BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20270403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20271002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251119T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251119T183000 DTSTAMP:20260509T154114 CREATED:20250728T054722Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T232935Z UID:66407-1763573400-1763577000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 5\, Recent Years | Ballarat's Her Majesty's Reinvention\, Presented by Richard Nicholson DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/her-majestys-reinvention/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/square-promo-2025-her-majestys-final.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251119T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251119T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T154114 CREATED:20250917T030336Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250917T031134Z UID:67346-1763578800-1763582400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Meditations on the Mind: How to Create Mental Space DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-19-nov-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Med_on_mind_Sq.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251120T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251120T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T154114 CREATED:20251110T031233Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T031636Z UID:68444-1763663400-1763668800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:An Evening with Peter FitzSimons AM DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/an-evening-with-peter-fitzsimons-am/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/cover-peter-fitzsimonos-book-e1762145093105.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251121T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251121T210000 DTSTAMP:20260509T154114 CREATED:20250917T004106Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T233455Z UID:67335-1763753400-1763758800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ben Knight: The Parent Teacher Interview | Show now SOLD OUT DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ben-knight-parent-teacher/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ben-knight-sq-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="KEG Touring":MAILTO:Contact@kegtouring.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251122T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251123T160000 DTSTAMP:20260509T154114 CREATED:20240822T062240Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T012503Z UID:58498-1763805600-1763913600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Open Garden & Devonshire Tea - BMI Fundraiser | Errard Hall DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/open-garden-fundraiser-2025/ LOCATION:Errard Hall\, Errard Street North\, Ballarat Central\, City of Ballarat\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Urban Agriculture Month ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/square-promo-errard-hall.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251122T184500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251122T223000 DTSTAMP:20260509T154114 CREATED:20251017T035401Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T042444Z UID:68049-1763837100-1763850600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Small Things DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/small-things/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251126T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251126T183000 DTSTAMP:20260509T154114 CREATED:20250728T055539Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T233614Z UID:66413-1764178200-1764181800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 5\, Recent Years | Ballarat Arts Foundation: 25 Years Old\, Presented by Paula Nicholson DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-arts-foundation/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/square-promo-2025-ballarat-arts-foundation.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251126T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251126T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T154114 CREATED:20250917T031231Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250917T031337Z UID:67356-1764183600-1764187200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Meditations on the Mind: How to Create Mental Space DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-26-nov-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Med_on_mind_Sq.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251128T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251128T213000 DTSTAMP:20260509T154114 CREATED:20250408T004608Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T031528Z UID:64310-1764360000-1764365400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Akmal | Live Comedy at the BMI DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/akmal/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/promo-square-akmal.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251129T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251129T213000 DTSTAMP:20260509T154114 CREATED:20250714T024250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T025904Z UID:66208-1764446400-1764451800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Daniel Muggleton: You Might Be White\, I May Be Crazy DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/daniel-muggleton/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/square-promo-daniel-muggleton.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251202T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251202T193000 DTSTAMP:20260509T154114 CREATED:20251113T001614Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T003410Z UID:68682-1764698400-1764703800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with William McInnes DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/william-mcinnes/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/william-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251203T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251203T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T154114 CREATED:20250917T031355Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250917T031513Z UID:67359-1764788400-1764792000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Meditations on the Mind: How to Create Mental Space DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-3-dec-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Med_on_mind_Sq.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251206T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251206T140000 DTSTAMP:20260509T154114 CREATED:20251110T024632Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251128T005707Z UID:68436-1765015200-1765029600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Christmas Book Sale DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bmi-christmas-book-sale/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Library,Market ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/book-sale-square-promo-christmas-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251207T090000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251207T140000 DTSTAMP:20260509T154114 CREATED:20251110T010546Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251203T043313Z UID:68424-1765098000-1765116000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Christmas Market DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bmi-christmas-market/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art programs,Christmas,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Market ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/square-promo-christmas-market-calling-for-stallholders-v5-final-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251210T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251210T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T154114 CREATED:20250917T031528Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250917T031619Z UID:67361-1765393200-1765396800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Meditations on the Mind: How to Create Mental Space DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-10-dec-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Med_on_mind_Sq.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251211T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251211T210000 DTSTAMP:20260509T154114 CREATED:20250212T034546Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T110602Z UID:62004-1765481400-1765486800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | ​Little Richard: I am Everything DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-little-richard/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sqaure-promo-bfs5.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251212T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251212T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T154114 CREATED:20250923T045702Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T051149Z UID:67545-1765566000-1765569600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-12-dec-25/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251213T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251213T213000 DTSTAMP:20260509T154115 CREATED:20251021T225043Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251210T032321Z UID:68162-1765656000-1765661400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Christmas Comedy Gala at BMI DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/christmas-comedy-gala/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sq-promo-comedy-gala.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260110T130000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260110T160000 DTSTAMP:20260509T154115 CREATED:20251209T021738Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T041541Z UID:69434-1768050000-1768060800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Artistanbul: Create your own Turkish Mosaic Lamp DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/art-istanbul-workshop/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Christmas,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Market ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sq-promo-art-instanbul.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260112T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260112T190000 DTSTAMP:20260509T154115 CREATED:20241217T012501Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T010209Z UID:60743-1768240800-1768244400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Festival of Organ and Fine Music | Darkness & Delight - Jerry Wong (solo piano) DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/jerry-wong/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Classical Music,Live Music,organs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/jerry-wong.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260123T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260123T213000 DTSTAMP:20260509T154115 CREATED:20251203T003308Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251203T010553Z UID:69281-1769196600-1769203800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Billy Hinde's Big Band presents: A Night of Big Band DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/a-night-of-big-band/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sq-promo-billy-hinde.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260128T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260128T193000 DTSTAMP:20260509T154115 CREATED:20251120T065224Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251215T040410Z UID:68764-1769623200-1769628600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Geoff Parkes and Susi Fox DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-geoff-parks-susi-fox/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/sq-promo-geoff.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260128T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260128T201500 DTSTAMP:20260509T154115 CREATED:20251124T043242Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251201T032638Z UID:68875-1769626800-1769631300@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Living From a Place of Inner Peace - Ballarat Public Talk DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/living-from-a-place-of-inner-peace/ LOCATION:VIC CATEGORIES:kadampa,Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/square-promo2-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="KMC Australia & Melbourne":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260204T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260204T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T154115 CREATED:20260119T040646Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T235306Z UID:70116-1770231600-1770235200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Fresh Start: Discover the Power of Meditation DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-4-feb-26/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Square-A_Fresh_Start.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260211T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260211T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T154115 CREATED:20260119T041205Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T235116Z UID:70121-1770836400-1770840000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Fresh Start: Discover the Power of Meditation DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-11-feb-26/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Square-A_Fresh_Start.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260212T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260212T210000 DTSTAMP:20260509T154115 CREATED:20260128T030546Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T033730Z UID:70313-1770924600-1770930000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Flow DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-film-society-flow/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/flow-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260214T120000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260214T140000 DTSTAMP:20260509T154115 CREATED:20260112T012814Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T060448Z UID:69779-1771070400-1771077600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In conversation with Tori Baxter | Book Launch DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-tori-baxter/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Untitled-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260215T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260215T183000 DTSTAMP:20260509T154115 CREATED:20260112T034344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260123T000304Z UID:69818-1771174800-1771180200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Joseph Tawadros | Solo Oud DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/joseph-tawadros-solo-oud/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/sq-promo-joseph-tawadros.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260218T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260218T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T154115 CREATED:20260119T041316Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T234924Z UID:70123-1771441200-1771444800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Fresh Start: Discover the Power of Meditation DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-18-feb-26/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Square-A_Fresh_Start.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260225T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260225T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T154115 CREATED:20251008T011020Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251008T030310Z UID:67900-1772044200-1772049600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Paula McLean DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/paula-mclean/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sp-promo-paula-mclean.webp END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR