BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250810T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250810T160000 DTSTAMP:20250805T061800Z CREATED:20250512T035956Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250805T061800Z UID:64945-1754834400-1754841600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Little Brass Band | BMI Fundraiser: Cheers\, Raise a Glass to Brass 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/little-brass-band/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/little-brass-band-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250813T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250813T200000 DTSTAMP:20250408T041537Z CREATED:20250408T041113Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T041537Z UID:64373-1755111600-1755115200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to Love Yourself & Others 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-13-august/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/How-to-Love-Yourseld-Others-square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250815T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250815T193000 DTSTAMP:20250811T045630Z CREATED:20250811T041345Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250811T045630Z UID:66767-1755280800-1755286200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Secret History of Sharks with Professor John Long | National Science Week DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-secret-history-of-sharks/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Festival,Fundraiser,Members,Science Week,Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/sq-promo-the-secret-history-of-sharks.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250816T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250816T220000 DTSTAMP:20250801T031934Z CREATED:20250605T021537Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250801T031934Z UID:65518-1755372600-1755381600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Craig McLachlan Live & Intimate - Six String Stories 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/craig-mc-lachlan/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Live Music,Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CRAIG-MCLACHLAN-SixStringStories_CM_Hero_draft2-Liam-Mudge.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250820T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250820T193000 DTSTAMP:20250813T001437Z CREATED:20250522T034400Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T001437Z UID:65063-1755712800-1755718200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Michael Robotham 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/michael-robotham/ 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/2025/05/sq-promo-robotham.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250820T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250820T200000 DTSTAMP:20250814T002105Z CREATED:20250814T001943Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250814T002105Z UID:66976-1755716400-1755720000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to Love Yourself & Others 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-20-august/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/How-to-Love-Yourseld-Others-square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250823T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250823T170000 DTSTAMP:20250715T044101Z CREATED:20250714T045240Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250715T044101Z UID:66222-1755957600-1755968400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Laura J Fitzwilson\, Book Launch - The Fool 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/laura-j-fitzwilson/ LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/square-promo-laura-l-fitzwilson.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250823T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250823T230000 DTSTAMP:20260203T025535Z CREATED:20241204T023112Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T025535Z UID:60476-1755979200-1755990000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Six String Blues - A Tribute To Blues Guitar 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/sex-string-blues/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Blues Festival,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/square-promo-six-string-blues.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Matt Arthur Music":MAILTO:matt@mattarthurmusic.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250827T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250827T200000 DTSTAMP:20250813T042601Z CREATED:20250408T041557Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T042601Z UID:64376-1756321200-1756324800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Power of Concentration 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-27-august-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promo-1.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250830T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250830T203000 DTSTAMP:20250812T005435Z CREATED:20250811T023940Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250812T005435Z UID:66742-1756582200-1756585800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Melbourne Guitar Quartet 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/melbourne-guitar-quartet/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Classical Music,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Concerts Australia":MAILTO:michael@concertsaustralia.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250831T130000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250831T140000 DTSTAMP:20250813T030553Z CREATED:20250722T023048Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T030553Z UID:66327-1756645200-1756648800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:A Poet's Guide to Love and Loss | A Ballarat Arts Foundation fundraiser featuring tenor Douglas Kelly 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/a-poets-guide-to-love-and-loss/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/victorian-opera-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250901T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250901T193000 DTSTAMP:20250813T001637Z CREATED:20250711T023001Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T001637Z UID:66163-1756749600-1756755000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Gabriel Bergmoser 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/gabriel-bergmoser/ 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/2025/07/gabriel-bergmoser-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250903T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250903T183000 DTSTAMP:20250826T031406Z CREATED:20250728T035749Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250826T031406Z UID:66371-1756920600-1756924200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 3\, Spring Season | Ballarat's Henry Lawson\, Unknown facts presented by Hedley Thomson 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-henry-lawson/ 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/2025/07/square-promo-2025.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250903T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250903T200000 DTSTAMP:20250813T042930Z CREATED:20250813T042810Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T042930Z UID:66936-1756926000-1756929600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Power of Concentration 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-3-september-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promo-1.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250904T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250904T190000 DTSTAMP:20250826T233613Z CREATED:20250603T000019Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250826T233613Z UID:64998-1757008800-1757012400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Tracey Lee Holmes: A Life Through Sport 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/bmi-twc-tracey-lee-holmes/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Culture,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/sq-promo-tracey-holmes-v4.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250906T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250907T140000 DTSTAMP:20250805T075721Z CREATED:20250409T010714Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250805T075721Z UID:64397-1757152800-1757253600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Spring Book Sale | Reward yourself with loads of Summer 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-september-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Fundraiser,Members ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/book-sale-square-spring-2025.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250910T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250910T193000 DTSTAMP:20250828T003001Z CREATED:20250801T001930Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250828T003001Z UID:66551-1757523600-1757532600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Crafting Conversation: The Jewellers Edition 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/crafting-conversation-jewellers/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-mgth.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Make Good Things Happen":MAILTO:angela@daltonbaker.com.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250910T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250910T200000 DTSTAMP:20250813T043105Z CREATED:20250813T043002Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T043105Z UID:66938-1757530800-1757534400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Power of Concentration 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-10-september-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promo-1.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250911T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250911T210000 DTSTAMP:20250321T110610Z CREATED:20250212T025145Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T110610Z UID:61982-1757619000-1757624400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Goodbye Julia 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-goodbye-julia/ 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.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250914T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250914T160000 DTSTAMP:20250828T023211Z CREATED:20250805T063244Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250828T023211Z UID:66629-1757858400-1757865600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Fashion Parade Fundraiser | Vintage & Preloved Clothing Shop DESCRIPTION:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n March 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar Open from 5:30pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$35 – $110 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brought to you by Nicolson Construction \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now in his mid nineties\, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’. From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher\, one of five children\, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria\, from Terang to Leongatha\, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape\, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel\, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond. His mother created gardens wherever they went and had literary ambitions of her own; his father spent more on books than he could afford. Blainey’s devotion to the Geelong Football Club began in Newtown\, Geelong\, from where he’d watch his team play at Corio oval; and as a newsboy he developed an early interest in current affairs\, following the dramas and triumphs of the Second World War and the political careers of local identities John Curtin and Robert Menzies. With a burning desire to see Sydney but barely a penny to his name\, he hitched there with a schoolfriend to see the harbour that greeted the First Fleet\, and visited the national theatre of Parliament House on the way home to see Billy Hughes\, JT Lang\, Arty Fadden\, Arthur Calwell\, Enid Lyons and in action. The course of Blainey’s life changed when he was awarded a scholarship to board at Wesley College in Melbourne – an opportunity that instilled in him a great love of learning\, under the tutelage of a group of inspiring teachers. This flourished further at the University of Melbourne\, first as a wide-eyed student at Queen’s College and later as a professor of history. Hours spent at Melbourne’s State Library as a student poring over the country’s old newspapers cemented his calling to become a professional historian. He and Manning Clark were great friends\, and both sat on the Board of the Australian Council for the Arts when Blainey was Chairman. Now the author of over forty books\, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest\, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance. We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI\, the precursor to University of Ballarat\, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Blainey | Historian and author\,\nFoundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat\n \n \n \n Event promotion image is taken from Geoffrey Blainey’s book cover: Before I Forget: An Early Memoir.  Published 18 June 2019.  This book is available in our Library.  Why not become a member. \n \n \n \n Membership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $35 BMI members & students – $50 general admittance\, VIP seating $110\, (VIP seating will include priority seating\, and a meet and greet opportunity) prices are subject to bkg fee & gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI News \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/vintage-collectables-fasion-parade-25/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Vintage & Collectables ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/promotional-square-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250917T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250917T183000 DTSTAMP:20250826T032241Z CREATED:20250728T041859Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250826T032241Z UID:66377-1758130200-1758133800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 3\, Spring Season | Into the Dragon's Den\, The Chinese community in Bendigo 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-saving-dragons/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Library,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/square-promo-20252.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250917T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250917T200000 DTSTAMP:20250813T043312Z CREATED:20250813T043212Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T043312Z UID:66940-1758135600-1758139200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Power of Concentration 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-17-september-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promo-1.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250918T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250918T193000 DTSTAMP:20250813T001953Z CREATED:20250611T030703Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T001953Z UID:65608-1758218400-1758223800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Chrissie Bellbrae 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/chrissie-bellbrae/ 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/2025/06/sq-promo-chrissie-bellbrae.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250924T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250924T183000 DTSTAMP:20250828T045221Z CREATED:20250728T042702Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250828T045221Z UID:66380-1758735000-1758738600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 3\, Spring Season | Gold! Gold! Bendigo - 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-gold-gold/ 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/2025/07/square-promo-20253.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250924T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250924T200000 DTSTAMP:20250813T043514Z CREATED:20250813T043421Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T043514Z UID:66942-1758740400-1758744000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Power of Concentration 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-24-september-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promo-1.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250925T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250925T200000 DTSTAMP:20250813T002121Z CREATED:20250611T003027Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T002121Z UID:65587-1758825000-1758830400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Paula Gleeson 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/paula-gleeson/ 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/2025/06/sq-promo-paula-gleeson.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250930T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250930T183000 DTSTAMP:20250828T030623Z CREATED:20250828T015533Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250828T030623Z UID:67270-1759253400-1759257000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:A Creative Ballarat Workshop | Why Join? The Perks of Regional Arts Victoria & CRAFT Memberships 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/creative-ballarat-rav-craft/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/creative-ballarat.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251001T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251001T193000 DTSTAMP:20250905T043730Z CREATED:20250708T020553Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250905T043730Z UID:66044-1759341600-1759347000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Rozzi Bazzani 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/rozzi-bazzani/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/sq-promo-rozzi-final-1.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251001T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251001T200000 DTSTAMP:20250813T045127Z CREATED:20250813T043556Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T045127Z UID:66944-1759345200-1759348800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Three Methods for Overcoming Bad Habits 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-1-october-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-bad-habits-v2.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251004T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251004T210000 DTSTAMP:20250925T043007Z CREATED:20250925T034907Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250925T043007Z UID:67630-1759604400-1759611600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Spaceballs - a FightMND fundraiser 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/spaceballs-fightmnd-fundraiser/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Externally Produced Event,Film,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-spaceballs.webp END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR