BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.16.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20210403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20211002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20220402T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20221001T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20230401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20230930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230309T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230309T210000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051501 CREATED:20230202T023239Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230912T011436Z UID:33926-1678390200-1678395600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - Brooklyn 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-brooklyn/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/image-4-e1675305750390.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230308T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230308T190000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051501 CREATED:20221104T022223Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230125T022201Z UID:24442-1678296600-1678302000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2023 | Season 1 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-2022-season-1-2023-03-08/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/twilight-talks-gold-black-2023.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230304T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230304T120000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051501 CREATED:20230213T032835Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230221T065726Z UID:34263-1677924000-1677931200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Embrace the Begonia Festival Workshop | Location now changed 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/embrace-the-begonia-festival/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/hero-image-adjusted.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230301T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230301T190000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051501 CREATED:20221104T022223Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230216T024412Z UID:24441-1677691800-1677697200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2023 | Season 1 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-2022-season-1-2023-03-01/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/twilight-talks-gold-black-2023.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230224T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230224T203000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051501 CREATED:20230221T002924Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230221T002947Z UID:34689-1677265200-1677270600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Class Clowns | Ballarat Heat 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/classclowns2023/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy,Externally Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/277816395_5466870933332660_6457270729669509639_n-e1676939338168.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230222T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230222T190000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051501 CREATED:20230214T223946Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230221T231709Z UID:34385-1677087000-1677092400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2023 | Season 1 | Now moved to Minerva Space Level 3 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-2022-season-1-2023-02-22-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/twilight-talks-gold-black-2023.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230215T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230215T190000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051501 CREATED:20221104T022223Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230214T054412Z UID:24439-1676482200-1676487600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2023 | Season 1 | More tickets released 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-2022-season-1-2023-02-15/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/twilight-talks-gold-black-2023.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230209T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230209T210000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051501 CREATED:20230202T023137Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230912T011442Z UID:33922-1675971000-1675976400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - La Strada 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-lastrada/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/1600.jpg-e1675305711958.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230208T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230208T190000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051501 CREATED:20221104T022223Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230125T020134Z UID:24062-1675877400-1675882800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2023 | Season 1 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-2022-season-1/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/twilight-talks-gold-black-2023.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230201T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230201T210000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051501 CREATED:20221213T235025Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221214T000356Z UID:32169-1675279800-1675285200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Choose Happiness | A Public Talk\, Buddhist Monk\, Gen Kelsang Dornying 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/choose-happiness-a-public-talk-buddhist-monk-gen-kelsang-dornying/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Choose-Happiness-PT-Ballarat-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221218T090000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221218T140000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051501 CREATED:20220927T034250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221107T235041Z UID:22664-1671354000-1671372000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Christmas Maker Market and 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bmi-christmas-maker-market-and-book-sale/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Market ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/maker_image-e1628392488945.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221217T090000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221217T140000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051501 CREATED:20220927T030339Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221107T235354Z UID:22652-1671267600-1671285600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bmi-book-sale/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Market ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/book_sale_10_1_square-e1640068474344.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221209T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221223T150000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051501 CREATED:20221127T221721Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221221T095624Z UID:31932-1670580000-1671807600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Exhibition of works | A TUK - Nyibol Deng 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/exhibition-atuk-nyibol-deng/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Exhibition,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/258876547_452349379567739_8714906943474029504_n.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221208T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221208T213000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051501 CREATED:20220919T051220Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230912T011447Z UID:22478-1670526000-1670535000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - Beyond the Wasteland 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-beyond-the-wasteland/ 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/2022/09/MV5BM2MxOTQ2ZGYtNGJmNi00MDAyLThhOGMtNDJmM2M3NDhiNzZkXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTEyOTg2OTE@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221206T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221206T193000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051501 CREATED:20221116T020355Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221122T005902Z UID:25054-1670347800-1670355000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Meet the Author | Once Were Wild by Leslie Scott 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/meet-the-author-leslie-scott-once-were-wild/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/atdw-images3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220927T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220927T120000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051502 CREATED:20220930T060631Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221124T033024Z UID:22917-1664274600-1664280000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | NOW CANCELLED 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-reading-room-2/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/the-reading-room-event-header-final-e1640069925423.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220929T130000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220929T150000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051502 CREATED:20220930T060021Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221124T002915Z UID:22908-1664456400-1664463600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Current Affairs Dialogue | Discussion Group | NOW POSTPONED 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/current-affairs-dialogue/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Current-Affairs-logo-cropped.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221116T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221116T193000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051502 CREATED:20221003T041413Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221111T003902Z UID:22960-1668621600-1668627000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In conversation with Fleur McDonald 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-fleur-mcdonald/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/fleur-mcdonald.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221112T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221112T213000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051502 CREATED:20221017T020334Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221017T020334Z UID:23531-1668283200-1668288600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kings of the Blues 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kings-of-the-blues/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Externally Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/5333-Kings-Blues-Banner.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Leica Show":MAILTO:lorena@leicashow.com.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221111T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221111T210000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051502 CREATED:20221017T020814Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221017T020814Z UID:23536-1668195000-1668200400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Eric Bogle Live 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/eric-bogle/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Externally Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/EHI949825-f2c48c87977b4979b7ff14c93cc4548f.jpeg ORGANIZER;CN="Leica Show":MAILTO:lorena@leicashow.com.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221108T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221108T213000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051502 CREATED:20220919T045443Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220919T050039Z UID:22469-1667934000-1667943000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - First Cow 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-first-cow/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/first-cow-image.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221106T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221106T153000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051502 CREATED:20211008T235012Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221006T010759Z UID:13021-1667743200-1667748600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Salon Sessions: The BMI in partnership with Duo Latte 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/salon-sessions-the-bmi-in-partnership-with-duo-latte/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Classical Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/bmi-web-image-duo-latte-v3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221103T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221103T130000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051502 CREATED:20220810T054516Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220810T061930Z UID:21376-1667469600-1667480400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Book-making Workshop with Maggie Dannatt | 3 November 22 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/book-making-workshop-with-maggie-dannatt-3-november-22/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/concertina-books.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221102T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221102T190000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051502 CREATED:20220712T011044Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221004T211333Z UID:20272-1667408400-1667415600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2022 | Season 3 | Now Postponed to February 2023 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-2022-season-3-session-1/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/twilight-talks-gold-black-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221027T133000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221027T150000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051502 CREATED:20220930T060021Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221026T040021Z UID:22915-1666877400-1666882800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Current Affairs Dialogue | NOW POSTPONED TO 24 NOVEMBER 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/current-affairs-dialogue-2022-10-27/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Current-Affairs-logo-cropped.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221027T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221027T130000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051502 CREATED:20220810T054809Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220810T062442Z UID:21381-1666864800-1666875600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Book-making Workshop with Maggie Dannatt | 27 October 22 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/book-making-workshop-with-maggie-dannatt-27-october-22/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/concertina-books.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220927T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220927T120000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051502 CREATED:20220930T060631Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221124T033024Z UID:22917-1664274600-1664280000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | NOW CANCELLED 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-reading-room-2/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/the-reading-room-event-header-final-e1640069925423.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221020T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221020T130000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051502 CREATED:20220810T054713Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220810T062741Z UID:21379-1666260000-1666270800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Book-making Workshop with Maggie Dannatt | 20 October 22 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/book-making-workshop-with-maggie-dannatt-20-october-22/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/concertina-books.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221018T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221018T120000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051502 CREATED:20220921T011745Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221017T205934Z UID:22558-1666090800-1666094400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Chris Hammer | Now cancelled 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/chris-hammer-lyn-yeowart/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/chris-hammer.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221013T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221013T213000 DTSTAMP:20260515T051502 CREATED:20220919T050928Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230912T011455Z UID:22474-1665687600-1665696600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - Quo Vadis\, Aida? 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 BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-quo-vadis-aida/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/1_g_5Z4Kng926xzfndFfP_DA.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR