BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.20//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:20250528T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250528T193000 DTSTAMP:20260414T052320 CREATED:20250313T021402Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T013932Z UID:62648-1748455200-1748460600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Nicole Alexander DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More 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:20260414T052320 CREATED:20250408T022323Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T022528Z UID:64331-1748458800-1748462400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Healthy Habits for A Happy Mind DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More 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:20260414T052320 CREATED:20250506T005821Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250506T012923Z UID:64894-1748545200-1748548800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ivan Aristeguieta: All Bangers No Mash DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More 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:20260414T052320 CREATED:20250409T000912Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250409T012549Z UID:64380-1748685600-1748786400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Winter Book Sale | Stockpile your winter reading DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More 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:20260414T052321 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:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More 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:20260414T052321 CREATED:20250526T015210Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T003449Z UID:65124-1748771100-1748790000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballart Pride Market 2025 DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More 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:20260414T052321 CREATED:20250113T050930Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250527T053004Z UID:61155-1748959200-1751382000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Series DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load 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:20260414T052321 CREATED:20250307T025149Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250324T051907Z UID:62519-1749060000-1749065400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Gail Holmes DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More 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:20260414T052321 CREATED:20250408T022550Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T030106Z UID:64333-1749063600-1749067200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Healthy Habits for A Happy Mind DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More 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:20260414T052321 CREATED:20250408T030135Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T030337Z UID:64335-1749668400-1749672000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Healthy Habits for A Happy Mind DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More 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:20260414T052321 CREATED:20250212T023200Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T110613Z UID:61968-1749756600-1749762000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | La Chimera DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load 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:20260414T052321 CREATED:20250408T031324Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T033501Z UID:64337-1750273200-1750276800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Meditations for Relaxation DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More 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:20260414T052321 CREATED:20250519T053343Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T002909Z UID:64995-1750359600-1750370400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:'Next Fall'\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More 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:20260414T052321 CREATED:20250527T010329Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T002458Z UID:65168-1750446000-1750456800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:'Next Fall'\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More 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:20260414T052321 CREATED:20250527T020143Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T000716Z UID:65179-1750514400-1750525200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:'Next Fall'\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More 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:20260414T052321 CREATED:20250527T015841Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T001222Z UID:65177-1750532400-1750543200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:'Next Fall'\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More 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:20260414T052321 CREATED:20250527T020353Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250527T235219Z UID:65181-1750600800-1750611600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:'Next Fall'\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More 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:20260414T052321 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:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More 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 BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250625T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250625T200000 DTSTAMP:20260414T052321 CREATED:20250408T033234Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T033736Z UID:64345-1750878000-1750881600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Meditations for Relaxation DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-25-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:20250629T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250629T163000 DTSTAMP:20260414T052321 CREATED:20250523T002017Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250527T234616Z UID:65094-1751205600-1751214600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Australian Barbra Streisand Show | Featuring Rachael Grace DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/australian-barbra-streisand-show/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Pride,BMI Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/babs-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250702T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250702T200000 DTSTAMP:20260414T052321 CREATED:20250408T033759Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T033918Z UID:64354-1751482800-1751486400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Meditations for Relaxation DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-2-july/ 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:20250704T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250704T190000 DTSTAMP:20260414T052321 CREATED:20250617T020437Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T022343Z UID:65677-1751650200-1751655600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Margaret Schofield OAM | Memorial Grand Piano Unveiling DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/grand-piano-unveiling/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Community Partner,Royal South Street Society,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/grand-piano-launch-for-post.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250708T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250708T150000 DTSTAMP:20260414T052321 CREATED:20250317T032147Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T005150Z UID:62936-1751983200-1751986800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Ballarat Winter Festival 8 July DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-ballarat-winter-festival-1/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Winter 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:20250708T150000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250708T163000 DTSTAMP:20260414T052321 CREATED:20250523T031147Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250707T030941Z UID:65105-1751986800-1751992200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Author Talk | J.S. Davidson 'Hunted' & 'Tethered' | Now CANCELLED DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/hunted-tethered-davidson/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Ballarat Winter Festival,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sq-promos-davidson-h-t.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250708T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250708T193000 DTSTAMP:20260414T052321 CREATED:20250527T041755Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250707T031118Z UID:65216-1751997600-1752003000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Author Talk | Ella Stone - 'Breakfast With You' | Now CANCELLED DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ella-stone/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Ballarat Winter Festival,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sq-promos-davidson-h-t3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250709T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250709T193000 DTSTAMP:20260414T052321 CREATED:20250527T060905Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T004045Z UID:65240-1752084000-1752089400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Matthew Spencer DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/matthew-spencer/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Ballarat Winter Festival,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sq-promo-matthew-spencer.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250709T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250709T200000 DTSTAMP:20260414T052321 CREATED:20250408T033940Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T035613Z UID:64356-1752087600-1752091200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Meditations for A Clear Mind DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-9-july/ 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/Clear-Mind-Urban-Ballarat-square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250710T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250710T210000 DTSTAMP:20260414T052321 CREATED:20250212T025248Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T110608Z UID:61983-1752175800-1752181200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Sweet As DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-sweet-as/ 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-update.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250711T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250711T210000 DTSTAMP:20260414T052321 CREATED:20250526T023451Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250616T012211Z UID:65144-1752262200-1752267600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Andrew Hamilton | Jokes about the time I went to Prison DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/andrew-hamilton/ 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/sq-promo-andrew-hamilton.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250715T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250715T150000 DTSTAMP:20260414T052321 CREATED:20250527T053759Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T005007Z UID:65236-1752588000-1752591600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Ballarat Winter Festival 15 July DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\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 \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This 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. \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 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-ballarat-winter-festival-2/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Ballarat Winter 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 END:VCALENDAR