BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20230401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20230930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241215T093000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241215T160000 DTSTAMP:20250321T151204Z CREATED:20241205T032559Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T151204Z UID:60546-1734255000-1734278400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Vintage Christmas Festival at the BMI DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/vintage-christmas-15/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Christmas,Film,Important Dates ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image-square-promo-v6.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241219T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241219T150000 DTSTAMP:20250321T151201Z CREATED:20241205T032921Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T151201Z UID:60549-1734602400-1734620400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Vintage Christmas Festival at the BMI DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/vintage-christmas-19/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Christmas,Film,Important Dates ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image-square-promo-v6.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241220T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241220T160000 DTSTAMP:20250321T151158Z CREATED:20241205T040517Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T151158Z UID:60566-1734688800-1734710400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Vintage Christmas Festival at the BMI DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/vintage-christmas-20/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Christmas,Film,Important Dates ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image-square-promo-v6.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241221T093000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241221T160000 DTSTAMP:20250321T151154Z CREATED:20241205T040653Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T151154Z UID:60568-1734773400-1734796800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Vintage Christmas Festival at the BMI DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/vintage-christmas-21/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Christmas,Film,Important Dates ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image-square-promo-v6.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250115T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250115T204500 DTSTAMP:20250321T192558Z CREATED:20241113T003024Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T192558Z UID:59922-1736967600-1736973900@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Medieval to Metal Rockumentary Film Series: 'This is Spinal Tap' 1984 DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/this-is-spinal-tap-1984/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art Gallery of Ballarat,BMI Produced Event,Film,Important Dates ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/spinal-tap-square.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250116T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250626T223000 DTSTAMP:20250313T030852Z CREATED:20250107T014921Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250313T030852Z UID:60938-1737048600-1750977000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Chess Club DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-chess-club-2025/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Chess Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ballarat-chess-club-square-with-boarder.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250122T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250122T204000 DTSTAMP:20250321T192735Z CREATED:20241113T005429Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T192735Z UID:59934-1737572400-1737578400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:'Gimme Shelter' 1970 | THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO TECH ISSUES DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/gimme-shelter-1970/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art Gallery of Ballarat,BMI Produced Event,Film,Important Dates ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/mich-jagger-square.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250124T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250124T230000 DTSTAMP:20250321T163216Z CREATED:20250110T013352Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T163216Z UID:61048-1737747000-1737759600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:HIP HOP ELEMENTS DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/hip-hop-elements-bmi/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/sqaure-promo-hip-hop.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250129T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250129T203000 DTSTAMP:20250321T151012Z CREATED:20241216T233250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T151012Z UID:60722-1738177200-1738182600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Finding Joy: Meditation in a Busy Life - Public Talk with Gen Kelsang Rabten DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/finding-joy/ CATEGORIES:kadampa,Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Finding-Joy-Ballarat.webp ORGANIZER;CN="KMC Australia & Melbourne":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250205T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250205T203000 DTSTAMP:20250321T161202Z CREATED:20250106T012015Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T161202Z UID:60892-1738782000-1738787400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | New Beginnings: How to Start Meditating DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-new-beginnings-1/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/new-beginnings-squre-v2.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250207T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250207T203000 DTSTAMP:20250321T163211Z CREATED:20250110T034631Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T163211Z UID:61064-1738953000-1738960200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Live: Olybird and the Milla Williams Duo DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/olybird-milla-williams-duo/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Live,Important Dates,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_0066A.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250209T150000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250209T173000 DTSTAMP:20250321T163224Z CREATED:20241113T233828Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T163224Z UID:59974-1739113200-1739122200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Adam Harvey | Live at the BMI DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/adam-harvey/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/rdKZB_7g-socials.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250212T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250212T203000 DTSTAMP:20250321T161159Z CREATED:20250106T014304Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T161159Z UID:60901-1739386800-1739392200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | New Beginnings: How to Start Meditating DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-new-beginnings-2/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/new-beginnings-squre-v2.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250213T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250213T210000 DTSTAMP:20250321T113214Z CREATED:20250203T001511Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T113214Z UID:61630-1739475000-1739480400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | KNEECAP DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-kneecap/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/kneecap-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250218T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250218T193000 DTSTAMP:20250321T160628Z CREATED:20241202T031650Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T160628Z UID:60438-1739901600-1739907000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/jane-cafarella/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/jane-cafarella-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250219T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250219T203000 DTSTAMP:20250321T161156Z CREATED:20250106T014520Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T161156Z UID:60903-1739991600-1739997000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | New Beginnings: How to Start Meditating DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-new-beginnings-3/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/new-beginnings-squre-v2.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250221T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250221T210000 DTSTAMP:20250321T163205Z CREATED:20250121T235526Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T163205Z UID:61399-1740166200-1740171600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Live: Hot Club Swing & Amie Brûlée DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/hot-club-swing-amie-brulee/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Live,Important Dates,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/udwcV2RW-e1738021755508.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250225T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250225T200000 DTSTAMP:20250321T160554Z CREATED:20250109T010836Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T160554Z UID:61027-1740506400-1740513600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Megan Brown & Lucy Sussex DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/megan-brown-lucy-sussex/ CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo-megan-brown.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250226T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250226T183000 DTSTAMP:20250325T113129Z CREATED:20250108T015354Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113129Z UID:60976-1740591000-1740594600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-atauro-timor-leste/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo-dancers-on-the-sea.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250226T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250226T203000 DTSTAMP:20250321T113222Z CREATED:20250106T014730Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T113222Z UID:60905-1740596400-1740601800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | The Path of Peace: Three Ways to a Simpler Life DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-26-feb-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo-path-to-peace.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250305T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250305T190000 DTSTAMP:20250321T121648Z CREATED:20250108T035746Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T121648Z UID:61006-1741197600-1741201200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-world-in-2025-geoffrey-blainey/ CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/geoffrey-blainey-book-cover-before-i-forget-promo-square.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250305T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250305T203000 DTSTAMP:20250321T113211Z CREATED:20250210T054914Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T113211Z UID:61868-1741201200-1741206600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | The Path of Peace: Three Ways to a Simpler Life DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-5-mar-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo-path-to-peace.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250312T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250312T183000 DTSTAMP:20250325T113149Z CREATED:20241107T052354Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113149Z UID:59773-1741800600-1741804200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1 | Ballarat's Changing Scene - Ballarat's Growth: Infrastructure Pressures DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-ballarats-growth/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/square-promo-individuals-infrastructure.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250312T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250312T203000 DTSTAMP:20250321T113209Z CREATED:20250210T055148Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T113209Z UID:61870-1741806000-1741811400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | The Path of Peace: Three Ways to a Simpler Life DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-12-mar-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo-path-to-peace.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250313T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250313T210000 DTSTAMP:20250321T061217Z CREATED:20250211T042522Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T061217Z UID:61914-1741894200-1741899600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | The Movie Teller DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-the-movie-teller/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sqaure-promo-bfs-update3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250319T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250319T183000 DTSTAMP:20250325T113146Z CREATED:20241219T033900Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113146Z UID:60810-1742405400-1742409000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1 | Ballarat's Changing Scene - Change in Ballarat's Car Industry DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarats-car-industry/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Ballarats-car-industry.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250319T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250319T203000 DTSTAMP:20250321T074547Z CREATED:20250210T224700Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T074547Z UID:61877-1742410800-1742416200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Calm Amidst Chaos: How to Deal with Difficult People DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-19-mar-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/square-promo4-final.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250319T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250323T220000 DTSTAMP:20250321T091428Z CREATED:20250131T042444Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T091428Z UID:61594-1742410800-1742767200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Broadway to Ballarat: The Haunted Theatre DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/broadway-to-ballarat-the-haunted-theatre/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Comedy,Live Music,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/broadway-to-ballarat-promo-square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Reuben Morgan":MAILTO:reuben.i.morgan@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250324T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250324T193000 DTSTAMP:20250321T051403Z CREATED:20250213T025304Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T051403Z UID:62065-1742839200-1742844600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Charlotte McConaghy DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/charlotte-mcconaghy/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/charlotte-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250326T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250326T183000 DTSTAMP:20250325T113143Z CREATED:20241219T034349Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113143Z UID:60812-1743010200-1743013800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1 | Ballarat's Changing Scene - Changes to the Canadian Corridor DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/canadian-corridor/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/square-promo-individuals-canadian.webp END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR