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.