The City of Greater Bendigo and the State Government are deciding on whether to priority purchase Fortuna Villa from the Defence Department.

If they decline, the Villa will be put on the market.

Royal Historical Society of Victoria past president and gold rush expert Professor Weston Bate launched the charter.

Villa Fortuna Action Group president Merle Hall said the charter would better define the aspirations of the group.

“We are fortunate that we have such an eminent person as Professor Bate to be involved at this launch,” Mrs Hall said.

“He is in such a good position to assess the importance of Fortuna to the nation’s future.”

The charter is available online at http://charter4fortuna.blogspot.c om and www.villafortuna.org.au