BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.16.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250804T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250804T213000 DTSTAMP:20260514T083218 CREATED:20250625T000219Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250722T042831Z UID:65888-1754335800-1754343000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Herald Sun Aria Semi Final DESCRIPTION:August 4\n@\n7:30 pm\n–\n9:30 pm \n$8 – $10 \nMinerva Space \nProgram\nHerald Sun Aria – Semi Final \nOur premier aria event. \nThis is the event that has helped launch the careers of some of Australia and New Zealand’s most successful operatic stars\, including our Patron\, Dame Kirite Kanawa! \nTonight\, experience the pure magic of Opera with the stars of tomorrow. \nSix of the best will be chosen to perform in the Herald Sun Aria Final to be held at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Sunday 26 October at 3.00PM \n\nTickets available at the door $10 Adult – $8 Concession \n\nrsss website\n\n\n \nRoyal South Street Society are a BMI Community Partner \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/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:20260514T083218 CREATED:20250527T025831Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250616T021316Z UID:65197-1754503200-1754508600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair DESCRIPTION:August 6\n@\n6:00 pm\n–\n7:30 pm \n$11.78 \nTBA \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nThe Occupation \nA Woman’s Voice \nChloe Adams \nAlli Sinclair \n‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \nA sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \nThe Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \nIn the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. \nOne year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. \nThere she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. \nBack in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. \nFor fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \nWhen violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. \nAs she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \nAbout the authors\nChloe Adams\nAlli Sinclair\nChloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. \nWhen not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n$11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. \n\nBook on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n\nGet Tickets\n\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/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:20260514T083218 CREATED:20250408T041052Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T041408Z UID:64372-1754506800-1754510400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to Love Yourself & Others DESCRIPTION:July 9\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \nFree – $12 \nLending Library \nThese classes offer simple\, practical methods to improve the quality of our life and develop inner peace\nthrough meditation and Buddhist teachings. \nThe in-person setting fosters a supportive community and\noffers real-time interaction with the teacher for personalized guidance.\nClasses include guided meditations and teachings to help us solve our\ndaily problems and find the lasting happiness we seek. \nBeginners welcome\, no bookings required. \nFree for Kadampa members \nKadampa Meditation Centre Australia (Ballarat Branch)\ninfo@meditateinmelbourne.org | 0455205589\nmeditateinballarat.org\nABN 86 114 195 550\nKMC Australia is a not-for-profit organisation \nThe Teacher\nChristielli Portela has been teaching modern Kadampa Buddhism for a decade. As an experienced and well-loved teacher\, she inspires people to use Buddhist meditation to improve their lives through her sincere example and clear teachings. \n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-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:20260514T083218 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:August 10\n@\n2:00 pm\n–\n4:00 pm \n$21 – $26.13 \n\nGet Tickets\n \nThe Little Brass Band an award-winning Goldfields Region Brass Quintet\n.\n\n  \nThe Little Brass Band presents a selection of cool jazz and popular tunes. The Bar will be open and complimentary snacks. This is a fundraiser for the BMI. \nThe first half is cool Jazz ranging from New Orleans classics to upbeat Dixieland swing time! For example: Ain’t Misbehav’n\, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy\, Chattanooga Choo-Choo\, Saints Hallelujah. \nThe second half started out with popular easy listening tunes from movies such as Blues Brothers. Looking at the selection it seemed there was a theme around ‘relationships\, romance\, love of country\, love songs’. \nSo we have a range from Elvis Presley Can’t help falling in love\, The Beatles When I’m 64\, and even from the Lion King Can you feel the love tonight. Finishing off with a lovely arrangement of  I still call Australia Home. \nProgram \n\n\nMore Live Music\n \nGet Tickets: \n$26.13 GA \n$21 BMI Memberss \nIncludes bkg fee & gst.26.13 \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/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:20260514T083218 CREATED:20250408T041113Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T041537Z UID:64373-1755111600-1755115200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to Love Yourself & Others DESCRIPTION:July 9\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \nFree – $12 \nLending Library \nThese classes offer simple\, practical methods to improve the quality of our life and develop inner peace\nthrough meditation and Buddhist teachings. \nThe in-person setting fosters a supportive community and\noffers real-time interaction with the teacher for personalized guidance.\nClasses include guided meditations and teachings to help us solve our\ndaily problems and find the lasting happiness we seek. \nBeginners welcome\, no bookings required. \nFree for Kadampa members \nKadampa Meditation Centre Australia (Ballarat Branch)\ninfo@meditateinmelbourne.org | 0455205589\nmeditateinballarat.org\nABN 86 114 195 550\nKMC Australia is a not-for-profit organisation \nThe Teacher\nChristielli Portela has been teaching modern Kadampa Buddhism for a decade. As an experienced and well-loved teacher\, she inspires people to use Buddhist meditation to improve their lives through her sincere example and clear teachings. \n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-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:20260514T083218 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:August 15\n@\n6:00 pm\n–\n7:30 pm \n$11.78 \nMinerva Space \n\nGet Tickets\n \n\nJoin us for an evening with internationally renowned palaeontologist Professor John Long as he dives deep into the mysterious past of one of nature’s most formidable creatures — the shark! \nAs part of National Science Week\, Professor Long will present his groundbreaking new book\, The Secret History of Sharks: The Rise of the Ocean’s Most Fearsome Predators\, a fascinating journey through 500 million years of evolution. \nFrom ancient megalodons to fearsome great whites\, Professor Long unearths the remarkable story of how sharks came to rule the seas — and what they can teach us about our planet’s ancient history. \nPrepare for a captivating presentation perfect for curious minds of all ages. As a special treat\, Professor Long will also be bringing along real fossil specimens\, including a real fossil tooth of a megalodon – the largest shark to have ever lived! \nThis event is family-friendly\, and budding young palaeontologists are warmly encouraged to attend! It’s a rare chance to see real prehistoric fossils up close and hear firsthand from one of Australia’s most respected science communicators. \nIf you’re keen to sink your teeth into The Secret History of Sharks\, Professor Long will be available for a book signing following the presentation. \n\nSpeaker:John Long \nProf John Long is Strategic Professor in Palaeontology at Flinders. His research investigates the early evolution of vertebrates\, showing how fishes first developed many of the anatomical structures and behaviours now associated with terrestrial animals\, such a limbs\, digits\, lungs\, endocranial structures\, breathing and advanced sexual reproduction. Some of his most recent contributions are the on the origins of digits first appearing in the Devonian fish Elpistostege (a collaboration with Richard Cloutier\, University of Quebec)\, and how the braincase development influenced brain shape in coelacanth fishes (with Hugo Dutel\, Bristol University). Both studies were published in Nature recently. \nProfessor John Long\nTickets and Bookings \nTiekcts: General Admission\, adults – $11 | Child – $8 | BMI Members $8\, includes gst\, plus booking fee. \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/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:20260514T083218 CREATED:20250605T021537Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250801T031934Z UID:65518-1755372600-1755381600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Craig McLachlan Live & Intimate - Six String Stories DESCRIPTION:August 16\n@\n7:30 pm\n–\n10:00 pm \n$69.90 \n\nGet Tickets\n \nLive & intimate.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nGet ready Australia for a Night To Remember as Australian heartthob Craig McLachlan brings his unique & exciting Live & Intimate stage show to theatre’s and venues across Australia. \nCraig McLachlan – actor\, singer\, musician & songwriter from TV’s Ramsay Street to 1950’s Ballarat & across stages of the world\, Craig as Henry\, Doctor Blake\, Frank n Furter \, Doctor Zuko\, Ed\, Grant or simply as himself has entertained millions of people for over three decades. \n \nHis Successes include – The Doctor Blake Mysteries\, The Rocky Horror Show\, CSI Los Angles\, Packed To The Rafters\, McLeod’s Daughters\, Grease\, Bugs\, Catherine The Great\, Superfire\, Hating Alison Ashley\, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang\, City Homicide\, The Cut\, Special Ops\, Redfern Now\, Deep Water\, Restoration\, Home and Away\, Neighbour’s – the list goes on and continuous to grow. \nCraig is a Gold Logie\, Aria Winner\, Three Time Silver Logie and Helpmann Award Winner and has several Australian & UK Hit Singles to his name along with some very shiny Gold & Platinum Records he has yodeled with the Bee Gees while waiting to sing for The Queen ! Yes That Queen. ! \nSo join Craig & his snare smackin’ mate Dave\, as he takes you on a strange musical journey! Playing\, singin’\, riffin’ & chatting his way. \n \nGet tickets : $69.90 incl. gst\, booking fee.\nTickets can also be purchased at the Library. \n\nTickets\n\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/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:20260514T083218 CREATED:20250522T034400Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T001437Z UID:65063-1755712800-1755718200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Michael Robotham DESCRIPTION:August 20\n@\n6:00 pm\n–\n7:30 pm \n$11.78 \nHumffray Room \n\nGet Tickets\n \nThe White Crow \nMichael Robotham \n \nShe upholds the law. Her family breaks it. \n‘A twisty-turny\, second-guessing great read with a killer ending’ –\nHerald Sun for ‘When You Are Mine’ \nMichael Robotham\nBeloved character Police Constable Philomena McCarthy\, from When You Are Mine\, returns in a heart stopping thriller from the master of crime. \nAs the daughter of a London crime boss\, PC Philomena McCarthy walks a thin blue line keeping the two sides of her complicated life apart. \nOn patrol one night she discovers a child in pyjamas\, wandering alone. Taking Daisy home\, Phil uncovers the aftermath of a deadly home invasion\, as three miles away a prominent jeweller is found strapped to an explosive in his ransacked store. \nThe crimes are linked\, and all the evidence points to Phil’s father as the mastermind. Phil’s two worlds are colliding\, trapping her in the middle of a vicious gang war that will threaten her career and everyone she loves. \nWho can she trust – the badge or her own blood? \nThe White Crow | Michael Robotham\n\nAbout the author\nMichael Robotham is a former feature writer and investigative reporter\, who has worked in Britain\, Australia and America. His debut thriller\, The Suspect\, introduced clinical psychologist Joe O’Loughlin and sold over one million copies worldwide\, launching a nine-book series. It has been adapted into an ITV series starring Aidan Turner. Michael’s standalone thriller The Secrets She Keeps has also been the basis of two BBC TV series. He has twice won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association Gold Dagger Award for best crime novel\, as well as the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger for When She Was Good\, a Richard & Judy Book Club pick. Michael lives in Sydney.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nThis event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n$11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. \n\nBook on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n\nGet Tickets\n\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/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:20260514T083218 CREATED:20250814T001943Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250814T002105Z UID:66976-1755716400-1755720000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to Love Yourself & Others DESCRIPTION:July 9\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \nFree – $12 \nLending Library \nThese classes offer simple\, practical methods to improve the quality of our life and develop inner peace\nthrough meditation and Buddhist teachings. \nThe in-person setting fosters a supportive community and\noffers real-time interaction with the teacher for personalized guidance.\nClasses include guided meditations and teachings to help us solve our\ndaily problems and find the lasting happiness we seek. \nBeginners welcome\, no bookings required. \nFree for Kadampa members \nKadampa Meditation Centre Australia (Ballarat Branch)\ninfo@meditateinmelbourne.org | 0455205589\nmeditateinballarat.org\nABN 86 114 195 550\nKMC Australia is a not-for-profit organisation \nThe Teacher\nChristielli Portela has been teaching modern Kadampa Buddhism for a decade. As an experienced and well-loved teacher\, she inspires people to use Buddhist meditation to improve their lives through her sincere example and clear teachings. \n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-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:20260514T083218 CREATED:20250714T045240Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250715T044101Z UID:66222-1755957600-1755968400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Laura J Fitzwilson\, Book Launch - The Fool DESCRIPTION:August 23\n @\n2:00 pm\n –\n5:00 pm \nHeritage Reading Room \nThe Fool \nLaura J. Fitzwilson \n\n \nAfter his parents and brother are assassinated\, Leo is forced to become king of the smallest country on a continent that looks an awful lot like Australia. \nHe faces a kingdom on the brink of bankruptcy and a mistimed sneeze away from being drawn into a war; a murderous cult with a fixation on his family; and … the castle fool is like\, really mean. He better learn how to juggle\, fast. \nAbout Laura J Fitzwilson \n\n Laura J Fitzwilson\nLaura is a writer who specialises in speculative fiction with a focus on people. She was the chairperson of Ballarat Writers in 2023 and served on the committee for six years. \nHer short story “All My Tuesdays” was shortlisted for the 2022 Aurealis Awards. She’s queer\, disabled and wouldn’t want to be anyone else. It is her life’s aspiration to write as fearlessly as the Fast and Furious writers do. \nFollow Laura \n \n \n \n \nRSVP by Wednesday 20 August for catering purposes. \nLight refreshment will be provided. \n \n RSVP here\n \n\n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/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:20260514T083218 CREATED:20241204T023112Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T025535Z UID:60476-1755979200-1755990000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Six String Blues - A Tribute To Blues Guitar DESCRIPTION:August 23\n@\n8:00 pm\n–\n11:00 pm \n$30.45 \n\nGet Tickets\n \nStep into the world of Six String Blues— from the melodies of Delta icons like Robert Johnson to the soul-stirring sounds of Chicago legends such as Muddy Waters\, and into the electrifying licks of modern maestros like Eric Clapton and John Mayer\, this show bridges generations of blues brilliance. \nMatt Arthur\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nOn stage\, Matt Arthur—backed by the talented Lazybones—delivers a performance that’s as moving as it is masterful. Through his soulful playing and captivating stage presence\, Matt brings the timeless legends of blues guitar to life\, blending nostalgia with fresh energy. \nThe show also highlights Matt’s personal journey with the blues. In 2024\, he released his latest album Then & Now\, a collection of original songs that explore his past and present. Drawing on the rich legacy of blues to shape his own voice\, Matt weaves selections from this album into the performance\, illustrating the profound influence the genre has had on his songwriting. \nMatt Arthur and Lazybones\n \n\nThis event is part of the Ballarat Blues Festival \n  \nGet tickets $30.45 plus bkg fees \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/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:20260514T083218 CREATED:20250408T041557Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T042601Z UID:64376-1756321200-1756324800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Power of Concentration DESCRIPTION:August 27\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \nFree – $12 \nLending Library \nThese classes offer simple\, practical methods to improve the quality of our life and develop inner peace\nthrough meditation and Buddhist teachings. \nThe in-person setting fosters a supportive community and\noffers real-time interaction with the teacher for personalized guidance.\nClasses include guided meditations and teachings to help us solve our\ndaily problems and find the lasting happiness we seek. \nBeginners welcome\, no bookings required. \nFree for Kadampa members \nKadampa Meditation Centre Australia (Ballarat Branch)\ninfo@meditateinmelbourne.org | 0455205589\nmeditateinballarat.org\nABN 86 114 195 550\nKMC Australia is a not-for-profit organisation \nThe Teacher\nChristielli Portela has been teaching modern Kadampa Buddhism for a decade. As an experienced and well-loved teacher\, she inspires people to use Buddhist meditation to improve their lives through her sincere example and clear teachings. \n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-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:20260514T083218 CREATED:20250811T023940Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250812T005435Z UID:66742-1756582200-1756585800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Melbourne Guitar Quartet DESCRIPTION:August 30\n@\n7:30 pm\n–\n8:30 pm \n$33 – $36.30 \nMinerva Space \n\nGet Tickets\n \nMelbourne Guitar Quartet (MGQ) \nExpanding the sound world of the classical guitar \nCelebrating two decades at the forefront of Australian chamber music\, the Melbourne Guitar Quartet has established itself as one of the country’s most distinctive and dynamic ensembles. Renowned for their rich\, orchestral sound and innovative arrangements\, MGQ brings a fresh perspective to guitar performance through their use of the full Guitar Family of instruments — including classical bass\, baritone\, standard\, treble\, and octave guitars. \nFormed in 2005\, MGQ has captivated audiences across Australia with their vibrant stage presence\, technical precision\, and artistic vision. Their repertoire spans everything from reimagined classics to contemporary works\, often enhanced by subtle percussion textures. As one of only two quartets in the country dedicated to this idiom\, MGQ continues to redefine what’s possible within the guitar ensemble tradition. \nThe group has released four critically acclaimed albums: \nFour Elements (2008) \nToccata (2010)\, launched to a sold-out audience at the Adelaide International Guitar Festival \nIn Colour (2014)\, a thematic exploration of Spanish and impressionistic repertoire \nBlood Oath (2020)\, featuring works by Arvo Pärt\, Robert Davidson\, Philip Glass\, and Pēteris Vasks. \nTheir interpretations have drawn praise from leading composers and performers: \n“I rediscovered my music… under your fingers.”\n— Francis Kleynjans \n“Rhythmic vitality and a groove that would put many percussion ensembles to shame.”\n— Nigel Westlake \n“Exactly what the classical guitar world needs.”\n— Slava Grigoryan \nMGQ’s mission is simple: to bring the sound of the guitar quartet to new audiences\, through bold programming\, refined musicianship\, and a commitment to musical excellence. \nThe Program \nFratres – Arvo Part\nWinter in the Forgotten Valley – Nigel Westlake\nMishima – Philip Glass\nOpals – Phillip Houghton \n \nThis performance is part of a special fundraising effort to suport the Melbourne Guitar Quartet’s upcoming international tour in 2026 \nThe tour will include performances across the USA\, as well as featured appearances at the Seattle\, Liverpool\, and Sydney Guitar Festivals. All funds raised will go directly toward covering essential tour costs\, including international travel\, visa processing\, and accommodation expenses. \nThe Musicians \n \nCurent Members \nDan McKay – Sophie Marcheff – Benjamin Dix – Rose Gonzalez \nMGQ proudly performs on Hannabach strings and gratefully acknowledges the support of Hannabach GmbH and Payton’s Music. \nTickets \nGeneral Admission $36.30 | Group discount for a block of 4 or more tickets (ages 8 plus) $33 includes gst\, booking fee additional. Tickets not available from the Library Box Office. \n\nGet tickets\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/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:20260514T083218 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:August 31\n@\n1:00 pm\n–\n2:00 pm \n$20 – $39 \nHumffray Room \n\nGet Tickets\n \nA Poet’s Guide to Love and Loss \nJoin us for an intimate afternoon of beautiful music featuring critically acclaimed tenor Douglas Kelly and pianist Tom Griffiths at the Ballarat Arts Foundation’s annual fundraiser. \nHear a moving program of songs by Schumann\, Barber and Butterworth exploring themes of love\, loss and longing. \nDouglas Kelly\, recipient of Victorian Opera’s 2024 Opera Prize (supported by Michael Stubbs and Malcolm Roberts)\, recently captivated audiences in Mansfield Park at Her Majesty’s Theatre and received a Green Room Award for his performance in Puccini’s La Rondine. \nDon’t miss your chance to experience one of Australia’s most exciting young voices and raise crucial funds in support of Ballarat Arts Foundation. \nThe Program \n⦁ Schumann: Dichterliebe (A Poet’s Love)\n⦁ Barber: Selected Songs\n⦁ Butterworth: A Shropshire Lad \nThis event forms part of Victorian Opera’s Ballarat Opera Festival. \nDuration – 60 minutes \nDouglas Kelly\, Tenor | Photo: Charlie Kinross\nBallarat Arts Foundation \nFor 25 years\, the Ballarat Arts Foundation (BAF) has worked in partnership with the community for the purpose of enriching the creative life and cultural future of Ballarat. \nOur annual awards and grants program gives critical financial support to local artists to help them take the next step in their career. We present performance opportunities\, exhibitions\, workshops\, and masterclasses throughout the year with\, and for\, our alumni\, and the community to raise funds and share artistic expertise that enlivens our culture. Through high-profile events and activities\, Ballarat Arts Foundation also contributes to the growth of a sustainable arts industry in Ballarat. \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nVictorian Opera \nVictorian Opera is the state opera company of Victoria. Your state company. We make creative\, accessible and relevant work for everyone while acknowledging the traditions and evolving our artform. \nSince the company was founded in October 2005\, Victorian Opera has entertained hundreds of thousands of people with our imaginative approach to opera and musical theatre. Each year\, we premiere at least one new Australian opera and have commissioned 32 new works since our formation. \nRecognised for our unique contribution to the country’s operatic landscape\, Victorian Opera proudly became an Australian Major Performing Arts company in 2019\, and transitioned to the National Performing Arts Partnership Framework in 2021. \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nTickets – Adult $39 – Concession $35 – Senior $37 – 30yrs & Under $30- Child (14yrs & Under) $20. \nTickets not able to be purchased in the Library for this event \n\nGet Tickets\n \n\nThis event is part of the Ballarat Opera Festival\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/a-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:20260514T083218 CREATED:20250711T023001Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T001637Z UID:66163-1756749600-1756755000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Gabriel Bergmoser DESCRIPTION:September 1\n @\n6:00 pm\n –\n7:30 pm \n\n$11.78 \nHumffray Room \n \n Get Tickets\n \nHigh Rise \nGabriel Bergmoser \n \n‘An expertly executed shot of adrenaline’ – Laura McCluskey \n‘Grabs you by the throat and hurls you striaght into the action – Brutally good fun’ – Michael Trant \nBestselling author Gabriel Bergmoser returns with his most electrifying novel yet\, High Rise – an adrenaline charged\, heart-stopping\, action-packed masterpiece that blends gritty realism with razor-sharp storytelling. Think Die Hard meets The Raid\, with a darkly humourus\, wildly entertaining and uniquely Australian edge. \nAfter captivating readers with bestsellers like The Hunted (currently being adapted into a film starring Abbey Lee\, Toby Wallace\, and Eliza Scanlen) and The Caretaker\, Gabe has established himself as a dynamic storyteller with a knack for gripping\, cinematic thrillers. Known for crafting fast-paced plots\, layered characters and explosions of raw emotion and action\, High Rise takes his signature style to the next level. \nThe story follows estranged father and ex-cop Jack Carlin as he tracks his rebellious daughter Morgan to the top floor of a crumbling Melbourne high-rise. But Morgan isn’t looking to be saved\, and Jack’s dark past has drawn dangerous enemies. With a bounty on his head\, they become trapped in a deadly fight for survival with an onslaught of ruthless gang members and bounty hunters swarming the building. \nWhat unfolds is an unrelenting battle as Jack and Morgan fight through fifteen floors of chaos\, facing brutal enemies and their own fractured relationship. Amid the carnage\, they must confront their past and rediscover the bond that might be their greatest chance of survival. Fast-paced with electrifying tension\, High Rise delivers gritty action and emotional stakes in equal measure. \nHigh Rise is more than just a survival story; it’s a gripping portrayal of loyalty\, redemption and the fragile ties that bind us. Gabriel Bergmoser once again proves his unparalleled flare to thrill\, move\, and cement his reputation as a master in modern suspense. \n\n \nAbout the author\n\n Gabriel Bergmoser\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \nGabriel Bergmoser is an award-winning Melbourne-based author and playwright. He won the prestigious Sir Peter Ustinov Television Scriptwriting Award in 2015\, was nominated for the 2017 Kenneth Branagh Award for New Drama Writing and went on to win several awards at the 2017 VDL One Act Play Festival circuit. In 2016 his first young adult novel\, Boone Shepard\, was shortlisted for the Readings Young Adult Prize. His first novel for adults\, The Hunted (2020)\, became a bestseller and a film adaptation is currently in development. Since then he has published the thrillers The Inheritance (2021) and The Caretaker (2023)\, along with the YA coming-of-age novel The True Colour of a Little White Lie (2021) and the middle-grade adventure Andromache Between Worlds (2024). \nWhy not pick up a copy of the following from our library \n\n The Caretaker | Gabriel Bergmoser\n\n The Hitchhiker | Gabriel Bergmoser\n\n The Inheritance | Gabriel Bergmoser\n\n The Hunted | Gabriel Bergmoser\n\n \nGabriel will be in conversation with Tim Constantine \n\n Tim Constantine\nThis event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n$11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. \nBook on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/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:20260514T083218 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:September 3\n @\n5:30 pm\n –\n6:30 pm \nBar open at 5pm \n\n$9.73 – $13.83 \nHumffray Room \n \n Get tickets\n \nBallarat’s Henry Lawson\, Unknown facts presented by Hedley Thomson \nThe young Henry visited Ballarat\, specifically to ‘bone up’ on the happenings at Eureka on Sunday 3rd December 1854; he proceeded to write numerous poems and prose pieces about the ‘battle’ and – more so – the effects of its outcome on the developing Australian national identity; that many of his pieces mention Ballarat in the same context. \nAs with so many of our iconic personalities across our history\, there’s much that is not well-known about their lives and achievements. Henry Lawson is a case in point\, with the special appeal that in 1889\, as a twenty two-year old\, he actually came to Ballarat and that the visit materially affected his subsequent writings over the course of his nearly forty-year career. \nTo help make up for that deficiency\, as the first of the Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Spring 2025 ‘Twilight Talks’\, Hedley Thomson – local actor and a big Lawson fan – will be presenting a talk on Lawson’s time in Ballarat\, which will include performances of several of the more notable pieces (both poetry and prose) that Lawson was inspired to write following his Ballarat visit. \n \nSpeaker: Hedley Thomson \n\n Hedley Thomson | Former Environmental Manager\, City of Ballarat\nHedley Thomson \n‘I’ve spent 35 of my 70 years in Ballarat\, having been raised in suburban Melbourne and holidayed and worked on the Mornington Peninsula\, where I also met my wife\, Christine\, and started raising our family of three excellent daughters. My work has been in the fields of land use\, environmental\, strategic and corporate planning\, principally in local government\, but also with stints in State\, regional\, private and community organisations. Throughout my life I’ve had an interest in regional Australia\, in theatre – especially performing – and\, developing from not much to a near obsession (in all the right ways)\, in Henry Lawson. \nComing to Ballarat\, which I/the family did in 1988\, has enabled me to indulge all three interests; e.g.: the Rosebud Memorial Hall was OK for the occasional play but I never counted on a venue as wonderful as Her Majesty’s Theatre\, being part of Fred Fargher-directed musicals\, and being on stage with my children in ballet performances at Royal South Street Society competitions (I like to demuse people by boasting that I have a ‘first’ in ballet from those comps – as ‘the male’ in a winning troupe). \nAs far as Henry Lawson is concerned\, like many of us growing up\, I knew of his well-known pieces such as The Loaded Dog and The Drover’s Wife but little else. I’d scanned through a few selections of his works but – like many people\, I think – I found them a bit too serious; ‘Banjo’ Patterson was certainly the more popular writer. Then\, in the 1980s\, I happened to buy what became the very popular two-volume complete works of Lawson\, compiled by Leonard Cronin (I also bought a similar two-volume job of A.B. ‘Banjo’ Patterson’s works that came out around the same time); once I started reading\, I was hooked. I discovered he wrote about everything\, in almost every possible style\, with humour\, with pathos\, with serious analysis of the topic chosen\, with prophetic intent. This clearly was/is no ‘bush poet’. I found – like all great writers – that his truths\, his observations\, his descriptions of human foibles and failings\, the brilliance of his verbal descriptions of the settings of his pieces stand the test of time; that is why I am so infatuated with his work. And that it is of Australia; palpably of this country\, including when he writes of our indigenous peoples (with whom he frequently had amicable dealings\, despite the views of some commentators). \nTo find that Lawson visited Ballarat in 1887\, following which he wrote a number of pieces about that seminal event in modern Australian history – the Eureka rising\, has enabled me to make a connection between my passion for his writings\, my place of residence and my long-time involvement with theatre/performance. During 2022 – the 100th anniversary year of Lawson’s death – a trio of us performed various of Lawson’s works to community group audiences. Now the BMI has provided me with the opportunity to focus on Ballarat’s Henry Lawson and to highlight the effect that the young Henry’s visit had on his writings.’ \nCommunity Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \nThis event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong\n \n \nTickets and Bookings \nTickets $9.73 BMI members & $13.83 general admittance\, includes gst & bkg fee. \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks\n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/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:20260514T083218 CREATED:20250813T042810Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T042930Z UID:66936-1756926000-1756929600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Power of Concentration DESCRIPTION:August 27\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \nFree – $12 \nLending Library \nThese classes offer simple\, practical methods to improve the quality of our life and develop inner peace\nthrough meditation and Buddhist teachings. \nThe in-person setting fosters a supportive community and\noffers real-time interaction with the teacher for personalized guidance.\nClasses include guided meditations and teachings to help us solve our\ndaily problems and find the lasting happiness we seek. \nBeginners welcome\, no bookings required. \nFree for Kadampa members \nKadampa Meditation Centre Australia (Ballarat Branch)\ninfo@meditateinmelbourne.org | 0455205589\nmeditateinballarat.org\nABN 86 114 195 550\nKMC Australia is a not-for-profit organisation \nThe Teacher\nChristielli Portela has been teaching modern Kadampa Buddhism for a decade. As an experienced and well-loved teacher\, she inspires people to use Buddhist meditation to improve their lives through her sincere example and clear teachings. \n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-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:20260514T083218 CREATED:20250603T000019Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250826T233613Z UID:64998-1757008800-1757012400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Tracey Lee Holmes: A Life Through Sport DESCRIPTION:Presented in Partnership with The Wheeler Centre \n\n \nSeptember 4\n@\n6:00 pm\n–\n7:00 pm \n$11.78 \nMinerva Space \n\nGet Tickets\n \nImage courtesy The Wheeler Centre\nThe Eye of the Dragonfly: A Life Seeing the World Through Sport. \nby Tracey Lee Holmes \nWith honesty and insight\, Tracey Lee Holmes looks back\non a pioneering career and a lifelong journey through the world of sport. \nFor over 30 years\, Tracey Lee Holmes has been a trailblazer in Australian broadcasting – breaking ground as the first female host of a national sports program and championing gender equality both on and off the field.  \nNow\, with the release of her new book The Eye of the Dragonfly: A Life Seeing the World Through Sport\, she reflects on sport’s unique power to uplift the human spirit – or expose its deepest flaws – and the insights gained over a remarkable career spent documenting it all. \nA sharp-eyed commentator on the intersection of sport\, politics and society\, Holmes takes the stage in Ballarat to share electrifying stories\nof athletic triumph and heartbreak\, while examining the powerful forces of money\, politics\, and discrimination that continue\nto shape the world of sport. \nThe Eye of the Dragonfly | Tracey Lee Holmes\nMore About Tracey Lee Holmes \nTracey Lee Holmes\nIn a career spanning four decades\, journalist and broadcaster Tracey Holmes has focussed her career on the intersection of sport\, politics\, and society. She is recognised at home and abroad for her in-depth analysis of current issues and major events including coverage of 14 Olympic Games. \nShe has twice won the prestigious International Sports Press Association (AIPS) gold award\, is a recipient of the IOC Women and Sport Award – presented to women\, men or organisations who have made remarkable contributions to the development\, encouragement and reinforcement of women and girls’ participation in sport and is a recipient of Sport Australia’s Lifetime Achievement Award. \nTracey is a Council member for Indigenous Football Australia\, a board member for the Oceania Australia Foundation\,\na mentor for the International Olympic Committee’s Young Reporters program\, an Ambassador\nfor the Australian Museum and the Chappell Foundation for Homeless Youth.\nShe is producer of the Sports Ambassador podcast and YouTube channel\, and is completing her\nMasters in International Sports Diplomacy at Hungary University. \nTracey will be hosted by Tess Armstrong \nTess Armstrong\nAbout Tess Armstrong \nTess Armstrong is a radio\, television and podcast producer turned lawyer. She is also a proud member of the multi award-winning footy podcast The Outer Sanctum. With a diverse career spanning media and now law\, Tess brings creativity\, critical thinking and advocacy to her work. She believes strongly in the power of conversation \, storytelling and community to inspire change and foster connection. Outside of her professional pursuits\, she is a tragic Richmond fan\, sports enthusiast and mother of two young children.\nTess continues to champion inclusive storytelling across platforms\, combining heart\, humour\, authenticity and intellect. \nGet tickets $11.78 includes gst and bkg fee \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nAbout The Wheeler Centre \n\n \nThe Wheeler Centre exists to support writers\, readers and thinkers. Through live and digital conversations\, debates\, readings\, performances and discussions\, it deepens public engagement with the most pressing topics of the day. It is dedicated to creative collaboration\, community engagement\, diversity\, and innovation. \nMelbourne was designated a UNESCO City of Literature in 2008 and this heralded the establishment of the Centre for Books\, Writing and Ideas – a vibrant new hub for a diverse range of organisations focussed on literature and ideas. The aim: to provide a home and important focal point for the conversations that matter to Victoria\, and indeed\, Australia. As the Centre itself took its physical shape within a newly renovated and dedicated wing of the State Library of Victoria\, our position was secured ahead of the official opening with the commitment of our patrons\, Maureen and Tony Wheeler of Lonely Planet. From that day\, the Centre for Books\, Writing and Ideas became The Wheeler Centre. \nSince 2009\, The Wheeler Centre has been firmly established at the heart of Victoria’s rich cultural life. Based in the Melbourne CBD on Little Lonsdale St\, the Centre is also a hub and home for writers and key literary organisations\, including the Melbourne Writers Festival\, Writers Victoria\, Express Media\, Emerging Writers’ Festival and Australian Poetry. \nThis event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/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:20260514T083218 CREATED:20250409T010714Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250805T075721Z UID:64397-1757152800-1757253600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Spring Book Sale | Reward yourself with loads of Summer reading DESCRIPTION:September 6\n@\n10:00 am\n–\nSeptember 7\n@\n2:00 pm \nFree \nLending Library \nBooks priced from $1 – more for collectable items.\n\nDon’t miss our book sale this weekend. \nAdmission and parking are free (one hour on Saturday\, all day Sunday). There are hundreds of books – some of which are in gently used condition and some in mint condition – and many start at a dollar or two. And it’s not just books – there are CDs\, DVDs\, framed prints from our image collection and more! \nWe will have some children’s books for your kids and grand kids. Plus\, all proceeds are help to support our Library programs. \n\n\nBook Donations. \nOur book sales are an important fundraiser for our independent BMI Library\, if you would like to clear your book shelves we are happy to take donations of books that have been loved. We will also accept\, DVDs\, Vinyl Records and CDs. We can take delivery during our usual Library operating hours. \nLibrary Operating Hours. \nMonday\, Wednesday & Friday – 10am to 4pm \nTuesday & Thursday – 10am to 3pm \nSaturday – 9.30am to 12noon. \n\nmembership\n\n\nLibrary\n\n\nAuthor Talks\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/book-sale-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:20260514T083218 CREATED:20250801T001930Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250828T003001Z UID:66551-1757523600-1757532600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Crafting Conversation: The Jewellers Edition DESCRIPTION:September 10\n @\n5:00 pm\n –\n7:30 pm \n5.30pm start. \n\n$35 \nVenue: Humffray \n \n Get Tickets\n \nCrafting Conversation \nA Panel Series for Makers in Business \nReal talk – Generous insight – A creative space to learn\, reflect and connect \n\n \nLaunch of quartley in person Panel Series – The Jewellers Edition \nJewellers Panel: Alana Smith\, Lucie HB\, and Jessica Larm \nThe Panel will discuss the craft\, the challenges of running a creative business\, and the opportunities for makers in regional Australia. \n\n \nThe Series \nJoin us for Crafting Conversation\, a quarterly panel discussion series presented by Make Good Things Happen\, designed especially for Australian makers\, artists\, designers and creative small business owners. \nThese in-person events are an opportunity to hear from brilliant voices in the community as they share real stories about what it takes to build a sustainable\, values-driven creative business in today’s world. \nFrom jewellery to textiles\, ceramics to woodwork\, if you’re creating with heart and trying to make it work as a business\, this space is for you. \n\n \n‘Come for the conversation\, leave with clarity and community.’ \nPractical advice\, honest storytelling and community minded conversation – Light refreshemtns served in a beautiful heritage venue – The chance to connect with other creatives and feel a little less alone. \nEvent Host – Angela D’Alton \nAngela D’Alton is a curator\, creative industry advocate\, and co‑founder of Make Good Things Happen. With decades of experience supporting makers\, artists\, and designers\, she champions Australia’s handmade community through events\, mentoring\, and sector development — connecting creatives with the tools\, networks\, and inspiration to thrive. \n Make Good Things Happen \n \n Find out more\n \n\n Angela D’Alton\nCost: $35 per person incl gst and bkg fee. Light refreshment provided. \n \n Get Tickets\n \nAbout Make Good Things Happen \nMake Good Things Happen\, is an online haven for makers\, artists\, and designers navigating the vibrant world of independent business. \nBorn in the whirlwind of 2020\, Make Good Things Happen is the brainchild of Angela D’Alton and Renée Baker\, the dynamic duo behind D’Alton Baker Productions. \nWith nearly two decades of experience in the Australian maker scene\, they’ve transformed their passion into a platform that empowers creatives like you. \n\n Angela D’Alton\n\n \n\n Renée Baker\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join – Make Good Things Happen Community\n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/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:20260514T083218 CREATED:20250813T043002Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T043105Z UID:66938-1757530800-1757534400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Power of Concentration DESCRIPTION:August 27\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \nFree – $12 \nLending Library \nThese classes offer simple\, practical methods to improve the quality of our life and develop inner peace\nthrough meditation and Buddhist teachings. \nThe in-person setting fosters a supportive community and\noffers real-time interaction with the teacher for personalized guidance.\nClasses include guided meditations and teachings to help us solve our\ndaily problems and find the lasting happiness we seek. \nBeginners welcome\, no bookings required. \nFree for Kadampa members \nKadampa Meditation Centre Australia (Ballarat Branch)\ninfo@meditateinmelbourne.org | 0455205589\nmeditateinballarat.org\nABN 86 114 195 550\nKMC Australia is a not-for-profit organisation \nThe Teacher\nChristielli Portela has been teaching modern Kadampa Buddhism for a decade. As an experienced and well-loved teacher\, she inspires people to use Buddhist meditation to improve their lives through her sincere example and clear teachings. \n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-10-september-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promo-1.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250911T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250911T210000 DTSTAMP:20260514T083218 CREATED:20250212T025145Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T110610Z UID:61982-1757619000-1757624400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Goodbye Julia DESCRIPTION:September 11\n@\n7:30 pm\n–\n9:00 pm \nSudanese Moral Drama\n \nOnly a handful of films originate in Sudan due to the civil war  from 1983 to 2005\, and this is the first to participate in the Cannes Film Festival. \nThis debut feature film from Mohamed Kordofani follows the story of Mona\, a retired Northern Sudanese singer who is wracked with guilt after covering up a murder in the lead-up to the civil war. \nIn an attempt to make amends\, and secretly seeking redemption\, she takes a Southern Sudanese widow\, Julia\, and her son into her home. \nAttempts to leave the past behind\, however\, are impossible. Kordofani reworked the script assiduously to achieve the well-rounded nature of the characters and unpack the complexity of the war\, family secrets\, cultural expectations\, religion and politics. \nSouth Sudan was finally declared an independent country in 2011\, but is still troubled. This film gives an insight into the birth of a new country and a tragic history felt on the level of everyday people. \nThe film has won over 14 major international film awards including the Freedom Prize – Un Certain Regard at Cannes in 2023. Potential Films. \nSudan/Sweden/Germany/Saudi Arabia/France/Egypt\, 2023\, 120 min. \n Dir: Mohamed Kordofani. Stars: Siran Riak\, Eiman Yousif and Nazar Goma. \nBallarat Film Society \n  \nMembership \n12 months – Feb-December: $60\nFeb-July: $35 – July-Dec: $30 \nTo join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. \nMembership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. \nFor film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website \nAll films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \nMore Film\n6 events found. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nToday\n \nUpcoming\nUpcoming \n\n\nSelect date. \n \n\n\n\n \nFeb\n13 \n \n\nFeatured \n7:30 pm\n– \n9:00 pm \n\nBallarat Film Society | KNEECAP \n\n\n\n \nMar\n13 \n \n\nFeatured \n7:30 pm\n– \n9:00 pm \n\nBallarat Film Society | The Movie Teller \n\n\n\n \nApr\n10 \n \n\nFeatured \n7:30 pm\n– \n9:00 pm \n\nBallarat Film Society | Red Rocket \n\n\n\n \nMay\n8 \n \n\nFeatured \n7:30 pm\n– \n9:00 pm \n\nBallarat Film Society | Bicycle Thieves \n\n\n\n \nJun\n12 \n \n\nFeatured \n7:30 pm\n– \n9:00 pm \n\nBallarat Film Society | La Chimera \n\n\n\n \nSep\n11 \n \n\nFeatured \n7:30 pm\n– \n9:00 pm \n\nBallarat Film Society | Goodbye Julia \n\n\n\n\nPrevious Events\n\n\nToday \n\nNext Events \n\n\n\n\nSubscribe to calendar \n\n\nGoogle Calendar \n\niCalendar \n\nOutlook 365 \n\nOutlook Live \n\nExport .ics file \n\nExport Outlook .ics file \n\nBMI news\n\n \n\nNewsletter – February 2025\n\nA Message from the Chair… \n\n\n \n\nNewsletter – January 2025\n\nA Message from the Chair… \n\n\n \n\nRosemary’s Book of the Week\n\nThe Mystery of Haverford House Rachel Burton. A Mystery that… \n\n\n \n\nRosemary’s Book of the Week\n\nDead Man’s Shoes Marion Todd. A Master of the Tartan… \n\n\nLoad More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-goodbye-julia/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sqaure-promo-bfs.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250914T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250914T160000 DTSTAMP:20260514T083218 CREATED:20250805T063244Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250828T023211Z UID:66629-1757858400-1757865600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Fashion Parade Fundraiser | Vintage & Preloved Clothing Shop DESCRIPTION:September 14\n@\n2:00 pm\n–\n4:00 pm \n$35 – $50 \nplus bkg. fee \nMinerva Space \n\nGet Tickets\n \nTake part in this important BMI fundraiser \nThe BMI vintage & Pre-loved Shop are showcasing their wares\nMake time for a lovely get together.\nA glass of champagne on entry with music accompaniment: \n \nFashion Parade\nModels will be displaying outfits from the shop.  We are raising money for the refurbishment of the Lantern Light ceiling in the Heritage Reading Room. \nTickets $50 per person for the front catwalk & $35 per person for section 2 seating\, plus booking fee\, includes gst. Tickets will also be available from the Library ( 5331 3024) or book now. \n\nBook now\n \nLast years fashions | Many thanks to all who participated \n\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/vintage-collectables-fasion-parade-25/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Vintage & Collectables ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/promotional-square-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250917T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250917T183000 DTSTAMP:20260514T083218 CREATED:20250728T041859Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250826T032241Z UID:66377-1758130200-1758133800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 3\, Spring Season | Into the Dragon's Den\, The Chinese community in Bendigo DESCRIPTION:September 17\n@\n5:30 pm\n–\n6:30 pm \nBar open at 5pm \n$9.73 – $13.83 \nHumffray Room \n\nGet tickets\n\n \nSaving Dragons: The Life and Times of Russell Goldfield (Louey Yeung Man) Jack by Dianne Dempsey \nRussell Jack\, the visionary founder of the internationally renowned Golden Dragon Museum\, spent his life breaking barriers and preserving the history of the Chinese Australian community. Growing up in the shadow of the White Australia Policy\, he turned adversity into strength\, using the vibrant traditions of Chinese dragon processions as a bridge between cultures. Through the power of storytelling and historical insight\, Dempsey paints a vivid portrait of a man who replaced fear with knowledge and ignorance with beauty. \nThis compelling biography explores Jack’s humble beginnings\, family legacy\, athletic achievements\, community leadership\, and the extraordinary creation of the Golden Dragon Museum—a cultural institution that transformed Bendigo’s understanding of its Chinese heritage. \nTold with verve\, compassion\, and illuminating vignettes\, Saving Dragons offers a unique slice of Australian social history and a testament to the resilience of a Chinese community that has shaped the nation’s identity. \nSaving Dragons  book review | 13 May 2025 \nView Article: Saving Dragons Book Review by Steven Carroll in The Age and Sydney Morning Herald \nPublication: The Sydney Morning Herald \nDate Published: 30/04/2025 \n \nSpeaker: Di Dempsey \nDianne Dempsey \n“I am a freelance journalist\, specialising in literary and regional journalism\, writing for metropolitan as well as regional newspapers and magazines. I have also been a newsroom reporter. As a scriptwriter\, I have written for Neighbours (Reg Grundy) and Altogether Now (Clive Packer). I made Gorilla Girls (Film Victoria)\, and Shredded (the Victorian Women’s Trust).  \nI almost forgot to mention my books\, Girls in Our Town\, When He Came Home\, and most recently\, Saving Dragons: The Life and Times of Russell Goldfield Jack. I live in Bendigo\, in the shadow of the Cathedral. It’s a beautiful town. It’s where my family comes from and I love it here. \nI hope you enjoy this story of our city’s revered Chinese elder\, Russell Louey Jack.” \nDianne Dempsey\nCommunity Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \nThis event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong\n\n \nTickets and Bookings \nTickets $9.73 BMI members & $13.83 general admittance\, includes gst & bkg fee. \n\nGet tickets\n\n\n\nMore Twilight Talks\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-saving-dragons/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Library,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/square-promo-20252.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250917T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250917T200000 DTSTAMP:20260514T083218 CREATED:20250813T043212Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T043312Z UID:66940-1758135600-1758139200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Power of Concentration DESCRIPTION:August 27\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \nFree – $12 \nLending Library \nThese classes offer simple\, practical methods to improve the quality of our life and develop inner peace\nthrough meditation and Buddhist teachings. \nThe in-person setting fosters a supportive community and\noffers real-time interaction with the teacher for personalized guidance.\nClasses include guided meditations and teachings to help us solve our\ndaily problems and find the lasting happiness we seek. \nBeginners welcome\, no bookings required. \nFree for Kadampa members \nKadampa Meditation Centre Australia (Ballarat Branch)\ninfo@meditateinmelbourne.org | 0455205589\nmeditateinballarat.org\nABN 86 114 195 550\nKMC Australia is a not-for-profit organisation \nThe Teacher\nChristielli Portela has been teaching modern Kadampa Buddhism for a decade. As an experienced and well-loved teacher\, she inspires people to use Buddhist meditation to improve their lives through her sincere example and clear teachings. \n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-17-september-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promo-1.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250918T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250918T193000 DTSTAMP:20260514T083218 CREATED:20250611T030703Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T001953Z UID:65608-1758218400-1758223800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Chrissie Bellbrae DESCRIPTION:September 18\n @\n6:00 pm\n –\n7:30 pm \n\n$11.78 \nHumffray Room \n \n Get Tickets\n \nThe Florentine Quilt \nChrissie Bellbrae \n \n‘Breath-taking settings\, strong female characters\, mystery\, intrigue and romance … The Florentine Quilt has it all\, and will keep you up turning the pages long after your usual bedtime.’ – Pamela Cook\, author\, writing coach and podcaster. \n‘Three women connected in time to a medieval quilt and an ancient tale of forbidden love.’ \nAustralian textile conservator\, Theodora Harris\, is grieving her grandmother’s death when offered an internship to restore a medieval quilt depicting a legend steeped in Celtic folklore. But while the hero Tristan is lauded in the design\, his true love\, Isolde’s story is missing. As each scene is restored\, Theodora’s powerful connection to the quilt brings family secrets to the surface and the threads of long lost love refuse to let her go. \n1896: Gifted healer Amelia Treloar should have foreseen the signs after sailing from the wild Cornish coast to join her husband in the Australian mining town of Walhalla.  \n1875: Florence Trevelyan is exiled from Queen Victoria’s court for following her heart. But she’ll never abandon her search to reclaim the one she left behind. \nEach woman pays the price for love— and for her differences. Is the missing scene from the Florentine quilt the key to unlocking more than one woman’s forgotten story? \n\n The Florentine Quilt | Chrissie Bellbrae\nAbout the author\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \nChrissie Bellbrae’s first stories were crafted playing families with dressmaking patterns at her mother’s feet while the sewing machine hummed in the background. While working in education\, she undertook a Fiona McIntosh Masterclass and hasn’t stopped writing since.  \nTempted to explore the rabbit holes within her own family history— Chrissie’s narratives transport readers from past to present\, and create more significantly interesting lives for her ancestors than they possibly ever lived. Her debut novel\, The Florentine Quilt\, was inspired by a life-long interest in art\, textiles and tales her grandmother told her.  \nLured to the beauty of salt water\, Chrissie acknowledges that she lives and writes on the coast of Wadawurrung Country. \nThis event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n$11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. \nBook on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/chrissie-bellbrae/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/sq-promo-chrissie-bellbrae.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250924T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250924T183000 DTSTAMP:20260514T083218 CREATED:20250728T042702Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250828T045221Z UID:66380-1758735000-1758738600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 3\, Spring Season | Gold! Gold! Bendigo - Ballarat DESCRIPTION:September 24\n @\n5:30 pm\n –\n6:30 pm \nBar open at 5pm \n\n$9.73 – $13.83 \nHumffray Room \n \n Get tickets\n \nGold! Gold! A comparison between the Ballarat & Bendigo Goldfields. \nAn overview of the production of gold and its implications from the goldrush era of the 1850s up until today in both the Ballarat and Bendigo regions. Historian Dr Phil Roberts will provide a summary about gold in Ballarat followed by fellow historian Dr Charles Fahey who will discuss gold in Bendigo during the same years. \nSpeakers \nDr Phil Roberts OAM \nPhil Roberts \nPhil is a former secondary humanities teacher and school principal. Also\, he taught in schools in England in 1971 and in Denver\, USA in 1984. He has written twenty-four local history books – seven involve schools\, six are about sport\, five concern local Ballarat industry and six involve community history. \nIn 2017 Phil received an Order of Australia Award for community service and in 2019 graduated from Federation University with a PhD based on Ballarat’s Avenue and Arch. A keen Geelong supporter\, he enjoys sporting pursuits including Royal Tennis\, golf and cycling. His family includes his wife Geraldine\, son Andre\, daughter Tonya\, six grandsons and one granddaughter. \n\n Dr Phil Roberts OAM | BMI Patron & Co-host of Twilight Talks\nDr Charles Fahey \nCharles Fahey formerly taught in the History Program at La Trobe University. His research has focused on the Victorian goldfields\, labour history and agricultural history. His recent publications include the joint authorship of Mallee Country: Land\, People History (Monash 2020) and Living together on Upside Down Country: Faith\, spirituality\, and social cohesion on Victorias goldfields since 1851 to be published by ANU Press. \nIn the June 2025 edition of the Victorian Historical Journal he published an article on the family farm and he is a contributor to a forthcoming special edition of the Asia Pacific Economic History Review on the history of manufacturing in Australia. \n\n Dr Charles Fahey\nAdditional publication by Dr Fahey \nGold Tailings: Forgotten Histories of Fmaily and Community in the Central Victorian Goldfields – edited by Alan Mayne & Charles Fahey \nThe rich landscapes of the Victorian central goldfields are the legacy of thousands of ordinary men and women who settled in the wake of the alluvial gold discoveries of the early 1850s. Gold Tailings  explores how these men and women established families and created enduring communities that survived long after the alluvial gold was exhausted. \nGold tailings explores the private and often forgotten lives of the gold settlers who built these communities. It moves beyond the sterotype of rootless single male diggers and analyses how enduring communities were formed when male gold diggers – who often travelled with mates and kin – were joined by women\, and together they formed families and networks of common interest and mutual support. \n\n Gold Tailings: Forgotten Histories of Family and Community on the Central Victorian Goldfields | Edited by Alan Mayne & Charles Fahey\n\n Cottage c1860 | MH 138 – The BMI Max Harris Collection\nProudly supported by\nCommunity Bank Buninyong \nCommunity Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \nTickets and Bookings \nTickets $9.73 BMI members & $13.83 general admittance\, includes gst & bkg fee. \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks\n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-gold-gold/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/square-promo-20253.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250924T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250924T200000 DTSTAMP:20260514T083218 CREATED:20250813T043421Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T043514Z UID:66942-1758740400-1758744000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Power of Concentration DESCRIPTION:August 27\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \nFree – $12 \nLending Library \nThese classes offer simple\, practical methods to improve the quality of our life and develop inner peace\nthrough meditation and Buddhist teachings. \nThe in-person setting fosters a supportive community and\noffers real-time interaction with the teacher for personalized guidance.\nClasses include guided meditations and teachings to help us solve our\ndaily problems and find the lasting happiness we seek. \nBeginners welcome\, no bookings required. \nFree for Kadampa members \nKadampa Meditation Centre Australia (Ballarat Branch)\ninfo@meditateinmelbourne.org | 0455205589\nmeditateinballarat.org\nABN 86 114 195 550\nKMC Australia is a not-for-profit organisation \nThe Teacher\nChristielli Portela has been teaching modern Kadampa Buddhism for a decade. As an experienced and well-loved teacher\, she inspires people to use Buddhist meditation to improve their lives through her sincere example and clear teachings. \n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-24-september-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promo-1.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250925T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250925T200000 DTSTAMP:20260514T083218 CREATED:20250611T003027Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T002121Z UID:65587-1758825000-1758830400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Paula Gleeson DESCRIPTION:September 25\n @\n6:30 pm\n –\n8:00 pm \n\n$11.78 \nHumffray Room \n \n Get Tickets\n \nBoney Creek: A Thriller \nPaula Gleeson \n \n‘Smart\, twisty…thriller\, you won’t want to miss…’ – Sarah Pekkanen\, #1 New York Times bestselling author of House of Glass \nWhen several small-town locals die under mysterious circumstances\, an aspiring journalist is determined to prove the connection between them\, only to discover the dangerous secrets they left behind. \nBoney Creek is a dying town where not a lot happens. The perfect solution for married couple Addie and Toby who are escaping their own personal tragedy. But a quiet and simple life is not exactly possible with so many recent\, strange deaths. \nSeven locals\, all gone too soon. That’s the nature of tragic accidents. And in a town this small\, there’s no room for too many questions. \nBut Addie isn’t so sure. Although she never followed through on her dreams of becoming a journalist\, she still has a reporter’s instincts. And her gut—not to mention all the small-town gossip—is telling her that whatever’s happening in Boney Creek is not as random as it seems. \nThere’s no such thing as coincidence\, especially when it comes to seven bodies. And while burying her own secrets\, Addie digs up far greater ones that will have her asking if she will be the town’s next so-called accident. \n\n Boney Creek | Paula Gleeson\nAbout the author\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \nPaula Gleeson writes mysteries and thrillers for all ages\, usually with multiple twists and complicated females at the helm. She is an award-winning filmmaker\, screenwriting finalist\, and nominated non-fiction writer. \nShe lives just outside of Melbourne\, and is often found in her pj’s\, drinking tea (wine)\, and watching horror movies snuggled between her doggo and a big cheese pizza. This is her second mystery since debut thriller\, Original Twin. \nThis event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n$11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. \nBook on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/paula-gleeson/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/sq-promo-paula-gleeson.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250930T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250930T183000 DTSTAMP:20260514T083218 CREATED:20250828T015533Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250828T030623Z UID:67270-1759253400-1759257000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:A Creative Ballarat Workshop | Why Join? The Perks of Regional Arts Victoria & CRAFT Memberships DESCRIPTION:September 30\n @\n5:30 pm\n –\n6:30 pm \n\nFree \nVenue: Humffray \n \n Register\n \nJoin Nicola Bryant (Program & Engagement Coordinator\, CRAFT) and Kate Gerritsen (Director\, Communications & Engagement\, Regional Arts Victoria) \n\n \nJoin Nicola Bryant (Program & Engagement Coordinator\, CRAFT) and Kate Gerritsen (Director\, Communications & Engagement\, Regional Arts Victoria) to hear about the benefits of becoming a member of CRAFT and RAV. \nHear about their advocacy work\, the opportunities and services available to members to support your arts and craft creative practice. \n\n \nCost: Free. \n \n Register\n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/creative-ballarat-rav-craft/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/creative-ballarat.webp END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR