Hello everyone.
As the leaves start to fall, pace is really picking up here at the BMI!
Both the Twilight Talk and Author talks are attracting enthusiastic audiences and our Library is busy as usual. Don’t forget to invite your friends to join you as these events, wouldn’t want them to miss out!!
Professor Geoffrey Blainey
We were delighted with the recent address by Professor Geoffrey Blainey. The audience of over 200 people were enthralled as the Professor used his incredible historical knowledge to paint a picture of what the future might look like in 2025 and beyond- as he said, some good news and some not so good news!
He discussed the likelihood of World War Three as not particularly likely, he talked about the future of democracy across the world, security in Australia, immigration and culture and touched on climate change.
As well as being educated on these hot topics, we were incredibly grateful to the Professor for donating his time to facilitate this fundraiser for the BMI, it was in fact his suggestion!
We are pleased to announce that the event raised around $10,000 for the institute. This included a corporate sponsorship from Nicholson Construction. Thank you to all involved including board member Charlotte King who provided the introduction to the Professor.
Geoffrey also very kindly donated some of his books to the BMI, there are several copies of A Short History of the World behind Rosemary’s desk if members would like to acquire a copy.
Conservation Works
Work continues on both our Preservation Needs Assessment (for our Collection) through our Community Heritage Grant via the National Library and the conservation of the two artworks courtesy of the Copland Foundation. I look forward to sharing the results of these projects.
Heritage Festivals
We are gearing up for the Heritage Festivals, both National and Ballarat Heritage Festival fall in May – stay tuned for details, but rest assured we are ready for visitors with activations in many spaces during this period.
BallaRat Pack | Community Partnership
We have enjoyed having our new partner in BallaRat Pack in the building with their production of Broadway to Ballarat– I hope many of you were able to attend a performance.
Royal South Street Society | Community Partnership
We continue the relationship with RSSS, including their own fundraising efforts: Key to Music suports their aim to bring a new competition grand piano.
The RSSS AGM, is scheduled for:
Wednesday 16 April 5.30pm, Long Room at Her Majesty’s Theatre
You are cordially invited to join.
RSSS Drag Queen Bingo
Thursday 15 May – Doors open at 6pm,Performance begins at 7pm.
Join us for an electrifying three-hour extravaganza of interactive entertainment, featuring dazzling drag performances and fabulous campery hosted by our incredible Piano Bar Queens. It’s the perfect midweek treat to add some excitement to your work week.
For just $10 per person, you’ll receive a game book and dabber. Prepare to laughter, surprises, and the chance to win fantastic prizes throughout the evening.
The kitchen will be open and serving delicious food from 6pm to 8pm.
This event will serve as a fundraiser for the Royal South Street Society, and everyone is warmly invited to attend.
BMI Annual Giving Campaign
Very shortly you will also receive information about our Annual Giving Campaign. This is a very important part of our fundraising efforts and we will provide details of our key projects and priorities within this effort to ensure our members understand where their generous donations will be most helpful.
With so much to do at the BMI there is always something new and hopefully events and programs to attract new visitors and new members to the community- thank you for your advocacy and commitment to this important institution.
Paula Nicholson
