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DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230519T103000
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DTSTAMP:20230426T002837Z
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UID:35957-1684492200-1684497600@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:The Heritage Collection | Special Program
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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/the-heritage-collection-special-program/
LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/641315e3602909f94cc8096a.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230518T193000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230518T210000
DTSTAMP:20230912T011423Z
CREATED:20230202T030347Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230912T011423Z
UID:33952-1684438200-1684443600@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - A Hero (Ghahreman)
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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/bfs-ahero/
LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350
CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/hero01-e1675307277220.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230516T140000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230516T150000
DTSTAMP:20230515T053446Z
CREATED:20230515T053426Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230515T053446Z
UID:39816-1684245600-1684249200@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-heritage-2/
LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/BMI-facade.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230510T173000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230510T190000
DTSTAMP:20230505T002500Z
CREATED:20230321T025736Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230505T002500Z
UID:35687-1683739800-1683745200@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2023 | Season 2\, Session 2
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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-season-2-ballarat-heritage-festival-4/
LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Culture,The Collection,Twilight Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/twilight-talks-gold-black-2023.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230328T140000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230328T150000
DTSTAMP:20230328T222715Z
CREATED:20230327T231124Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230328T222715Z
UID:36550-1680012000-1680015600@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-heritage/
LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230503T173000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230503T190000
DTSTAMP:20230425T230806Z
CREATED:20230321T055028Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230425T230806Z
UID:35753-1683135000-1683140400@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2023 | Season 2\, Session 1
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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-season-2-ballarat-heritage-festival-3-may-2023-2/
LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Culture,The Collection,Twilight Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/twilight-talks-gold-black-2023.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230328T140000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230328T150000
DTSTAMP:20230328T222715Z
CREATED:20230327T231124Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230328T222715Z
UID:36550-1680012000-1680015600@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-heritage/
LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230502T103000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230502T113000
DTSTAMP:20230329T222016Z
CREATED:20230327T230710Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230329T222016Z
UID:36544-1683023400-1683027000@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:The Reading Room
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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/the-reading-room-book-discussion-2/
LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Library
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Reading_room_adjusted-e1704770529709.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230501T103000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230501T143000
DTSTAMP:20230412T033854Z
CREATED:20230328T024519Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230412T033854Z
UID:36692-1682937000-1682951400@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Digitisation Workshop | AMaGa | Geraldine Brault
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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/digitisation-workshop-amaga-geraldine-brault-session-1/
LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Art programs,Culture,Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/hands-on-digitisation-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230430T193000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230430T220000
DTSTAMP:20230221T003522Z
CREATED:20230221T003406Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230221T003522Z
UID:34698-1682883000-1682892000@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow | Ballarat
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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/micfroadshow2023/
LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350
CATEGORIES:Comedy,Externally Produced Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/FB_Header-01-e1676939589744.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230428T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230428T200000
DTSTAMP:20230327T215854Z
CREATED:20230310T034250Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230327T215854Z
UID:35019-1682708400-1682712000@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Meet the Author |  Olivia Wearne & Elizabeth Coleman
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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/meet-the-author-elizabeth-coleman-olivia-wearne/
LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Art programs,Culture,Library
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/event-listing-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230328T140000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230328T150000
DTSTAMP:20230328T222715Z
CREATED:20230327T231124Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230328T222715Z
UID:36550-1680012000-1680015600@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-heritage/
LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230328T140000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230328T150000
DTSTAMP:20230328T222715Z
CREATED:20230327T231124Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230328T222715Z
UID:36550-1680012000-1680015600@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-heritage/
LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230416T090000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230416T140000
DTSTAMP:20230317T002839Z
CREATED:20230309T005139Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230317T002839Z
UID:34979-1681635600-1681653600@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:BMI Autumn Maker Market
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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/bmi-autumn-maker-market/
LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350
CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Market
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/maker_image-e1628392488945.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230415T090000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230416T140000
DTSTAMP:20230317T002615Z
CREATED:20230310T045900Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230317T002615Z
UID:35050-1681549200-1681653600@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:BMI Autumn Book Sale
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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/bmi-autumn-book-sale/
LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Fundraiser,Library,Market
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/IMG-0851-e1678425194379.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230414T170000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230414T183000
DTSTAMP:20230317T002330Z
CREATED:20230315T023507Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230317T002330Z
UID:35114-1681491600-1681497000@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Book Launch | Look Back on Languor: The memoir of a hurkle-durkle Australian male
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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/look-back-on-languor-frank-hurley/
LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Art programs,Culture,Library
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Langour_-front-cover-flyer-image.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230413T193000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230413T210000
DTSTAMP:20230202T024640Z
CREATED:20230202T024047Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230202T024640Z
UID:33946-1681414200-1681419600@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - Both Sides of the Blade
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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/bfs-bothsidesoftheblade/
LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350
CATEGORIES:Externally Produced Event,Film
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Brody-Both-Blade.jpg-e1675305921383.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230328T140000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230328T150000
DTSTAMP:20230328T222715Z
CREATED:20230327T231124Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230328T222715Z
UID:36550-1680012000-1680015600@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-heritage/
LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230328T140000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230328T150000
DTSTAMP:20230328T222715Z
CREATED:20230327T231124Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230328T222715Z
UID:36550-1680012000-1680015600@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-heritage/
LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230403T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230403T200000
DTSTAMP:20230329T211548Z
CREATED:20230217T030838Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230329T211548Z
UID:34508-1680548400-1680552000@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Meet the Author | Bill "Swampy" Marsh
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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/meet-the-author-bill-swampy-marsh/
LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Library
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/bill-portrait-2-e1678423349274.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230331T100000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230331T120000
DTSTAMP:20230320T041733Z
CREATED:20230320T035701Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230320T041733Z
UID:35539-1680256800-1680264000@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Feeling Out Loud: Writing Poetry
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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/feeling-out-loud-writing-poetry/
LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Art programs,Externally Produced Event,Library
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/0001-46481475799.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230330T123000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230330T133000
DTSTAMP:20230329T221641Z
CREATED:20230329T221639Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230329T221641Z
UID:36847-1680179400-1680183000@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:The Reading Room | Now rescheduled to 2 May
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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/the-reading-room-book-discussion-3/
LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Library
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Reading_room_adjusted-e1704770529709.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230328T140000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230328T150000
DTSTAMP:20230328T222715Z
CREATED:20230327T231124Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230328T222715Z
UID:36550-1680012000-1680015600@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-heritage/
LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230309T193000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230309T210000
DTSTAMP:20230912T011436Z
CREATED:20230202T023239Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230912T011436Z
UID:33926-1678390200-1678395600@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - Brooklyn
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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/bfs-brooklyn/
LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350
CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/image-4-e1675305750390.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230308T173000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230308T190000
DTSTAMP:20230125T022201Z
CREATED:20221104T022223Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230125T022201Z
UID:24442-1678296600-1678302000@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2023 | Season 1
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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-2022-season-1-2023-03-08/
LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/twilight-talks-gold-black-2023.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230304T100000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230304T120000
DTSTAMP:20230221T065726Z
CREATED:20230213T032835Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230221T065726Z
UID:34263-1677924000-1677931200@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Embrace the Begonia Festival Workshop | Location now changed
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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/embrace-the-begonia-festival/
LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/hero-image-adjusted.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230301T173000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230301T190000
DTSTAMP:20230216T024412Z
CREATED:20221104T022223Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230216T024412Z
UID:24441-1677691800-1677697200@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2023 | Season 1
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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-2022-season-1-2023-03-01/
LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/twilight-talks-gold-black-2023.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230224T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230224T203000
DTSTAMP:20230221T002947Z
CREATED:20230221T002924Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230221T002947Z
UID:34689-1677265200-1677270600@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Class Clowns | Ballarat Heat
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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/classclowns2023/
LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350
CATEGORIES:Comedy,Externally Produced Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/277816395_5466870933332660_6457270729669509639_n-e1676939338168.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230222T173000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230222T190000
DTSTAMP:20230221T231709Z
CREATED:20230214T223946Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230221T231709Z
UID:34385-1677087000-1677092400@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2023 | Season 1 | Now moved to Minerva Space Level 3
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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-2022-season-1-2023-02-22-2/
LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350
CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/twilight-talks-gold-black-2023.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230215T173000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230215T190000
DTSTAMP:20230214T054412Z
CREATED:20221104T022223Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230214T054412Z
UID:24439-1676482200-1676487600@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2023 | Season 1 | More tickets released
DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n		\n			May 22\n\n	\n\n	  @  \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n		\n\n\n\n	\n	  -  \n\n7:00 pm\n\n\n\n	\n				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n					\n$8 – $12 				\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre.  Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					Not the Last Picture Show: Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City.				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Minerva Space has borne witness to the journey of cinema\, from hosting the Ballarat debut of the cinematograph in 1896\, to the arrival of the ‘talkies’ in 1930\, to the dramatic dip in audiences in the late 1950’s after the arrival of television and popularity of the drive-in\, to the waning of the drive-in and the rise of the multiplex – leading to the demise of the single screen cinema.  Two figures have played a key role in the latter part of this journey and the cinema industry in Ballarat. John Bourke started working in cinema as a ‘car hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In\, formerly Hoyts’ Skyline. He worked as an Assistant Projectionist at the drive-in while completing his studies\, landing a role as Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in 1977\, ultimately holding the position for 28 years. Jack Anderson was responsible for the Regent revival and also reviving the hall at the Mechanics’ into the Vegas 70.  Chris Jones started working with John in ‘94  as an usher at The Regent\, the same year the Mechanics’ Hall had once again been resurrected as a cinema\, this time called ‘The Sturt’. Chris worked at the Sturt and Regent\, ultimately working in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies\, and as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Between the two they have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share and reflect on\, from dramatically unfurling a reel of film down the stairs of the Mechanics’\, to the wild characters sneaking into the drive-ins in the boots of cars\, and the Hollywood stars who graced the town.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					Speakers: John Burke & Chris Jones				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n												\n																					\n										\n									\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									John Bourke John commenced in the Cinema industry in 1974 as a ‘Car Hop’ at the Village Northern Drive-In (formerly the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In) whilst completing Year 11 as a mature age student at St Patrick’s College Ballarat.  Technically though\, John and his siblings were working in the industry when they 6 years old carrying display boards around the local football ovals advertising what was screening at the Village Southern Drive-In and Vegas 70 Cinema Ballarat.  After completing his studies\, John landed a role as a full-time Assistant Projectionist at the Drive-In. Over the next two years\, John continued to work full-time while studying at RMIT to become a fully-qualified Cinema Projectionist. In February of 1977\, John took on the position of Manager – Projectionist at the newly refurbished classic cinema\, The Regent\, Ballarat. John held the position for 28 years. After a brief absence\, John’s passion for cinema lured him back to The Regent in the role of Sales Manager. John continued for another nine or so years\, retiring from the cinema industry following heart surgery. During his career\, John experienced the evolution of cinema and drive-in from the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. John is now the Manager of Patient Services and Switchboard at Grampians Health Ballarat. John continues to be involved in cinema through his lifelong friendship with Chris Jones and Showbiz Cinemas\, and his membership of the Cinema Pioneers Association.  								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									Chris Jones Chris is the Director of Showbiz Group & Showbiz Cinemas\, and is a Board Member at Independent Cinemas Australia.  Chris commenced in the cinema industry in 1994 as an usher at the historic Regent Cinemas in Lydiard Street whilst attending the University of Ballarat. After completing his studies\, he then worked at various cinemas located in Melbourne and Adelaide and has worked in senior positions for Village and Hoyts Joint Venture companies as well as the National Operations Manager for Reading Cinemas before co-founding Twilight Cinemas (2008) and Showbiz Cinemas (2013). Chris holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in finance and marketing and holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences (Film\, Media and Psychology).  Chris opened the third Showbiz cinema location in Ballarat in 2017 at the brand-new Delacombe Town Centre catering to the burgeoning growth area that has exploded in the southwestern part of Ballarat. Showbiz Ballarat is a modern state of the art\, 6-screen multiplex. All cinemas feature luxury leather seating\, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Laser Projection on all screens. The cinema holds a full liquor license and is open 7-days a week. The cinema is also the ideal location to provide full digital conferencing\, seminars and other non-cinema events including live sporting telecasts. The facility is an accessible venue with a front ramp and dedicated accessible seating bays in all cinemas\, limited Open Caption and Audio Description sessions. Chris is passionate about delivering a cinema experience that is engaging\, genuine and respectful. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n												\n																					Showbiz's Drive-in Cinema in 2020 | Image Provided by Chris Jones.\n										\n									\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n									Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n										\n						\n									Book here\n					\n					\n								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n										\n						\n									2024 Twilight Talks\n					\n					\n								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n									Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong 								\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: 								\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n									This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival 								\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n																\n															\n															\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					More Twilight Talks				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n							\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This 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. 								\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n							\n			\n		\n						\n				\n					BMI news				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n					\n            \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n                        Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n                        For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        BMI Collection Events\n                        Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n                    \n        \n    \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n                        Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n                    \n        \n    \n            \n                    \n                \n                    \n                    Load More\n                \n            \n            				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n																														\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n									This enent 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-2022-season-1-2023-02-15/
LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350
CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks
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