More than 66 years since the Australian Army moved in to, and most recently out of, what can only be described as one of the jewels in the city’s crown, and debate as to the ornate Villa’s next chapter has only just begun.

Interest groups have had an eye on the property for many years, and a variety of uses has been proposed, from a community arts and cultural precinct to offices, a luxury hotel and even a nursing home, or perhaps a mix of some of these, carried some intriguing options.

One thing that has not changed is the fact that the chance to put in place a proper community management plan for Fortuna is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, for this city and its citizens of today and tomorrow, that we cannot afford to go wrong.

Our new councillors are yet to be fully briefed on Fortuna Villa, but will very quickly come under pressure from sections of the community keen for some clarity as to what is going to happen to the property and when.

That is why this weekend’s once-in-a-generation chance to inspect the incredibly ornate and stunning Fortuna Villa is one we encourage as many Bendigo residents as possible to take up, in the hope that even more people gain an appreciation for what once was, and what - hopefully - can once again be.

What do you think? Write a letter to the editor, or e-mail editor@bendigoadvertiser.com.au