BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART: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:20251024T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251024T201500 DTSTAMP:20260419T234114 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:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/operas-bad-girl/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Live Music,Theatre Production,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sq-promo-bad-girl.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251025T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251025T160000 DTSTAMP:20260419T234114 CREATED:20250805T043957Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T061603Z UID:66614-1761386400-1761408000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Linen and Lace: An exhibition through the decades DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/linen-and-lace-fundraiser/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art programs,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Urban Agriculture Month,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/linen-and-lace-sq-promo-v3-1.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251026T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251026T160000 DTSTAMP:20260419T234114 CREATED:20250903T045545Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T013159Z UID:67296-1761472800-1761494400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Linen and Lace: An exhibition through the decades DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/linen-and-lace-fundraiser-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art programs,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/linen-and-lace-sq-promo-v3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251029T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251029T183000 DTSTAMP:20260419T234114 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:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-surgeon-commander-leading-cook/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/hmas-sydney-2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251029T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251029T200000 DTSTAMP:20260419T234114 CREATED:20250813T050626Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T050736Z UID:66969-1761764400-1761768000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to solve our human problems DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-29-october-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-human-poblems.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251031T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251031T200000 DTSTAMP:20260419T234114 CREATED:20250923T045951Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T051016Z UID:67550-1761937200-1761940800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-31-oct-25/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251031T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251031T220000 DTSTAMP:20260419T234114 CREATED:20250923T044958Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T051126Z UID:67531-1761944400-1761948000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-31-oct-25-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T183000 DTSTAMP:20260419T234114 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:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-war-memorabilia/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/square-promo-medals-v36.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T184500 DTSTAMP:20260419T234114 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:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/stella-day-out-katia-ariel/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Important Dates,Library,Stella Day Out ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-katia.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T200000 DTSTAMP:20260419T234114 CREATED:20250813T050815Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T050909Z UID:66971-1762369200-1762372800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to solve our human problems DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-5-november-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-human-poblems.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T191500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T200000 DTSTAMP:20260419T234114 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:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/stella-day-out-samah-sabawi/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Important Dates,Library,Stella Day Out ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-samah.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251106T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251106T200000 DTSTAMP:20260419T234114 CREATED:20250711T034827Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T003339Z UID:66176-1762453800-1762459200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Rachael Johns DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/rachael-johns/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/sq-promo-rachael-johns.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251112T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251112T193000 DTSTAMP:20260419T234114 CREATED:20251017T014102Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251017T032148Z UID:68029-1762966800-1762975800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Crafting Conversation: The Artists Edition DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More 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:20260419T234114 CREATED:20250813T050947Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T051100Z UID:66973-1762974000-1762977600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to solve our human problems DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More 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:20260419T234114 CREATED:20250212T031341Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T110605Z UID:61989-1763062200-1763067600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | ​Hammarskjöld: The Fight for Peace DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load 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:20260419T234114 CREATED:20250923T040314Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T052823Z UID:67502-1763233200-1763236800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More 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:20260419T234114 CREATED:20250923T051356Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T052637Z UID:67555-1763240400-1763244000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More 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:20260419T234114 CREATED:20250917T050616Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T062718Z UID:67363-1763488800-1763494200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Margaret Hickey DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More 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:20260419T234115 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:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/her-majestys-reinvention/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/square-promo-2025-her-majestys-final.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251119T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251119T200000 DTSTAMP:20260419T234115 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:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-19-nov-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Med_on_mind_Sq.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251120T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251120T200000 DTSTAMP:20260419T234115 CREATED:20251110T031233Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T031636Z UID:68444-1763663400-1763668800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:An Evening with Peter FitzSimons AM DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/an-evening-with-peter-fitzsimons-am/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/cover-peter-fitzsimonos-book-e1762145093105.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251121T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251121T210000 DTSTAMP:20260419T234115 CREATED:20250917T004106Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T233455Z UID:67335-1763753400-1763758800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ben Knight: The Parent Teacher Interview | Show now SOLD OUT DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ben-knight-parent-teacher/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ben-knight-sq-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="KEG Touring":MAILTO:Contact@kegtouring.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251122T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251123T160000 DTSTAMP:20260419T234115 CREATED:20240822T062240Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T012503Z UID:58498-1763805600-1763913600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Open Garden & Devonshire Tea - BMI Fundraiser | Errard Hall DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/open-garden-fundraiser-2025/ LOCATION:Errard Hall\, Errard Street North\, Ballarat Central\, City of Ballarat\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Urban Agriculture Month ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/square-promo-errard-hall.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251122T184500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251122T223000 DTSTAMP:20260419T234115 CREATED:20251017T035401Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T042444Z UID:68049-1763837100-1763850600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Small Things DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/small-things/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251126T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251126T183000 DTSTAMP:20260419T234115 CREATED:20250728T055539Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T233614Z UID:66413-1764178200-1764181800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 5\, Recent Years | Ballarat Arts Foundation: 25 Years Old\, Presented by Paula Nicholson DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-arts-foundation/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/square-promo-2025-ballarat-arts-foundation.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251126T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251126T200000 DTSTAMP:20260419T234115 CREATED:20250917T031231Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250917T031337Z UID:67356-1764183600-1764187200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Meditations on the Mind: How to Create Mental Space DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-26-nov-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Med_on_mind_Sq.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251128T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251128T213000 DTSTAMP:20260419T234115 CREATED:20250408T004608Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T031528Z UID:64310-1764360000-1764365400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Akmal | Live Comedy at the BMI DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/akmal/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/promo-square-akmal.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251129T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251129T213000 DTSTAMP:20260419T234115 CREATED:20250714T024250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T025904Z UID:66208-1764446400-1764451800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Daniel Muggleton: You Might Be White\, I May Be Crazy DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/daniel-muggleton/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/square-promo-daniel-muggleton.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251202T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251202T193000 DTSTAMP:20260419T234115 CREATED:20251113T001614Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T003410Z UID:68682-1764698400-1764703800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with William McInnes DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/william-mcinnes/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/william-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251203T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251203T200000 DTSTAMP:20260419T234115 CREATED:20250917T031355Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250917T031513Z UID:67359-1764788400-1764792000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Meditations on the Mind: How to Create Mental Space DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour\n ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 BMI Appeal | Give now\n A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-3-dec-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Med_on_mind_Sq.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR