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:20260627T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260627T193000 DTSTAMP:20260514T034853Z CREATED:20260514T032920Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T034853Z UID:72959-1782585000-1782588600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Vocal Championship Challenge 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/royal-south-street-society-vocal-championship-challenge/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Live Music,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260629T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260629T210000 DTSTAMP:20260514T040925Z CREATED:20260514T033415Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T040925Z UID:72963-1782761400-1782766800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | The Herald Sun Aria Semi-Final 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/royal-south-street-society-the-herald-sun-aria-semi-final/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Live Music,Royal South Street Society,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-arias.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260701T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260701T193000 DTSTAMP:20260508T010257Z CREATED:20260506T041811Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260508T010257Z UID:72778-1782928800-1782934200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Sherryl Clark 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-sherryl-clark/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sp-promo-talks-sherryl-clark.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260701T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260701T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T054226Z CREATED:20260509T054129Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T054226Z UID:72881-1782932400-1782936000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Full Heart: Gratitude and Contentment in Daily Life DESCRIPTION: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-a-full-heart-gratitude-and-contentment-in-daily-life/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5-Gratitude_GP_Class_BMI-Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260703T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260703T211500 DTSTAMP:20260514T042336Z CREATED:20260505T235334Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T042336Z UID:72745-1783108800-1783113300@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Joscho Stephan Trio: Gypsy Jazz Virtuosos 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/joscho-stephan-trio-gypsy-jazz-virtuosos/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-joscho-final.png ORGANIZER;CN="Concerts Australia":MAILTO:michael@concertsaustralia.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260705T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260705T210000 DTSTAMP:20260521T040050Z CREATED:20260521T034118Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T040050Z UID:73067-1783279800-1783285200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Alexandr Misko: International Guitar Sensation Live at BMI DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/alexandr-misko-international-guitar-sensation-live-at-bmi/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-alexandr-misko.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260708T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260708T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T054612Z CREATED:20260509T054308Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T054612Z UID:72884-1783537200-1783540800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Full Heart: Gratitude and Contentment in Daily Life DESCRIPTION: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-a-full-heart-gratitude-and-contentment-in-daily-life-8-july/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5-Gratitude_GP_Class_BMI-Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T125000 DTSTAMP:20260708T045157Z CREATED:20250930T001641Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260708T045157Z UID:67766-1783681200-1783687800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke\, a THEATRE 180 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/21-hearts/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-21-hearts.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T205000 DTSTAMP:20260708T045137Z CREATED:20251001T031523Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260708T045137Z UID:67817-1783710000-1783716600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke\, a THEATRE 180 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/21-hearts-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-21-hearts.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260711T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260711T125000 DTSTAMP:20260701T005953Z CREATED:20260212T045959Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T005953Z UID:70689-1783767600-1783774200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke\, a THEATRE 180 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/21-hearts-vivian-bulllwinkel-and-the-nurses-of-the-vyner-brooke-a-theatre-180-production-saturday/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-21-hearts.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260711T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260711T205000 DTSTAMP:20260430T050650Z CREATED:20260430T044744Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T050650Z UID:72672-1783796400-1783803000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke\, a THEATRE 180 production DESCRIPTION: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/21-hearts-vivian-bullwinkel-and-the-nurses-of-the-vyner-brooke-a-theatre-180-production/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-21-hearts.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260714T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260714T213000 DTSTAMP:20260504T055234Z CREATED:20260427T070837Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260504T055234Z UID:72579-1784057400-1784064600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Grigoryan Brothers - A Boy Called Sailboat 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/grigoryan-brothers-a-boy-called-sailboat/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-a-boy-called-steamboat-v4.png.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260715T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260715T193000 DTSTAMP:20260713T065848Z CREATED:20260313T024204Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260713T065848Z UID:71265-1784138400-1784143800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Benita Bensch | Now CANCELLED DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/benita-bensch/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-benita-bensch-FINAL.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260715T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260715T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T055023Z CREATED:20260509T054421Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T055023Z UID:72886-1784142000-1784145600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Full Heart: Gratitude and Contentment in Daily Life DESCRIPTION: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-a-full-heart-gratitude-and-contentment-in-daily-life-15-july/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5-Gratitude_GP_Class_BMI-Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260716T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260716T210000 DTSTAMP:20260625T050227Z CREATED:20260129T044738Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260625T050227Z UID:70423-1784230200-1784235600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Journey Home 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-journey-home/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/journey-home-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260720T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260720T193000 DTSTAMP:20260507T043115Z CREATED:20260420T042351Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T043115Z UID:72345-1784570400-1784575800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Petronella McGovern 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/petronella-mcgovern/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sp-promo-talks-petronella-mcgovern-v3.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260722T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260722T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T054800Z CREATED:20260509T054745Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T054800Z UID:72889-1784746800-1784750400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Full Heart: Gratitude and Contentment in Daily Life DESCRIPTION: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-a-full-heart-gratitude-and-contentment-in-daily-life-22-july/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5-Gratitude_GP_Class_BMI-Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260723T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260723T210000 DTSTAMP:20260331T034312Z CREATED:20260223T045111Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034312Z UID:70806-1784833200-1784840400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, 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/god-of-carnage-23-july/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260724T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260802T150000 DTSTAMP:20260722T043924Z CREATED:20260722T041732Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260722T043924Z UID:74691-1784887200-1785682800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Rare Books: Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Rare Book Week 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/rare-books-ballaarat-mechanics-institute-rare-book-week/ LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Rare Book Week,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/collection-sq-promo-rare-book-week.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260724T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260724T123000 DTSTAMP:20260617T043709Z CREATED:20260520T015158Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260617T043709Z UID:73020-1784890800-1784896200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Arresting the Ephemeral: The Beautiful Usefulness of a Victorian Herbarium 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/arresting-the-ephemeral-the-beautiful-usefulness-of-a-victorian-herbarium/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Rare Book Week,Talk,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-arresting.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260724T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260724T210000 DTSTAMP:20260331T034253Z CREATED:20260223T053244Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034253Z UID:70815-1784919600-1784926800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, 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/god-of-carnage-24-july/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T160000 DTSTAMP:20260331T034233Z CREATED:20260223T053557Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034233Z UID:70819-1784988000-1784995200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, 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/god-of-carnage-25-july/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T210000 DTSTAMP:20260331T034212Z CREATED:20260223T053430Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034212Z UID:70817-1785006000-1785013200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, 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/god-of-carnage-25-july-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260728T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260728T150000 DTSTAMP:20260722T052535Z CREATED:20250527T054132Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260722T052535Z UID:65238-1785247200-1785250800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-ballarat-26/ LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/building-tours-sq-promo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260729T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260729T193000 DTSTAMP:20260727T034132Z CREATED:20260416T050939Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260727T034132Z UID:72260-1785348000-1785353400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Phillipa Nefri Clark - Now CANCELLED DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/phillipa-nefri-clark/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sp-promo-talks-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260801T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260801T235000 DTSTAMP:20260613T032955Z CREATED:20260612T030356Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260613T032955Z UID:73553-1785610800-1785628200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Anything for a Mate: Charity Ball 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/anything-for-a-mate-charity-ball/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:external event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260803T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260803T193000 DTSTAMP:20260727T034219Z CREATED:20260520T044923Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260727T034219Z UID:73049-1785780000-1785785400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Margaret Hickey now CANCELLED DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 28\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill: An updated history of the Australian Labour Party.  \n \n by Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker:  \n \n Ross McMullin \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Light on the Hill \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Approaching the centenary in 1991 of the Australian Labor Party – one of the oldest political parties in the world – the National Executive of the Party undertook to encourage an historian of Australia to write a comprehensive history. To this end they appointed a committee of Party elders to select the historian and to give encouragement and support. Among the elders were Frank Crean (Victoria)\, ‘Johno’ Johnson (New South Wales)\, Kim Beazley (senior\, Western Australia) and Geoff Virgo (South Australia). The committee was chaired by the ALP National Secretary\, Bob McMullan. Bob had asked me to attend its meetings as an historical adviser. ‘Johno’ came to the meeting wondering why we were meeting at all as the New South Wales Party was prepared to offer their preferred historian. Though a federal entity it was amusing to watch as state loyalties emerged. It was quickly apparent that the group would not accept a New South Wales historian being foisted on them. So it was agreed that the committee would advertise\, calling for expressions of interest. We assembled a suitable\, and impressive\, short list and then the real fun began. With strong support from Frank Crean\, a young Melbourne historian\, Ross McMullin\, was selected. McMullin then had one book to his name\, Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, Angus and Robertson\, 1984. It helped the committee’s estimation of him that his book had been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. The committee was also impressed by McMullin’s youth and by the enthusiasm for the task that he had demonstrated in interview. I knew McMullin\, slightly\, and told the committee that I expected him to do an excellent job. Publication of the book was also put out by the committee for bids. The winning publisher was Oxford University with a generous royalty divided between the Party and the author. McMullin threw himself into the task\, promising the committee that he would have the manuscript completed in time for publication in 1991. I read the manuscript\, when finished\, assuring the Party elders that the historian had done a first-class job. Frankly I was astonished by the depth of the research\, the completeness\, and the Australia-wide coverage of the account. But to my mind the best thing about the book was its readability. It easily met the committee’s determination to have a book which rank and file branch members could read with pleasure and profit as so many did\, judged by the sales. We never met again after I had assured the committee that The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891-1991 had achieved all the committee’s expectations and ambitions. I had greatly enjoyed spending time with such a remarkable collection of Labor Party elders. What impressed me about the book then\, as it does now\, was its searing honesty and the shrewd appraisal of the main characters. Of course wartime Prime Minister\, John Curtin — in the chapter entitled ‘Dangers and Problems Unprecedented and Unpredictable’: The Curtin government 1941-1945’ — is rightly treated as a national hero. But the reader first meets him in 1916 [no\, earlier in 1907] when he is a passionate campaigner against conscription. His health suffered and he was admitted to a convalescent home in 1916. McMullin quotes Frank Anstey\, a federal member for the seat of Bourke\, Melbourne\, writing to encourage Curtin: ‘the man who has carried his crucifix and climbed his Calvary is a better man than he who never touched the stony road of suffering.’ Readers may wonder how the Party produced such men. While a centenary history will celebrate achievement\, success and the Party’s contribution to the development of the nation\, McMullin does not flinch from the disasters and wrong turns. The chapter ‘Sad Days for the Party’: Another Big Split\, 1950-1960’ makes for hard reading for a ‘true believer’ but it tells of a Party in turmoil\, heading towards possible extinction. Who\, now\, would give much thought to Stan Keon or Jack Mullens\, both federal members who walked out on the Party. Here is McMullin’s characterisation of Mullens\, who was soon forgotten by history: ‘a large\, genial\, urbane but furiously bigoted man given to florid eloquence and anti-communist zeal’. This is typical of McMullin’s approach. Readers become well-acquainted with every character who enters his text. Now comes a re-issue of the book with a new title and a new\, and much better\, cover featuring a photograph of all former Labor prime ministers and the current prime minister. It is a much longer book with an entirely new chapter\, ‘The Centenary and Beyond 1991-2024’ running to 39 pages. Like the original work\, the new book is authoritative\, comprehensive and eminently readable. I hope it finds a whole new audience\, as it deserves. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sunday Extra | Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 7:25am \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Australian Labor Party turned 100 in 1991\, one of ways the centenary was marked was the publication of a commissioned history by Ross McMullin: “The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991”  In 2026\, McMullin has published a new edition\, which he describes as telling “the story of Australia’s oldest and most resilient and significant political party through the people who shaped it.” Guest: Ross McMullin\, historian and author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the speaker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McMullin Ross started his working life as a solicitor after completing degrees in law and commerce at Melbourne University. During that time he also played District cricket for University and Prahran.  Ross then headed in a very different direction to become a historian and biographer. In 1976 he decided to leave the law to pursue alternatives more aligned with his interest in history. Initially this involved being an archivist with Australian Archives\, and he later began postgraduate research in Australian history. He completed a PhD\, which was published in 1984 as Will Dyson: Cartoonist\, Etcher and Australia’s Finest War Artist\, and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award. Ross was then chosen to write the ALP’s commissioned centenary history\, which was published as The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about Ross Mc Mullin > \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-margaret-hickety/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sp-promo-talks-margaret-hickey.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260807T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260807T190000 DTSTAMP:20260713T070357Z CREATED:20260615T050825Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260713T070357Z UID:73589-1786125600-1786129200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:150 Years of Botanical Communication 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/150-years-of-botanical-communication/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Biodiversity Week,Talk,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-arresting.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260807T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260807T204000 DTSTAMP:20260714T022707Z CREATED:20251205T035734Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260714T022707Z UID:69366-1786131000-1786135200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Blake Pavey: A Bit Scared 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/blake-pavey-a-bit-scared/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sq-promo-blake-pavey.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="KEG Touring":MAILTO:Contact@kegtouring.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260809T123000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260809T153000 DTSTAMP:20260714T061239Z CREATED:20260622T050152Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260714T061239Z UID:73794-1786278600-1786289400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Lawrence Mooney and Friends 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/lawrence-mooney/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/sq-promo-events-lawrence-mooney.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR