BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T213000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T223000 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250210T012647Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T003042Z UID:61846-1747603800-1747607400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Ballarat Heritage Festival DESCRIPTION:May 18\n@\n9:30 pm\n–\n10:30 pm \n$25.00 \n\nGet Tickets\n \nExplore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours! \nThis beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to be explored. During these tours\, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute\, exploring the library’s impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts\, and learn about the building’s original purpose as a hub for scientific and technological education. And make sure to check out the basement\, which is steeped in mystery and intrigue – you never know what secrets you might uncover! \nKatrina Hill & Tim Harris | Photo: Jess Schroeter\nWhether you’re a local looking to discover more about your city’s history\, or a visitor seeking a unique and memorable experience\, the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours are not to be missed. \nLed by expert guides who are passionate about the building’s history\, these tours will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Ballarat. Book your tickets today and get ready to step back in time! \nThe tours have a small capacity\, and therefore\, numbers are limited. \nGroup bookings are available – please contact our Tours Coordinator – Katrina Hill \nNote | Accessibility \nMost of this tour is wheelchair accessible\, however the tour does include entry into the BMI Basement\, which is not wheelchair accessible. The tour does involve stairs\, however a lift is available throughout (except to the basement). This tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Tour groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility \nCost / Bookings:  $28.69 includes gst & booking fee \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nMore tours\n \nThe research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). \nThis reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n\nUnder Minerva’s Gaze\n \nThis event is part of the Ballart Heritage Festival \n\n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-bhf-18-may-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250520T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250520T120000 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250317T030244Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T070405Z UID:62929-1747738800-1747742400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Tour 1 DESCRIPTION:Ballarat Heritage Festival \n2 Tours – one at 11am the next at 2pm (the is a limited capacity on these tours)\nA colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. \nBy appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). \nGroup Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \nCost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n\nBook here\n\n\nAccessibility\n \nThe Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\nNew library\, the Batten Room\nHumffray Room\nMinerva Space\nHeritage Reading Room\nTalking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams\nThe research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). \nThis reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n\nUnder Minerva’s Gaze\n \nThis event is part of the Ballart Heritage Festival \n\n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-ballarat-heritage-fest-1/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250520T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250520T150000 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250113T050453Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T070422Z UID:61152-1747749600-1747753200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Tour 2 DESCRIPTION:Ballarat Heritage Festival \n2 Tours – one at 11am the next at 2pm (the is a limited capacity on these tours)\nA colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. \nBy appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). \nGroup Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \nCost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n\nBook here\n\n\nAccessibility\n \nThe Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\nNew library\, the Batten Room\nHumffray Room\nMinerva Space\nHeritage Reading Room\nTalking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams\nThe research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). \nThis reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n\nUnder Minerva’s Gaze\n \nThis event is part of the Ballart Heritage Festival \n\n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-ballarat-heritage-fest/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250521T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250521T120000 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250317T031650Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T070359Z UID:62934-1747825200-1747828800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Tour 3 DESCRIPTION:Ballarat Heritage Festival \n2 Tours – one at 11am the next at 2pm (the is a limited capacity on these tours)\nA colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. \nBy appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). \nGroup Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \nCost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n\nBook here\n\n\nAccessibility\n \nThe Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\nNew library\, the Batten Room\nHumffray Room\nMinerva Space\nHeritage Reading Room\nTalking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams\nThe research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). \nThis reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n\nUnder Minerva’s Gaze\n \nThis event is part of the Ballart Heritage Festival \n\n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-ballarat-heritage-fest-3/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250521T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250521T200000 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250408T020418Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T022213Z UID:64321-1747854000-1747857600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Healthy Habits for A Happy Mind DESCRIPTION:May 21\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \nFree – $12 \nLending Library \nThese classes offer simple\, practical methods to improve the quality of our life and develop inner peace\nthrough meditation and Buddhist teachings. \nThe in-person setting fosters a supportive community and\noffers real-time interaction with the teacher for personalized guidance.\nClasses include guided meditations and teachings to help us solve our\ndaily problems and find the lasting happiness we seek. \nBeginners welcome\, no bookings required. \nFree for Kadampa members \nKadampa Meditation Centre Australia (Ballarat Branch)\ninfo@meditateinmelbourne.org | 0455205589\nmeditateinballarat.org\nABN 86 114 195 550\nKMC Australia is a not-for-profit organisation \nThe Teacher\nChristielli Portela has been teaching modern Kadampa Buddhism for a decade. As an experienced and well-loved teacher\, she inspires people to use Buddhist meditation to improve their lives through her sincere example and clear teachings. \n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-21-may/ 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/Healthy-Habits-square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250523T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250523T201500 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250409T021703Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250422T060122Z UID:64409-1748025000-1748031300@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Vegas 70 returns to Ballarat | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Blazing Saddles DESCRIPTION:May 23\n@\n6:30 pm\n–\n8:15 pm \n$23.05 \n\nGet tickets\n \nReturning for one night only\nThe Vegas 70 was once the most popular cinema in Ballarat. The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and Showbiz Cinemas have collaborated to bring back the Vegas for the Ballarat Heritage Festival. \nThe first moving pictures (called cinematograph) in Ballarat were shown at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute in 1896! \nIn 1909 the first bioscope pictures were shown in the main hall (now the Minerva Space) at the BMI. Later\, in 1917\, the hall was leased to the Austral Photoplay Co. for showing silent pictures. Then in 1919\, a syndicate\, including Messrs J. Clemens\, C. Gemmola and F.S. Jelbart opened the Britannia Picture Theatre in the same space. \nThe Britannia was later followed by the Odeon Cinema\, and then Vegas 70 theatre in 1966. The Vegas was a staple in the Ballarat film scene for 15 years. The Vegas was closed in 1981\, after which the Sturt Cinema opened in 1994. \nWe invite you to revisit the old Vegas Cinema for a night of 70s blockbusters! \nPopcorn\, snacks\, and choctops will be available from the refreshment stand. \nThe bar will be open for Friday Night screening only – beer and wine will be available. \nBlazing Saddles\nFriday 23 May at 6.30pm\nIn order to ruin a western town and steal their land\, a corrupt politician appoints a black sheriff\, who promptly becomes his most formidable adversary. \nDirector: Mel Brooks \nWriters: Mel Brooks\, Nroman Steinberg & Andrew Bergman. \nStars: Cleavon Little\, Gene Wilder & Slim Pickens. \nUSA\, 1974\, M\, Running Time: 1hr 33min. \nBlazing Saddles & Chinatown \nCost $23.05 one session GA\nCost $34.82  for double feature: Blazing Saddles & Chinatown GA \nMary Poppins \nCost $23.05  GA\nCost $17.41 child (U16)\nCost $58.36 Family of 4\nCost $69.15 Family of 5 \nIncludes booking fee & gst. \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nMore Vegas 70 Screenings \nChinatown | Friday 23 May at 8.30pm\nUSA\, 1974\, M\,  Run time: 2hr 10min \n\nChinatown\n \nMary Poppins | Saturday 24 May at 10am\nUSA\, 1964\, G\, Run Time: 2hr 19min. \n\nMary Poppins\n \nProudly supported by:\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \nThis event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n\n\n\n\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/vegas-70-blazing-saddles/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Film,Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/blazing-saddles-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250523T203000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250523T224500 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250417T020931Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250422T060211Z UID:64570-1748032200-1748040300@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Vegas 70 returns to Ballarat | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Chinatown DESCRIPTION:May 23\n@\n8:30 pm\n–\n10:45 pm \n$23.05 \n\nGet tickets\n \nReturning for one night only\nThe Vegas 70 was once the most popular cinema in Ballarat. The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and Showbiz Cinemas have collaborated to bring back the Vegas for the Ballarat Heritage Festival. \nThe first moving pictures (called cinematograph) in Ballarat were shown at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute in 1896! \nIn 1909 the first bioscope pictures were shown in the main hall (now the Minerva Space) at the BMI. Later\, in 1917\, the hall was leased to the Austral Photoplay Co. for showing silent pictures. Then in 1919\, a syndicate\, including Messrs J. Clemens\, C. Gemmola and F.S. Jelbart opened the Britannia Picture Theatre in the same space. \nThe Britannia was later followed by the Odeon Cinema\, and then Vegas 70 theatre in 1966. The Vegas was a staple in the Ballarat film scene for 15 years. The Vegas was closed in 1981\, after which the Sturt Cinema opened in 1994. \nWe invite you to revisit the old Vegas Cinema for a night of 70s blockbusters! \nPopcorn\, snacks\, and choctops will be available from the refreshment stand. \nThe bar will be open for Friday Night screening only – beer and wine will be available. \nChinatown\nFriday 23 May at 8.30pm\nWhen Los Angeles private eye J.J. Jake Gittes (Jack Nicholson) is hired by Evelyn Mulwray to investigate her husband’s activities\, he believes it’s a routine infidelity case. Jake’s investigation soon becomes anything but routine when he meets the real Mrs. Mulwray (Faye Dunaway) and realizes he was hired by an imposter. Mr. Mulwray’s sudden death sets Gittes on a tangled trail of corruption\, deceit and sinister family secrets as Evelyn’s father (John Huston) becomes a suspect in the case. \nDirector: Roman Polanski \nWriters: Robert Towne\, Roman Polanski \nStars: Jack Nicolson\, Faye Dunaway\, John Huston. \nUSA\, 1974\, M\, Running Time: 2hr 10min. \nBlazing Saddles & Chinatown \nCost $23.05 one session GA\nCost $34.82  for double feature: Blazing Saddles & Chinatown GA \nMary Poppins \nCost $23.05  GA\nCost $17.41 child (U16)\nCost $58.36 Family of 4\nCost $69.15 Family of 5 \nIncludes booking fee & gst. \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nMore Vegas 70 Screenings \nMary Poppins | Saturday 24 May at 10am\nUSA\, 1964\, G\, Run Time: 2hr 19min. \n\nMary Poppins\n \nProudly supported by:\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \nThis event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n\n\n\n\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/vegas-70-chinatown/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Film,Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promos-chinatown2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T110000 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250520T051053Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250522T034211Z UID:65020-1748080800-1748084400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Whispers from the Garden | In Partnership with Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens Inc. DESCRIPTION:May 24\n@\n10:00 am\n–\n11:00 am\n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nWhispers from the Garden – a ticketed immersive performance blending live readings\, storytelling\, and theatrical atmosphere. \nJourney through letters and legacy from figures like George Longley and Ferdinard von Mueller\, revealing the poetic and powerful language of nature. \nA celebration of art\, history\, and the living world\, all under one roof. \nGet Tickets: \n$15 \n\nGet Tickets\n\n\n\nFind out more about the Friends here\n\n\nMore about Ferdinand von Meuller\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/whispers-from-the-garden/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T122000 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250417T024436Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250507T035052Z UID:64583-1748080800-1748089200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Vegas 70 returns to Ballarat | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Mary Poppins DESCRIPTION:May 24\n@\n10:00 am\n–\n10:45 am \n$23.05 \n\nGet tickets\n \nReturning for one morning only\nThe Vegas 70 was once the most popular cinema in Ballarat. The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and Showbiz Cinemas have collaborated to bring back the Vegas for the Ballarat Heritage Festival. \nThe first moving pictures (called cinematograph) in Ballarat were shown at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute in 1896! \nIn 1909 the first bioscope pictures were shown in the main hall (now the Minerva Space) at the BMI. Later\, in 1917\, the hall was leased to the Austral Photoplay Co. for showing silent pictures. Then in 1919\, a syndicate\, including Messrs J. Clemens\, C. Gemmola and F.S. Jelbart opened the Britannia Picture Theatre in the same space. \nThe Britannia was later followed by the Odeon Cinema\, and then Vegas 70 theatre in 1966. The Vegas was a staple in the Ballarat film scene for 15 years. The Vegas was closed in 1981\, after which the Sturt Cinema opened in 1994. \nWe invite you to revisit the old Vegas Cinema for a night of 70s blockbusters! \nPopcorn\, snacks\, and choctops will be available from the refreshment stand. \nThe bar will be open for Friday Night screening only – beer and wine will be available. \nMary Poppins\nSaturday 24 May at 10am\nOne of the finest family movies ever made. Inventive and enthused with quality all thru it\, Mary Poppins holds up well over forty years since its release. The story is based on the Mary Poppins books written by Pamela Travers\, and what a crackerjack story this adaptation turns out to be.\nMother & Father Banks advertise for a nanny to tend their rowdy children. The children\, after being less than impressed with previous holders of the post\, decide to write their own advertisement. But Father Banks tears it up and puts it on the fire place ready for burning. The torn paper mysteriously floats up the chimney and finds its way to Mary Poppins who glides down from the sky with her umbrella to fill the vacancy. It’s evident from this point that Mary is no ordinary nanny\, and all she comes into contact with will have their lives changed for ever. \nMary takes the children on a series of delightful journeys that take in meeting an array of interesting people and animals\, and it’s thru these wonderful escapades that we the audience live vicariously thru. The film has all the hallmarks of a Disney classic\, wonderful songs from Richard & Robert Sherman\, animation fusing delightfully with live action\, colour to dazzle the eyes\, and of course a charming and career making performance from Julie Andrews. Much has been made of Dick van Dyke’s woeful cockney accent\, and in truth it’s almost cringe inducing\, but his performance is so brim full of gusto and effervescent fun\, we should surely let it go in the name of splendid entertainment values. \nThe restoration job done on the 40th anniversary DVD does the film proud\, and it’s hopefully opened up the film to be seen more by the modern day audience\, because Mary Poppins is an ode to joy\, an ode to good behaviour\, and basically an ode to being practically perfect–just like Mary herself actually. \nDirector: Robert Stevenson \nWriters: Bill Walsh\, Don DaGradi\, PL Travers \nStars: Julie Andrews\, Dick Van Dyke\, David Tomlinson. \nUSA\, 1964\, G\, Running Time: 2hr 19min. \nBlazing Saddles & Chinatown \nCost $23.05 one session GA\nCost $34.82  for double feature: Blazing Saddles & Chinatown GA \nMary Poppins \nCost $23.05  GA\nCost $17.41 child (U16)\nCost $58.36 Family of 4\nCost $69.15 Family of 5 \nIncludes booking fee & gst. \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nProudly supported by:\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \nThis event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n\n\n\n\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/vegas-70-mary-poppins/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Film,Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promos-mary-poppins.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T150000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T163000 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250424T001228Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T040455Z UID:64688-1748098800-1748104200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Open House Melbourne Presents\, Heritage Conversations: A Life in photos - John Gollings DESCRIPTION:May 24\n@\n3:00 pm\n–\n4:30 pm \n$7 \n\nGet tickets\n \nHeritage Conversations: A life in photos – John Gollings\n\n John Gollings | Photo: Heide Smith.\nAs one of Australia’s most influential architectural photographers\, John Gollings has changed the way audiences see the built environment to reveal stories about its character and personality. \nFrom architecture to advertising and back again\, John became the ‘go-to guy’ for his architectural contemporaries and has since photographed some of our most iconic buildings. His remarkable body of work offers a visual history of the buildings and places that have shaped the city of Ballarat and many others. \nHear John in conversation with Open House Melbourne’s Tania Davidge as he reflects on his life in pictures\, from a young boy with a Box Brownie camera to capturing images of architectural marvels of Ballarat and the world beyond. \nThis event is fully wheelchair accessible. Please contact the team to discuss any accessibility needs. \nPresented by Open House Melbourne in partnership with Heritage Council Victoria. \nContent: Open House Melbourne \nCost $7 Includes booking fee & gst. \n\nGet Tickets\n\n\n \n\n \n\n\n \nThis event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n\n\n\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/a-life-in-photos-john-gollings/ LOCATION:VIC CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/john-gollings.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Open House Melbourne":MAILTO:info@ohm.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T210000 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250423T040828Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T060001Z UID:64663-1748116800-1748120400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Wizard Oil and Wonders: Frank Weston the Wizard Oil Prince DESCRIPTION:May 24\n@\n8:00 pm\n–\n9:00 pm \n$15 \n\nGet tickets\n \nFrank Weston: The Wizard Oil Prince\n\n \nWizard Oil & Wonders: The Peculiar Legacy of Frank Weston the Wizard Oil Prince \nCome join us for a magical evening at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute! Discover the mysterious world of Frank Weston\, the legendary Wizard Oil salesman. Learn about his strange concoctions and their surprising effects. This in-person event promises to be enchanting and full of surprises. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to delve into the peculiar legacy of Frank Weston! \nCost $15Includes booking fee & gst. \n\nGet Tickets\n\n\n \n\n \nThis event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n\n\n\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/wizard-oil-and-wonders/ LOCATION:VIC CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250525T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250525T173000 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250422T011809Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250516T034922Z UID:64638-1748181600-1748194200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Sweet Sounds for the Otways DESCRIPTION:May 25\n@\n2:00 pm\n–\n5:30 pm \n$31.25 – $62.00 \nMinerva Space \n\nGet tickets\n \nBenefit concert for the Conservation Ecology Centre\nPlease join us for a very special and sugarplum-sweet afternoon of music that raises funds for the ecosystems of the Victoria’s precious Otway Ranges. \nWe’ve planned a sublime late-Autumn Sunday afternoon for you that is almost as good as Otways bird song or summer rains filling water tanks.  Featuring Irish-laced folk and acoustic bliss by songwriter Enda Kenny\, vintage soul and old-fashioned continental sophistication and swing by Amie Brûlée & Her Jazz Trio\, and retro-style rockabilly/honkytonk by Rhiz & The Sugarplums this musical afternoon has something for everyone to enjoy. \nThis is a benefit concert for the Conservation Ecology Centre\, an independent non-profit conservation and applied research organisation who’ve been working hard for Australian wildlife and landscapes for 25 years.  Ticket sales contribute to musicians’ costs\, venue hire\, and also this very worthy conservation organisation. \nRunning time: 3.5 hrs\, including 3 performance sets and 2 intervals. \n \nConservation Ecology Centre\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nEnquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to venue@ballaratmi.org.au \nPrice: $62.00 adults – $31.25 includes gst & booking fee\, tea and coffee and sweet treats. \nAlcoholic beverages availabe at bar prices \n\nGet Tickets URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/sweet-sounds-of-the-otways/ LOCATION:VIC CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/sq-promo-otways.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250528T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250528T193000 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250313T021402Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T013932Z UID:62648-1748455200-1748460600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Nicole Alexander DESCRIPTION:May 28\n @\n6:00 pm\n –\n7:30 pm \n\n$11.78 \nHumffray Room \n \n Get Tickets\n \nThe Limestone Road\nNicole Alexander.\n \nThe Only Way Forward is through the Past…\nA Modern Australian Classic – Christine Wells.\n\n \nKnown for her captivating depictions of historical rural Australian life\, bestselling author Nicole Alexander returns with her twelfth novel\, The Limestone Road – a stirring narrative about one young soldier’s courageous journey ‘home’. \nIn the summer of 1944\, returning soldiers Canning Christie and his father Michael arrive in South Australia from the desert sands of North Africa. Canning\, haunted by the trauma of war and the fractured memory of a terrible event\, struggles to find his place in the world. Meanwhile\, his charismatic father Michael resumes his womanising ways\, intent on concealing his own secret wound. \nCanning is drawn to an abandoned vineyard on their land\, and viniculture  becomes his obsession – a pursuit he believes is linked to a hazy recollection of a night in battle. \nHe dreams of producing his own wine\, and a chance meeting with the daughter of a local landowner offers him a glimmer of hope for a more stable future. But to move forward\, he must reconcile with his past\, and take a stand against his own father whose increasingly reckless behavior threatens to destroy their new life. \nThe Limestone Road is a poignant exploration of memory\, trauma\, and the quest for redemption. It is a story of resilience\, love\, and the enduring power of dreams. Alexander masterfully weaves together historical detail and emotional depth to create a novel that will resonate long after reading. \n\n The Limestone Road | Nicole Alexander\n\n \nAbout the author\n Nicole Alexander has a Master of Letters in Creative Writing and her novels\, poetry\, travel\, writing and genealogy articles have been published in Australia\, America\, Singapore\, New Zealand\, Germany\, Russia\, Ukraine and Canada.She is the author of eleven other novels: The Bark Cutters\, A Changing Land\, Absolution Creek\, Sunset Ridge\, The Great Plains\, Wild Lands\, River Run\, An Uncommon Woman\, Stone Country\, The Cedar Tree and The Last Station.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. \nBook on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/nicole-alexander/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/sq-promo-nicole-alexander.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250528T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250528T200000 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250408T022323Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T022528Z UID:64331-1748458800-1748462400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Healthy Habits for A Happy Mind DESCRIPTION:May 21\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \nFree – $12 \nLending Library \nThese classes offer simple\, practical methods to improve the quality of our life and develop inner peace\nthrough meditation and Buddhist teachings. \nThe in-person setting fosters a supportive community and\noffers real-time interaction with the teacher for personalized guidance.\nClasses include guided meditations and teachings to help us solve our\ndaily problems and find the lasting happiness we seek. \nBeginners welcome\, no bookings required. \nFree for Kadampa members \nKadampa Meditation Centre Australia (Ballarat Branch)\ninfo@meditateinmelbourne.org | 0455205589\nmeditateinballarat.org\nABN 86 114 195 550\nKMC Australia is a not-for-profit organisation \nThe Teacher\nChristielli Portela has been teaching modern Kadampa Buddhism for a decade. As an experienced and well-loved teacher\, she inspires people to use Buddhist meditation to improve their lives through her sincere example and clear teachings. \n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-28-may/ 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/Healthy-Habits-square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250529T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250529T200000 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250506T005821Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250506T012923Z UID:64894-1748545200-1748548800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ivan Aristeguieta: All Bangers No Mash DESCRIPTION:May 29\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \n$35.50 – $38.50 \nMinerva Space \n\nGet Tickets\n \nWinner Best Comedy Weekly Award 2017 – Adelaide Fringe\nNominee 2021 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Award for Most OUtstanding Show!\nThe Maracas from Caracas is back with the best jokes he’s ever told! \nAfter a decade of making Aussies laugh\, Ivan has picked the cream of the crop from his all-star Australiana joke arsenal. \nBring your asthma puffers\, incontinence nappies and an extra pair of pants because this show is a true blue\, dinky-di avalanche of bangers. \nBe a legend like Johnno and book now. You gotta be ‘loco’ to miss this show! \nAs seen on Thank God You’re Here\, HaveYou Been Paying Attention? and Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Opening Night Comedy Allstars Super Show. \n \nFollow Ivan\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nEnquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to venue@ballaratmi.org.au \nPrice: $38.50 GA &  – $35.50 includes gst & booking fee. \n\nGet Tickets URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ivan-aristeguieta/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BANG_BALL_SQUARE.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250531T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250601T140000 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250409T000912Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250409T012549Z UID:64380-1748685600-1748786400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Winter Book Sale | Stockpile your winter reading DESCRIPTION:May 31\n@\n10:00 am\n–\nJune 1\n@\n2:00 pm \nFree \nLending Library \nBooks priced from $1 – more for collectable items.\nPhoto: Pexels – Clem Onojeghuo\nDon’t miss our book sale this weekend. \nAdmission and parking are free (one hour on Saturday\, all day Sunday). There are hundreds of books – some of which are in gently used condition and some in mint condition – and many start at a dollar or two. And it’s not just books – there are CDs\, DVDs\, framed prints from our image collection and more! \nWe will have some children’s books for your kids and grand kids. Plus\, all proceeds are help to support our Library programs. \n\n\nBook Donations. \nOur book sales are an important fundraiser for our independent BMI Library\, if you would like to clear your book shelves we are happy to take donations of books that have been loved. We will also accept\, DVDs\, Vinyl Records and CDs. We can take delivery during our usual Library operating hours. \nLibrary Operating Hours. \nMonday\, Wednesday & Friday – 10am to 4pm \nTuesday & Thursday – 10am to 3pm \nSaturday – 9.30am to 12noon. \n\nmembership\n\n\nLibrary\n\n\nAuthor Talks\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/book-sale-june-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Fundraiser,Library,Members ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/book-sale-winter-sq-promo-pexels-clem-onojeghuo-375892-v2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250531T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250531T214500 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250512T012032Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250520T005051Z UID:64934-1748718000-1748727900@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Sweet Mona's Choir | On Tour: Let the Good Times Roll CD Launch DESCRIPTION:May 31\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n9:45 pm \nFree – $34.33 \n\nGet Tickets\n \nThe Sweet Mona’s choir is on tour to launch their latest CD: Let the Good Times Roll.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nThis time we are in our home town Ballarat at the majestic Minerva Space at the Ballarat Mechanics Institute. \nThe evening promises to be packed full of rhythms\, harmonies and vibrant energy. \nJoining us are the incredible MAKEPISI. In the style of Ladysmith Black Mambazo\, this five piece acapella male vocal group showcases powerful voices hailing from South African choirs and shows that have toured internationally\, including The Lion King. The rich\, invigorating sound that is Makepisi is guaranteed to inspire and uplift. \nDoors open at 7pm \nMakapesi 7:30pm – 8:15pm \nSweet Mona’s Choir 8:45pm – 9:45pm \n\n\nMore Live Music\n \nGet Tickets: \n$34.33 GA \n$28.69 Concession/Seniors \n$11.78 Child (5-18yrs) \nFree Child (under 5yrs) \nIncludes bkg fee & gst. \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/sweet-monas-choir/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SMC-LTGTR-BMI-SquareImage.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250601T094500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250601T150000 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250526T015210Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T003449Z UID:65124-1748771100-1748790000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballart Pride Market 2025 DESCRIPTION:June 1\n@\n9:45 am\n–\n3:00 pm \nFree \nOur beloved Pride Month Market is back\, and bigger than ever! Across two floors of the fully accessible Ballaarat Mechanic’s Institute\, we’re delighted to present an even bigger array of stall holders than ever before! With art and craft stalls\, trash and treasure and second hand goods stalls\, you’re bound to find a gem or two! \nAll ages and everyone is welcome. \nNo bookings required \nLocation: Ballaarat Mechanic’s Institute\, 117-119 Sturt St\, Ballarat Central \nPresented by City of Ballarat \n\nFull Pride Program\n\n\n\n \n\n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-pride-market-25/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Pride,Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ballarat-pride-month-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250603T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250701T150000 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250113T050930Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250527T053004Z UID:61155-1748959200-1751382000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Series DESCRIPTION:Tours occur weekly at 2pm \nA colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. \nBy appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). \nGroup Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n\nBook here\n\n\nAccessibility\n \nThe Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\nNew library\, the Batten Room\nHumffray Room\nMinerva Space\nHeritage Reading Room\nTalking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams\nThe research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). \nThis reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n\nUnder Minerva’s Gaze\n \nBMI News\n \n\nNewsletter – March 2024\n\nIn this issue: Rosemary’s Library New Releases and Recommendations |… \n\n \n\nFrom the Curator | Spring 1938\n\nSpring is in full swing! This week we’re flashing back… \n\n \n\nRosemary’s Book of the Week | 27 February 2024\n\nRosemary’s Book of the Week  The Chocolate Factory by Mary-Lou Stephens  Its… \n\n \n\nBook Sale | Shirley Flight Air Hostess by Judith Dale\, collectable books\n\nShirley Flight has always dreamed of becoming an air hostess…. \n\n\nLoad More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-may-jun-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250604T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250604T193000 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250307T025149Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250324T051907Z UID:62519-1749060000-1749065400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Gail Holmes DESCRIPTION:June 4\n @\n6:00 pm\n –\n7:30 pm \n\n$11.78 \nHumffray Room \n \n Get Tickets\n \nIn The Margins\nGail Holmes.\n \nVivid\, wise and moving – Suzanne Leal.\nA Sheer Delight – Sally Colin-James.\n\n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\nIn The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. \nThe social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. \nBestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ \nReadings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n\n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n\n \nAbout the author\n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. \nBook on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/gail-holmes/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/sq-promo-gail-holmes-final.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250604T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250604T200000 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250408T022550Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T030106Z UID:64333-1749063600-1749067200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Healthy Habits for A Happy Mind DESCRIPTION:May 21\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \nFree – $12 \nLending Library \nThese classes offer simple\, practical methods to improve the quality of our life and develop inner peace\nthrough meditation and Buddhist teachings. \nThe in-person setting fosters a supportive community and\noffers real-time interaction with the teacher for personalized guidance.\nClasses include guided meditations and teachings to help us solve our\ndaily problems and find the lasting happiness we seek. \nBeginners welcome\, no bookings required. \nFree for Kadampa members \nKadampa Meditation Centre Australia (Ballarat Branch)\ninfo@meditateinmelbourne.org | 0455205589\nmeditateinballarat.org\nABN 86 114 195 550\nKMC Australia is a not-for-profit organisation \nThe Teacher\nChristielli Portela has been teaching modern Kadampa Buddhism for a decade. As an experienced and well-loved teacher\, she inspires people to use Buddhist meditation to improve their lives through her sincere example and clear teachings. \n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-4-june/ 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/Healthy-Habits-square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250611T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250611T200000 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250408T030135Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T030337Z UID:64335-1749668400-1749672000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Healthy Habits for A Happy Mind DESCRIPTION:May 21\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \nFree – $12 \nLending Library \nThese classes offer simple\, practical methods to improve the quality of our life and develop inner peace\nthrough meditation and Buddhist teachings. \nThe in-person setting fosters a supportive community and\noffers real-time interaction with the teacher for personalized guidance.\nClasses include guided meditations and teachings to help us solve our\ndaily problems and find the lasting happiness we seek. \nBeginners welcome\, no bookings required. \nFree for Kadampa members \nKadampa Meditation Centre Australia (Ballarat Branch)\ninfo@meditateinmelbourne.org | 0455205589\nmeditateinballarat.org\nABN 86 114 195 550\nKMC Australia is a not-for-profit organisation \nThe Teacher\nChristielli Portela has been teaching modern Kadampa Buddhism for a decade. As an experienced and well-loved teacher\, she inspires people to use Buddhist meditation to improve their lives through her sincere example and clear teachings. \n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-11-june/ 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/Healthy-Habits-square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250612T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250612T210000 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250212T023200Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T110613Z UID:61968-1749756600-1749762000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | La Chimera DESCRIPTION:June 12\n@\n7:30 pm\n–\n9:00 pm \nArchaeological Romance\n \nLa Chimera is the latest film from Rohrwacher\, a delightfully singular Italian writer-director who\, with just a handful of feature-length films\, has become one of the must-see filmmakers on the international circuit. \nArthur\, a British archaeologist just released from prison and grieving his lost love\, soon falls back in with a rag-tag gang of petty thieves plundering pre-Roman tombs in the Italian countryside. \nHijinks ensue\, but his mystic connection with these tombs will either be his doom or salvation. \nImagine Indiana Jones crossed with Fellini and you have a sense of this marvelous film.  Part caper movie\, part romance\, La Chimera draws on the mystical and the mythic\, on national history and magic realism\, to create something extraordinary.  Stars Josh O’Connor (The Crown) and Carol Duarte\, with a guest appearance by Isabella Rossellini. Palace. \nItaly\, 2023\, 130 min. \nDir. Alice Rohrwacher. \nBallarat Film Society \n  \nMembership \n12 months – Feb-December: $60\nFeb-July: $35 – July-Dec: $30 \nTo join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. \nMembership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. \nFor film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website \nAll films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \nMore Film\n5 events found. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nToday\n \nUpcoming\nUpcoming \n\n\nSelect date. \n \n\n\n\n \nFeb\n13 \n \n\nFeatured \n7:30 pm\n– \n9:00 pm \n\nBallarat Film Society | KNEECAP \n\n\n\n \nMar\n13 \n \n\nFeatured \n7:30 pm\n– \n9:00 pm \n\nBallarat Film Society | The Movie Teller \n\n\n\n \nApr\n10 \n \n\nFeatured \n7:30 pm\n– \n9:00 pm \n\nBallarat Film Society | Red Rocket \n\n\n\n \nMay\n8 \n \n\nFeatured \n7:30 pm\n– \n9:00 pm \n\nBallarat Film Society | Bicycle Thieves \n\n\n\n \nJun\n12 \n \n\nFeatured \n7:30 pm\n– \n9:00 pm \n\nBallarat Film Society | La Chimera \n\n\n\n\nPrevious Events\n\n\nToday \n\nNext Events \n\n\n\n\nSubscribe to calendar \n\n\nGoogle Calendar \n\niCalendar \n\nOutlook 365 \n\nOutlook Live \n\nExport .ics file \n\nExport Outlook .ics file \n\nBMI news\n\n \n\nNewsletter – February 2025\n\nA Message from the Chair… \n\n\n \n\nNewsletter – January 2025\n\nA Message from the Chair… \n\n\n \n\nRosemary’s Book of the Week\n\nThe Mystery of Haverford House Rachel Burton. A Mystery that… \n\n\n \n\nRosemary’s Book of the Week\n\nDead Man’s Shoes Marion Todd. A Master of the Tartan… \n\n\nLoad More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-la-chimera/ 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-bfs4.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250618T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250618T200000 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250408T031324Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T033501Z UID:64337-1750273200-1750276800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Meditations for Relaxation DESCRIPTION:June 18\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \nFree – $12 \nLending Library \nThese classes offer simple\, practical methods to improve the quality of our life and develop inner peace\nthrough meditation and Buddhist teachings. \nThe in-person setting fosters a supportive community and\noffers real-time interaction with the teacher for personalized guidance.\nClasses include guided meditations and teachings to help us solve our\ndaily problems and find the lasting happiness we seek. \nBeginners welcome\, no bookings required. \nFree for Kadampa members \nKadampa Meditation Centre Australia (Ballarat Branch)\ninfo@meditateinmelbourne.org | 0455205589\nmeditateinballarat.org\nABN 86 114 195 550\nKMC Australia is a not-for-profit organisation \nThe Teacher\nChristielli Portela has been teaching modern Kadampa Buddhism for a decade. As an experienced and well-loved teacher\, she inspires people to use Buddhist meditation to improve their lives through her sincere example and clear teachings. \n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-18-june/ 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/Relaxation-Ballarat-promo-square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250619T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250619T220000 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250519T053343Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T002909Z UID:64995-1750359600-1750370400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:'Next Fall'\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:June 19\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n10:00 pm \n$10 – $25 \nMinerva Space \n\nGet Tickets\n \nThursday 19 June\, Friday 20 June & Saturday 21 June at 7pm\nSaturday 21 June & Sunday 22 June at 2pm \nA Tony Award Nominated Play by Geoffry Nauffts \nDirected by Matthew Henderson \nNominated for the Tony Award\, Drama Desk Award\, and Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Play. \nNext Fall is a moving and thought-provoking drama about love\, faith\, and family. The story follows Adam and Luke\, a committed couple navigating their opposing beliefs—Adam is an atheist\, while Luke is a devout Christian. When an accident changes everything\, Adam must rely on Luke’s family for support\, leading to a deeply emotional and\, at times\, humorous exploration of faith\, acceptance\, and love. \n \nGeoffrey Nauffts \nGeoffrey Nauffts has worked as an actor on and Off-Broadway\, regionally\, and extensively in film and television. He has directed short plays by Kenneth Lonergan\, Frank Pugliese\, David Marshall Grant\, Theresa Rebeck and Suzan-Lori Parks\, as well as Naked Angels’ critically acclaimed production of Steven Belber’s TAPE in New York\, Los Angeles\, and London. \nHe wrote\, directed\, and acted in the award-winning short film “Baby Steps\,” starring Kathy Bates\, and co-wrote “Jenifer\,” a movie of the week for CBS. He collaborated with Elton John and Anthony Barrile on a score for “Showstopper\,” a screenplay he and Barrile co-wrote for Ben Stiller’s production company\, Red Hour. In addition to his role as a writer on ABC’s hit series\, “Brothers & Sisters\,” he currently serves as artistic director of Naked Angels\, where he’s been a proud member for over twenty-four years. \nHis critically acclaimed play NEXT FALL opened on Broadway in March 2010\, where it received the Outer Circle Critics John Gassner Award for Best New American Play\, and was nominated for a Drama League Award\, an Outer Circle Critics Award\, a Drama Desk Award\, and a Tony Award for best play. \nCast\nKai Ridler \nHe/Him \nLuke \nSamuel John Darge \nHe/Him \nAdam \nCaleb Tong \nHe/Him \nBrandon \nJessica Ryan \nShe/Her \nArlene \nSimon Carroll \nHe/Him \nButch \nNatalya Munro \nShe/Her \nHolly \nTickets: $25 adults\, $20 Concession\, $18.00 BNT members\, $10 Children\, $10 Group (minimum of 10 tickets). Ticket sales close 1 hour prior to the performance. \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nRunning Time: 3 Hours \nBallarat National Theatre \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n \nBallarat National Theatre are a BMI Community Partner\nFind out more about BMI Community Partnerships below. \n\nSupporters & partners\n\n\n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/next-fall-bnt/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Ballarat Pride,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Next-Fall-Square-BMI-Event-Listing-v2.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250620T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250620T220000 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250527T010329Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T002458Z UID:65168-1750446000-1750456800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:'Next Fall'\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:June 20\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n10:00 pm \n$10 – $25 \nMinerva Space \n\nGet Tickets\n \nThursday 19 June\, Friday 20 June & Saturday 21 June at 7pm\nSaturday 21 June & Sunday 22 June at 2pm \nA Tony Award Nominated Play by Geoffry Nauffts \nDirected by Matthew Henderson \nNominated for the Tony Award\, Drama Desk Award\, and Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Play. \nNext Fall is a moving and thought-provoking drama about love\, faith\, and family. The story follows Adam and Luke\, a committed couple navigating their opposing beliefs—Adam is an atheist\, while Luke is a devout Christian. When an accident changes everything\, Adam must rely on Luke’s family for support\, leading to a deeply emotional and\, at times\, humorous exploration of faith\, acceptance\, and love. \n \nGeoffrey Nauffts \nGeoffrey Nauffts has worked as an actor on and Off-Broadway\, regionally\, and extensively in film and television. He has directed short plays by Kenneth Lonergan\, Frank Pugliese\, David Marshall Grant\, Theresa Rebeck and Suzan-Lori Parks\, as well as Naked Angels’ critically acclaimed production of Steven Belber’s TAPE in New York\, Los Angeles\, and London. \nHe wrote\, directed\, and acted in the award-winning short film “Baby Steps\,” starring Kathy Bates\, and co-wrote “Jenifer\,” a movie of the week for CBS. He collaborated with Elton John and Anthony Barrile on a score for “Showstopper\,” a screenplay he and Barrile co-wrote for Ben Stiller’s production company\, Red Hour. In addition to his role as a writer on ABC’s hit series\, “Brothers & Sisters\,” he currently serves as artistic director of Naked Angels\, where he’s been a proud member for over twenty-four years. \nHis critically acclaimed play NEXT FALL opened on Broadway in March 2010\, where it received the Outer Circle Critics John Gassner Award for Best New American Play\, and was nominated for a Drama League Award\, an Outer Circle Critics Award\, a Drama Desk Award\, and a Tony Award for best play. \nCast\nKai Ridler \nHe/Him \nLuke \nSamuel John Darge \nHe/Him \nAdam \nCaleb Tong \nHe/Him \nBrandon \nJessica Ryan \nShe/Her \nArlene \nSimon Carroll \nHe/Him \nButch \nNatalya Munro \nShe/Her \nHolly \nTickets: $25 adults\, $20 Concession\, $18.00 BNT members\, $10 Children\, $10 Group (minimum of 10 tickets). Ticket sales close 1 hour prior to the performance. \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nRunning Time: 3 Hours \nBallarat National Theatre \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n \nBallarat National Theatre are a BMI Community Partner\nFind out more about BMI Community Partnerships below. \n\nSupporters & partners\n\n\n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/next-fall-bnt-1/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Ballarat Pride,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Next-Fall-Square-BMI-Event-Listing-v2.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250621T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250621T170000 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250527T020143Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T000716Z UID:65179-1750514400-1750525200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:'Next Fall'\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:June 21\n@\n2:00 pm\n–\n5:00 pm \n$10 – $25 \nMinerva Space \n\nGet Tickets\n \nThursday 19 June\, Friday 20 June & Saturday 21 June at 7pm\nSaturday 21 June & Sunday 22 June at 2pm \nA Tony Award Nominated Play by Geoffry Nauffts \nDirected by Matthew Henderson \nNominated for the Tony Award\, Drama Desk Award\, and Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Play. \nNext Fall is a moving and thought-provoking drama about love\, faith\, and family. The story follows Adam and Luke\, a committed couple navigating their opposing beliefs—Adam is an atheist\, while Luke is a devout Christian. When an accident changes everything\, Adam must rely on Luke’s family for support\, leading to a deeply emotional and\, at times\, humorous exploration of faith\, acceptance\, and love. \n \nGeoffrey Nauffts \nGeoffrey Nauffts has worked as an actor on and Off-Broadway\, regionally\, and extensively in film and television. He has directed short plays by Kenneth Lonergan\, Frank Pugliese\, David Marshall Grant\, Theresa Rebeck and Suzan-Lori Parks\, as well as Naked Angels’ critically acclaimed production of Steven Belber’s TAPE in New York\, Los Angeles\, and London. \nHe wrote\, directed\, and acted in the award-winning short film “Baby Steps\,” starring Kathy Bates\, and co-wrote “Jenifer\,” a movie of the week for CBS. He collaborated with Elton John and Anthony Barrile on a score for “Showstopper\,” a screenplay he and Barrile co-wrote for Ben Stiller’s production company\, Red Hour. In addition to his role as a writer on ABC’s hit series\, “Brothers & Sisters\,” he currently serves as artistic director of Naked Angels\, where he’s been a proud member for over twenty-four years. \nHis critically acclaimed play NEXT FALL opened on Broadway in March 2010\, where it received the Outer Circle Critics John Gassner Award for Best New American Play\, and was nominated for a Drama League Award\, an Outer Circle Critics Award\, a Drama Desk Award\, and a Tony Award for best play. \nCast\nKai Ridler \nHe/Him \nLuke \nSamuel John Darge \nHe/Him \nAdam \nCaleb Tong \nHe/Him \nBrandon \nJessica Ryan \nShe/Her \nArlene \nSimon Carroll \nHe/Him \nButch \nNatalya Munro \nShe/Her \nHolly \nTickets: $25 adults\, $20 Concession\, $18.00 BNT members\, $10 Children\, $10 Group (minimum of 10 tickets). Ticket sales close 1 hour prior to the performance. \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nRunning Time: 3 Hours \nBallarat National Theatre \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n \nBallarat National Theatre are a BMI Community Partner\nFind out more about BMI Community Partnerships below. \n\nSupporters & partners\n\n\n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/next-fall-bnt-3/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Ballarat Pride,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Next-Fall-Square-BMI-Event-Listing-v2.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250621T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250621T220000 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250527T015841Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T001222Z UID:65177-1750532400-1750543200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:'Next Fall'\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:June 21\n @\n7:00 pm\n –\n10:00 pm \n\n$10 – $25 \nMinerva Space \n \n Get Tickets\n \nThursday 19 June\, Friday 20 June & Saturday 21 June at 7pm Saturday 21 June & Sunday 22 June at 2pm \nA Tony Award Nominated Play by Geoffry Nauffts \nDirected by Matthew Henderson \nNominated for the Tony Award\, Drama Desk Award\, and Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Play. \nNext Fall is a moving and thought-provoking drama about love\, faith\, and family. The story follows Adam and Luke\, a committed couple navigating their opposing beliefs—Adam is an atheist\, while Luke is a devout Christian. When an accident changes everything\, Adam must rely on Luke’s family for support\, leading to a deeply emotional and\, at times\, humorous exploration of faith\, acceptance\, and love. \n \nGeoffrey Nauffts \nGeoffrey Nauffts has worked as an actor on and Off-Broadway\, regionally\, and extensively in film and television. He has directed short plays by Kenneth Lonergan\, Frank Pugliese\, David Marshall Grant\, Theresa Rebeck and Suzan-Lori Parks\, as well as Naked Angels’ critically acclaimed production of Steven Belber’s TAPE in New York\, Los Angeles\, and London. \nHe wrote\, directed\, and acted in the award-winning short film “Baby Steps\,” starring Kathy Bates\, and co-wrote “Jenifer\,” a movie of the week for CBS. He collaborated with Elton John and Anthony Barrile on a score for “Showstopper\,” a screenplay he and Barrile co-wrote for Ben Stiller’s production company\, Red Hour. In addition to his role as a writer on ABC’s hit series\, “Brothers & Sisters\,” he currently serves as artistic director of Naked Angels\, where he’s been a proud member for over twenty-four years. \nHis critically acclaimed play NEXT FALL opened on Broadway in March 2010\, where it received the Outer Circle Critics John Gassner Award for Best New American Play\, and was nominated for a Drama League Award\, an Outer Circle Critics Award\, a Drama Desk Award\, and a Tony Award for best play. \nCast\nKai Ridler \nHe/Him \nLuke \nSamuel John Darge \nHe/Him \nAdam \nCaleb Tong \nHe/Him \nBrandon \nJessica Ryan \nShe/Her \nArlene \nSimon Carroll \nHe/Him \nButch \nNatalya Munro \nShe/Her \nHolly \nTickets: $25 adults\, $20 Concession\, $18.00 BNT members\, $10 Children\, $10 Group (minimum of 10 tickets). Ticket sales close 1 hour prior to the performance. \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \nRunning Time: 3 Hours \nBallarat National Theatre \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nBallarat National Theatre are a BMI Community PartnerFind out more about BMI Community Partnerships below. \n \n Supporters & partners\n \n \n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/next-fall-bnt-4/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Next-Fall-Square-BMI-Event-Listing-v2.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250622T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250622T170000 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250527T020353Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250527T235219Z UID:65181-1750600800-1750611600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:'Next Fall'\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:June 22\n@\n2:00 pm\n–\n5:00 pm \n$10 – $25 \nMinerva Space \n\nGet Tickets\n \nThursday 19 June\, Friday 20 June & Saturday 21 June at 7pm\nSaturday 21 June & Sunday 22 June at 2pm \nA Tony Award Nominated Play by Geoffry Nauffts \nDirected by Matthew Henderson \nNominated for the Tony Award\, Drama Desk Award\, and Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Play. \nNext Fall is a moving and thought-provoking drama about love\, faith\, and family. The story follows Adam and Luke\, a committed couple navigating their opposing beliefs—Adam is an atheist\, while Luke is a devout Christian. When an accident changes everything\, Adam must rely on Luke’s family for support\, leading to a deeply emotional and\, at times\, humorous exploration of faith\, acceptance\, and love. \n \nGeoffrey Nauffts \nGeoffrey Nauffts has worked as an actor on and Off-Broadway\, regionally\, and extensively in film and television. He has directed short plays by Kenneth Lonergan\, Frank Pugliese\, David Marshall Grant\, Theresa Rebeck and Suzan-Lori Parks\, as well as Naked Angels’ critically acclaimed production of Steven Belber’s TAPE in New York\, Los Angeles\, and London. \nHe wrote\, directed\, and acted in the award-winning short film “Baby Steps\,” starring Kathy Bates\, and co-wrote “Jenifer\,” a movie of the week for CBS. He collaborated with Elton John and Anthony Barrile on a score for “Showstopper\,” a screenplay he and Barrile co-wrote for Ben Stiller’s production company\, Red Hour. In addition to his role as a writer on ABC’s hit series\, “Brothers & Sisters\,” he currently serves as artistic director of Naked Angels\, where he’s been a proud member for over twenty-four years. \nHis critically acclaimed play NEXT FALL opened on Broadway in March 2010\, where it received the Outer Circle Critics John Gassner Award for Best New American Play\, and was nominated for a Drama League Award\, an Outer Circle Critics Award\, a Drama Desk Award\, and a Tony Award for best play. \nCast\nKai Ridler \nHe/Him \nLuke \nSamuel John Darge \nHe/Him \nAdam \nCaleb Tong \nHe/Him \nBrandon \nJessica Ryan \nShe/Her \nArlene \nSimon Carroll \nHe/Him \nButch \nNatalya Munro \nShe/Her \nHolly \nTickets: $25 adults\, $20 Concession\, $18.00 BNT members\, $10 Children\, $10 Group (minimum of 10 tickets). Ticket sales close 1 hour prior to the performance. \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nRunning Time: 3 Hours \nBallarat National Theatre \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n \nBallarat National Theatre are a BMI Community Partner\nFind out more about BMI Community Partnerships below. \n\nSupporters & partners\n\n\n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/next-fall-bnt-5/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Ballarat Pride,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Next-Fall-Square-BMI-Event-Listing-v2.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250625T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250625T193000 DTSTAMP:20260414T042043 CREATED:20250403T040834Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250624T020208Z UID:64256-1750874400-1750879800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Kylie Ladd | This event has now been CANCELLED DESCRIPTION:June 25\n@\n6:00 pm\n–\n7:30 pm \n$11.78 \nHumffray Room \n\nGet Tickets\n \nThe Mix-Up\nKylie Ladd.\n \nOne Tiny Mistake\, Two Families affected\nKylie Ladd\nA beautifully told and thought-provoking novel about a mix-up that leaves two children wondering who they really are and where they belong. \nWhat would you do if you found out you’d been raising another couple’s child – and they’ve been raising yours? \nFourteen years ago\, Kelsey and Raf Maccioni left hospital with their newborn daughter\, Ammy. Days later\, Shona and Nathan James welcomed the birth of their son\, Zac. \nThe only thing the two couples have in common is the IVF clinic where their dreams came true. They are strangers to each other – for now. \nFast forward to April 2024 . . . Ammy has grown into a rebellious young woman\, and Zac is a kind but introverted teenager. \nLife may not be perfect for either family\, but like everyone else they are muddling through. \nUntil Ammy takes a DNA test for a school project. At first the results are puzzling. Then disturbing. Then earth-shattering – when the IVF clinic admits a terrible mistake. \nThe Mix-Up | Kylie Ladd\n\nAbout the author\nKylie Ladd is a novelist\, psychologist and freelance writer. Her six previous novels have been published in Australia and overseas. She has also co-edited and co-authored two non-fiction books\, and her essays and articles have been published in The Age and Sydney Morning Herald\, Griffith Review\, Meanjin\, O Magazine\, Good Medicine\, Kill Your Darlings and Reader’s Digest\, amongst others.  Kylie holds a PhD in neuropsychology and lives in Melbourne with her husband and two children.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n$11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. \n\nBook on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n\nGet Tickets\n\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kylie-ladd/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/kylie-ladd-promo-v2.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR