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:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250116T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250626T223000 DTSTAMP:20250313T030852Z CREATED:20250107T014921Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250313T030852Z UID:60938-1737048600-1750977000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Chess Club 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-chess-club-2025/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Chess Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ballarat-chess-club-square-with-boarder.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250422T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250513T150000 DTSTAMP:20250321T015148Z CREATED:20250113T045602Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T015148Z UID:61150-1745330400-1747148400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Australian Heritage Festival 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/day-tours-aust-heritage-fest/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250423T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250423T183000 DTSTAMP:20250325T113134Z CREATED:20241219T044445Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113134Z UID:60830-1745429400-1745433000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 2 | Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective: Feeling the Battlefield Spirits DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: 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/stories-of-the-somme/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/square-promo-individuals-spirits.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250423T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250423T200000 DTSTAMP:20250331T234710Z CREATED:20250211T000334Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T234710Z UID:61899-1745434800-1745438400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Find Your Flow: A Buddhist Guide to an Effortless Life 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/kadampa-meditation-series-23-apr-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo3.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250425T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250425T203000 DTSTAMP:20250423T003154Z CREATED:20250120T002601Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T003154Z UID:61331-1745609400-1745613000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Australian Heritage Festival\, This Tour is 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/minervas-secrets-night-tours-ahf-1/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250425T213000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250425T223000 DTSTAMP:20250423T003145Z CREATED:20250120T004138Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T003145Z UID:61339-1745616600-1745620200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Australian Heritage Festival\, Tour 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/minervas-secrets-night-tours-ahf-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250426T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250426T200000 DTSTAMP:20250417T052656Z CREATED:20250417T051337Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250417T052656Z UID:64617-1745690400-1745697600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Beyond Limits | An Evening with Mick Marshall 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/mick-marshall/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film,Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promo-mick-marshall.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250427T160000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250427T200000 DTSTAMP:20250321T162923Z CREATED:20241129T225635Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T162923Z UID:60381-1745769600-1745784000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ash Grunwald at the BMI 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/ash-grunwald/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ash-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250429T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250429T193000 DTSTAMP:20250321T045401Z CREATED:20250218T012450Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T045401Z UID:62175-1745949600-1745955000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Shelley Burr 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/shelley-burr/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/square-promo-shelley-burr.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250430T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250430T183000 DTSTAMP:20250325T113126Z CREATED:20250108T020658Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113126Z UID:60981-1746034200-1746037800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 2\, Special Event | The Life of Walter Withers DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: 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/twilight-talks-life-of-walter-withers/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Author Talk,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Library,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo-david-rathgen-final.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250430T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250430T200000 DTSTAMP:20250331T235148Z CREATED:20250211T001230Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T235148Z UID:61901-1746039600-1746043200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Find Your Flow: A Buddhist Guide to an Effortless Life 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/kadampa-meditation-series-30-apr-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo3.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250501T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250501T200000 DTSTAMP:20250410T031044Z CREATED:20241204T012140Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250410T031044Z UID:60465-1746122400-1746129600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Natasha Lester 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/natasha-lester/ LOCATION:VIC CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Author Talk,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Library,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/sq-promo-natasha-lester-1-may.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250504T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250504T160000 DTSTAMP:20250408T003645Z CREATED:20250403T014922Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T003645Z UID:64247-1746367200-1746374400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:E A Gleeson\, Book Launch - The Deepest Thing: A Poetic Memoir 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/anne-gleeson/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promo-anne-gleeson-v2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250507T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250507T193000 DTSTAMP:20250502T010026Z CREATED:20250401T040022Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250502T010026Z UID:64144-1746640800-1746646200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Mimi Kwa 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/mimi-kwa/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promo-mimi-kwa-v2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250507T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250507T200000 DTSTAMP:20250331T235229Z CREATED:20250211T002737Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T235229Z UID:61903-1746644400-1746648000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Find Your Flow: A Buddhist Guide to an Effortless Life 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/kadampa-meditation-series-7-may-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo3.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250508T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250508T210000 DTSTAMP:20250321T062716Z CREATED:20250212T023140Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T062716Z UID:61967-1746732600-1746738000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Bicycle Thieves (Ladri di Biciclette) 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-bicycle-thieves/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sqaure-promo-bfs2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250509T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250509T190000 DTSTAMP:20250417T041147Z CREATED:20250415T035815Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250417T041147Z UID:64500-1746813600-1746817200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Seedpod Ballarat 2025 | Gemma Cavoli - 'Oubliette' | Artist in Residence 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/seedpod-oubliette/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Artist in Residence,Australian Heritage Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/oubliette-sq-promo-v2.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Punctum":MAILTO:hq@punctum.com.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250509T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250509T210000 DTSTAMP:20250430T042710Z CREATED:20250318T025201Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250430T042710Z UID:62953-1746819000-1746824400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Amazing Lucas Girls by acclaimed playwright Cate Whittaker 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-amazing-lucas-girls/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/A-Hs-LG-hero320-promo-square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Lost Voices":MAILTO:lostvoicesnsw.au@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250510T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250510T150000 DTSTAMP:20250417T041141Z CREATED:20250415T235811Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250417T041141Z UID:64553-1746885600-1746889200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Seedpod Ballarat 2025 | Gemma Cavoli - 'Oubliette' | Artist in Residence 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/seedpod-oubliette-session-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Artist in Residence,Australian Heritage Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/oubliette-sq-promo-v2.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Punctum":MAILTO:hq@punctum.com.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250510T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250510T160000 DTSTAMP:20250430T042629Z CREATED:20250320T034846Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250430T042629Z UID:63030-1746887400-1746892800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Amazing Lucas Girls by acclaimed playwright Cate Whittaker - 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/the-amazing-lucas-girls-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/A-Hs-LG-hero320-promo-square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Lost Voices":MAILTO:lostvoicesnsw.au@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250510T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250510T210000 DTSTAMP:20250430T042820Z CREATED:20250320T035214Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250430T042820Z UID:63032-1746905400-1746910800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Amazing Lucas Girls by acclaimed playwright Cate Whittaker - 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/the-amazing-lucas-girls-3/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/A-Hs-LG-hero320-promo-square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Lost Voices":MAILTO:lostvoicesnsw.au@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250514T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250514T193000 DTSTAMP:20250321T024750Z CREATED:20250304T015324Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T024750Z UID:62426-1747245600-1747251000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Darcy Tindale 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/darcy-tindale/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/darcy-tindale-sq-promp.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250514T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250514T200000 DTSTAMP:20250408T022228Z CREATED:20250211T002910Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T022228Z UID:61905-1747249200-1747252800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Find Your Flow: A Buddhist Guide to an Effortless Life 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/kadampa-meditation-series-14-may-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo3.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250516T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250516T203000 DTSTAMP:20250515T222312Z CREATED:20250210T002600Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T222312Z UID:61825-1747423800-1747427400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Ballarat Heritage Festival - 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/minervas-secrets-night-tours-bhf-16-may-1/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250516T213000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250516T223000 DTSTAMP:20250515T222405Z CREATED:20250210T001340Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T222405Z UID:61817-1747431000-1747434600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Ballarat Heritage Festival - 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/minervas-secrets-night-tours-bhf-16-may-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250517T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250517T230000 DTSTAMP:20250508T064422Z CREATED:20250114T223422Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250508T064422Z UID:61199-1747506600-1747522800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Dinner - This event has now been CANCELLED. 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/melba-opera-trust-dinner/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Australian Heritage Festival,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Live Music,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/about-dame-nellie-melba.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T160000 DTSTAMP:20250515T060728Z CREATED:20250114T215837Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T060728Z UID:61189-1747576800-1747584000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Dame Nellie Melba Celebration Performance 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/melba-opera-trust/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art programs,Australian Heritage Festival,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Classical Music,Important Dates,Live Music,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/mot-performance-promo-sq.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T203000 DTSTAMP:20250515T223444Z CREATED:20250210T002829Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T223444Z UID:61827-1747596600-1747600200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Ballarat Heritage Festival 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/minervas-secrets-night-tours-bhf-18-may-1/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T213000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T223000 DTSTAMP:20250423T003042Z CREATED:20250210T012647Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T003042Z UID:61846-1747603800-1747607400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Ballarat Heritage Festival 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/minervas-secrets-night-tours-bhf-18-may-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250520T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250520T120000 DTSTAMP:20250321T070405Z CREATED:20250317T030244Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T070405Z UID:62929-1747738800-1747742400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Tour 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/day-tours-ballarat-heritage-fest-1/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR