BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20270403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20271002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260318T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260318T200000 DTSTAMP:20260226T230537Z CREATED:20260226T230513Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T230537Z UID:70952-1773860400-1773864000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to Solve Our Human Problems: Managing Anger & Difficult Relationships 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-18-mar/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1-HTSHP-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260322T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260322T173000 DTSTAMP:20260210T004415Z CREATED:20260209T234433Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T004415Z UID:70649-1774188000-1774200600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Scottish Country Dance 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-scottish-country-dance/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:external event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ballarat-scottish-square-promo-26.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat Country Scottish Dancing":MAILTO:heathermross2021@outlook.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260324T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260324T193000 DTSTAMP:20260202T030026Z CREATED:20260201T232719Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T030026Z UID:70486-1774375200-1774380600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Chrissie Bellbrae 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/in-conversation-with-chrissie-bellbrae/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sp-promo-chrissie-bellbrae.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260325T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260325T200000 DTSTAMP:20260302T005942Z CREATED:20260302T002708Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260302T005942Z UID:71005-1774465200-1774468800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Stillness in Motion: Living Spiritually in a Fast-Paced World 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-25-mar/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2-Stillness-in-motion-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260401T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260401T200000 DTSTAMP:20260331T045515Z CREATED:20260302T003106Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T045515Z UID:71009-1775070000-1775073600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Stillness in Motion: Living Spiritually in a Fast-Paced World 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-1-apr/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2-Stillness-in-motion-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260408T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260408T200000 DTSTAMP:20260331T045434Z CREATED:20260302T003212Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T045434Z UID:71011-1775674800-1775678400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Stillness in Motion: Living Spiritually in a Fast-Paced World 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-8-apr/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2-Stillness-in-motion-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260410T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260410T203000 DTSTAMP:20260331T045403Z CREATED:20260223T060045Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T045403Z UID:70828-1775847600-1775853000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Dog Logs\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production 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-dog-logs-10-april/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sq-promo-dog-log-222.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260411T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260411T203000 DTSTAMP:20260331T045326Z CREATED:20260224T002907Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T045326Z UID:70851-1775934000-1775939400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Dog Logs\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production 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-dog-logs-11-april/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sq-promo-dog-log-222.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260412T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260412T153000 DTSTAMP:20260331T045248Z CREATED:20260224T003215Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T045248Z UID:70853-1776002400-1776007800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Dog Logs\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production 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-dog-logs-12-april/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sq-promo-dog-log-222.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260412T150000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260412T170000 DTSTAMP:20260331T045211Z CREATED:20251203T013015Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T045211Z UID:69291-1776006000-1776013200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Brian Chapman & Friends: A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets 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/trio-piano-quartets/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Classical Music,Live Music,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sq-promo-brian-champman-final.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260414T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260414T193000 DTSTAMP:20260331T045131Z CREATED:20260303T223948Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T045131Z UID:71084-1776189600-1776195000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Gerardine Christou: The story of Peg Rankin 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/in-conversation-with-gerardine-christou/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-v4.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260415T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260415T183000 DTSTAMP:20260331T033540Z CREATED:20260316T052458Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T033540Z UID:71316-1776274200-1776277800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks: Focus on Ballarat - Henry Lawson in Ballarat revisited 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-focus-on-ballarat-henry-lawson-in-ballarat-revisited/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/square-promo-2025-henry-lawson-ballarat-revisited.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260415T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260415T200000 DTSTAMP:20260331T045101Z CREATED:20260302T012118Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T045101Z UID:71022-1776279600-1776283200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Love Changes Everything: How to Transform Yourself & the World Around You 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-15-apr/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3-Love-Changes-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260415T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260415T203000 DTSTAMP:20260331T045021Z CREATED:20260224T003422Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T045021Z UID:70855-1776279600-1776285000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Dog Logs\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production 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-dog-logs-15-april/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sq-promo-dog-log-222.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260416T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260416T203000 DTSTAMP:20260331T044945Z CREATED:20260224T003558Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044945Z UID:70857-1776366000-1776371400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Dog Logs\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production 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-dog-logs-16-april/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sq-promo-dog-log-222.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260417T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260417T203000 DTSTAMP:20260331T044911Z CREATED:20260224T003714Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044911Z UID:70859-1776452400-1776457800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Dog Logs\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production 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-dog-logs-17-april/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sq-promo-dog-log-222.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260418T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260418T203000 DTSTAMP:20260331T044832Z CREATED:20260224T003813Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044832Z UID:70861-1776538800-1776544200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Dog Logs\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production 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-dog-logs-18-april/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sq-promo-dog-log-222.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260419T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260419T153000 DTSTAMP:20260331T044750Z CREATED:20260224T003924Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044750Z UID:70863-1776607200-1776612600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Dog Logs\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production 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-dog-logs-19-april/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sq-promo-dog-log-222.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260421T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260421T193000 DTSTAMP:20260331T044657Z CREATED:20260225T002934Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044657Z UID:70896-1776794400-1776799800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Fiona Lowe 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/fiona-lowe/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sp-promo-talks-fiona-lowe.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260422T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260422T160000 DTSTAMP:20260413T062449Z CREATED:20260413T033307Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T062449Z UID:72085-1776866400-1776873600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:SHARC Roadshow 2026 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/sharc-roadshow-2026/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:SHARC ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-events-sharc.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260422T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260422T183000 DTSTAMP:20260415T032833Z CREATED:20260316T055851Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T032833Z UID:71323-1776879000-1776882600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks: Focus on Ballarat - Ballarat Avenue of Honour 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-focus-on-ballarat-ballarat-avenue-of-honour/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/square-promo-2025-ballarat-avenue-of-honour.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260422T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260422T200000 DTSTAMP:20260331T044616Z CREATED:20260302T012427Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044616Z UID:71025-1776884400-1776888000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Love Changes Everything: How to Transform Yourself & the World Around You 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-22-apr/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3-Love-Changes-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260423T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260423T210000 DTSTAMP:20260331T044530Z CREATED:20260129T035010Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044530Z UID:70398-1776972600-1776978000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Only The Animals 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-film-society-only-the-animals/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/only-the-animals-sq-promo-v4.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260424T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260424T200000 DTSTAMP:20260331T044311Z CREATED:20260310T000249Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044311Z UID:71128-1777057200-1777060800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tour-24-apr-26/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Night Tours,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:20260424T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260424T220000 DTSTAMP:20260331T044330Z CREATED:20250923T052206Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044330Z UID:67565-1777064400-1777068000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-24-apr-26-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Night Tours,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:20260429T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260429T183000 DTSTAMP:20260331T044107Z CREATED:20260313T041015Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044107Z UID:71275-1777483800-1777487400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks: Focus on Ballarat - Nostalgic memories of Stawell & Ballarat - 1950s and 1960s 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-focus-on-ballarat-3/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Author Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/square-promo-2025-nostalgia-final-v2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260429T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260429T200000 DTSTAMP:20260331T043901Z CREATED:20260302T012824Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043901Z UID:71027-1777489200-1777492800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Love Changes Everything: How to Transform Yourself & the World Around You 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-29-apr/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3-Love-Changes-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260430T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260430T200000 DTSTAMP:20260420T014040Z CREATED:20260303T233837Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T014040Z UID:71100-1777573800-1777579200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Anna Johnston 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/in-conversation-with-anna-johnston/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-anna-johnston-v3.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260506T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260506T183000 DTSTAMP:20260331T043353Z CREATED:20260323T001805Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043353Z UID:71453-1778088600-1778092200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks: Focus on Ballarat - What We Watched Before Cinema: ‘Entertainments’ at the Mechanics’ Hall\, 1863–1919 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-focus-on-ballarat-4/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/square-promo-2025-ellen.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260506T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260506T200000 DTSTAMP:20260331T043305Z CREATED:20260302T012938Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043305Z UID:71029-1778094000-1778097600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Love Changes Everything: How to Transform Yourself & the World Around You 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-6-may/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3-Love-Changes-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR