BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.16.4.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250221T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250221T210000 DTSTAMP:20250321T163205Z CREATED:20250121T235526Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T163205Z UID:61399-1740166200-1740171600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Live: Hot Club Swing & Amie Brûlée DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/hot-club-swing-amie-brulee/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Live,Important Dates,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/udwcV2RW-e1738021755508.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250225T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250225T200000 DTSTAMP:20250321T160554Z CREATED:20250109T010836Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T160554Z UID:61027-1740506400-1740513600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Megan Brown & Lucy Sussex DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/megan-brown-lucy-sussex/ LOCATION:City of Ballarat CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo-megan-brown.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250226T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250226T183000 DTSTAMP:20250325T113129Z CREATED:20250108T015354Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113129Z UID:60976-1740591000-1740594600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-atauro-timor-leste/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo-dancers-on-the-sea.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250226T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250226T203000 DTSTAMP:20250321T113222Z CREATED:20250106T014730Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T113222Z UID:60905-1740596400-1740601800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | The Path of Peace: Three Ways to a Simpler Life DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-26-feb-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo-path-to-peace.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250305T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250305T190000 DTSTAMP:20250321T121648Z CREATED:20250108T035746Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T121648Z UID:61006-1741197600-1741201200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-world-in-2025-geoffrey-blainey/ LOCATION:City of Ballarat CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/geoffrey-blainey-book-cover-before-i-forget-promo-square.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250305T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250305T203000 DTSTAMP:20250321T113211Z CREATED:20250210T054914Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T113211Z UID:61868-1741201200-1741206600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | The Path of Peace: Three Ways to a Simpler Life DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-5-mar-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo-path-to-peace.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250312T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250312T183000 DTSTAMP:20250325T113149Z CREATED:20241107T052354Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113149Z UID:59773-1741800600-1741804200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1 | Ballarat's Changing Scene - Ballarat's Growth: Infrastructure Pressures DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-ballarats-growth/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/square-promo-individuals-infrastructure.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250312T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250312T203000 DTSTAMP:20250321T113209Z CREATED:20250210T055148Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T113209Z UID:61870-1741806000-1741811400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | The Path of Peace: Three Ways to a Simpler Life DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-12-mar-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo-path-to-peace.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250313T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250313T210000 DTSTAMP:20250321T061217Z CREATED:20250211T042522Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T061217Z UID:61914-1741894200-1741899600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | The Movie Teller DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-the-movie-teller/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sqaure-promo-bfs-update3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250319T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250319T183000 DTSTAMP:20250325T113146Z CREATED:20241219T033900Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113146Z UID:60810-1742405400-1742409000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1 | Ballarat's Changing Scene - Change in Ballarat's Car Industry DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarats-car-industry/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Ballarats-car-industry.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250319T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250319T203000 DTSTAMP:20250321T074547Z CREATED:20250210T224700Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T074547Z UID:61877-1742410800-1742416200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Calm Amidst Chaos: How to Deal with Difficult People DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-19-mar-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/square-promo4-final.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250319T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250323T220000 DTSTAMP:20250321T091428Z CREATED:20250131T042444Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T091428Z UID:61594-1742410800-1742767200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Broadway to Ballarat: The Haunted Theatre DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/broadway-to-ballarat-the-haunted-theatre/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Comedy,Live Music,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/broadway-to-ballarat-promo-square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Reuben Morgan":MAILTO:reuben.i.morgan@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250324T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250324T193000 DTSTAMP:20250321T051403Z CREATED:20250213T025304Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T051403Z UID:62065-1742839200-1742844600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Charlotte McConaghy DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/charlotte-mcconaghy/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/charlotte-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250326T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250326T183000 DTSTAMP:20250325T113143Z CREATED:20241219T034349Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113143Z UID:60812-1743010200-1743013800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1 | Ballarat's Changing Scene - Changes to the Canadian Corridor DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/canadian-corridor/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/square-promo-individuals-canadian.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250326T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250326T203000 DTSTAMP:20250321T074545Z CREATED:20250210T231615Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T074545Z UID:61884-1743015600-1743021000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Calm Amidst Chaos: How to Deal with Difficult People DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-26-mar-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/square-promo4-final.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250330T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250330T173000 DTSTAMP:20250321T161603Z CREATED:20241126T231156Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T161603Z UID:60217-1743343200-1743355800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:70th Anniversary Minerva Social | Scottish Country Dancing DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/scottish-country-dancing-2025/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:external event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ballarat-scottish-square-promo-final.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat Country Scottish Dancing":MAILTO:heathermross2021@outlook.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250401T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250401T193000 DTSTAMP:20250321T044951Z CREATED:20250218T050634Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T044951Z UID:62217-1743530400-1743535800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Mark Smith DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/mark-smith/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sq-promo-mark-smith.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250402T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250402T183000 DTSTAMP:20250325T113140Z CREATED:20241219T035224Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113140Z UID:60820-1743615000-1743618600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 2 | Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective: Dr Hardy DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/dr-hardy/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dr-hard-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250402T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250402T203000 DTSTAMP:20250321T074541Z CREATED:20250210T232440Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T074541Z UID:61890-1743620400-1743625800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Calm Amidst Chaos: How to Deal with Difficult People DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-2-apr-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/square-promo4-final.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250404T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250404T220000 DTSTAMP:20250404T040042Z CREATED:20250403T233030Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250404T040042Z UID:64276-1743793200-1743804000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:This is the Way the World Ends\, a Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/this-is-the-way-the-world-ends/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TWWE-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250405T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250405T230000 DTSTAMP:20250321T042123Z CREATED:20250217T004441Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T042123Z UID:62137-1743881400-1743894000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Zak Plays Zach: The Ultimate Zach Bryan Tribute Show DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/zak-plays-zach/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ZPZ-Ballarat-Mechanics-Institute-Poster-April-2025-5-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250406T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250406T170000 DTSTAMP:20250404T035937Z CREATED:20250404T035555Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250404T035937Z UID:64297-1743948000-1743958800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:This is the Way the World Ends\, a Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/this-is-the-way-the-world-ends-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TWWE-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250409T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250409T183000 DTSTAMP:20250325T113137Z CREATED:20241219T040512Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113137Z UID:60826-1744219800-1744223400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 2 | Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective: War Grieving - Doctor's Perspective DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/war-grieving-doctors-perspective/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/square-promo-war-grieving-doctors.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250409T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250409T200000 DTSTAMP:20250321T013240Z CREATED:20250318T005938Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T013240Z UID:62939-1744225200-1744228800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ali-lowe-vanessa-mccausland/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/promo-ali-vanessa.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250409T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250409T203000 DTSTAMP:20250321T074539Z CREATED:20250210T232508Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T074539Z UID:61891-1744225200-1744230600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Calm Amidst Chaos: How to Deal with Difficult People DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-9-apr-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/square-promo4-final.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250410T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250410T210000 DTSTAMP:20250321T052500Z CREATED:20250212T020827Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T052500Z UID:61956-1744313400-1744318800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Red Rocket DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-red-rocket/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sqaure-promo-bfs-red-rocket-2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250415T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250415T150000 DTSTAMP:20250331T230249Z CREATED:20250106T033654Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T230249Z UID:60933-1744725600-1744729200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Series DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-jan-jun-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250416T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250416T183000 DTSTAMP:20250325T113132Z CREATED:20241219T044531Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113132Z UID:60832-1744824600-1744828200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 2 | Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective: Medals and Memorabilia DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/medals-and-memorabilia/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/square-promo-individuals-medals-memoribilia.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250416T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250416T200000 DTSTAMP:20250331T234242Z CREATED:20250210T232526Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T234242Z UID:61892-1744830000-1744833600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Find Your Flow: A Buddhist Guide to an Effortless Life DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-16-apr-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo3.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250422T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250513T150000 DTSTAMP:20250321T015148Z CREATED:20250113T045602Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T015148Z UID:61150-1745330400-1747148400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Australian Heritage Festival DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-aust-heritage-fest/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR