# Twilight Talk: Dr. Phil Roberts

Source: https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talk-dr-phil-roberts/

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### Twilight Talks- Dr. Phil Roberts

[Book Tickets](https://events.humanitix.com/twilight-talks-dr-phil-roberts-xyfpc4s6)

![Smiling man outside Ballaarat Mechanics Institute, Twilight Talks 2026 banner](https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Twilight-Talks-Phil-Roberts-Banner-1024x512.webp)

Enjoy an intimate evening in the beautiful setting of our historical Humffray Room as Dr Phil Roberts OAM speaks about his past years’ work, researching and writing ‘Checkmate: A history of the Ballarat Chess Club’.

Ballarat’s own Phil Roberts is a former secondary teacher and principal and has previously written 25 books – the highlight was when his book *Avenue of Memories* won the 2019 Victorian Premiers History Award – the top prize of 120 entries. In 2017 Phil received an Order of Australia award for community services. He graduated from Federation University in 2019 with a PhD based on Ballarat’s Avenue and Arch. At chess he is a novice, although he has learnt a great amount about this fascinating game during the writing of the book.

Doors open at 5pm, and the session will run from 5:30pm-6:30pm.

The Humffray Room is accessible via stairs, or wheelchair accessible elevator.

##### November 18TH

##### $9-$13

##### BMI- Hummfray Room

##### Doors open at 5:00pm

![Vintage photo of men's chess club gathering](https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Ballarat-Chess-Club-IMG-1024x729.webp)

*A captured moment in the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute's own Hooper Room, Ballarat plays Geelong. From "The Ballarat Courier" 26 April 1925*

[book tickets](https://events.humanitix.com/twilight-talks-dr-phil-roberts-xyfpc4s6)