BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20230401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20230930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240617T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240726T150000 DTSTAMP:20260407T044122 CREATED:20240530T040409Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T071412Z UID:55716-1718618400-1722006000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Human Designs | Zlatko Balazic & John McKee (aka Jack Morph): Featuring the art of Melinda Muscat DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/human-designs-melinda-muscat/ LOCATION:Hugh Williamson Foyer\, Level 1 CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Winter Festival,BMI Produced Event,Exhibition,Festival,Projection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/baroque-wonderland-adjusted-2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240908T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240908T160000 DTSTAMP:20260407T044123 CREATED:20240325T021720Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T142905Z UID:52724-1725805800-1725811200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Teeny Tiny Stevies - Twice the Love Tour\, Ballarat DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/teeny-tiny-stevies/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Comedy,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/teeny-tiny-stevies-e1711333465682.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241005T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241005T201500 DTSTAMP:20260407T044123 CREATED:20240908T234149Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250324T063643Z UID:58576-1728154800-1728159300@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Calum Graham: Phoenix Rising DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/calum-graham-phoenix-rising/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/square-promo-calum-graham.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Concerts Australia":MAILTO:michael@concertsaustralia.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241009T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241009T183000 DTSTAMP:20260407T044123 CREATED:20240703T001031Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211933Z UID:56840-1728495000-1728498600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 3 | Discovering the lost men of Fromelles & Ballarat Connections DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-lights-fromelles-ballarat-connections/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Festival,Fundraiser,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/square-promo-the-lost-men-of-fromelles.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241016T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241016T183000 DTSTAMP:20260407T044123 CREATED:20240702T082713Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211936Z UID:56817-1729099800-1729103400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 3 | Lights Everlasting: Australia's commemorative stained glass\, Boer War to Vietnam DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-lights-everlasting/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Festival,Fundraiser,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/square-promo-lights-everlasting.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241023T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241023T183000 DTSTAMP:20260407T044123 CREATED:20240703T005239Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211930Z UID:56852-1729704600-1729708200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 3 | Life So Full of Promise: vivid\, compelling stories about Australia's lost generation. DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-life-so-full-of-promise/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Festival,Fundraiser,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/square-promo-life-so-full-of-promise.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241101T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241101T220000 DTSTAMP:20260407T044123 CREATED:20240424T033006Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T022254Z UID:54249-1730491200-1730498400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Daniel Champagne | Ballarat DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/daniel-champagne-ballart/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/square-from-poster.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241106T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241106T183000 DTSTAMP:20260407T044123 CREATED:20240924T015619Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211928Z UID:58950-1730914200-1730917800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 4 | Uncovering the Past: The archaeology of a Goldrush city - identifying\, protecting and managing Ballarat’s buried relics and ruins. DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-uncovering-the-past-archaeology/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Festival,Fundraiser,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/jerremy-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241110T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241110T160000 DTSTAMP:20260407T044123 CREATED:20240917T235139Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211325Z UID:58801-1731247200-1731254400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Jackson Dahlenburg: Album Launch: With Love | Debut Solo Piano Album DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/jackson-dahlenburg/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/jackson-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241120T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241120T183000 DTSTAMP:20260407T044123 CREATED:20240924T024501Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211058Z UID:58970-1732123800-1732127400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 4 | Uncovering the Past: How James became King DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-uncovering-the-past-3/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Library,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/square-promo-brian-omalley.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241122T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241122T220000 DTSTAMP:20260407T044123 CREATED:20240910T030313Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211629Z UID:58645-1732305600-1732312800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Get Rhythm: The Johnny Cash & June Carter Show | THIS EVENT HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/johnny-cash-june-carter-show/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/johnny-cash-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241127T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241127T183000 DTSTAMP:20260407T044123 CREATED:20240924T031552Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211055Z UID:58976-1732728600-1732732200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 4 | Uncovering the Past: Johnny Alloo... of Ballarat Notoriety DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-uncovering-the-past-4/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Library,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/square-promo-john-smyth.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241130T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241201T140000 DTSTAMP:20260407T044123 CREATED:20240827T045027Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T012154Z UID:58515-1732960800-1733061600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Summer Book Sale | Stockpile for the holidays DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/summer-book-sale-2024/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Fundraiser,Library,Members ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/book-sale-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241211T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241211T211500 DTSTAMP:20260407T044123 CREATED:20241111T035654Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T192738Z UID:59851-1733943600-1733951700@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Medieval to Metal Rockumentary Film Series: 'Don't Look Back' 1967 DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/dont-look-back-1967/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art Gallery of Ballarat,BMI Produced Event,Film,Important Dates ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/humanitix-dob-e1731297748218.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250115T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250115T204500 DTSTAMP:20260407T044123 CREATED:20241113T003024Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T192558Z UID:59922-1736967600-1736973900@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Medieval to Metal Rockumentary Film Series: 'This is Spinal Tap' 1984 DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/this-is-spinal-tap-1984/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art Gallery of Ballarat,BMI Produced Event,Film,Important Dates ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/spinal-tap-square.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250122T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250122T204000 DTSTAMP:20260407T044123 CREATED:20241113T005429Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T192735Z UID:59934-1737572400-1737578400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:'Gimme Shelter' 1970 | THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO TECH ISSUES DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/gimme-shelter-1970/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art Gallery of Ballarat,BMI Produced Event,Film,Important Dates ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/mich-jagger-square.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250226T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250226T183000 DTSTAMP:20260407T044123 CREATED:20250108T015354Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113129Z UID:60976-1740591000-1740594600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-atauro-timor-leste/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo-dancers-on-the-sea.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250312T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250312T183000 DTSTAMP:20260407T044123 CREATED:20241107T052354Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113149Z UID:59773-1741800600-1741804200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1 | Ballarat's Changing Scene - Ballarat's Growth: Infrastructure Pressures DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-ballarats-growth/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/square-promo-individuals-infrastructure.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250319T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250319T183000 DTSTAMP:20260407T044123 CREATED:20241219T033900Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113146Z UID:60810-1742405400-1742409000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1 | Ballarat's Changing Scene - Change in Ballarat's Car Industry DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarats-car-industry/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Ballarats-car-industry.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250326T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250326T183000 DTSTAMP:20260407T044123 CREATED:20241219T034349Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113143Z UID:60812-1743010200-1743013800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1 | Ballarat's Changing Scene - Changes to the Canadian Corridor DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/canadian-corridor/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/square-promo-individuals-canadian.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250402T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250402T183000 DTSTAMP:20260407T044123 CREATED:20241219T035224Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113140Z UID:60820-1743615000-1743618600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 2 | Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective: Dr Hardy DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/dr-hardy/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dr-hard-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250409T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250409T183000 DTSTAMP:20260407T044123 CREATED:20241219T040512Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113137Z UID:60826-1744219800-1744223400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 2 | Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective: War Grieving - Doctor's Perspective DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/war-grieving-doctors-perspective/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/square-promo-war-grieving-doctors.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250416T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250416T183000 DTSTAMP:20260407T044123 CREATED:20241219T044531Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113132Z UID:60832-1744824600-1744828200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 2 | Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective: Medals and Memorabilia DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/medals-and-memorabilia/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/square-promo-individuals-medals-memoribilia.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250423T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250423T183000 DTSTAMP:20260407T044123 CREATED:20241219T044445Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113134Z UID:60830-1745429400-1745433000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 2 | Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective: Feeling the Battlefield Spirits DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/stories-of-the-somme/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/square-promo-individuals-spirits.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250430T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250430T183000 DTSTAMP:20260407T044123 CREATED:20250108T020658Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113126Z UID:60981-1746034200-1746037800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 2\, Special Event | The Life of Walter Withers DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-life-of-walter-withers/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Author Talk,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Library,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo-david-rathgen-final.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250629T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250629T163000 DTSTAMP:20260407T044123 CREATED:20250523T002017Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250527T234616Z UID:65094-1751205600-1751214600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Australian Barbra Streisand Show | Featuring Rachael Grace DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/australian-barbra-streisand-show/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Pride,BMI Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/babs-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250816T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250816T220000 DTSTAMP:20260407T044123 CREATED:20250605T021537Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250801T031934Z UID:65518-1755372600-1755381600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Craig McLachlan Live & Intimate - Six String Stories DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/craig-mc-lachlan/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Live Music,Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CRAIG-MCLACHLAN-SixStringStories_CM_Hero_draft2-Liam-Mudge.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250903T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250903T183000 DTSTAMP:20260407T044123 CREATED:20250728T035749Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250826T031406Z UID:66371-1756920600-1756924200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 3\, Spring Season | Ballarat's Henry Lawson\, Unknown facts presented by Hedley Thomson DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-henry-lawson/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/square-promo-2025.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250917T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250917T183000 DTSTAMP:20260407T044123 CREATED:20250728T041859Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250826T032241Z UID:66377-1758130200-1758133800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 3\, Spring Season | Into the Dragon's Den\, The Chinese community in Bendigo DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-saving-dragons/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Library,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/square-promo-20252.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250924T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250924T183000 DTSTAMP:20260407T044123 CREATED:20250728T042702Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250828T045221Z UID:66380-1758735000-1758738600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 3\, Spring Season | Gold! Gold! Bendigo - Ballarat DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-gold-gold/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/square-promo-20253.webp END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR