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:20210403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20211002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20220402T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20221001T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20230401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20230930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220622T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220622T130000 DTSTAMP:20260512T000129 CREATED:20220405T013548Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220525T055055Z UID:17905-1655893800-1655902800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Painting with Geoff Roderick | 22 June 22 | Now fully booked DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/painting-with-geoff-roderick-22-june-22/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_6524.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220619T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220619T160000 DTSTAMP:20260512T000130 CREATED:20220527T005602Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220606T034930Z UID:19112-1655649000-1655654400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Toying With The Classics - Ballarat Symphony Orchestra DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bsojune22/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art programs,Classical Music,Externally Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Toying-With-the-Classics-BMI-Events-alternative-graphic.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220615T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220615T130000 DTSTAMP:20260512T000130 CREATED:20220405T013513Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T011000Z UID:17903-1655289000-1655298000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Painting with Geoff Roderick | 15 June 22 | Now fully booked DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/painting-with-geoff-roderick-15-june-22/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_6524.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220610T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220610T210000 DTSTAMP:20260512T000130 CREATED:20220518T012107Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220518T012107Z UID:18917-1654894800-1654894800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:LaNCE TV - Live in Concert with Motor City Sounds DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/lance-tv-live/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy,Externally Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Lance-TV-events-image-v1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220609T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220609T213000 DTSTAMP:20260512T000130 CREATED:20220204T070341Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220204T070341Z UID:15929-1654801200-1654810200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - Herself DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-herself/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/3396.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220608T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220608T190000 DTSTAMP:20260512T000130 CREATED:20220407T041019Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T011029Z UID:18088-1654709400-1654714800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Wendy McCarthy: Don’t Be Too Polite\, Girls DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/wendy-mccarthy/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/bb1f9cc7aa6a4b9ab0346a46dc81733d_content_medium.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220608T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220608T130000 DTSTAMP:20260512T000130 CREATED:20220405T005315Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010528Z UID:17896-1654684200-1654693200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Painting with Geoff Roderick | 8 June 22 | Now fully booked DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/painting-with-geoff-roderick-8-june-22/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_6524.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220531T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220531T120000 DTSTAMP:20260512T000130 CREATED:20220426T044236Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220603T035153Z UID:18548-1653993000-1653998400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | 31 May DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-reading-room-31-may-22/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/the-reading-room-event-header-final-e1640069925423.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220517T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220704T110000 DTSTAMP:20260512T000130 CREATED:20220731T230312Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220731T230312Z UID:20941-1652785200-1656932400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Many Roles of Nellie Melba Exhibition Copy DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-many-roles-of-nellie-melba-exhibition-copy/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/ss-web-banner.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220517T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220704T110000 DTSTAMP:20260512T000130 CREATED:20220512T045918Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220617T010748Z UID:18783-1652785200-1656932400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Many Roles of Nellie Melba Exhibition DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-many-roles-of-nellie-melba-exhibition/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/ss-web-banner.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220512T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220512T213000 DTSTAMP:20260512T000130 CREATED:20220204T064213Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220204T064213Z UID:15925-1652382000-1652391000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - Lamb DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-lamb/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Screen-Shot-2021-07-26-at-8.23.27-AM-e1643956860937.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220511T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220511T183000 DTSTAMP:20260512T000130 CREATED:20220310T000624Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220411T005651Z UID:16956-1652288400-1652293800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Yarrowee: Uncovering the secrets of the Ballarat River | Session 5 DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/2022-twilight-talks-season-1-session-5/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/tt-banner-22-V2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220504T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220504T183000 DTSTAMP:20260512T000130 CREATED:20220310T000235Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010422Z UID:16949-1651683600-1651689000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Yarrowee: Uncovering the secrets of the Ballarat River | Sesson 4 DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/2022-twilight-talks-season-1-session-4/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/tt-banner-22-V2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220428T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220428T110000 DTSTAMP:20260512T000130 CREATED:20220322T044108Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010252Z UID:17267-1651143600-1651143600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BALLART ANZACS: How Ballarat Remembers it’s ANZACS | A Talk with Garry Snowden DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-anzacs-how-ballarat-remembers-its-anzacs-garry-snowden/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/events-image-1600-1200-anzac-final.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220427T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220427T183000 DTSTAMP:20260512T000130 CREATED:20220309T235646Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T005951Z UID:16942-1651078800-1651084200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Yarrowee: Uncovering the secrets of the Ballarat River | Session 3 DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/2022-twilight-talks-season-1-session-3/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/tt-banner-22-V2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220426T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220426T120000 DTSTAMP:20260512T000130 CREATED:20211217T020950Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010827Z UID:15064-1650969000-1650974400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | April DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-reading-room-april-22/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/the-reading-room-event-header-final-e1640069925423.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220421T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220421T110000 DTSTAMP:20260512T000130 CREATED:20220322T043906Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250213T013648Z UID:17265-1650538800-1650538800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BALLARAT ANZACS: The Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour | A Talk with Phil Roberts DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-anzacs-the-arch-of-victory-and-avenue-of-honour-phil-roberts/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/events-image-1600-1200-anzac-final.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220420T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220420T183000 DTSTAMP:20260512T000130 CREATED:20220309T235040Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T005955Z UID:16935-1650474000-1650479400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Yarrowee: Uncovering the secrets of the Ballarat River | Session 2 DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/2022-twilight-talks-season-1-session-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/tt-banner-22-V2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220414T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220414T220000 DTSTAMP:20260512T000130 CREATED:20220204T063345Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220204T063345Z UID:15921-1649962800-1649973600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - White Riot DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-white-riot/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/maxresdefault-2-e1643956373930.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220414T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220414T110000 DTSTAMP:20260512T000130 CREATED:20220322T043356Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220325T032413Z UID:17262-1649934000-1649934000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BALLARAT ANZACS: Mining Mud & Medals | A Talk with Yvon Davis DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-anzacs-mining-mud-and-medals-yvon-davis/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/events-image-1600-1200-anzac-final.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220413T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220413T183000 DTSTAMP:20260512T000130 CREATED:20220309T230430Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010012Z UID:16885-1649869200-1649874600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Yarrowee: Uncovering the secrets of the Ballarat River | Session 1 DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/2022-twilight-talks-season-1-session-1/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/tt-banner-22-V2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220408T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220408T210000 DTSTAMP:20260512T000130 CREATED:20220310T034545Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220310T035444Z UID:16974-1649444400-1649451600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Joe Avati | 25 Live - Have Some Respect Tour DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/joe-avati/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Comedy,Externally Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/unnamed-6-e1646884459713.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220407T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220407T114500 DTSTAMP:20260512T000130 CREATED:20220322T042236Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010452Z UID:17253-1649329200-1649331900@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BALLARAT ANZACS: Stories of Courage Sacrifice & Larrikinism | A Talk with Garry Snowden DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-anzacs-stories-of-courage-sacrifice-and-larrikinism-garry-snowden/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/events-image-1600-1200-anzac-final.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220404T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220428T140000 DTSTAMP:20260512T000130 CREATED:20220303T225404Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010329Z UID:16411-1649066400-1651154400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Anzacs | Display | Talks | Research DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-anzacs-display-talks-research/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/events-image-1600-1200-anzac-final.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220326T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220326T223000 DTSTAMP:20260512T000130 CREATED:20220209T003958Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220322T235440Z UID:15994-1648324800-1648333800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:To be rescheduled - Beatles Legacy @ The BMI DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/beatles-legacy/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Screen-Shot-2022-01-31-at-1.18.19-pm-e1644367182115.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220320T090000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220320T140000 DTSTAMP:20260512T000130 CREATED:20220128T024202Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220319T030656Z UID:15603-1647766800-1647784800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Maker & Community Market DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bmi-maker-community-market-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Market ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/maker_image-e1628392488945.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220312T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220312T213000 DTSTAMP:20260512T000130 CREATED:20220302T072752Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220302T072752Z UID:16318-1647115200-1647120600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:David Quirk - Astonishing Obscurity DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/david-quirk/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy,Externally Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Quirk-BMI.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220312T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220312T190000 DTSTAMP:20260512T000130 CREATED:20220302T073238Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T005806Z UID:16323-1647108000-1647111600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Melbourne International Comedy Festival Class Clowns | Ballarat Heat DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/classclowns2022/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy,Externally Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Class-Clowns-BMI.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220310T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220310T213000 DTSTAMP:20260512T000130 CREATED:20220204T062829Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220307T015928Z UID:15917-1646938800-1646947800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - De Gaulle DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-de-gaulle/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/MV5BZjE5YmMwMWMtM2FkNy00NzkzLWJlNDItMmI1YTdhZTgxZmI1XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTAwMzM3NDI3._V1_-e1643956050262.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220302T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220320T140000 DTSTAMP:20260512T000130 CREATED:20220302T004804Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010339Z UID:16266-1646215200-1647784800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Exhibition of Works | Oaky and Ginger Upcycled DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 29\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$8 – $12 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: History of Hoyts\, Ballarat \n \n Hoyts is synonymous with cinema in Australia. As Australia’s oldest and largest cinema\, it has entertained generations of audiences from the silent era through to the present age. At the start of the 20th century\, Melbourne dentist and cornet player Arthur Russell bought a share in a small touring American circus that visited Melbourne\, called Hoyts Circus. Russell toured with the circus as a magician\, but it did not prove to be a financial success. In 1908\, he started presenting moving pictures at St George’s Hall in Bourke Street\, accompanying the silent films with his small family band: his wife on piano\, son on drums\, and Russell on cornet. On 18 September 1909 he opened Hoyts Picture Palace\, and formed a company called Hoyts Pictures Pty Ltd. The old hall was rebuilt and renamed “Hoyts De Luxe”. By the end of World War I\, Hoyts had expanded into the suburbs of Melbourne and into Sydney. The shows included vaudeville acts\, as was common practice in those days. \n \n While countless stories have been shown on Hoyts’ screens\, the story of the Hoyts along with its unique connection with Australian audiences has largely been overlooked. A project is underway that aims to gain an insight into the unique history Hoyts by conducting oral history interviews with Hoyts cinema patrons as well as those who worked there.  We hope that you will participate in this exciting project by sharing your stories\, experiences\, and memories with us through the ‘Share a Story’ page. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Dr Stephen Gaunson \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Gaunson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. He researches cinema histories including the experience of going to the cinema as a social act. Dr Gaunson’s books include The Ned Kelly Films and American–Australian Cinema: Transnational Connections. Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years\, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time\, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia\, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book\, under contract. Steve is Higher Degree Research Director\, DSC\, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam\, Barcelona\, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects\, internships and international recruitment strategies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Stephen Gaunson\n \n \n \n More about Research History of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the School of Media & Communication\, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation\, documentary\, national cinema & film history. He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/exhibition-of-works-oaky-and-ginger-upcycled/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/175099587_191865189262286_8462354857318695019_n-e1646206149256.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR