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:20261210T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261210T210000 DTSTAMP:20260602T050326 CREATED:20260129T055545Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T073342Z UID:70454-1796931000-1796936400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Smiley Gets a Gun 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-smiley-gets-a-gun/ 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/smiley-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261009T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261009T220000 DTSTAMP:20260602T050326 CREATED:20260203T013254Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T023230Z UID:70535-1791572400-1791583200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Telegraph Road - The Dire Straits Legacy: Matt Arthur and The Lazybones 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/telegraph-road-the-dire-straits-legacy/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/matt-arthur-sq-promo.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Matt Arthur Music":MAILTO:matt@mattarthurmusic.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261008T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261008T210000 DTSTAMP:20260602T050326 CREATED:20260129T054045Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T033815Z UID:70446-1791487800-1791493200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Bound for Glory 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-bound-for-glory/ 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/bound-for-glory-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260910T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260910T210000 DTSTAMP:20260602T050326 CREATED:20260129T052341Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T033843Z UID:70438-1789068600-1789074000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Kōkā 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-koka/ 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/koka-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260906T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260906T160000 DTSTAMP:20260602T050326 CREATED:20260514T044101Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260520T234643Z UID:72995-1788703200-1788710400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Fashion Parade Fundraiser | Vintage & Collectables 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/fashion-parade-fundraiser-vintage-collectables/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Vintage & Collectables ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/promotional-square-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260813T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260813T210000 DTSTAMP:20260602T050326 CREATED:20260129T051107Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T033912Z UID:70430-1786649400-1786654800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | The Blue Trail 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-the-blue-trail/ 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/the-blue-trail-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260812T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260812T193000 DTSTAMP:20260602T050326 CREATED:20260324T234500Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T033956Z UID:71535-1786557600-1786563000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Sophie Green 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/sophie-green/ 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-sophie-green.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260807T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260807T204000 DTSTAMP:20260602T050326 CREATED:20251205T035734Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034032Z UID:69366-1786131000-1786135200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Blake Pavey: A Bit Scared 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/blake-pavey-a-bit-scared/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sq-promo-blake-pavey.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="KEG Touring":MAILTO:Contact@kegtouring.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260803T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260803T193000 DTSTAMP:20260602T050326 CREATED:20260520T044923Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260520T232801Z UID:73049-1785780000-1785785400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety 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-margaret-hickety/ 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-margaret-hickey.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260729T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260729T193000 DTSTAMP:20260602T050326 CREATED:20260416T050939Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T012750Z UID:72260-1785348000-1785353400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Phillipa Nefri 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/phillipa-nefri-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/2026/04/sp-promo-talks-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T210000 DTSTAMP:20260602T050326 CREATED:20260223T053430Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034212Z UID:70817-1785006000-1785013200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, A Ballarat National Theatre 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/god-of-carnage-25-july-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T160000 DTSTAMP:20260602T050326 CREATED:20260223T053557Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034233Z UID:70819-1784988000-1784995200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, A Ballarat National Theatre 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/god-of-carnage-25-july/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260724T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260724T210000 DTSTAMP:20260602T050326 CREATED:20260223T053244Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034253Z UID:70815-1784919600-1784926800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, A Ballarat National Theatre 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/god-of-carnage-24-july/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260724T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260724T123000 DTSTAMP:20260602T050326 CREATED:20260520T015158Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260601T080103Z UID:73020-1784890800-1784896200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Arresting the Ephemeral: The Beautiful Usefulness of a Victorian Herbarium 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/arresting-the-ephemeral-the-beautiful-usefulness-of-a-victorian-herbarium/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Rare Book Week,Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-arresting.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260723T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260723T210000 DTSTAMP:20260602T050326 CREATED:20260223T045111Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034312Z UID:70806-1784833200-1784840400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, A Ballarat National Theatre 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/god-of-carnage-23-july/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260722T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260722T200000 DTSTAMP:20260602T050326 CREATED:20260509T054745Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T054800Z UID:72889-1784746800-1784750400@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-22-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:20260720T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260720T193000 DTSTAMP:20260602T050326 CREATED:20260420T042351Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T043115Z UID:72345-1784570400-1784575800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Petronella McGovern 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/petronella-mcgovern/ 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/2026/04/sp-promo-talks-petronella-mcgovern-v3.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260716T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260716T210000 DTSTAMP:20260602T050326 CREATED:20260129T044738Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034341Z UID:70423-1784230200-1784235600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Journey Home 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-journey-home/ 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/journey-home-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260715T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260715T200000 DTSTAMP:20260602T050326 CREATED:20260509T054421Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T055023Z UID:72886-1784142000-1784145600@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-15-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:20260715T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260715T193000 DTSTAMP:20260602T050326 CREATED:20260313T024204Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260511T072228Z UID:71265-1784138400-1784143800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Benita Bensch 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/benita-bensch/ 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-benita-bensch-FINAL.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260714T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260714T213000 DTSTAMP:20260602T050326 CREATED:20260427T070837Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260504T055234Z UID:72579-1784057400-1784064600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Grigoryan Brothers - A Boy Called Sailboat 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/grigoryan-brothers-a-boy-called-sailboat/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-a-boy-called-steamboat-v4.png.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260711T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260711T205000 DTSTAMP:20260602T050326 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:20260602T050326 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:20260602T050326 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:20260602T050326 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:20260602T050326 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:20260602T050326 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:20260602T050326 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:20260602T050326 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:20260602T050326 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 END:VCALENDAR