BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.16.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250917T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250917T200000 DTSTAMP:20260516T065240 CREATED:20250813T043212Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T043312Z UID:66940-1758135600-1758139200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Power of Concentration DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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/kadampa-meditation-series-17-september-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promo-1.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250918T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250918T193000 DTSTAMP:20260516T065240 CREATED:20250611T030703Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T001953Z UID:65608-1758218400-1758223800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Chrissie Bellbrae 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/chrissie-bellbrae/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/sq-promo-chrissie-bellbrae.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250924T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250924T183000 DTSTAMP:20260516T065240 CREATED:20250728T042702Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250828T045221Z UID:66380-1758735000-1758738600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 3\, Spring Season | Gold! Gold! Bendigo - Ballarat DESCRIPTION: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-gold-gold/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/square-promo-20253.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250924T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250924T200000 DTSTAMP:20260516T065240 CREATED:20250813T043421Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T043514Z UID:66942-1758740400-1758744000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Power of Concentration DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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/kadampa-meditation-series-24-september-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promo-1.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250925T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250925T200000 DTSTAMP:20260516T065240 CREATED:20250611T003027Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T002121Z UID:65587-1758825000-1758830400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Paula Gleeson 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/paula-gleeson/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/sq-promo-paula-gleeson.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250930T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250930T183000 DTSTAMP:20260516T065240 CREATED:20250828T015533Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250828T030623Z UID:67270-1759253400-1759257000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:A Creative Ballarat Workshop | Why Join? The Perks of Regional Arts Victoria & CRAFT Memberships DESCRIPTION: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/creative-ballarat-rav-craft/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/creative-ballarat.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251001T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251001T193000 DTSTAMP:20260516T065240 CREATED:20250708T020553Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250905T043730Z UID:66044-1759341600-1759347000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Rozzi Bazzani 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/rozzi-bazzani/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/sq-promo-rozzi-final-1.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251001T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251001T200000 DTSTAMP:20260516T065241 CREATED:20250813T043556Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T045127Z UID:66944-1759345200-1759348800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Three Methods for Overcoming Bad Habits 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/kadampa-meditation-series-1-october-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-bad-habits-v2.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251004T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251004T210000 DTSTAMP:20260516T065241 CREATED:20250925T034907Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250925T043007Z UID:67630-1759604400-1759611600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Spaceballs - a FightMND fundraiser 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/spaceballs-fightmnd-fundraiser/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Externally Produced Event,Film,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-spaceballs.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251005T150000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251005T170000 DTSTAMP:20260516T065241 CREATED:20250709T015027Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250905T044106Z UID:66091-1759676400-1759683600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Three Russian Piano Trios 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/russian-piano-trios/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Classical Music,Live Music,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/sq-promo-brian-champman.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251008T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251008T200000 DTSTAMP:20260516T065241 CREATED:20250813T044851Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T045058Z UID:66952-1759950000-1759953600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Three Methods for Overcoming Bad Habits 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/kadampa-meditation-series-8-october-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-bad-habits-v2.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251009T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251009T210000 DTSTAMP:20260516T065241 CREATED:20250212T040547Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T110559Z UID:62016-1760038200-1760043600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | To Thank the Room 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-to-thank-the-room-oct/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sqaure-promo-bfs-update2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251015T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251015T200000 DTSTAMP:20260516T065241 CREATED:20250813T045048Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T045830Z UID:66955-1760554800-1760558400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Three Methods for Overcoming Bad Habits 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/kadampa-meditation-series-15-october-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-bad-habits-v2.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251016T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251016T213000 DTSTAMP:20260516T065241 CREATED:20250709T002656Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251014T023644Z UID:66088-1760643000-1760650200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:'God of Carnage'\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production | This season NOW CANCELLED | BNT apologises. 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/god-of-carnage/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251019T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251019T160000 DTSTAMP:20260516T065241 CREATED:20250710T035225Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251014T023809Z UID:66112-1760882400-1760889600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:'God of Carnage'\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production | This season NOW CANCELLED | BNT apologises. 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/god-of-carnage-5/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251021T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251021T193000 DTSTAMP:20260516T065241 CREATED:20250919T003912Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251020T045545Z UID:67443-1761069600-1761075000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with J Mary Masters *This event has now been 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/j-mary-masters/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-judith-final.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251022T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251022T140000 DTSTAMP:20260516T065241 CREATED:20250930T012758Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251021T061535Z UID:67775-1761127200-1761141600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Seniors Expo | BMI component 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/ballarat-seniors-festival-expo/ LOCATION:Ballarat Show Grounds\, Ballarat\, Australia CATEGORIES:Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/seniors-2025-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251022T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251022T200000 DTSTAMP:20260516T065241 CREATED:20250813T045930Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T050518Z UID:66964-1761159600-1761163200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to solve our human problems 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/kadampa-meditation-series-22-october-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-human-poblems.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251024T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251024T201500 DTSTAMP:20260516T065242 CREATED:20251001T035625Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251002T045612Z UID:67819-1761332400-1761336900@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Opera's Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World's First Daringly Defiant Diva 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/operas-bad-girl/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Live Music,Theatre Production,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sq-promo-bad-girl.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251025T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251025T160000 DTSTAMP:20260516T065242 CREATED:20250805T043957Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T061603Z UID:66614-1761386400-1761408000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Linen and Lace: An exhibition through the decades 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/linen-and-lace-fundraiser/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art programs,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Urban Agriculture Month,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/linen-and-lace-sq-promo-v3-1.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251026T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251026T160000 DTSTAMP:20260516T065242 CREATED:20250903T045545Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T013159Z UID:67296-1761472800-1761494400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Linen and Lace: An exhibition through the decades 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/linen-and-lace-fundraiser-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art programs,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/linen-and-lace-sq-promo-v3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251029T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251029T183000 DTSTAMP:20260516T065242 CREATED:20250728T043616Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250905T043434Z UID:66385-1761759000-1761762600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 4\, Remembrance Day | A Surgeon Commander & A Leading Cook - Ballarat Connections to HMAS Sydney 2 in 1941 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-surgeon-commander-leading-cook/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/hmas-sydney-2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251029T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251029T200000 DTSTAMP:20260516T065242 CREATED:20250813T050626Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T050736Z UID:66969-1761764400-1761768000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to solve our human problems 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/kadampa-meditation-series-29-october-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-human-poblems.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251031T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251031T200000 DTSTAMP:20260516T065242 CREATED:20250923T045951Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T051016Z UID:67550-1761937200-1761940800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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/minervas-secrets-night-tours-31-oct-25/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251031T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251031T220000 DTSTAMP:20260516T065242 CREATED:20250923T044958Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T051126Z UID:67531-1761944400-1761948000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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/minervas-secrets-night-tours-31-oct-25-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T183000 DTSTAMP:20260516T065242 CREATED:20250728T053444Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T033437Z UID:66400-1762363800-1762367400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 4\, Remembrance Day | Recent War Memorabilia - from WW2 to Afghanistan\, Presented by David Wright. 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-war-memorabilia/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/square-promo-medals-v36.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T184500 DTSTAMP:20260516T065242 CREATED:20250812T005546Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251021T040122Z UID:66788-1762365600-1762368300@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel 'The Swift Dark Tide' in conversation with Kelly Gardiner 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/stella-day-out-katia-ariel/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Important Dates,Library,Stella Day Out ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-katia.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T200000 DTSTAMP:20260516T065242 CREATED:20250813T050815Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T050909Z UID:66971-1762369200-1762372800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to solve our human problems 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/kadampa-meditation-series-5-november-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-human-poblems.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T191500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T200000 DTSTAMP:20260516T065242 CREATED:20250812T054350Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251021T035952Z UID:66822-1762370100-1762372800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Samah Sabawi 'Cactus Pear For My Beloved' in conversation with Fatima Measham 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/stella-day-out-samah-sabawi/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Important Dates,Library,Stella Day Out ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-samah.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251106T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251106T200000 DTSTAMP:20260516T065242 CREATED:20250711T034827Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T003339Z UID:66176-1762453800-1762459200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Rachael Johns 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/rachael-johns/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/sq-promo-rachael-johns.webp END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR