BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250728T093000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250728T173000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044745 CREATED:20250624T052537Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T063100Z UID:65835-1753695000-1753723800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Freemasons Vocal Schedule DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/rsss-vocal-schedule-4/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250729T093000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250729T163000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044746 CREATED:20250624T054647Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T063035Z UID:65841-1753781400-1753806600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Freemasons Vocal Schedule DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/rsss-vocal-schedule-5/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250730T093000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250730T190000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044746 CREATED:20250624T060939Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T063024Z UID:65852-1753867800-1753902000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Freemasons Vocal Schedule DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/rsss-vocal-schedule-6/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250730T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250730T193000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044746 CREATED:20250715T014238Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250730T001534Z UID:66248-1753900200-1753903800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Rare Book Week Melbourne | Rare Books in Mechanics' Institutes: Uncover Hidden Treasures DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/rare-books-mechanics-institutes/ LOCATION:Prahran Mechanics’ Institute Victorian History Library\, 39 Saint Edmonds Road\, Prahran\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:About us,Important Dates,Rare Book Week,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG39-BMI-crop.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250730T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250730T200000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044746 CREATED:20250408T040007Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T041032Z UID:64365-1753902000-1753905600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to Love Yourself & Others DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-30-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/How-to-Love-Yourseld-Others-square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250731T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250731T160000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044746 CREATED:20250624T062123Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T063012Z UID:65855-1753956000-1753977600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Freemasons Vocal Schedule DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/rsss-vocal-schedule-7/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250801T160000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250801T203000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044746 CREATED:20250624T063047Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T063002Z UID:65863-1754064000-1754080200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Freemasons Vocal Schedule DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/rsss-vocal-schedule-8/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250802T093000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250802T210000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044746 CREATED:20250625T043529Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T063828Z UID:65954-1754127000-1754168400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Freemasons Vocal Schedule & Championship Challenge DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/rsss-vocal-schedule-9-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Live Music,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250803T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250803T203000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044746 CREATED:20250624T235217Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T062854Z UID:65881-1754231400-1754253000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Herald Sun Aria Heats DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/rsss-aria-heats/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250804T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250804T213000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044746 CREATED:20250625T000219Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250722T042831Z UID:65888-1754335800-1754343000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Herald Sun Aria Semi Final DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/rsss-aria-semi-final/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Live Music,Royal South Street Society,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250806T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250806T193000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044746 CREATED:20250527T025831Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250616T021316Z UID:65197-1754503200-1754508600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/chloe-adams-alli-sinclair/ 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-promo-chloe-and-alli-v2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250806T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250806T200000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044746 CREATED:20250408T041052Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T041408Z UID:64372-1754506800-1754510400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to Love Yourself & Others DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-6-august/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/How-to-Love-Yourseld-Others-square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250810T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250810T160000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044746 CREATED:20250512T035956Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250805T061800Z UID:64945-1754834400-1754841600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Little Brass Band | BMI Fundraiser: Cheers\, Raise a Glass to Brass DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/little-brass-band/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/little-brass-band-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250813T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250813T200000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044746 CREATED:20250408T041113Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T041537Z UID:64373-1755111600-1755115200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to Love Yourself & Others DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-13-august/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/How-to-Love-Yourseld-Others-square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250815T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250815T193000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044746 CREATED:20250811T041345Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250811T045630Z UID:66767-1755280800-1755286200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Secret History of Sharks with Professor John Long | National Science Week DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-secret-history-of-sharks/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Festival,Fundraiser,Members,Science Week,Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/sq-promo-the-secret-history-of-sharks.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250816T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250816T220000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044746 CREATED:20250605T021537Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250801T031934Z UID:65518-1755372600-1755381600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Craig McLachlan Live & Intimate - Six String Stories DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/craig-mc-lachlan/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Live Music,Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CRAIG-MCLACHLAN-SixStringStories_CM_Hero_draft2-Liam-Mudge.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250820T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250820T193000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044746 CREATED:20250522T034400Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T001437Z UID:65063-1755712800-1755718200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Michael Robotham DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/michael-robotham/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sq-promo-robotham.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250820T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250820T200000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044746 CREATED:20250814T001943Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250814T002105Z UID:66976-1755716400-1755720000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to Love Yourself & Others DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-20-august/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/How-to-Love-Yourseld-Others-square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250823T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250823T170000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044746 CREATED:20250714T045240Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250715T044101Z UID:66222-1755957600-1755968400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Laura J Fitzwilson\, Book Launch - The Fool DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/laura-j-fitzwilson/ LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/square-promo-laura-l-fitzwilson.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250823T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250823T230000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044746 CREATED:20241204T023112Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T025535Z UID:60476-1755979200-1755990000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Six String Blues - A Tribute To Blues Guitar DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/sex-string-blues/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Blues Festival,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/square-promo-six-string-blues.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Matt Arthur Music":MAILTO:matt@mattarthurmusic.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250827T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250827T200000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044746 CREATED:20250408T041557Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T042601Z UID:64376-1756321200-1756324800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Power of Concentration DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-27-august-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promo-1.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250830T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250830T203000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044746 CREATED:20250811T023940Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250812T005435Z UID:66742-1756582200-1756585800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Melbourne Guitar Quartet DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/melbourne-guitar-quartet/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Classical Music,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Concerts Australia":MAILTO:michael@concertsaustralia.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250831T130000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250831T140000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044746 CREATED:20250722T023048Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T030553Z UID:66327-1756645200-1756648800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:A Poet's Guide to Love and Loss | A Ballarat Arts Foundation fundraiser featuring tenor Douglas Kelly DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/a-poets-guide-to-love-and-loss/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/victorian-opera-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250901T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250901T193000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044746 CREATED:20250711T023001Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T001637Z UID:66163-1756749600-1756755000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Gabriel Bergmoser DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/gabriel-bergmoser/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/gabriel-bergmoser-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250903T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250903T183000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044746 CREATED:20250728T035749Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250826T031406Z UID:66371-1756920600-1756924200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 3\, Spring Season | Ballarat's Henry Lawson\, Unknown facts presented by Hedley Thomson DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-henry-lawson/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/square-promo-2025.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250903T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250903T200000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044746 CREATED:20250813T042810Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T042930Z UID:66936-1756926000-1756929600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Power of Concentration DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-3-september-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promo-1.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250904T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250904T190000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044746 CREATED:20250603T000019Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250826T233613Z UID:64998-1757008800-1757012400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Tracey Lee Holmes: A Life Through Sport DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bmi-twc-tracey-lee-holmes/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Culture,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/sq-promo-tracey-holmes-v4.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250906T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250907T140000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044746 CREATED:20250409T010714Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250805T075721Z UID:64397-1757152800-1757253600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Spring Book Sale | Reward yourself with loads of Summer reading DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/book-sale-september-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Fundraiser,Members ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/book-sale-square-spring-2025.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250910T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250910T193000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044746 CREATED:20250801T001930Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250828T003001Z UID:66551-1757523600-1757532600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Crafting Conversation: The Jewellers Edition DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/crafting-conversation-jewellers/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-mgth.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Make Good Things Happen":MAILTO:angela@daltonbaker.com.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250910T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250910T200000 DTSTAMP:20260427T044746 CREATED:20250813T043002Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T043105Z UID:66938-1757530800-1757534400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Power of Concentration DESCRIPTION: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 \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: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian 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 More 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 BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults opens hidden basement of Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\n This May\, the rarely seen basement vaults beneath the Ballaarat... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna... \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 Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-10-september-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promo-1.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR