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:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20270403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20271002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260429T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260429T183000 DTSTAMP:20260331T044107Z CREATED:20260313T041015Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044107Z UID:71275-1777483800-1777487400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks: Focus on Ballarat - Nostalgic memories of Stawell & Ballarat - 1950s and 1960s DESCRIPTION: 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-focus-on-ballarat-3/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Author Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/square-promo-2025-nostalgia-final-v2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260429T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260429T200000 DTSTAMP:20260331T043901Z CREATED:20260302T012824Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043901Z UID:71027-1777489200-1777492800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Love Changes Everything: How to Transform Yourself & the World Around You DESCRIPTION: 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-29-apr/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3-Love-Changes-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260430T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260430T200000 DTSTAMP:20260420T014040Z CREATED:20260303T233837Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T014040Z UID:71100-1777573800-1777579200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Anna Johnston DESCRIPTION: 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/in-conversation-with-anna-johnston/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-anna-johnston-v3.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260506T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260506T183000 DTSTAMP:20260331T043353Z CREATED:20260323T001805Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043353Z UID:71453-1778088600-1778092200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks: Focus on Ballarat - What We Watched Before Cinema: ‘Entertainments’ at the Mechanics’ Hall\, 1863–1919 DESCRIPTION: 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-focus-on-ballarat-4/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/square-promo-2025-ellen.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260506T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260506T200000 DTSTAMP:20260331T043305Z CREATED:20260302T012938Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043305Z UID:71029-1778094000-1778097600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Love Changes Everything: How to Transform Yourself & the World Around You DESCRIPTION: 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-6-may/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3-Love-Changes-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260508T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260508T213000 DTSTAMP:20260331T043207Z CREATED:20260310T034440Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043207Z UID:71174-1778268600-1778275800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:One Tease Rules Them All: Fellowship of the G-String - The Burlesque Parody DESCRIPTION: 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/one-tease-rules-them-all/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Sq-promo-one.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ethereal Realm Events Co.":MAILTO:etherealrealm.eventsco@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260509T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260509T113000 DTSTAMP:20260408T033520Z CREATED:20260121T221045Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T033520Z UID:70205-1778320800-1778326200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Teeny Tiny Stevies - Brain Fart Tour 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/teeny-tiny-stevies-brain-fart-tour/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy,Live Music,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Square-logo-only-1920x1920-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260509T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260509T213000 DTSTAMP:20260331T043048Z CREATED:20260310T043604Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043048Z UID:71186-1778355000-1778362200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:One Tease Rules Them All: Fellowship of the G-String - The Burlesque Parody DESCRIPTION: 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/one-tease-rules-them-all-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Sq-promo-one.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ethereal Realm Events Co.":MAILTO:etherealrealm.eventsco@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260511T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260511T193000 DTSTAMP:20260331T043011Z CREATED:20260316T013945Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043011Z UID:71295-1778522400-1778527800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Victoria Purman 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/victoria-purman/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-victoria-purman.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260513T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260513T200000 DTSTAMP:20260331T041831Z CREATED:20260303T011741Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T041831Z UID:71063-1778697000-1778702400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Kerri Rogan 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/in-conversation-with-kerri-rogan/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-v3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260513T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260513T200000 DTSTAMP:20260331T041747Z CREATED:20260302T013053Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T041747Z UID:71031-1778698800-1778702400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Love Changes Everything: How to Transform Yourself & the World Around You DESCRIPTION: 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-13-may/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3-Love-Changes-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260514T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260514T210000 DTSTAMP:20260409T035403Z CREATED:20260129T041334Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T035403Z UID:70407-1778787000-1778792400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Black Dog 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/ballarat-film-society-black-dog/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/black-dog-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260516T083000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260516T180000 DTSTAMP:20260331T035919Z CREATED:20260128T044603Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035919Z UID:70338-1778920200-1778954400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Victorian Occult Conference 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/victorian-occult-conference/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Conference ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/sq-promo-vic-occult.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T200000 DTSTAMP:20260331T035527Z CREATED:20260310T001332Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035527Z UID:71137-1779217200-1779220800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 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/minervas-secrets-night-tour-19-may-26/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T203000 DTSTAMP:20260418T054257Z CREATED:20260414T044444Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260418T054257Z UID:72157-1779219000-1779222600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Lantern Vaults | Special Preview 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/lantern-vaults-preview/ LOCATION:The Basement\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Important Dates ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-events-lantern-vaults.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T220000 DTSTAMP:20260331T044437Z CREATED:20260310T002124Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044437Z UID:71139-1779224400-1779228000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 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/minervas-secrets-night-tour-18-may-26-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260520T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260520T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T053401Z CREATED:20260509T053122Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T053401Z UID:72861-1779303600-1779307200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | From Anxiety to Action: Tools to Reclaim Your 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-from-anxiety-to-action-tools-to-reclaim-your-life/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/4-From_Anxiety_to_Action_Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260521T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260524T160000 DTSTAMP:20260522T063609Z CREATED:20260418T053218Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260522T063609Z UID:72320-1779357600-1779638400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Lantern Vaults 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/lantern-vaults/ LOCATION:BMI – Multiple Spaces\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-events-lantern-vaults.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260522T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260522T203000 DTSTAMP:20260514T045854Z CREATED:20260318T041021Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T045854Z UID:71379-1779476400-1779481800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Panic from the Sky: A Call of Cthulhu Adventure 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/panic-in-the-sky/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sq-promo-events-tales-final.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260523T113000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260524T121500 DTSTAMP:20260521T053103Z CREATED:20260421T025952Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T053103Z UID:72387-1779535800-1779624900@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Heritage Festival - Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 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/ballarat-heritage-festival-tours/ LOCATION:Meet in the Foyer\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-day-tours.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260527T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260527T200000 DTSTAMP:20260331T035212Z CREATED:20260313T002934Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035212Z UID:71249-1779906600-1779912000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Amanda Hampson 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/amanda-hampson/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-amanda-hampson.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260527T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260527T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T054009Z CREATED:20260509T053422Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T054009Z UID:72867-1779908400-1779912000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | From Aniety to Action: Tools to Reclaim Your 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-from-aniety-to-action-tools-to-reclaim-your-life-27-may/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/4-From_Anxiety_to_Action_Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260530T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260530T110000 DTSTAMP:20260528T034920Z CREATED:20260528T041002Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260528T034920Z UID:73311-1780135200-1780138800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Lantern Vaults 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/lantern-vaults-reprised/ LOCATION:BMI – Multiple Spaces\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-events-lantern-vaults.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260603T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260603T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T053950Z CREATED:20260509T053525Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T053950Z UID:72869-1780513200-1780516800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | From Aniety to Action: Tools to Reclaim Your 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-from-aniety-to-action-tools-to-reclaim-your-life-3-june/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/4-From_Anxiety_to_Action_Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260606T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260606T213000 DTSTAMP:20260514T035755Z CREATED:20260511T011117Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T035755Z UID:72909-1780767000-1780781400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Queer Blak+ Deadly with Steven Oliver 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/queer-blak-deadly-with-steven-oliver/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Pride,Burlesque,Comedy,Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-queer.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260607T120000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260607T150000 DTSTAMP:20260514T045643Z CREATED:20260514T020854Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T045643Z UID:72943-1780833600-1780844400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Moco: 5 Senses of Drag Workshop 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/moco-5-senses-of-drag-workshop/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Pride,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-moco.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260610T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260610T200000 DTSTAMP:20260605T012250Z CREATED:20260509T053553Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260605T012250Z UID:72871-1781118000-1781121600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Transformative Power of Concentration 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-from-aniety-to-action-tools-to-reclaim-your-life-10-june/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/6-Focus_Concentration_BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260611T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260611T210000 DTSTAMP:20260331T035120Z CREATED:20260129T043042Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035120Z UID:70415-1781206200-1781211600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Monster 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/ballarat-film-society-monster/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/monster-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T200000 DTSTAMP:20260527T015517Z CREATED:20260310T005733Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260527T015517Z UID:71141-1781290800-1781294400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 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/minervas-secrets-night-tour-12-jun-26/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sq-promo-minerva-secrets2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T220000 DTSTAMP:20260613T032649Z CREATED:20260310T010115Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260613T032649Z UID:71143-1781298000-1781301600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 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/minervas-secrets-night-tour-12-jun-26-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sq-promo-minerva-secrets.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR