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:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20270403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20271002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20280401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20280930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261009T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261009T220000 DTSTAMP:20260331T023230Z CREATED:20260203T013254Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T023230Z UID:70535-1791572400-1791583200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Telegraph Road - The Dire Straits Legacy: Matt Arthur and The Lazybones 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/telegraph-road-the-dire-straits-legacy/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/matt-arthur-sq-promo.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Matt Arthur Music":MAILTO:matt@mattarthurmusic.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261010T141500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261010T161500 DTSTAMP:20260729T022505Z CREATED:20260715T015745Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260729T022505Z UID:74546-1791641700-1791648900@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal Australian Navy 125th Anniversary Concert 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/royal-australian-navy-125th-anniversary-concert/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/sq-promo-events-cerberus.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261031T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261031T150000 DTSTAMP:20260730T051343Z CREATED:20260729T002352Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T051343Z UID:74805-1793455200-1793458800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:An Intimate Hour of Magic 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/an-intimate-hour-of-magic/ LOCATION:BMI – Hooper Room CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/sq-promo-events-barry-govan.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261031T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261031T200000 DTSTAMP:20260730T051519Z CREATED:20260729T023609Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T051519Z UID:74835-1793473200-1793476800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:An Intimate Hour of Magic 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/an-intimate-hour-of-magic-7pm/ LOCATION:BMI – Hooper Room CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/sq-promo-events-barry-govan.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261125T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261125T183000 DTSTAMP:20260625T023611Z CREATED:20260623T232758Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260625T023611Z UID:73816-1795627800-1795631400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, Understanding the Language of your Body 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-season-2-the-language-of-your-body/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/square-promo-tt-language-of-your-body.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261202T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261202T183000 DTSTAMP:20260709T034048Z CREATED:20260625T024453Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T034048Z UID:73897-1796232600-1796236200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, 100 Year History of Legacy\, Ballarat 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-season-2-100-year-history-of-legacy-ballarat/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/square-promo-tt-legacy.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261210T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261210T210000 DTSTAMP:20260414T073342Z CREATED:20260129T055545Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T073342Z UID:70454-1796931000-1796936400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Smiley Gets a Gun DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-film-society-smiley-gets-a-gun/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/smiley-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261212T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261213T140000 DTSTAMP:20260619T051722Z CREATED:20260619T034945Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260619T051722Z UID:73676-1797069600-1797170400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Book Sale | Reward yourself with some excellent Christmas reading 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/book-sale-reward-yourself-with-some-excellent-christmas-reading/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/square-promo-christmas-26.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270501T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270502T140000 DTSTAMP:20260619T051712Z CREATED:20260619T051024Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260619T051712Z UID:73683-1809165600-1809266400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Book Sale | Reward yourself with some excellent Autumn reading 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/book-sale-reward-yourself-with-some-excellent-autumn-reading/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/square-promo-autumn-26.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR