spend during Christmas and Easter, and the running through the tunnel beneath Fortuna. We attended many functions over the years with my sister having her wedding at Fortuna. She was married in the gardens and had her wedding reception in the Officers mess and the Diggers Canteen which was enjoyed by all. It must be opened up to the people of Bendigo. Fortuna Villa must be kept, do we want to loose an important part of Bendigo’s history. Fortuna is part of Bendigo and must stay and not given to an exclusive few.
I'm a supporter
Another supporter.I am shattered to hear that Fortuna is going to be tampered with, George would be dissapointed to hear that the people he left in charge want money and not history. My question is " is the council in that much debt " if so the people of Bendigo should have a good long hard look at their last choice at the voting pole. I noticed that people refer to Bendigo as the Greater Bendigo, well if Fortuna is taken from the community then its back to just Bendigo. I am from Delegate River Vic in the Snowy Mountains, ( sheep farmer ) born Bendigo in 1956 and I am amazed that I am sitting hear on the pc supporting some thing that should not need supporting, its common sence to leave Fortuna as is. I suggest that the coucil members that have the need to interfere with a portion of AUSTRALIAN history go into the big room of mirrors and have a good long look at them selves. To the people of Bendigo I say " common sense will surface and Fortuna will be left alone to be one of the cherished part of history " PS. what next!! does the council want to pull down the fountain, yes, sounds stupid, but who ever thought Fortuna was going to be in it current situation.
I'm a supporter
I'm a supporter.
Jodie Bailey
I was the Commanding Officer of the Army Survey regiment from January 1977 to December 1980 and in that time initiated the repaint of the building in heritage colours (instead of battleship grey). The Army was very supportive and undertook quite a lot of resoration of the building including later the interior repaint. I opened the bulding to the public on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons through the Bendigo Trust. The proceeds of the tours were used for the purchase of fittings and fixtures suited to the style of the building, for example, the gasoliers light fittings. I consider Fortuna to be the most unique heritage building in Australia for its bizarre architecture and its history which reflects the history of Bendigo itself. The gardens, what is left of them, are of great beauty and still retain many original plantings. It should be possible to restore the lake should water be available. The Army occupied the building from 1942 to 1996 and had that not happened Fortuna would probably not be there today. I suggest that in any future development and restoration of Fortuna the Army chapter of its life should be included.
Malcolm R Dryden
I'm a support to the concept of retaining the full “ Fortuna site” - the Villa and gardens - with a use that maximizes community involvement and access. The Victorian government and/or the City of Greater Bendigo Council should present such a plan publicly and urgently promote this plan to the current owners, the Federal government".
As the Federal government had done a similar thing before with the
“North Head Quarantine Station in Sydney”
It was formal a Defence force Property and was going to be sold on to developers but a action group and the NSW state government Proportioned the Federal Government and after some negotiations the Quarantine Station property is now a public space,
So why can’t the same thing happen here, I feel that these old historic properties belong to the nation and should be looked after and be handed down to our children’s children.
I'm a keen supporter.
Villa Fortuna is undoubtedly THE most important property in the Bendigo area, being of extreme historical and cultural significance and should be preserved at all costs. Australia is a very young country in comparison to its Asian and European neighbours and as such, does not have a wealth of properties of such significance. Governments at all levels would be derelict in their duty to preserve this country's historical and cultural heritage, if this magnificent property were to fall into the hands of private developers, for who-knows-what eventual fate. A comprehensive business model for the future management of the precinct has been presented to the City of Greater Bendigo councillors by the Villa Fortuna Action Group. All that is needed now is a few people in public office with the courage and foresight of George Lansell to progress the proposal through to fruition.
I'm a supporter!
Me, too!
Another Supporter
i'm a supporter and a very strong one
i reakon it should be let open to the public as it is australian history and i would love to go and see it again
i'm a strong supporter of keeping fortuna open to the public it has important part of history in bendigo
my father has even had a connection with fortuna!!
Please save Fortuna for us all and for future generations!
Please save Fortuna!!
Another supporter!
Helen Campbell
Just wanted to add our names to support the retaining of Fortuna to be available long term for community use of the entire site. Good Luck.
strong supporter
I'm a supporter!
Another Supporter
Evelyn Lehmann
In this day and age of "modern" buildings sitting in amongst historical buildings within the heart of our city, I believe we need to preserve such historical homes as Fortuna in their closest to original state in order for generations now and in the future to appreciate our heritage. There are so little buildings people can go through and observe the opulence of the gold rush era in Victoria, or Australia for that fact. Although it doesn't have the history of a place such as Port Arthur, I believe Fortuna has it's own unique history and needs to be preserved and admired by all. Bendigo needs all the help it can get in attracting local and overseas visitors to the town in order to keep people employed and keep the tourism dollars flowing into the town. We cannot afford to loose this unique opportunity.
Im a supporter
Another strong supporter of keeping this beautiful mansion and surrounding gardens as a place for all to enjoy.
One chance so lets not sit idle .
i'm a supporter
I'm a strong supporter
I have visited many homes and mansions in the UK and Europe and in 1997 I had the opportunity to have a tour of Fortuna. I noted in my diary that it was 'an amazing house with beautiful stained glass, plaster-work ceilings, some gimmicky baths and lovely gardens'. I hope that this amazing villa can be again be open to the public.
We need to save Fortuna and make it into an asset accessable to the people of Bendigo and beyond. I support this cause !
I'm an ardent supporter
A limerick from a supporter:
There once was a villa Fortuna,
Whose buildings are worth a fortune, ah!
So let's keep it here
As a source of good cheer,
With a pond for goldfish or tuna.
I am another supporter who is keen to save historic Fortuna for our community.
Joanne O'Connell
Another supporter!!!
Willing to stand for this and protest outside of council if they continue this ignorance!
Chantelle Byers
Im a supporter
"I'm a supporter"
Another supporter
I'm a supporter, community arts centre + commercial venue operations, tourism etc. Perfect!
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