BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.16.3//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: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 BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20270403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20271002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260711T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260711T205000 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20260430T044744Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T050650Z UID:72672-1783796400-1783803000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke\, a THEATRE 180 production DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/21-hearts-vivian-bullwinkel-and-the-nurses-of-the-vyner-brooke-a-theatre-180-production/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-21-hearts.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260711T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260711T125000 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20260212T045959Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T050826Z UID:70689-1783767600-1783774200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke\, a THEATRE 180 production | SOLD OUT DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/21-hearts-vivian-bulllwinkel-and-the-nurses-of-the-vyner-brooke-a-theatre-180-production-saturday/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-21-hearts.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T205000 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20251001T031523Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T051020Z UID:67817-1783710000-1783716600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke\, a THEATRE 180 production | SOLD OUT DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/21-hearts-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-21-hearts.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T125000 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20250930T001641Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T050116Z UID:67766-1783681200-1783687800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke\, a THEATRE 180 production | SOLD OUT DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/21-hearts/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-21-hearts.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260708T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260708T200000 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20260509T054308Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T054612Z UID:72884-1783537200-1783540800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Full Heart: Gratitude and Contentment in Daily Life DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-a-full-heart-gratitude-and-contentment-in-daily-life-8-july/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5-Gratitude_GP_Class_BMI-Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260705T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260705T210000 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20260521T034118Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T040050Z UID:73067-1783279800-1783285200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Alexandr Misko: International Guitar Sensation Live at BMI DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/alexandr-misko-international-guitar-sensation-live-at-bmi/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-alexandr-misko.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260704T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260704T110000 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20260413T230016Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T042623Z UID:72002-1783159200-1783162800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Whistle and Trick DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/whistle-and-trick/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy,Live Music,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-events-whistle-and-trick.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260703T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260703T211500 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20260505T235334Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T042336Z UID:72745-1783108800-1783113300@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Joscho Stephan Trio: Gypsy Jazz Virtuosos DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/joscho-stephan-trio-gypsy-jazz-virtuosos/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-joscho-final.png ORGANIZER;CN="Concerts Australia":MAILTO:michael@concertsaustralia.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260701T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260701T200000 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20260509T054129Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T054226Z UID:72881-1782932400-1782936000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Full Heart: Gratitude and Contentment in Daily Life DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-a-full-heart-gratitude-and-contentment-in-daily-life/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5-Gratitude_GP_Class_BMI-Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260701T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260701T193000 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20260506T041811Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260508T010257Z UID:72778-1782928800-1782934200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Sherryl Clark DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-sherryl-clark/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sp-promo-talks-sherryl-clark.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260629T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260629T210000 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20260514T033415Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T040925Z UID:72963-1782761400-1782766800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | The Herald Sun Aria Semi-Final DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/royal-south-street-society-the-herald-sun-aria-semi-final/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Live Music,Royal South Street Society,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-arias.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260627T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260627T193000 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20260514T032920Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T034853Z UID:72959-1782585000-1782588600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Vocal Championship Challenge DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/royal-south-street-society-vocal-championship-challenge/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Live Music,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260624T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260624T200000 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20260509T053656Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T053910Z UID:72875-1782327600-1782331200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | From Aniety to Action: Tools to Reclaim Your Life DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-from-aniety-to-action-tools-to-reclaim-your-life-24-june/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/4-From_Anxiety_to_Action_Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260623T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260623T193000 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20260313T005434Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034824Z UID:71257-1782237600-1782243000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Mark Smith DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/mark-smith-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-mark-smith.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260621T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260621T180000 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20260514T032237Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T041434Z UID:72955-1782052200-1782064800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Pianoforte Schedule - Celebrating Chopin DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/royal-south-street-society-pianoforte-schedule-celebrating-chopin-26/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Live Music,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-chopin.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260617T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260617T200000 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20260509T053624Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T053833Z UID:72873-1781722800-1781726400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | From Aniety to Action: Tools to Reclaim Your Life DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-from-aniety-to-action-tools-to-reclaim-your-life-17-june/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/4-From_Anxiety_to_Action_Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260617T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260617T193000 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20260506T023026Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T043433Z UID:72763-1781719200-1781724600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Anthea Hodgson DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-anthea-hodgson/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sp-promo-talks-anthea-hodgson.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T220000 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20260310T010115Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260527T015941Z UID:71143-1781298000-1781301600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tour-12-jun-26-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sq-promo-minerva-secrets.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T200000 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20260310T005733Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260527T015517Z UID:71141-1781290800-1781294400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tour-12-jun-26/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sq-promo-minerva-secrets2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260611T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260611T210000 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20260129T043042Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035120Z UID:70415-1781206200-1781211600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Monster DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-film-society-monster/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/monster-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260610T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260610T200000 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20260509T053553Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T053931Z UID:72871-1781118000-1781121600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | From Aniety to Action: Tools to Reclaim Your Life DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-from-aniety-to-action-tools-to-reclaim-your-life-10-june/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/4-From_Anxiety_to_Action_Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260607T120000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260607T150000 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20260514T020854Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T045643Z UID:72943-1780833600-1780844400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Moco: 5 Senses of Drag Workshop DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/moco-5-senses-of-drag-workshop/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Pride,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-moco.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260606T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260606T213000 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20260511T011117Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T035755Z UID:72909-1780767000-1780781400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Queer Blak+ Deadly with Steven Oliver DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/queer-blak-deadly-with-steven-oliver/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Pride,Burlesque,Comedy,Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-queer.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260603T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260603T200000 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20260509T053525Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T053950Z UID:72869-1780513200-1780516800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | From Aniety to Action: Tools to Reclaim Your Life DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-from-aniety-to-action-tools-to-reclaim-your-life-3-june/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/4-From_Anxiety_to_Action_Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260530T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260530T110000 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20260528T041002Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260528T034920Z UID:73311-1780135200-1780138800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Lantern Vaults DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/lantern-vaults-reprised/ LOCATION:BMI – Multiple Spaces\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-events-lantern-vaults.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260527T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260527T200000 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20260509T053422Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T054009Z UID:72867-1779908400-1779912000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | From Aniety to Action: Tools to Reclaim Your Life DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-from-aniety-to-action-tools-to-reclaim-your-life-27-may/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/4-From_Anxiety_to_Action_Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260527T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260527T200000 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20260313T002934Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035212Z UID:71249-1779906600-1779912000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Amanda Hampson DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/amanda-hampson/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-amanda-hampson.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260523T113000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260524T121500 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20260421T025952Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T053103Z UID:72387-1779535800-1779624900@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Heritage Festival - Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-heritage-festival-tours/ LOCATION:Meet in the Foyer\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-day-tours.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260522T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260522T203000 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20260318T041021Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T045854Z UID:71379-1779476400-1779481800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Panic from the Sky: A Call of Cthulhu Adventure DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/panic-in-the-sky/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sq-promo-events-tales-final.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260521T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260524T160000 DTSTAMP:20260602T005100 CREATED:20260418T053218Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260522T063609Z UID:72320-1779357600-1779638400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Lantern Vaults DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/lantern-vaults/ LOCATION:BMI – Multiple Spaces\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-events-lantern-vaults.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR