BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART: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:20251005T150000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251005T170000 DTSTAMP:20250905T044106Z CREATED:20250709T015027Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250905T044106Z UID:66091-1759676400-1759683600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Three Russian Piano Trios DESCRIPTION:October 5\n @\n3:00 pm\n –\n5:00 pm \n\n$20 – $40 \nHumffray Room \n \n Get Tickets\n \nBrian Chapman & Friends \nPianist Brian Chapman will be joined by violinist Susan Pierotti and cellist Rosanne Hunt. \nThe Program. \n  \nGlinka: Trio Pathétique in D minor. \nShostakovich: Trio No.2 in E minor\, Op.67 \nInterval – Refreshments included \nTchaikovsky: Trio in A minor\, Op.50. \n\n Mikhail Glinka\n\n Dmitri Shostakovich\n\n Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky\nThe Musicians\nPianist Brian Chapman \nEnglish-born pianist Brian Chapman studied in Brisbane with Nora Baird from 1952\, and in Melbourne from 1954 with Lindsay Biggins\, J.A. Steele and Roy Shepherd. Brian has performed widely in Melbourne\, interstate and overseas\, including the United States\, Mexico\, Germany and China. He has made over 100 ABC studio recordings and broadcasts and presented many recitals with prominent Australian and international musicians. In 2020 he published two contrarian essays with accompanying recordings available as e-downloads from Australian Scholarly Publishing and search for “Brian Chapman”. The first of these essays/recordings – Grief\, Denial and Rage: A Personal Odyssey with Beethoven’s ‘Moonlight’ Sonata – offers a unique interpretation of the sonata’s first movement\, identifying and eliminating five universally adopted distortions in its execution; these distortions relate to misconceptions about the sonata’s accidental dedication to Countess Julie Guicciardi that were disproved in 1872. The second essay/recording – The Hurdy-Gurdy Man: The sting-in-the-tail of Müller’s ‘Die Winterreise’ – derives from Brian’s long experience with performing and recording Schubert’s Winterreise along with his 2019 creation of a new English singable translation. From his research he concludes that the ironic sting-in-the-tail of the final Winterreise poem has been either accidentally overlooked or wilfully disregarded by almost everyone\, including Franz Schubert and most of the subsequent generations of the Müller/Schubert/Winterreise cognoscenti; Brian has adapted Schubert’s own musical thematic material to align the accompaniment of the concluding verse of Winterreise with the sting-in-the-tail of Müller’s original poem. \nViolinist Susan Pierotti \nSusan Pierotti began learning the violin at the age of six with Stella Nemet and continued her studies with her daughter Mary Nemet at the Victorian College of the Arts and in London where she played with the London Sinfonietta and the London Mozart Players. Since then\, Susan has enjoyed a career spanning symphony\, opera and ballet orchestras\, chamber music\, recitals\, theatre\, film\, live broadcasts\, television\, teaching\, reviewing and adjudicating. She has been closely involved in commissioning\, performing and recording contemporary music with numerous groups for over four decades. Susan has worked extensively with several Australian orchestras and with Orchestra Victoria from 1990 where she was the 1st Violin Section Leader for 17 years. She was appointed concertmaster of Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra in December 2016 and has recently led Geelong and Ballarat symphony orchestras. She is an Accredited Editor with the Institute of Professional Editors\, her work being shortlisted for the inaugural Rosanne Fitzgibbon Award for the best edited Australian book. She is the National Editor of Stringendo\, the magazine of the Australian Strings Association and her history of the association\, Molto AUSTA\, was published in 2022. She has published two books\, Manuscript to Market and Losing My Parents. \nCellist Rosanne Hunt \nRosanne Hunt grew up surrounded by music\, being the youngest child of iconic Melbourne cello teacher\, the late Marianne Hunt\, and the younger half-sister of renowned musical twins\, violinist Elizabeth Wallfisch and the late cellist Tanya Prochazka. After commencing cello studies with her mother as a six-year-old she was soon playing in orchestras and as a teenager led the Australian Youth Orchestra cellos on their 1984 European tour. After starting medicine at University\, Rosanne decided instead to pursue cello further with Christian Wojtowicz in Hobart and then with the extraordinary philosopher-cellist Anner Bylsma in the Hague. After a later detour into organic farming she returned to cello studies with Irene Sharp in San Francisco\, resulting in Rosanne’s becoming an effective and passionate cello teacher. Her varied and stimulating career has including playing with the Australian Chamber Orchestra\, touring Europe several times with the contemporary group ELISION\, and playing baroque cello with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra. Rosanne organises and plays with the Melbourne Baroque Orchestra\, which celebrates its 10th year this year (www.melbournebaroqueorchestra.com)\, has recently performed Bach’s Fifth Cello Suite at the Melbourne Recital Centre\, and has upcoming concerts with Forest Collective and the Inventi Ensemble. She is a teacher of cello and chamber music at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School and also has many private students of all ages and stages! Rosanne appeared this past January in Flinders with the the Australian Romantic and Classical Orchestra chamber players as part of the Peninsula Summer Music Festival. \n\n Brian Chapman\, Pianist\n\n Susan Pierotti\, Violinist\n\n Rosanne Hunt\, Cellist\nBookings & Refreshment \nComplimentary light refreshments will be served at Interval. Although advance booking is recommended\, cash and EFTPOS ticket sales will be available at the door. \nTickets \nAdult/Senior $40 | Concession $35 | Student $20 \nBookings can be made via the Bookings link or the QR code. \nEnquiries: 0438 078 969 \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \nThis event is part of the Ballarat Seniors Festival \n \n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/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:20250813T045058Z CREATED:20250813T044851Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T045058Z UID:66952-1759950000-1759953600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Three Methods for Overcoming Bad Habits DESCRIPTION:October 1\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \nFree – $12 \nLending Library \nThese classes offer simple\, practical methods to improve the quality of our life and develop inner peace\nthrough meditation and Buddhist teachings. \nThe in-person setting fosters a supportive community and\noffers real-time interaction with the teacher for personalized guidance.\nClasses include guided meditations and teachings to help us solve our\ndaily problems and find the lasting happiness we seek. \nBeginners welcome\, no bookings required. \nFree for Kadampa members \nKadampa Meditation Centre Australia (Ballarat Branch)\ninfo@meditateinmelbourne.org | 0455205589\nmeditateinballarat.org\nABN 86 114 195 550\nKMC Australia is a not-for-profit organisation \nThe Teacher\nChristielli Portela has been teaching modern Kadampa Buddhism for a decade. As an experienced and well-loved teacher\, she inspires people to use Buddhist meditation to improve their lives through her sincere example and clear teachings. \n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-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:20250321T110559Z CREATED:20250212T040547Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T110559Z UID:62016-1760038200-1760043600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | To Thank the Room DESCRIPTION:October 9\n@\n7:30 pm\n–\n9:00 pm \nAward Winning Australian Documentary\n \nBest Melbourne Documentary 2024 at the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival\, To Thank the Room is about the last 100 days of the iconic Brooklyn Arts Hotel in Fitzroy.  \nThis heart-warming and inspiring documentary is an intimate portrait of Maggie Fooke\, the creator of the hotel\, as she navigates the final days of this dearly-loved institution\, before its closure in 2020 due to financial constraints.\n​\nTo Thank The Room is about living life to the fullest and facing major life-transitions. Maggie leads a merry dance as she both embraces and resists the process of letting go\, with a fierce determination to relish and share her beloved ‘Brooklyn’ to the very last drop. (She now presides over the Northern Arts guest house in Castlemaine\, which hosts a rich programme of music and film events).  ‘So few films try to capture everyday life\, and few succeed as this one has. I enjoyed it so much. Just beautiful’ – John Flaus – Australian screen and broadcasting legend.  Kind Films. \nAustralia\, 2023\, 77 mins. \nPlus 30 mins for Q&A with director Belinda Lloyd and Maggie Fooke. \nBallarat Film Society \n  \nMembership \n12 months – Feb-December: $60\nFeb-July: $35 – July-Dec: $30 \nTo join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. \nMembership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. \nFor film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website \nAll films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \nMore Film\n10 events found. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nToday\n \nUpcoming\nUpcoming \n\n\nSelect date. \n \n\n\n\n \nFeb\n13 \n \n\nFeatured \n7:30 pm\n– \n9:00 pm \n\nBallarat Film Society | KNEECAP \n\n\n\n \nMar\n13 \n \n\nFeatured \n7:30 pm\n– \n9:00 pm \n\nBallarat Film Society | The Movie Teller \n\n\n\n \nApr\n10 \n \n\nFeatured \n7:30 pm\n– \n9:00 pm \n\nBallarat Film Society | Red Rocket \n\n\n\n \nMay\n8 \n \n\nFeatured \n7:30 pm\n– \n9:00 pm \n\nBallarat Film Society | Bicycle Thieves \n\n\n\n \nJun\n12 \n \n\nFeatured \n7:30 pm\n– \n9:00 pm \n\nBallarat Film Society | La Chimera \n\n\n\n \nJul\n10 \n \n\nFeatured \n7:30 pm\n– \n9:00 pm \n\nBallarat Film Society | Sweet As \n\n\n\n \nSep\n11 \n \n\nFeatured \n7:30 pm\n– \n9:00 pm \n\nBallarat Film Society | Goodbye Julia \n\n\n\n \nOct\n9 \n \n\nFeatured \n7:30 pm\n– \n9:00 pm \n\nBallarat Film Society | To Thank the Room \n\n\n\n \nNov\n13 \n \n\nFeatured \n7:30 pm\n– \n9:00 pm \n\nBallarat Film Society | ​Hammarskjöld: The Fight for Peace \n\n\n\n \nDec\n11 \n \n\nFeatured \n7:30 pm\n– \n9:00 pm \n\nBallarat Film Society | ​Little Richard: I am Everything \n\n\n\n\nPrevious Events\n\n\nToday \n\nNext Events \n\n\n\n\nSubscribe to calendar \n\n\nGoogle Calendar \n\niCalendar \n\nOutlook 365 \n\nOutlook Live \n\nExport .ics file \n\nExport Outlook .ics file \n\nBMI news\n\n \n\nNewsletter – February 2025\n\nA Message from the Chair… \n\n\n \n\nNewsletter – January 2025\n\nA Message from the Chair… \n\n\n \n\nRosemary’s Book of the Week\n\nThe Mystery of Haverford House Rachel Burton. A Mystery that… \n\n\n \n\nRosemary’s Book of the Week\n\nDead Man’s Shoes Marion Todd. A Master of the Tartan… \n\n\nLoad More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-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:20250813T045830Z CREATED:20250813T045048Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T045830Z UID:66955-1760554800-1760558400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Three Methods for Overcoming Bad Habits DESCRIPTION:October 1\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \nFree – $12 \nLending Library \nThese classes offer simple\, practical methods to improve the quality of our life and develop inner peace\nthrough meditation and Buddhist teachings. \nThe in-person setting fosters a supportive community and\noffers real-time interaction with the teacher for personalized guidance.\nClasses include guided meditations and teachings to help us solve our\ndaily problems and find the lasting happiness we seek. \nBeginners welcome\, no bookings required. \nFree for Kadampa members \nKadampa Meditation Centre Australia (Ballarat Branch)\ninfo@meditateinmelbourne.org | 0455205589\nmeditateinballarat.org\nABN 86 114 195 550\nKMC Australia is a not-for-profit organisation \nThe Teacher\nChristielli Portela has been teaching modern Kadampa Buddhism for a decade. As an experienced and well-loved teacher\, she inspires people to use Buddhist meditation to improve their lives through her sincere example and clear teachings. \n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-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:20251014T023644Z 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:October 16\n@\n7:30 pm\n–\n9:00 pm \n$20 – $25 \nMinerva Space \n\nGet Tickets\n \nThursday 16 October\, Friday 17 October & Saturday 18 October at 7.30pm\nSaturday 18 October & Sunday 19 October at 2pm \nThe Tony Award Winning Play by Yasmina Reza \nDirected by Ruby Abbott \nAfter the event of school yard bullying\, four parents differing views may have just created cause for another round; adults edition. \nGod of Carnage is a one act black comedy play. It won best comedy at the 2009 Tony Awards\nand the 2009 Laurence Olivier Awards. \nThe play begins with Michael and Veronica\, parents of young Henry\, inviting Alan and Annette\, parents of Benjamin\, to their home to discuss the horrifying event that occurred on the playground that morning. \nEleven-year-old Henry refused to let classmate Benjamin join his gang. Not taking this dismissal lightly\, Benjamin armed himself with a stick and knocked out Henry’s two front teeth. \nWith polite niceties wearing thin\, the audience watches four very different people try to resolve this matter\, convincing each other that it was not the fault of their own son\, rather that of the other. With accusations being hurled around the room\, the argument heats up even further when evaluating matters of racism\, sexism and homophobia. By evening’s end\, the gloves are well and truly off\, with the adults behaving in a manner that is eerily similar to that which occurred on the playground. \n \nPlaywright – Yasmina Reza \nYasmina Reza is a French playwright\, actress\, novelist and screenwriter best known for her plays ‘Art’ and God of Carnage. Many of her brief satiric plays have reflected on contemporary middle-class issues. \nIn 1994\, ‘Art’ premiered in Paris and went on to win the Molière Award for Best Author. Since then it has been produced internationally and translated and performed in over 30 languages. The London production\, produced by David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers\, received the 1996–97 Laurence Olivier Award. It also won the Tony Award for Best Play. \nGod of Carnage opened in London in March 2008\, directed by Matthew Warchus in a translation by Christopher Hampton starring Ralph Fiennes\, Tamsin Greig\, Janet McTeer and Ken Stott. It was produced by David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers\, their second collaboration with Reza. The London production won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. The play premiered on Broadway with an opening night cast of James Gandolfini\, Jeff Daniels\, Marcia Gay Harden\, and Hope Davis. God of Carnage won Best Play at the 2009 Tony Awards. \nDirected by Ruby Abbott \nRuby is a local creative artist\, working as an actor\, director\, and producer. God of Carnage marks Ruby’s full length directorial debut. \nRuby has been involved in many productions in Ballarat and surrounds. She has performed several times with Ballarat National Theatre\, including in Mr Bennet’s Bride (2022)\, Dust and Ruin (2023)\, A Date With Death (2024) and Dancing at Lughnasa (2024). \nRuby has previously served as an assistant director for many productions\, including The Haunted Theatre (2025)\, Sister Cities (2024)\, and The Servant of Two Masters (2021). \nRuby is currently directing the short play Pink and Blue Apps for Creswick Theatre Company’s Twelve Minute Play Festival A Colour\, premiering in May 2025. \nTickets: $25 adults\, $20 Concession\, $18.00 BNT members\, $10 Children\, $10 Group (minimum of 10 tickets). Ticket sales close 1 hour prior to the performance. \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nRunning Time: 2 Hours \nBallarat National Theatre \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n \nBallarat National Theatre are a BMI Community Partner\nFind out more about BMI Community Partnerships below. \n\nSupporters & partners\n\n\n \nThis event is part of the Victorian/Ballarat Seniors Festival \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/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:20251014T023809Z 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:October 16\n@\n7:30 pm\n–\n9:00 pm \n$20 – $25 \nMinerva Space \n\nGet Tickets\n \nThursday 16 October\, Friday 17 October & Saturday 18 October at 7.30pm\nSaturday 18 October & Sunday 19 October at 2pm \nThe Tony Award Winning Play by Yasmina Reza \nDirected by Ruby Abbott \nAfter the event of school yard bullying\, four parents differing views may have just created cause for another round; adults edition. \nGod of Carnage is a one act black comedy play. It won best comedy at the 2009 Tony Awards\nand the 2009 Laurence Olivier Awards. \nThe play begins with Michael and Veronica\, parents of young Henry\, inviting Alan and Annette\, parents of Benjamin\, to their home to discuss the horrifying event that occurred on the playground that morning. \nEleven-year-old Henry refused to let classmate Benjamin join his gang. Not taking this dismissal lightly\, Benjamin armed himself with a stick and knocked out Henry’s two front teeth. \nWith polite niceties wearing thin\, the audience watches four very different people try to resolve this matter\, convincing each other that it was not the fault of their own son\, rather that of the other. With accusations being hurled around the room\, the argument heats up even further when evaluating matters of racism\, sexism and homophobia. By evening’s end\, the gloves are well and truly off\, with the adults behaving in a manner that is eerily similar to that which occurred on the playground. \n \nPlaywright – Yasmina Reza \nYasmina Reza is a French playwright\, actress\, novelist and screenwriter best known for her plays ‘Art’ and God of Carnage. Many of her brief satiric plays have reflected on contemporary middle-class issues. \nIn 1994\, ‘Art’ premiered in Paris and went on to win the Molière Award for Best Author. Since then it has been produced internationally and translated and performed in over 30 languages. The London production\, produced by David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers\, received the 1996–97 Laurence Olivier Award. It also won the Tony Award for Best Play. \nGod of Carnage opened in London in March 2008\, directed by Matthew Warchus in a translation by Christopher Hampton starring Ralph Fiennes\, Tamsin Greig\, Janet McTeer and Ken Stott. It was produced by David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers\, their second collaboration with Reza. The London production won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. The play premiered on Broadway with an opening night cast of James Gandolfini\, Jeff Daniels\, Marcia Gay Harden\, and Hope Davis. God of Carnage won Best Play at the 2009 Tony Awards. \nDirected by Ruby Abbott \nRuby is a local creative artist\, working as an actor\, director\, and producer. God of Carnage marks Ruby’s full length directorial debut. \nRuby has been involved in many productions in Ballarat and surrounds. She has performed several times with Ballarat National Theatre\, including in Mr Bennet’s Bride (2022)\, Dust and Ruin (2023)\, A Date With Death (2024) and Dancing at Lughnasa (2024). \nRuby has previously served as an assistant director for many productions\, including The Haunted Theatre (2025)\, Sister Cities (2024)\, and The Servant of Two Masters (2021). \nRuby is currently directing the short play Pink and Blue Apps for Creswick Theatre Company’s Twelve Minute Play Festival A Colour\, premiering in May 2025. \nTickets: $25 adults\, $20 Concession\, $18.00 BNT members\, $10 Children\, $10 Group (minimum of 10 tickets). Ticket sales close 1 hour prior to the performance. \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nRunning Time: 2 Hours \nBallarat National Theatre \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n \nBallarat National Theatre are a BMI Community Partner\nFind out more about BMI Community Partnerships below. \n\nSupporters & partners\n\n\n \nThis event is part of the Victorian/Ballarat Seniors Festival \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/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:20251020T045545Z 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:October 21\n@\n6:00 pm\n–\n7:30 pm \n$11.78 \nHumffray Room \n\nGet Tickets\n \nWinds of Change \nJ Mary Masters \n \nBook 5 in the Belleville Family Series \nAs a shocking betrayal unravels\, a child’s future hangs in the balance. Cracks appear within the Belleville family. Against this background\, a new house will rise from the ashes but not bbefore the old house gives up its long burried secrets. \nIt is six years on from the end of the fourth book\, Heirs and Successors. It is 1976. The three Belleville siblings — Richard\, William and Julia — are now in their fifties. \nAfter years of turmoil\, life seems settled\, except for a shocking betrayal that begins to unravel. As this betrayal is inevitably revealed\, a child’s future hangs in the balance. \nCracks appear that threaten the Belleville family’s unity. Can this close family survive the upheaval that’s coming? \nAgainst this backdrop\, Julia is determined a new house will rise from the ashes of the original Prior Park mansion but not before the old house gives up its long buried secrets\, casting doubt on the very origin of the Belleville family. \n \nAbout the author\nAuthor\, J Mary Masters\nJudy\, writing as J Mary Masters\, is passionate  about writing stories for mature readers\, especially  women readers. Her books are sought after by regional and rural readers. \nShe was brought up in rural Queensland but only began writing later in life after retiring from full time work in late 2017. She was the founding publisher of Australian Defence Magazine. \nJudy lives on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast with her husband\, Peter. \n$11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. \n\nBook on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n\nGet Tickets\n\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/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:20251021T061535Z CREATED:20250930T012758Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251021T061535Z UID:67775-1761127200-1761141600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Seniors Expo | BMI component now CANCELLED DESCRIPTION:October 22\n@\n10:00 am\n–\n2:00 pm \nFree \nBallarat Show Grounds \nPlus bkg. fee \nJoin the BMI and many other organisationa at the City of Ballarat\nAgeing Well Services Expo \n \nA showcase of community\, social and special interest groups across Ballarat. Find your way to connect\,\ncreate and celebrate! Entertainment\, activities and refreshments provided. \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/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:20250813T050518Z CREATED:20250813T045930Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T050518Z UID:66964-1761159600-1761163200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to solve our human problems DESCRIPTION:October 22\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \nFree – $12 \nLending Library \nThese classes offer simple\, practical methods to improve the quality of our life and develop inner peace\nthrough meditation and Buddhist teachings. \nThe in-person setting fosters a supportive community and\noffers real-time interaction with the teacher for personalized guidance.\nClasses include guided meditations and teachings to help us solve our\ndaily problems and find the lasting happiness we seek. \nBeginners welcome\, no bookings required. \nFree for Kadampa members \nKadampa Meditation Centre Australia (Ballarat Branch)\ninfo@meditateinmelbourne.org | 0455205589\nmeditateinballarat.org\nABN 86 114 195 550\nKMC Australia is a not-for-profit organisation \nThe Teacher\nChristielli Portela has been teaching modern Kadampa Buddhism for a decade. As an experienced and well-loved teacher\, she inspires people to use Buddhist meditation to improve their lives through her sincere example and clear teachings. \n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-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:20251002T045612Z 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:October 24\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:15 pm \n$20 – $35 \nHumffray Room \n\nGet Tickets\n \nBefore Melba\, there was Anna Bishop.\nThe darling of the Goldfields\, returns at last to Ballarat to tell her story and sing the music that we came to love her for. \nAnna’s extraordinary life returns to the stage. Through beloved arias like Lucia’s Mad Scene\, The Last Rose of Summer\, and Home Sweet Home\, Sarahlouise Owens channels Anna’s bold spirit\, fierce independence\, and infectious charisma — breathing life into a woman who dared to live on her own terms. \nOPERA’S BAD GIRL tells the untamed true story of Anna Bishop — opera’s original rebel. A Victorian-era trailblazer who defied her time\, she lived fast\, sang farther\, going where angels fear to tread. \nFrom scandal to spotlight\, Anna Bishop was unstoppable. She left her famous composer husband and defied polite society by running off with a virtuoso harpist — embarking on a globe-trotting adventure so wild it reads like fiction: shipwrecks\, tiger attacks\, hostage-takings\, war zones and epidemics — and through it all\, she sang. To royalty. To rebels. To packed houses on every continent — including three history-making tours of Australia\, helped shape our musical identity. \nOpera’s Bad Girl is not just for opera lovers. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull to break free\, to dream bigger\, to fight harder for the life they want. It’s history with heart\, high notes\, and a heroine who deserves her place among the legends. \nWhether you’re 18 or 80\, this show will move you\, inspire you — and leave you wondering why you’ve never heard her name before. \nOne woman. One voice. One unforgettable story. \nDon’t miss Opera’s Bad Girl. The rebel diva you never knew you needed. \n \nAbout Sarahlouise Owens \nSarahlouise Owens: Versatile performer\, Sarahlouise’s performance experience embraces Musicals (legit\, including Gilbert & Sullivan)\, Musical Theatre\, Opera\, Operetta\, Music Hall\, straight Theatre\, Oratorio and Liturgical music repertoire\, Early Music and Art Song. A graduate of Australian National University (Hons.) and RNCM Manchester\, she has worked in noted international theatres such as Frankfurt\, Hagen\, Hannover\, Paris Chatelet\, Brussels La Monnaie\, most nobably in the Bayreuth Wagner Festival over several years. She is a sought after soloist in Canberra having sung with many groups. She also formed an early music ensemble\, and Opera in a Nutshell. She is passionate about Art Song and performs regular solo concerts. Having learnt of Anna Bishop’s she’s not looked back. \nAbout Kathleen Loh \nKathleen Loh: A graduate of the Canberra School of Music\, ANU\, Kathleen has been very active in the music scene in Sydney and Canberra. In Sydney\, she was the répétiteur for the Nepean Choral Society and official accompanist at the Parramatta Eisteddfod\, Sydney Percussion Eisteddfod and the Australian Flute Festival. More recently\, Kathleen has worked as répétiteur in various productions for the Canberra Opera and National Opera and was the Musical Director for the Canberra Opera productions of La Boheme\, Die Fledermaus and Cosi Fan Tutte. She has worked as the official accompanist for the Australian National Eisteddfod\, Art Song Canberra soirées\, has performed with the National Capital Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. \n \nTickets: $35 adults\, $30 Concession\, $20.00 for full time students. \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/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:20250922T061603Z CREATED:20250805T043957Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T061603Z UID:66614-1761386400-1761408000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Linen and Lace: An exhibition through the decades DESCRIPTION:October 25\n @\n10:00 am\n –\n4:00 pm \n\n$20 \nPlus bkg. fee \nMinerva Room \nPlus bkg. fee \n \n Get Tickets\n \nTake part in this important BMI fundraiser \n \nTogether with The Fashion in Time Club\, a wide selection of special curated pieces from private collections will be on display. A variety of linen and lace taking you through the decades\, 1880 to 1970. Fine hand made lace to delicate embroidery. \nIf you love vintage\, antiques and fashion – don’t miss it! \nTickets includes Devonshire Tea. \nBookings can also be made by a visit to the BMI Library. \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/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:20250930T013159Z CREATED:20250903T045545Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T013159Z UID:67296-1761472800-1761494400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Linen and Lace: An exhibition through the decades DESCRIPTION:October 26\n@\n10:00 am\n–\n4:00 pm \n$20 \nPlus bkg. fee \nMinerva Room \nPlus bkg. fee \n\nGet Tickets\n \nTake part in this important BMI fundraiser \n \nTogether with The Fashion in Time Club\, a wide selection of special curated pieces from private collections will be on display. A variety of linen and lace taking you through the decades\, 1880 to 1970. Fine hand made lace to delicate embroidery. \nIf you love vintage\, antiques and fashion – don’t miss it! \nTickets includes Devonshire Tea. \nBookings can also be made by a visit to the BMI Library. \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/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:20250905T043434Z 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:October 29\n@\n5:30 pm\n–\n6:30 pm \nBar open at 5pm \n$9.73 – $13.83 \nHumffray Room \n \nGet tickets\n \nA Surgeon Commander & A Leading Cook – Ballarat Connections to HMAS Sydney 2 in 1941 \nHMAS Sydney 2 Crew\, 1934\nIt is nearly 84 years this November that the mighty pride of the Royal Australian Navy was lost together with 645 crew in the Indian Ocean. Two Ballarat born men were on the crew that were lost. This talk will discuss the lives of these men and their contribution to WWII. This is said to be the greatest naval catastrophe in Australia’s military history. \nSpeaker: Dr Jean Douglas \nJean Douglas MBBS. FRACGP. Diploma Obstetrics (Auckland). Master of Medicine (Melbourne). \nJean has been a general practitioner working with her husband *Dr Havea Tamanika in Bendigo for over forty years\, retiring in 2015. After a stay in Melbourne\, they moved to Ballarat three years ago to be close to family. During her years in Bendigo\, she was involved with various community agencies such as Breastscreen\, CASA and Loddon Mallee Integrated Cancer Service\, Bendigo Hospital Aged Care and St John of God Medical Advisory Board. \nAfter retirement she has renewed her interest in History and Family research. She is a member of the Heritage and Archives Committee of Australian Medical Association Victoria. \nShe has researched the seventy-nine Victorian Doctors dying in World War 1 and World War 2 culminating in a Memorial Service in November at the AMA Headquarters in Parkville Melbourne in 2023. \n\nUnfortunately Dr Tamanika\, sadly passed away very recently.\n\n\nCommunity Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \nThis event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong\n\n \nTickets and Bookings \nTickets $9.73 BMI members & $13.83 general admittance\, includes gst & bkg fee. \n\nGet tickets\n\n\n \nThis event is part of the Ballarat Seniors Festival \n\n \n\nMore Twilight Talks\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-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:20250813T050736Z CREATED:20250813T050626Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T050736Z UID:66969-1761764400-1761768000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to solve our human problems DESCRIPTION:October 22\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \nFree – $12 \nLending Library \nThese classes offer simple\, practical methods to improve the quality of our life and develop inner peace\nthrough meditation and Buddhist teachings. \nThe in-person setting fosters a supportive community and\noffers real-time interaction with the teacher for personalized guidance.\nClasses include guided meditations and teachings to help us solve our\ndaily problems and find the lasting happiness we seek. \nBeginners welcome\, no bookings required. \nFree for Kadampa members \nKadampa Meditation Centre Australia (Ballarat Branch)\ninfo@meditateinmelbourne.org | 0455205589\nmeditateinballarat.org\nABN 86 114 195 550\nKMC Australia is a not-for-profit organisation \nThe Teacher\nChristielli Portela has been teaching modern Kadampa Buddhism for a decade. As an experienced and well-loved teacher\, she inspires people to use Buddhist meditation to improve their lives through her sincere example and clear teachings. \n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-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:20250923T051016Z CREATED:20250923T045951Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T051016Z UID:67550-1761937200-1761940800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:November 15\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \n$27.50 \nMeet at the BMI entrance  \n\nGet Tickets\n \nExplore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours! \nThis beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to be explored. During these tours\, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute\, exploring the library’s impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts\, and learn about the building’s original purpose as a hub for scientific and technological education. And make sure to check out the basement\, which is steeped in mystery and intrigue – you never know what secrets you might uncover! \nKatrina Hill & Tim Harris | Photo: Jess Schroeter\nWhether you’re a local looking to discover more about your city’s history\, or a visitor seeking a unique and memorable experience\, the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours are not to be missed. \nLed by expert guides who are passionate about the building’s history\, these tours will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Ballarat. Book your tickets today and get ready to step back in time! \nThe tours have a small capacity\, and therefore\, numbers are limited. \nGroup bookings are available – please contact our Tours Coordinator – Katrina Hill \nNote | Accessibility \nMost of this tour is wheelchair accessible\, however the tour does include entry into the BMI Basement\, which is not wheelchair accessible. The tour does involve stairs\, however a lift is available throughout (except to the basement). This tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Tour groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility \nCost / Bookings:  $28.69 includes gst & booking fee \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nMore Tours\n \nThe research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). \nThis reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n\nUnder Minerva’s Gaze\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/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:20250923T051126Z CREATED:20250923T044958Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T051126Z UID:67531-1761944400-1761948000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:October 31\n@\n9:00 pm\n–\n10:00 pm \n$27.50 \nMeet at the BMI entrance  \n\nGet Tickets\n \nExplore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours! \nThis beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to be explored. During these tours\, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute\, exploring the library’s impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts\, and learn about the building’s original purpose as a hub for scientific and technological education. And make sure to check out the basement\, which is steeped in mystery and intrigue – you never know what secrets you might uncover! \nKatrina Hill & Tim Harris | Photo: Jess Schroeter\nWhether you’re a local looking to discover more about your city’s history\, or a visitor seeking a unique and memorable experience\, the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours are not to be missed. \nLed by expert guides who are passionate about the building’s history\, these tours will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Ballarat. Book your tickets today and get ready to step back in time! \nThe tours have a small capacity\, and therefore\, numbers are limited. \nGroup bookings are available – please contact our Tours Coordinator – Katrina Hill \nNote | Accessibility \nMost of this tour is wheelchair accessible\, however the tour does include entry into the BMI Basement\, which is not wheelchair accessible. The tour does involve stairs\, however a lift is available throughout (except to the basement). This tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Tour groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility \nCost / Bookings:  $28.69 includes gst & booking fee \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nMore Tours\n \nThe research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). \nThis reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n\nUnder Minerva’s Gaze\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/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:20251110T033437Z 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:November 5\n @\n5:30 pm\n –\n6:30 pm \nBar open at 5pm \n\n$9.73 – $13.83 \nHumffray Room \n \n Get tickets\n \nRecent War Memorabilia – from WW2 to Afghanistan. \n \nLeft to right – Australian Service Medal – Afghanistan Medal – International Force East Timor Medal – Australian Service Medal for Korea – Iraq Medal – Vietnam Medal. \nOn ANZAC\, Vietnam Veterans and Remembrance Days each year ex-Service people bring out their medals! David will talk about Australian medals from the Post World War 2 period\, to include\, Korea\, Malaya\, Borneo\, Vietnam\, East Timor\, Afghanistan\, Iraq\, and the other conflicts where Australians were awarded medals. \nHe will also talk about the correct wearing and care of medals\, about the various badges such as the  Returned from Active Service Badge. David will answer questions on any aspect of medals and military memorabilia. \nSpeaker: David Wright \nManchester born David Wright emigrated to Adelaide in 1964\, aged 5\, and became interested in collecting medals and memorabilia. He served in the Ordnance Corps in the Regular Army from 1976 to 1986. This led to a Storeman’s position during the building of the Adelaide Casino. \nDavid moved to Ballarat in 1997 and worked in the area he loved of Medals and Memorabilia with I. S. Wright. In 2007 David opened his own shop. David Wright Militaria and Collectables\, fittingly now located in Shepherd Street behind the old Ranger Barracks (now Dan Murphy’s). \n\n \nCommunity Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \nThis event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong\n \n \nTickets and Bookings \nTickets $9.73 BMI members & $13.83 general admittance\, includes gst & bkg fee. \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \nThis event is part of the Ballarat Seniors Festival \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks\n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-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:20251021T040122Z 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:November 5\n@\n6:00 pm\n–\n6:45 pm \nFree \nMinerva Space \n\nGet Tickets\n \nStella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \nThe Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \nIn conversation \nJoin Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \nThe Swift Dark Tide \nWhat happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? \nThe Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. \nPart memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \nFerryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\nThe Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\nFerryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \nFerryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \nAuthor Katia Ariel \nKatia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. \nKatia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \nKatia Ariel\, Author\nKatia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \nKelly Gardiner\, Author\nAuthor Kelly Gardiner \nKelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. \nKelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. \nGoddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen. \nKelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses. \nWe are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \nFollow Stella \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n \nThis event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \nCost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n\nGet Tickets\n \n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/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:20250813T050909Z CREATED:20250813T050815Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T050909Z UID:66971-1762369200-1762372800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to solve our human problems DESCRIPTION:October 22\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \nFree – $12 \nLending Library \nThese classes offer simple\, practical methods to improve the quality of our life and develop inner peace\nthrough meditation and Buddhist teachings. \nThe in-person setting fosters a supportive community and\noffers real-time interaction with the teacher for personalized guidance.\nClasses include guided meditations and teachings to help us solve our\ndaily problems and find the lasting happiness we seek. \nBeginners welcome\, no bookings required. \nFree for Kadampa members \nKadampa Meditation Centre Australia (Ballarat Branch)\ninfo@meditateinmelbourne.org | 0455205589\nmeditateinballarat.org\nABN 86 114 195 550\nKMC Australia is a not-for-profit organisation \nThe Teacher\nChristielli Portela has been teaching modern Kadampa Buddhism for a decade. As an experienced and well-loved teacher\, she inspires people to use Buddhist meditation to improve their lives through her sincere example and clear teachings. \n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-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:20251021T035952Z 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:November 5\n@\n7:15 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \nFree \nMinerva Space \n\nGet Tickets\n \nStella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \nCactus Pear for my Beloved: A Family Story from Gaza by Samah Sabawi \nIn conversation \n2025 Stella shortlisted author Samah Sabawi is joined by Fatima Measham to discuss art\, activism\, and storytelling that crosses borders – of place\, politics\, and the heart. \nCactus Pear for my Beloved: A Family Story From Gaza \nThe story of a family over the past 100 years\, starting in Palestine under British rule and ending in Redland Bay in Queensland. \nSamah Sabawi shares the story of her parents and many like them who were born as their parents were being forced to leave their homelands. \nFilled with love for land\, history\, peoples it is more than anything else a family story and a love story told with enormous humanity and feeling. How the son (one of six)\, born at the height of the displacements to a disabled father and illiterate mother\, a believer in peaceful resistance\, became a leading poet and writer in Palestine\, before being forced\, with his own young family in tow\, to flee and start a new life in Australia. \nOne of the gifts of Samah Sabawi’s Baba is to remain open-hearted and optimistic. \nCactus Pear for my Beloved | Samah Sabawi\nDr. Samah Sabawi\, Author | Photo: Andrew Campbell\nAuthor Dr. Samah Sabawi \nDr Samah Sabawi is an award-winning Palestinian playwright\, poet\, scholar\, and political commentator whose work weaves art and resistance into powerful expressions of identity\, memory\, and hope. Sabawi’s most recent book Cactus Pear for My Beloved: A Gaza family story (Penguin 2024)\, is a searing memoire exploring love\, exile\, and the enduring scars of dispossession. \nThe book chronicles her family’s journey across a century—from British Mandate Palestine through the Nakba and exile to Queensland. The book has earned critical acclaim\, was shortlisted for the 2025 Stella Prize\, The Age Book of the Year\, and the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards’ Douglas Stewart Prize for Non fiction; it was also highly commended by the Victoria Premier’s Literary Awards and long listed for the Palestine Book Awards. \nSabawi’s plays Tales of a City by the Sea (La Mamma 2014 – Currency Press 2016) and Them (La Mamma 2019 – Currency Press 2020) both won multiple awards\, were staged to critical acclaim in theatres across Australia\, Canada\, and the Middle East\, and continue to be widely studied and celebrated for their lyrical storytelling and uncompromising political depth. In 2016\, Sabawi co-edited with Stephen Orlov the anthology Double Exposure: Plays of the Jewish and Palestinian Diasporas (Playwrights Canada Press 2016). This groundbreaking anthology is the first English-language collection bringing together plays by Jewish and Palestinian writers\, accompanied by interviews offering insight into the challenges of writing and staging stories centred on justice for Palestine. the book received the Biennial Patrick O’Neill Award. \nIn the realm of poetry\, Sabawi co-authored I Remember My Name – Poetry by Samah Sabawi\, Ramzy Baroud and Jehan Bseiso (Novum Publishing 2016). This powerful trio of Palestinian poets––inspired by exile and resistance––offers deeply personal and politically charged reflections on identity\, displacement\, and hope. Sabawi’s poems employ sharp satire and emotional resonance—calling out injustice and giving voice to resilience. The anthology received the 2016 Palestine Book Award for its lyrical\, urgent storytelling Beyond the page and stage\, Sabawi is a respected media commentator and public speaker and a passionate advocate for justice and human rights. She is co-founder and Board Director of Palestine Australia Relief and Action (PARA)\, supporting Palestinians\, especially Gaza genocide survivors in Australia. Dr Sabawi received a Master of Communications from Griffith University and a PhD from Victoria University. \nSamah will be in conversation with Fatima Measham \nFatima Measham\, Author\nAuthor Fatima Measham \nFatima Measham is a nature writer with a visual practice focused on environmental justice. Her essays and images deal with the incompatibilities and dualities inherent in our relationship with history. \nHer perspective is drawn from Catholic liberation theory\, Filipino revolutionary history\, and the settler-migrant experience. She is a co-founder of Wyndham for Palestine\, and was part of the organising alliance behind We Vote For Palestine and Solidarity Cup for Palestine. \nWe are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \nFollow Stella \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n \nThis event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \nCost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n\nGet Tickets\n \n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/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:20250813T003339Z CREATED:20250711T034827Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T003339Z UID:66176-1762453800-1762459200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Rachael Johns DESCRIPTION:November 6\n @\n6:30 pm\n –\n8:00 pm \n\n$11.78 \nHumffray Room \n \n Get Tickets\n \nThe Lucky Sisters \nRachael Johns \n \nThe breakout blockbuster of the year – a deeply moving novel about life\, death and the miracles in between\, by the award-winning author of The Patterson Girls. \nThe Lucky Sisters…Will their luck run out… \nWhat would you do if you thought each day on earth might just be your last? \nLucky by name. Not so lucky by nature. \nAdopted twins Nora and Stevie Lucky have always been close\, despite being total opposites.When their mother dies\, Nora convinces Stevie to search for their biological parents\, only to come face-to-face with a life-changing revelation that sends them spiralling in opposite directions. \nWith their careers\, love lives and even their sisterly bond at risk\, they’re going to need more than luck to survive. \n\n The Lucky Sisters | Rachael Johns\nAbout the author\n\n Rachael Johns\, Author | Photo: Dan Grant\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \nRachael Johns was once (briefly) an English teacher\, before turning her attention to writing – and never looking back. She now writes award-winning romance\, women’s fiction\, and the occasional awkward text. Her novel The Patterson Girls won the 2016 ABIA for General Fiction\, and she’s a two-time winner of the Romance Writers of Australia RUBY Award.  \nWhen she’s not writing\, Rachael can be found hanging out with her adorable Sheepadoodle\, listening to audiobooks\, or fuelling her latest obsession—reformer Pilates. She lives in the Swan Valley with her husband\, two of her three sons (the other has flown the nest)\, and tells herself she’ll read more non-fiction every year—but let’s be honest\, the novels always win. \nRachael is the co-host of two podcasts: Reading Between Deadlines and Dear Rach & Soph\, and also runs the vibrant Rachael Johns Book Club on Facebook. You can find her at www.rachaeljohns.com or subscribe to her Substack\, Pink Ink\, where she shares behind-the-scenes bookish thoughts and writer life. \nThis event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n$11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. \nBook on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/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 BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251112T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251112T193000 DTSTAMP:20251017T032148Z CREATED:20251017T014102Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251017T032148Z UID:68029-1762966800-1762975800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Crafting Conversation: The Artists Edition DESCRIPTION:November 12\n@\n5:00 pm\n–\n7:30 pm \n$25 – $35 \nHumffray Room \nSession begins at 5:30pm \n\nGet Tickets\n\n\n \nCrafting Conversation \nA Panel Series for Makers in Business \nReal talk – Generous insight – A creative space to learn\, reflect and connect \n\nArtist Panel: Travis Price\, Ben Sanders & Spencer Harrison \nOur second edition moves across to the community of artists\, featuring three Ballarat artists who work commercially\,\nsharing their stories\, challenges\, and insights into what it really takes to build a sustainable creative business in Australia. \nCome for the conversation\, stay for the community. \nTravis Price is a Ballarat-based multi-disciplinary illustrator and graphic artist with over 25 years of experience across editorial\, branding\, animation and murals. Known for his bold\, nostalgic style and playful use of typography\, his work draws heavily on 80s and 90s pop culture. Travis has collaborated with leading brands and agencies across Australia and beyond\, building a reputation as one of the country’s most distinctive creative voices. \nBen Sanders hasn’t stopped drawing since he landed his first illustration job at the age of 12. His career has spanned design\, advertising and illustration\, with clients including Cadbury\, Harrods of London and The Natural Confectionery Co. Based in Ballarat\, Ben is best known for his award-winning children’s books and bold\, character-driven illustrations that appear everywhere from picture books to murals and packaging. \nSpencer Harrison is an Australian artist exploring geometric abstraction through painting\, sculpture\, murals and installation. His work examines the balance between order and chaos\, minimalism and maximalism\, and is deeply rooted in a fascination with colour and form. Spencer’s major public commissions include collaborations with the Melbourne Immigration Museum\, White Night and the City of Melbourne. \nTravis Price \n  \nBen Sanders \n  \nSpencer Harrison \n  \n\nThe Series \nJoin us for Crafting Conversation\, a quarterly panel discussion series presented by Make Good Things Happen\, designed especially for Australian makers\, artists\, designers and creative small business owners. \nThese in-person events are an opportunity to hear from brilliant voices in the community as they share real stories about what it takes to build a sustainable\, values-driven creative business in today’s world. \nFrom jewellery to textiles\, ceramics to woodwork\, if you’re creating with heart and trying to make it work as a business\, this space is for you. \n\n‘Come for the conversation\, leave with clarity and community.’ \nPractical advice\, honest storytelling and community minded conversation – Light refreshemtns served in a beautiful heritage venue – The chance to connect with other creatives and feel a little less alone. \nEvent Host – Angela D’Alton \nAngela D’Alton is a curator\, creative industry advocate\, and co‑founder of Make Good Things Happen. With decades of experience supporting makers\, artists\, and designers\, she champions Australia’s handmade community through events\, mentoring\, and sector development — connecting creatives with the tools\, networks\, and inspiration to thrive. \nMake Good Things Happen \n\nFind out more\n \nAngela D’Alton\nCost: $25 to $35 per person incl gst and bkg fee. Light refreshment provided. \n\nGet Tickets\n \nAbout Make Good Things Happen \nMake Good Things Happen\, is an online haven for makers\, artists\, and designers navigating the vibrant world of independent business. \nBorn in the whirlwind of 2020\, Make Good Things Happen is the brainchild of Angela D’Alton and Renée Baker\, the dynamic duo behind D’Alton Baker Productions. \nWith nearly two decades of experience in the Australian maker scene\, they’ve transformed their passion into a platform that empowers creatives like you. \nAngela D’Alton\n\nRenée Baker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin – Make Good Things Happen Community\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/crafting-conversation-artists/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-mgth.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Make Good Things Happen":MAILTO:angela@daltonbaker.com.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251112T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251112T200000 DTSTAMP:20250813T051100Z CREATED:20250813T050947Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T051100Z UID:66973-1762974000-1762977600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to solve our human problems DESCRIPTION:October 22\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \nFree – $12 \nLending Library \nThese classes offer simple\, practical methods to improve the quality of our life and develop inner peace\nthrough meditation and Buddhist teachings. \nThe in-person setting fosters a supportive community and\noffers real-time interaction with the teacher for personalized guidance.\nClasses include guided meditations and teachings to help us solve our\ndaily problems and find the lasting happiness we seek. \nBeginners welcome\, no bookings required. \nFree for Kadampa members \nKadampa Meditation Centre Australia (Ballarat Branch)\ninfo@meditateinmelbourne.org | 0455205589\nmeditateinballarat.org\nABN 86 114 195 550\nKMC Australia is a not-for-profit organisation \nThe Teacher\nChristielli Portela has been teaching modern Kadampa Buddhism for a decade. As an experienced and well-loved teacher\, she inspires people to use Buddhist meditation to improve their lives through her sincere example and clear teachings. \n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-12-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:20251113T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251113T210000 DTSTAMP:20250321T110605Z CREATED:20250212T031341Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T110605Z UID:61989-1763062200-1763067600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | ​Hammarskjöld: The Fight for Peace DESCRIPTION:November 13\n@\n7:30 pm\n–\n9:00 pm \nCompelling Cold War Political Thriller\n \nIn 1961\, the charismatic Swedish diplomat\, economist and implacable idealist Dag Hammarskjöld was in his seventh year as Secretary-General of the United Nations. By some\, he was considered the ‘clearest thinker in the room\,’ but by others as the victim of a ‘saviour complex’ (Cineuropa). \nTorn between his personal life and dedication to global responsibilities\, he set out to bring peace to the newly decolonizing Congo\, taking on in the process powerful mining entrepreneurs and world powers intent on exploitation. Hammarskjöld’s mission was fraught with danger as he boarded a plane in a desperate attempt to negotiate a ceasefire. \nJohn. F. Kennedy called Hammarskjöld one of the greatest statesmen of our century and he has remained the benchmark against which later UN Secretaries-General have been judged. Whilst the film is set against a huge geo-political backdrop\, it also helps humanize a man acutely aware of his role as a politician. Palace. \nSweden\, 2023\, 114 min. \nDir: Per Fly. Stars: Mikael Persbrandt. \nBallarat Film Society \n  \nMembership \n12 months – Feb-December: $60\nFeb-July: $35 – July-Dec: $30 \nTo join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. \nMembership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. \nFor film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website \nAll films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \nMore Film\n7 events found. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nToday\n \nUpcoming\nUpcoming \n\n\nSelect date. \n \n\n\n\n \nFeb\n13 \n \n\nFeatured \n7:30 pm\n– \n9:00 pm \n\nBallarat Film Society | KNEECAP \n\n\n\n \nMar\n13 \n \n\nFeatured \n7:30 pm\n– \n9:00 pm \n\nBallarat Film Society | The Movie Teller \n\n\n\n \nApr\n10 \n \n\nFeatured \n7:30 pm\n– \n9:00 pm \n\nBallarat Film Society | Red Rocket \n\n\n\n \nMay\n8 \n \n\nFeatured \n7:30 pm\n– \n9:00 pm \n\nBallarat Film Society | Bicycle Thieves \n\n\n\n \nJun\n12 \n \n\nFeatured \n7:30 pm\n– \n9:00 pm \n\nBallarat Film Society | La Chimera \n\n\n\n \nSep\n11 \n \n\nFeatured \n7:30 pm\n– \n9:00 pm \n\nBallarat Film Society | Goodbye Julia \n\n\n\n \nNov\n13 \n \n\nFeatured \n7:30 pm\n– \n9:00 pm \n\nBallarat Film Society | ​Hammarskjöld: The Fight for Peace \n\n\n\n\nPrevious Events\n\n\nToday \n\nNext Events \n\n\n\n\nSubscribe to calendar \n\n\nGoogle Calendar \n\niCalendar \n\nOutlook 365 \n\nOutlook Live \n\nExport .ics file \n\nExport Outlook .ics file \n\nBMI news\n\n \n\nNewsletter – February 2025\n\nA Message from the Chair… \n\n\n \n\nNewsletter – January 2025\n\nA Message from the Chair… \n\n\n \n\nRosemary’s Book of the Week\n\nThe Mystery of Haverford House Rachel Burton. A Mystery that… \n\n\n \n\nRosemary’s Book of the Week\n\nDead Man’s Shoes Marion Todd. A Master of the Tartan… \n\n\nLoad More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-hammarskjold/ 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-bfs3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251115T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251115T200000 DTSTAMP:20250923T052823Z CREATED:20250923T040314Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T052823Z UID:67502-1763233200-1763236800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:November 15\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \n$27.50 \nMeet at the BMI entrance  \n\nGet Tickets\n \nExplore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours! \nThis beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to be explored. During these tours\, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute\, exploring the library’s impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts\, and learn about the building’s original purpose as a hub for scientific and technological education. And make sure to check out the basement\, which is steeped in mystery and intrigue – you never know what secrets you might uncover! \nKatrina Hill & Tim Harris | Photo: Jess Schroeter\nWhether you’re a local looking to discover more about your city’s history\, or a visitor seeking a unique and memorable experience\, the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours are not to be missed. \nLed by expert guides who are passionate about the building’s history\, these tours will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Ballarat. Book your tickets today and get ready to step back in time! \nThe tours have a small capacity\, and therefore\, numbers are limited. \nGroup bookings are available – please contact our Tours Coordinator – Katrina Hill \nNote | Accessibility \nMost of this tour is wheelchair accessible\, however the tour does include entry into the BMI Basement\, which is not wheelchair accessible. The tour does involve stairs\, however a lift is available throughout (except to the basement). This tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Tour groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility \nCost / Bookings:  $28.69 includes gst & booking fee \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nMore Tours\n \nThe research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). \nThis reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n\nUnder Minerva’s Gaze\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-15-nov-25/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251115T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251115T220000 DTSTAMP:20250923T052637Z CREATED:20250923T051356Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T052637Z UID:67555-1763240400-1763244000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:October 31\n@\n9:00 pm\n–\n10:00 pm \n$27.50 \nMeet at the BMI entrance  \n\nGet Tickets\n \nExplore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours! \nThis beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to be explored. During these tours\, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute\, exploring the library’s impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts\, and learn about the building’s original purpose as a hub for scientific and technological education. And make sure to check out the basement\, which is steeped in mystery and intrigue – you never know what secrets you might uncover! \nKatrina Hill & Tim Harris | Photo: Jess Schroeter\nWhether you’re a local looking to discover more about your city’s history\, or a visitor seeking a unique and memorable experience\, the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours are not to be missed. \nLed by expert guides who are passionate about the building’s history\, these tours will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Ballarat. Book your tickets today and get ready to step back in time! \nThe tours have a small capacity\, and therefore\, numbers are limited. \nGroup bookings are available – please contact our Tours Coordinator – Katrina Hill \nNote | Accessibility \nMost of this tour is wheelchair accessible\, however the tour does include entry into the BMI Basement\, which is not wheelchair accessible. The tour does involve stairs\, however a lift is available throughout (except to the basement). This tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Tour groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility \nCost / Bookings:  $28.69 includes gst & booking fee \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nMore Tours\n \nThe research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). \nThis reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n\nUnder Minerva’s Gaze\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-15-nov-25-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours 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:20251118T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251118T193000 DTSTAMP:20250930T062718Z CREATED:20250917T050616Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T062718Z UID:67363-1763488800-1763494200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Margaret Hickey DESCRIPTION:November 18\n@\n6:00 pm\n–\n7:30 pm \n$11.78 \nHumffray Room \n\nGet Tickets\n \nAn Ill Wind \nMargaret Hickey \n \nA Small Town Divided – Secrets Are Blown Apart \nAuthor of Cutters End and Stone Town \nHigh on a hill above the small fictional Victorian town of Carrabeen\, 300 wind turbines constantly spin. All except for one\, now deadly still with a limp body hanging from one of its huge white blades. \nMarried Detective Sergeants Belinda Burney and Will Lovell are shocked to discover the dead man is Geordie Pritchard\, a wealthy local philanthropist and owner of the wind energy farm. Suicide at first seems the likely explanation\, until Geordie’s widow Lucinda insists her husband was murdered – and she has the death threats to prove it. \nThe controversies surrounding the arrival of the wind farm has ripped the rural town in two. Some welcome the jobs and prosperity it brings\, others are enraged by the loss of farming land. So in the eyes of the locals\, Pritchard was both saint and sinner. But who in this small community hated him enough to want him dead? \nThe natural Australian landscape is the centrepiece of all Margaret’s writing\, and the focus of her creative writing PhD was on depictions of landscape in Australian literature. She has always been struck by the isolation and danger\, as well as the beauty and exhilaration of her local surrounds and this is evident in An Ill Wind as we spend time in the dusty and quiet paddocks of Carrabeen. \nIn previous books she has depicted the harsh\, relentless desert\, the secretive\, sodden bush\, Australia’s ethereal underwater world and the mountainous High Country of North East Victoria where she lives. \n \nAbout the author\nMargaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\nWe are thrilled to announce that Margaret has won ‘Best Crime’ in the 2025 Ned Kelly Awards\nfor her book The Creeper \n\n2025 Ned Kelly Award Winners\n \nMargaret Hickey is an award-winning author and playwright from North East Victoria. She has a PhD in Creative Writing and is deeply interested in rural lives and communities. She is the author of the bestsellers Cutters End\, Stone Town\, Broken Bay and The Creeper. Her collection of short stories about country life\, Rural Dreams\, was released in January 2025. \nThis event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n$11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. \n\nBook on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n\nGet Tickets\n\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/margaret-hickey-25/ 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/2025/09/margaret-hickey-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251119T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251119T183000 DTSTAMP:20251110T232935Z CREATED:20250728T054722Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T232935Z UID:66407-1763573400-1763577000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 5\, Recent Years | Ballarat's Her Majesty's Reinvention\, Presented by Richard Nicholson DESCRIPTION:November 19\n@\n5:30 pm\n–\n6:30 pm \nBar open at 5pm \n$9.73 – $13.83 \nHumffray Room \n\nGet tickets\n \nHer Majesty’s Renovation \n \nThis talk will examine the recent renovation of Her Majesty’s Theatre and explore the challenges\, rewards and outcomes for the community that accompany transformational change to a treasured Heritage Building in the heart of the City of Ballarat. \nSpeaker: Richard Nicholson \nRichard Nicholson\, Director\, Nicholson Construction \nRichard is the fourth generation of the Nicholson family to serve on the board.  Richard has been a Director since 1998 and is a qualified Civil Engineer specialising in structural engineering. \nSince joining Nicholson Construction\, Richard has been pivotal in growing the company from a locally-based contracting firm in Ballarat\, to a major commercial construction company completing projects across the State of Victoria. \nHe is a proactive leader with a particular focus on corporate governance and risk management\, and is committed to community engagement. \n\nCommunity Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \nThis event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong\n\n \nTickets and Bookings \nTickets $9.73 BMI members & $13.83 general admittance\, includes gst & bkg fee. \n\nGet tickets\n\n\n \n\nMore Twilight Talks\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/her-majestys-reinvention/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/square-promo-2025-her-majestys-final.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251119T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251119T200000 DTSTAMP:20250917T031134Z CREATED:20250917T030336Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250917T031134Z UID:67346-1763578800-1763582400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Meditations on the Mind: How to Create Mental Space DESCRIPTION:November 19\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \nFree – $12 \nLending Library\, ground floor \n \nThese classes offer simple\, practical methods to improve the quality of our life and develop inner peace\nthrough meditation and Buddhist teachings. \nThe in-person setting fosters a supportive community and\noffers real-time interaction with the teacher for personalized guidance.\nClasses include guided meditations and teachings to help us solve our\ndaily problems and find the lasting happiness we seek. \nBeginners welcome\, no bookings required. \nFree for Kadampa members \nKadampa Meditation Centre Australia (Ballarat Branch)\ninfo@meditateinmelbourne.org | 0455205589\nmeditateinballarat.org\nABN 86 114 195 550\nKMC Australia is a not-for-profit organisation \nThe Teacher\nChristielli Portela has been teaching modern Kadampa Buddhism for a decade. As an experienced and well-loved teacher\, she inspires people to use Buddhist meditation to improve their lives through her sincere example and clear teachings. \n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-19-nov-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Med_on_mind_Sq.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251120T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251120T200000 DTSTAMP:20251110T031636Z CREATED:20251110T031233Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T031636Z UID:68444-1763663400-1763668800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:An Evening with Peter FitzSimons AM DESCRIPTION:November 20\n @\n6:30 pm\n –\n8:00 pm \nMinerva Room \n \n Get Tickets\n \nThe Courageous Life of Weary Dunlop: Surgeon\, prisoner-of-war\, life -saving leader and legend of the Thai-Burma Railway \nPeter FitzSimons \n \nAustralia’s bestselling non-fiction writer Peter FitzSimons AM will be in Ballarat to celebrate his latest book about Weary Dunlop. \nPeter FitzSimons AM is Australia’s bestselling non-fiction writer\, and for the past 39 years has also been a journalist and columnist with the Sydney Morning Herald and the Sun Herald. \nHe is the author of a number of highly successful books\, including Breaker Morant\, Burke and Wills\, Monash’s Masterpiece\, Kokoda\, Ned Kelly and Gallipoli\, as well as biographies of such notable Australians as Sir Douglas Mawson\, Nancy Wake and John Eales. His passion is to tell Australian stories\, our own stories: of great men and women\, of stirring events in our history.Peter grew up on a farm north of Sydney\, went to boarding school in Sydney and attended Sydney University. An ex-Wallaby\, he also lived for several years in rural France and Italy\, playing rugby for regional clubs. He and his wife\, Lisa Wilkinson AM – journalist\, magazine editor and television presenter – have three children; they live in Sydney. \n \nThe extraordinary story of the heroic doctor whose courage and leadership were a lifeline for thousands of Australian prisoners-of-war on the infamous Thai-Burma Railway of World War II – brilliantly told by Australia’s favourite storyteller\, Peter FitzSimons. \nIn September 1939\, young Australian surgeon Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop was working in London when the dogs of war were unleashed. Signing up\, he was commissioned a captain in the Australian Army Medical Corps (AAMC) and sent to the Middle East\, serving in Palestine\, Greece\, Crete\, Egypt and Tobruk. \nAs the European war dragged on\, an emboldened Japanese force captured Singapore and marched closer to Australian shores. Weary and over 3000 others sailed back to Java to fight this new enemy. At the No. 1 Allied General Hospital in Bandoeng\, the Japanese were ready to murder the bedridden when Weary put his body in front of the bayonets. From that moment his leadership\, ingenuity and selflessness became legend as Allied prisoners-of-war were sent to Singapore\, Thailand and finally faced the hell of working as slave labour on the infamous Thai-Burma Railway. In the POW camps\, tropical diseases\, malnutrition\, and the brutal work regime imposed by their Japanese captors meant the death toll was horrific. And yet\, with little to no medical supplies\, under extreme physical pressure\, Weary Dunlop took risks and beatings to defy the Japanese and keep his men alive in circumstances that tested the limits of human endurance. \nWeary was a gentle giant of a man. A boxer and former Wallaby\, he could have been an elite sportsman but chose a different path – one that led him from rural Victoria to training as a pharmacist and then to medical school. World War II was the fire that fuelled this remarkable hero. His courageous leadership and calm endurance became beacons of hope to the POWs under his command. His name has become synonymous with courage\, compassion and resilience. Now\, Weary Dunlop’s heroic and inspiring story has been brought to life by Australia’s greatest storyteller\, Peter FitzSimons. \nThis event is hosted by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \nFree \n  \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/an-evening-with-peter-fitzsimons-am/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/cover-peter-fitzsimonos-book-e1762145093105.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR