BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20270403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20271002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260416T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260416T203000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154132 CREATED:20260224T003558Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044945Z UID:70857-1776366000-1776371400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Dog Logs\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-dog-logs-16-april/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sq-promo-dog-log-222.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260417T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260417T203000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154133 CREATED:20260224T003714Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044911Z UID:70859-1776452400-1776457800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Dog Logs\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-dog-logs-17-april/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sq-promo-dog-log-222.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260418T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260418T203000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154133 CREATED:20260224T003813Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044832Z UID:70861-1776538800-1776544200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Dog Logs\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-dog-logs-18-april/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sq-promo-dog-log-222.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260419T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260419T153000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154133 CREATED:20260224T003924Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044750Z UID:70863-1776607200-1776612600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Dog Logs\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-dog-logs-19-april/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sq-promo-dog-log-222.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260421T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260421T193000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154133 CREATED:20260225T002934Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044657Z UID:70896-1776794400-1776799800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Fiona Lowe DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/fiona-lowe/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sp-promo-talks-fiona-lowe.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260422T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260422T160000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154133 CREATED:20260413T033307Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T062449Z UID:72085-1776866400-1776873600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:SHARC Roadshow 2026 DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/sharc-roadshow-2026/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:SHARC ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-events-sharc.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260422T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260422T183000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154133 CREATED:20260316T055851Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T032833Z UID:71323-1776879000-1776882600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks: Focus on Ballarat - Ballarat Avenue of Honour DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-focus-on-ballarat-ballarat-avenue-of-honour/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/square-promo-2025-ballarat-avenue-of-honour.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260422T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260422T200000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154133 CREATED:20260302T012427Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044616Z UID:71025-1776884400-1776888000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Love Changes Everything: How to Transform Yourself & the World Around You DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-22-apr/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3-Love-Changes-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260423T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260423T210000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154133 CREATED:20260129T035010Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044530Z UID:70398-1776972600-1776978000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Only The Animals DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-film-society-only-the-animals/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/only-the-animals-sq-promo-v4.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260424T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260424T200000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154133 CREATED:20260310T000249Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044311Z UID:71128-1777057200-1777060800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tour-24-apr-26/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260424T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260424T220000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154133 CREATED:20250923T052206Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044330Z UID:67565-1777064400-1777068000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-24-apr-26-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260429T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260429T183000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154133 CREATED:20260313T041015Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044107Z UID:71275-1777483800-1777487400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks: Focus on Ballarat - Nostalgic memories of Stawell & Ballarat - 1950s and 1960s DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-focus-on-ballarat-3/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Author Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/square-promo-2025-nostalgia-final-v2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260429T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260429T200000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154133 CREATED:20260302T012824Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043901Z UID:71027-1777489200-1777492800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Love Changes Everything: How to Transform Yourself & the World Around You DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-29-apr/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3-Love-Changes-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260430T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260430T200000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154133 CREATED:20260303T233837Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043820Z UID:71100-1777573800-1777579200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Anna Johnston DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-anna-johnston/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sp-promo-talks-anna-johnston-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260503T130000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260503T160000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154133 CREATED:20260203T004930Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T073317Z UID:70518-1777813200-1777824000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Artistanbul: Create your own Turkish Mosaic Lamp DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/create-your-own-turkish-mosaic-lamp-may/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Australian Heritage Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sq-promo-art-instanbul.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260504T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260504T210000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154133 CREATED:20260119T033718Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T013906Z UID:70102-1777921200-1777928400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Pub Cinemas Presents: 'In The Shadow of the Gallows' | NOW CANCELLED DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/pub-cinemas-presents-in-the-shadow-of-the-gallows-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/sq-promo-shadow-of-the-gallows.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260506T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260506T183000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154133 CREATED:20260323T001805Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043353Z UID:71453-1778088600-1778092200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks: Focus on Ballarat - What We Watched Before Cinema: ‘Entertainments’ at the Mechanics’ Hall\, 1863–1919 DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-focus-on-ballarat-4/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/square-promo-2025-ellen.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260506T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260506T200000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154133 CREATED:20260302T012938Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043305Z UID:71029-1778094000-1778097600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Love Changes Everything: How to Transform Yourself & the World Around You DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-6-may/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3-Love-Changes-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260508T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260508T213000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154133 CREATED:20260310T034440Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043207Z UID:71174-1778268600-1778275800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:One Tease Rules Them All: Fellowship of the G-String - The Burlesque Parody DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/one-tease-rules-them-all/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Sq-promo-one.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ethereal Realm Events Co.":MAILTO:etherealrealm.eventsco@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260509T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260509T113000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154133 CREATED:20260121T221045Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T033520Z UID:70205-1778320800-1778326200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Teeny Tiny Stevies - Brain Fart Tour DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/teeny-tiny-stevies-brain-fart-tour/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy,Live Music,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Square-logo-only-1920x1920-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260509T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260509T213000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154133 CREATED:20260310T043604Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043048Z UID:71186-1778355000-1778362200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:One Tease Rules Them All: Fellowship of the G-String - The Burlesque Parody DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/one-tease-rules-them-all-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Sq-promo-one.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ethereal Realm Events Co.":MAILTO:etherealrealm.eventsco@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260511T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260511T193000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154133 CREATED:20260316T013945Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043011Z UID:71295-1778522400-1778527800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Victoria Purman DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/victoria-purman/ 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-victoria-purman.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260513T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260513T200000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154133 CREATED:20260303T011741Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T041831Z UID:71063-1778697000-1778702400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Kerri Rogan DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-kerri-rogan/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-v3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260513T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260513T200000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154133 CREATED:20260302T013053Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T041747Z UID:71031-1778698800-1778702400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Love Changes Everything: How to Transform Yourself & the World Around You DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-13-may/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3-Love-Changes-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260514T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260514T210000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154133 CREATED:20260129T041334Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T035403Z UID:70407-1778787000-1778792400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Black Dog DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-film-society-black-dog/ 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/black-dog-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260516T083000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260516T180000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154133 CREATED:20260128T044603Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035919Z UID:70338-1778920200-1778954400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Victorian Occult Conference DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/victorian-occult-conference/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Conference ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/sq-promo-vic-occult.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T200000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154133 CREATED:20260310T001332Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035527Z UID:71137-1779217200-1779220800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tour-19-may-26/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T220000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154133 CREATED:20260310T002124Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044437Z UID:71139-1779224400-1779228000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tour-18-may-26-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260522T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260522T203000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154133 CREATED:20260318T041021Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T065647Z UID:71379-1779476400-1779481800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Panic from the Sky: A Call of Cthulhu Advenure DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/panic-in-the-sky/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Ufo-picture-only-for-ATDW-Tales-from-Rat-City-David-Waldron.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260527T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260527T200000 DTSTAMP:20260418T154133 CREATED:20260313T002934Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035212Z UID:71249-1779906600-1779912000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Amanda Hampson DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \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 The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/amanda-hampson/ 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-amanda-hampson.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR