BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.17.1//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:20210403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20211002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20220402T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20221001T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20230401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20230930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220404T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220428T140000 DTSTAMP:20220527T010329Z CREATED:20220303T225404Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010329Z UID:16411-1649066400-1651154400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Anzacs | Display | Talks | Research DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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-anzacs-display-talks-research/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/events-image-1600-1200-anzac-final.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220407T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220407T114500 DTSTAMP:20220527T010452Z CREATED:20220322T042236Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010452Z UID:17253-1649329200-1649331900@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BALLARAT ANZACS: Stories of Courage Sacrifice & Larrikinism | A Talk with Garry Snowden DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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-anzacs-stories-of-courage-sacrifice-and-larrikinism-garry-snowden/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/events-image-1600-1200-anzac-final.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220408T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220408T210000 DTSTAMP:20220310T035444Z CREATED:20220310T034545Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220310T035444Z UID:16974-1649444400-1649451600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Joe Avati | 25 Live - Have Some Respect Tour DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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/joe-avati/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Comedy,Externally Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/unnamed-6-e1646884459713.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220413T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220413T183000 DTSTAMP:20220527T010012Z CREATED:20220309T230430Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010012Z UID:16885-1649869200-1649874600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Yarrowee: Uncovering the secrets of the Ballarat River | Session 1 DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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/2022-twilight-talks-season-1-session-1/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/tt-banner-22-V2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220414T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220414T110000 DTSTAMP:20220325T032413Z CREATED:20220322T043356Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220325T032413Z UID:17262-1649934000-1649934000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BALLARAT ANZACS: Mining Mud & Medals | A Talk with Yvon Davis DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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-anzacs-mining-mud-and-medals-yvon-davis/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/events-image-1600-1200-anzac-final.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220414T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220414T220000 DTSTAMP:20220204T063345Z CREATED:20220204T063345Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220204T063345Z UID:15921-1649962800-1649973600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - White Riot DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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/bfs-white-riot/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/maxresdefault-2-e1643956373930.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220420T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220420T183000 DTSTAMP:20220527T005955Z CREATED:20220309T235040Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T005955Z UID:16935-1650474000-1650479400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Yarrowee: Uncovering the secrets of the Ballarat River | Session 2 DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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/2022-twilight-talks-season-1-session-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/tt-banner-22-V2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220421T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220421T110000 DTSTAMP:20250213T013648Z CREATED:20220322T043906Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250213T013648Z UID:17265-1650538800-1650538800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BALLARAT ANZACS: The Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour | A Talk with Phil Roberts DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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-anzacs-the-arch-of-victory-and-avenue-of-honour-phil-roberts/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/events-image-1600-1200-anzac-final.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220426T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220426T120000 DTSTAMP:20220527T010827Z CREATED:20211217T020950Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010827Z UID:15064-1650969000-1650974400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | April DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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/the-reading-room-april-22/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/the-reading-room-event-header-final-e1640069925423.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220427T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220427T183000 DTSTAMP:20220527T005951Z CREATED:20220309T235646Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T005951Z UID:16942-1651078800-1651084200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Yarrowee: Uncovering the secrets of the Ballarat River | Session 3 DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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/2022-twilight-talks-season-1-session-3/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/tt-banner-22-V2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220428T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220428T110000 DTSTAMP:20220527T010252Z CREATED:20220322T044108Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010252Z UID:17267-1651143600-1651143600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BALLART ANZACS: How Ballarat Remembers it’s ANZACS | A Talk with Garry Snowden DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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-anzacs-how-ballarat-remembers-its-anzacs-garry-snowden/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/events-image-1600-1200-anzac-final.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220504T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220504T183000 DTSTAMP:20220527T010422Z CREATED:20220310T000235Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010422Z UID:16949-1651683600-1651689000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Yarrowee: Uncovering the secrets of the Ballarat River | Sesson 4 DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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/2022-twilight-talks-season-1-session-4/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/tt-banner-22-V2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220511T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220511T183000 DTSTAMP:20220411T005651Z CREATED:20220310T000624Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220411T005651Z UID:16956-1652288400-1652293800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Yarrowee: Uncovering the secrets of the Ballarat River | Session 5 DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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/2022-twilight-talks-season-1-session-5/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/tt-banner-22-V2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220512T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220512T213000 DTSTAMP:20220204T064213Z CREATED:20220204T064213Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220204T064213Z UID:15925-1652382000-1652391000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - Lamb DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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/bfs-lamb/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Screen-Shot-2021-07-26-at-8.23.27-AM-e1643956860937.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220517T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220704T110000 DTSTAMP:20220617T010748Z CREATED:20220512T045918Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220617T010748Z UID:18783-1652785200-1656932400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Many Roles of Nellie Melba Exhibition DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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/the-many-roles-of-nellie-melba-exhibition/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/ss-web-banner.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220517T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220704T110000 DTSTAMP:20220731T230312Z CREATED:20220731T230312Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220731T230312Z UID:20941-1652785200-1656932400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Many Roles of Nellie Melba Exhibition Copy DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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/the-many-roles-of-nellie-melba-exhibition-copy/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/ss-web-banner.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220531T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220531T120000 DTSTAMP:20220603T035153Z CREATED:20220426T044236Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220603T035153Z UID:18548-1653993000-1653998400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | 31 May DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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/the-reading-room-31-may-22/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/the-reading-room-event-header-final-e1640069925423.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220608T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220608T130000 DTSTAMP:20220527T010528Z CREATED:20220405T005315Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010528Z UID:17896-1654684200-1654693200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Painting with Geoff Roderick | 8 June 22 | Now fully booked DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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/painting-with-geoff-roderick-8-june-22/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_6524.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220608T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220608T190000 DTSTAMP:20220527T011029Z CREATED:20220407T041019Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T011029Z UID:18088-1654709400-1654714800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Wendy McCarthy: Don’t Be Too Polite\, Girls DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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/wendy-mccarthy/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/bb1f9cc7aa6a4b9ab0346a46dc81733d_content_medium.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220609T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220609T213000 DTSTAMP:20220204T070341Z CREATED:20220204T070341Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220204T070341Z UID:15929-1654801200-1654810200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - Herself DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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/bfs-herself/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/3396.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220610T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220610T210000 DTSTAMP:20220518T012107Z CREATED:20220518T012107Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220518T012107Z UID:18917-1654894800-1654894800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:LaNCE TV - Live in Concert with Motor City Sounds DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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/lance-tv-live/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy,Externally Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Lance-TV-events-image-v1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220615T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220615T130000 DTSTAMP:20220527T011000Z CREATED:20220405T013513Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T011000Z UID:17903-1655289000-1655298000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Painting with Geoff Roderick | 15 June 22 | Now fully booked DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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/painting-with-geoff-roderick-15-june-22/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_6524.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220619T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220619T160000 DTSTAMP:20220606T034930Z CREATED:20220527T005602Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220606T034930Z UID:19112-1655649000-1655654400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Toying With The Classics - Ballarat Symphony Orchestra DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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/bsojune22/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art programs,Classical Music,Externally Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Toying-With-the-Classics-BMI-Events-alternative-graphic.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220622T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220622T130000 DTSTAMP:20220525T055055Z CREATED:20220405T013548Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220525T055055Z UID:17905-1655893800-1655902800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Painting with Geoff Roderick | 22 June 22 | Now fully booked DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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/painting-with-geoff-roderick-22-june-22/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_6524.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220628T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220628T120000 DTSTAMP:20220615T035300Z CREATED:20220603T035206Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220615T035300Z UID:19243-1656412200-1656417600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | 28 June DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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/the-reading-room-28-june-22/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/the-reading-room-event-header-final-e1640069925423.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220629T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220629T130000 DTSTAMP:20220527T005259Z CREATED:20220405T013807Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T005259Z UID:17907-1656498600-1656507600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Painting with Geoff Roderick | 29 June 22 | Now fully booked DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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/painting-with-geoff-roderick-29-june-22/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_6524.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220701T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220701T230000 DTSTAMP:20220606T034426Z CREATED:20220606T034426Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220606T034426Z UID:19295-1656702000-1656716400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Fanny Lumsden's Deep in the Fallow Tour DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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/fallow/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Externally Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/62822e0f1111f4204c192b1d-e1654487275688.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220704T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220728T160000 DTSTAMP:20220617T012414Z CREATED:20220614T060046Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220617T012414Z UID:19529-1656928800-1659024000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Exhibition of works Lillipilli Beads\, Faye Heininger DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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/exhibition-of-lillipilli-beads/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Exhibition,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/IMG_2871-rotated-e1655427437685.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220714T184500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220714T200000 DTSTAMP:20220615T232426Z CREATED:20220607T004435Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220615T232426Z UID:19301-1657824300-1657828800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Fundraiser | The Phantom of the Open DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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/the-phantom-of-the-open/ LOCATION:Regent Cinemas Ballarat\, 49 Lydiard Street North\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/fun-the-phantom-of-the-open-banner-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220714T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220714T213000 DTSTAMP:20220623T025812Z CREATED:20220623T024935Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220623T025812Z UID:19749-1657825200-1657834200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - High Ground DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \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 \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/bfs-high-ground/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/high-ground-image.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR