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DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230723T210000
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DTSTAMP:20230705T041631Z
CREATED:20230705T040454Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230705T041631Z
UID:41354-1690146000-1690149600@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tours
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/minervas-secrets-night-tours-2/
LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/night-tours-square.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230723T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230723T200000
DTSTAMP:20230705T041742Z
CREATED:20230705T040742Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230705T041742Z
UID:41337-1690138800-1690142400@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tours
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/minervas-secrets-night-tours-1/
LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/night-tours-square.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230722T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230722T200000
DTSTAMP:20230705T234644Z
CREATED:20230620T044609Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230705T234644Z
UID:40732-1690052400-1690056000@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Feltopia World Tour | Randy Feltface
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/feltopia-world-tour/
LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Externally Produced Event,Live Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/feltopia.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230713T193000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230713T210000
DTSTAMP:20230912T011400Z
CREATED:20230202T032934Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230912T011400Z
UID:33969-1689276600-1689282000@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - Lake of Scars
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-lakeofscars/
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/r0_0_1160_1578_w1160_h1578_fmax-e1675307860713.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:20230707T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230707T200000
DTSTAMP:20230706T042322Z
CREATED:20230626T052415Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230706T042322Z
UID:41071-1688756400-1688760000@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Six Strings\, One Heart | Australian Concert Tour: Spanish Guitar
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/six-strings-one-heart-spanish-guitar/
LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Live Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/andrea-gonzalez-caballero.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230704T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230704T200000
DTSTAMP:20230501T043505Z
CREATED:20230404T025826Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230501T043505Z
UID:37295-1688497200-1688500800@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Meet the Author |  A. J. Lyndon
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-aj-lyndon/
LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Art programs,Culture,Library
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cannon-ballarat-2019-e1680574946680.webp
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:20230702T180000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230702T200000
DTSTAMP:20230630T053237Z
CREATED:20230620T054655Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230630T053237Z
UID:40743-1688320800-1688328000@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Be_ Hear/Now Live Music Festival | Cassells and Band: Folk & Verse
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/be_-hear-now-live-music-festival-cassells-and-band-folk-verse/
LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Externally Produced Event,Live Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Cassells-eventpromo-BHN23-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230630T140000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230630T150000
DTSTAMP:20230508T025730Z
CREATED:20230406T032945Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230508T025730Z
UID:37636-1688133600-1688137200@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Meet the Author |  Maya Linnell
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-maya-linnell/
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/2023/04/unnamed1-e1680747452966.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:20230621T180000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230621T190000
DTSTAMP:20230605T034811Z
CREATED:20230411T035700Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230605T034811Z
UID:37790-1687370400-1687374000@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Exploring the Path to Clean Energy with Alan Finkel (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/the-wheeler-centre-powering-up-alan-finkel-in-ballarat/
LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Culture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Powering-Up-with-Alan-Finkel-square.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:20230614T183000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230614T200000
DTSTAMP:20230602T020702Z
CREATED:20230530T000254Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230602T020702Z
UID:40168-1686767400-1686772800@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Jock Serong |  In Conversation
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/jock-serong-in-conversation/
LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Library
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/jock-serong-e1685671609469.png
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:20230608T193000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230608T210000
DTSTAMP:20230912T011417Z
CREATED:20230202T031300Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230912T011417Z
UID:33956-1686252600-1686258000@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - Pig
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-pig/
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/ezgif-7-0434c06698f1-compressed-1-e1675307564693.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:20230605T103000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230605T143000
DTSTAMP:20230328T023447Z
CREATED:20230328T021851Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230328T023447Z
UID:36665-1685961000-1685975400@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-3/
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:20230604T140000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230604T153000
DTSTAMP:20230530T233702Z
CREATED:20230317T004223Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230530T233702Z
UID:35294-1685887200-1685892600@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Salon Sessions:  Melba Opera Trust | This event has now been CANCELLED.
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/salon-sessions-the-bmi-in-partnership-with-melba-opera-trust-2/
LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Art programs,Classical Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/about-dame-nellie-melba.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:20230528T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230528T210000
DTSTAMP:20230404T053247Z
CREATED:20230322T052741Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230404T053247Z
UID:35964-1685300400-1685307600@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Life Drawing in the Basement
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/life-drawing-in-the-basement-copy-copy/
LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/641b9c63dce404b6288d524a.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230528T180000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230528T190000
DTSTAMP:20230404T052938Z
CREATED:20230321T005544Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230404T052938Z
UID:35656-1685296800-1685300400@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Silent Film with Live Band | Buster Keaton in 'The General'
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/silent-film-with-live-band-buster-keaton-in-the-general/
LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Art programs,Comedy,Culture,Film,Live Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/6407e4ff7a5635e16634984b.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230528T140000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230528T160000
DTSTAMP:20230404T052627Z
CREATED:20230322T052852Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230404T052627Z
UID:35966-1685282400-1685289600@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Life Drawing in the Basement
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/life-drawing-in-the-basement-copy-copy-copy/
LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/641b9c63dce404b6288d524a.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230528T110000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230528T160000
DTSTAMP:20230404T052243Z
CREATED:20230403T234034Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230404T052243Z
UID:37168-1685271600-1685289600@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Living Heritage Exhibition
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/living-heritage-ballaarat-mechanics-exhibition-copy-copy/
LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition,The Collection
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/6413133691792ea538a2c867.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230527T110000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230527T160000
DTSTAMP:20230404T052035Z
CREATED:20230323T233037Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230404T052035Z
UID:36184-1685185200-1685203200@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Living Heritage Exhibition
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/living-heritage-ballaarat-mechanics-exhibition-6/
LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition,The Collection
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/6413133691792ea538a2c867.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230526T110000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230526T160000
DTSTAMP:20230404T051509Z
CREATED:20230323T233725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230404T051509Z
UID:36193-1685098800-1685116800@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Living Heritage Exhibition
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/living-heritage-ballaarat-mechanics-exhibition-5/
LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition,The Collection
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/6413133691792ea538a2c867.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230525T110000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230525T160000
DTSTAMP:20230404T051119Z
CREATED:20230323T233604Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230404T051119Z
UID:36191-1685012400-1685030400@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Living Heritage Exhibition
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/living-heritage-ballaarat-mechanics-exhibition-4/
LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition,The Collection
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/6413133691792ea538a2c867.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230525T103000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230525T120000
DTSTAMP:20230710T032706Z
CREATED:20230403T064243Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230710T032706Z
UID:37134-1685010600-1685016000@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:The Photography of the BMI | Special Programs
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-photography-of-the-bmi-special-programs/
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/2023/04/looking-down-lydiard-street-north-showing-federal-hotel-mh1897.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230524T173000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230524T190000
DTSTAMP:20230505T003752Z
CREATED:20230321T000642Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230505T003752Z
UID:35642-1684949400-1684954800@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2023 | Season 2\, Session 5 | Ballarat Heritage Festival
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/
LOCATION:Chinese Library\, 200 Sturt Street
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:20230524T110000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230524T160000
DTSTAMP:20230404T050020Z
CREATED:20230323T233445Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230404T050020Z
UID:36189-1684926000-1684944000@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Living Heritage Exhibition
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/living-heritage-ballaarat-mechanics-exhibition-3/
LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition,The Collection
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/6413133691792ea538a2c867.jpeg
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