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: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: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 BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250326T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250326T203000 DTSTAMP:20250321T074545Z CREATED:20250210T231615Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T074545Z UID:61884-1743015600-1743021000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Calm Amidst Chaos: How to Deal with Difficult People DESCRIPTION: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-mar-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/square-promo4-final.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250330T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250330T173000 DTSTAMP:20250321T161603Z CREATED:20241126T231156Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T161603Z UID:60217-1743343200-1743355800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:70th Anniversary Minerva Social | Scottish Country Dancing DESCRIPTION: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/scottish-country-dancing-2025/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:external event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ballarat-scottish-square-promo-final.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat Country Scottish Dancing":MAILTO:heathermross2021@outlook.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250401T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250401T193000 DTSTAMP:20250321T044951Z CREATED:20250218T050634Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T044951Z UID:62217-1743530400-1743535800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Mark Smith DESCRIPTION: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/mark-smith/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sq-promo-mark-smith.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250402T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250402T183000 DTSTAMP:20250325T113140Z CREATED:20241219T035224Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113140Z UID:60820-1743615000-1743618600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 2 | Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective: Dr Hardy DESCRIPTION: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/dr-hardy/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dr-hard-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250402T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250402T203000 DTSTAMP:20250321T074541Z CREATED:20250210T232440Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T074541Z UID:61890-1743620400-1743625800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Calm Amidst Chaos: How to Deal with Difficult People DESCRIPTION: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-2-apr-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/square-promo4-final.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250404T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250404T220000 DTSTAMP:20250404T040042Z CREATED:20250403T233030Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250404T040042Z UID:64276-1743793200-1743804000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:This is the Way the World Ends\, a Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION: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-the-way-the-world-ends/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TWWE-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250405T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250405T230000 DTSTAMP:20250321T042123Z CREATED:20250217T004441Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T042123Z UID:62137-1743881400-1743894000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Zak Plays Zach: The Ultimate Zach Bryan Tribute Show DESCRIPTION: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/zak-plays-zach/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ZPZ-Ballarat-Mechanics-Institute-Poster-April-2025-5-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250406T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250406T170000 DTSTAMP:20250404T035937Z CREATED:20250404T035555Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250404T035937Z UID:64297-1743948000-1743958800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:This is the Way the World Ends\, a Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION: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-the-way-the-world-ends-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TWWE-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250409T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250409T183000 DTSTAMP:20250325T113137Z CREATED:20241219T040512Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113137Z UID:60826-1744219800-1744223400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 2 | Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective: War Grieving - Doctor's Perspective DESCRIPTION: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/war-grieving-doctors-perspective/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/square-promo-war-grieving-doctors.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250409T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250409T200000 DTSTAMP:20250321T013240Z CREATED:20250318T005938Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T013240Z UID:62939-1744225200-1744228800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland DESCRIPTION: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/ali-lowe-vanessa-mccausland/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/promo-ali-vanessa.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250409T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250409T203000 DTSTAMP:20250321T074539Z CREATED:20250210T232508Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T074539Z UID:61891-1744225200-1744230600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Calm Amidst Chaos: How to Deal with Difficult People DESCRIPTION: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-9-apr-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/square-promo4-final.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250410T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250410T210000 DTSTAMP:20250321T052500Z CREATED:20250212T020827Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T052500Z UID:61956-1744313400-1744318800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Red Rocket DESCRIPTION: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-red-rocket/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sqaure-promo-bfs-red-rocket-2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250415T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250415T150000 DTSTAMP:20250331T230249Z CREATED:20250106T033654Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T230249Z UID:60933-1744725600-1744729200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Series DESCRIPTION: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/day-tours-jan-jun-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250416T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250416T183000 DTSTAMP:20250325T113132Z CREATED:20241219T044531Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113132Z UID:60832-1744824600-1744828200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 2 | Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective: Medals and Memorabilia DESCRIPTION: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/medals-and-memorabilia/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/square-promo-individuals-medals-memoribilia.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250416T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250416T200000 DTSTAMP:20250331T234242Z CREATED:20250210T232526Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T234242Z UID:61892-1744830000-1744833600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Find Your Flow: A Buddhist Guide to an Effortless Life DESCRIPTION: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-16-apr-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo3.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250422T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250513T150000 DTSTAMP:20250321T015148Z CREATED:20250113T045602Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T015148Z UID:61150-1745330400-1747148400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Australian Heritage Festival DESCRIPTION: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/day-tours-aust-heritage-fest/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250423T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250423T183000 DTSTAMP:20250325T113134Z CREATED:20241219T044445Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113134Z UID:60830-1745429400-1745433000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 2 | Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective: Feeling the Battlefield Spirits 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/stories-of-the-somme/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/square-promo-individuals-spirits.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250423T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250423T200000 DTSTAMP:20250331T234710Z CREATED:20250211T000334Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T234710Z UID:61899-1745434800-1745438400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Find Your Flow: A Buddhist Guide to an Effortless 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-23-apr-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo3.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250425T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250425T203000 DTSTAMP:20250423T003154Z CREATED:20250120T002601Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T003154Z UID:61331-1745609400-1745613000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Australian Heritage Festival\, This Tour is now Fully Booked 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/minervas-secrets-night-tours-ahf-1/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250425T213000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250425T223000 DTSTAMP:20250423T003145Z CREATED:20250120T004138Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T003145Z UID:61339-1745616600-1745620200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Australian Heritage Festival\, Tour 2 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/minervas-secrets-night-tours-ahf-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250426T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250426T200000 DTSTAMP:20250417T052656Z CREATED:20250417T051337Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250417T052656Z UID:64617-1745690400-1745697600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Beyond Limits | An Evening with Mick Marshall 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/mick-marshall/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film,Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promo-mick-marshall.webp END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR