BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.16.5.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20270403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20271002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20280401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20280930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260513T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260513T200000 DTSTAMP:20260331T041831Z CREATED:20260303T011741Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T041831Z UID:71063-1778697000-1778702400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Kerri Rogan DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-kerri-rogan/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-v3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260513T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260513T200000 DTSTAMP:20260331T041747Z CREATED:20260302T013053Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T041747Z UID:71031-1778698800-1778702400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Love Changes Everything: How to Transform Yourself & the World Around You DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-13-may/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3-Love-Changes-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260514T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260514T210000 DTSTAMP:20260409T035403Z CREATED:20260129T041334Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T035403Z UID:70407-1778787000-1778792400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Black Dog DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-film-society-black-dog/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/black-dog-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260516T083000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260516T180000 DTSTAMP:20260331T035919Z CREATED:20260128T044603Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035919Z UID:70338-1778920200-1778954400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Victorian Occult Conference DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/victorian-occult-conference/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Conference ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/sq-promo-vic-occult.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T200000 DTSTAMP:20260331T035527Z CREATED:20260310T001332Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035527Z UID:71137-1779217200-1779220800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tour-19-may-26/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T203000 DTSTAMP:20260418T054257Z CREATED:20260414T044444Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260418T054257Z UID:72157-1779219000-1779222600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Lantern Vaults | Special Preview DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/lantern-vaults-preview/ LOCATION:The Basement\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Important Dates ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-events-lantern-vaults.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T220000 DTSTAMP:20260331T044437Z CREATED:20260310T002124Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044437Z UID:71139-1779224400-1779228000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tour-18-may-26-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260520T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260520T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T053401Z CREATED:20260509T053122Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T053401Z UID:72861-1779303600-1779307200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | From Anxiety to Action: Tools to Reclaim Your Life DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-from-anxiety-to-action-tools-to-reclaim-your-life/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/4-From_Anxiety_to_Action_Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260521T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260524T160000 DTSTAMP:20260522T063609Z CREATED:20260418T053218Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260522T063609Z UID:72320-1779357600-1779638400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Lantern Vaults DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/lantern-vaults/ LOCATION:BMI – Multiple Spaces\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-events-lantern-vaults.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260522T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260522T203000 DTSTAMP:20260514T045854Z CREATED:20260318T041021Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T045854Z UID:71379-1779476400-1779481800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Panic from the Sky: A Call of Cthulhu Adventure DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/panic-in-the-sky/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sq-promo-events-tales-final.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260523T113000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260524T121500 DTSTAMP:20260521T053103Z CREATED:20260421T025952Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T053103Z UID:72387-1779535800-1779624900@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Heritage Festival - Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-heritage-festival-tours/ LOCATION:Meet in the Foyer\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-day-tours.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260527T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260527T200000 DTSTAMP:20260331T035212Z CREATED:20260313T002934Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035212Z UID:71249-1779906600-1779912000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Amanda Hampson DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/amanda-hampson/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-amanda-hampson.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260527T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260527T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T054009Z CREATED:20260509T053422Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T054009Z UID:72867-1779908400-1779912000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | From Aniety to Action: Tools to Reclaim Your Life DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-from-aniety-to-action-tools-to-reclaim-your-life-27-may/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/4-From_Anxiety_to_Action_Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260530T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260530T110000 DTSTAMP:20260528T034920Z CREATED:20260528T041002Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260528T034920Z UID:73311-1780135200-1780138800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Lantern Vaults DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/lantern-vaults-reprised/ LOCATION:BMI – Multiple Spaces\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-events-lantern-vaults.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260603T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260603T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T053950Z CREATED:20260509T053525Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T053950Z UID:72869-1780513200-1780516800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | From Aniety to Action: Tools to Reclaim Your Life DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-from-aniety-to-action-tools-to-reclaim-your-life-3-june/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/4-From_Anxiety_to_Action_Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260606T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260606T213000 DTSTAMP:20260514T035755Z CREATED:20260511T011117Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T035755Z UID:72909-1780767000-1780781400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Queer Blak+ Deadly with Steven Oliver DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/queer-blak-deadly-with-steven-oliver/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Pride,Burlesque,Comedy,Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-queer.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260607T120000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260607T150000 DTSTAMP:20260514T045643Z CREATED:20260514T020854Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T045643Z UID:72943-1780833600-1780844400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Moco: 5 Senses of Drag Workshop DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/moco-5-senses-of-drag-workshop/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Pride,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-moco.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260610T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260610T200000 DTSTAMP:20260605T012250Z CREATED:20260509T053553Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260605T012250Z UID:72871-1781118000-1781121600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Transformative Power of Concentration DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-from-aniety-to-action-tools-to-reclaim-your-life-10-june/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/6-Focus_Concentration_BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260611T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260611T210000 DTSTAMP:20260331T035120Z CREATED:20260129T043042Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035120Z UID:70415-1781206200-1781211600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Monster DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-film-society-monster/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/monster-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T200000 DTSTAMP:20260527T015517Z CREATED:20260310T005733Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260527T015517Z UID:71141-1781290800-1781294400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tour-12-jun-26/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sq-promo-minerva-secrets2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T220000 DTSTAMP:20260613T032649Z CREATED:20260310T010115Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260613T032649Z UID:71143-1781298000-1781301600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tour-12-jun-26-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sq-promo-minerva-secrets.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260617T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260617T193000 DTSTAMP:20260507T043433Z CREATED:20260506T023026Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T043433Z UID:72763-1781719200-1781724600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Anthea Hodgson DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-anthea-hodgson/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sp-promo-talks-anthea-hodgson.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260617T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260617T200000 DTSTAMP:20260605T012458Z CREATED:20260509T053624Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260605T012458Z UID:72873-1781722800-1781726400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Transformative Power of Concentration DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-from-aniety-to-action-tools-to-reclaim-your-life-17-june/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/6-Focus_Concentration_BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260621T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260621T180000 DTSTAMP:20260514T041434Z CREATED:20260514T032237Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T041434Z UID:72955-1782052200-1782064800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Pianoforte Schedule - Celebrating Chopin DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/royal-south-street-society-pianoforte-schedule-celebrating-chopin-26/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Live Music,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-chopin.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260623T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260623T193000 DTSTAMP:20260331T034824Z CREATED:20260313T005434Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034824Z UID:71257-1782237600-1782243000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Mark Smith DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/mark-smith-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-mark-smith.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260624T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260624T200000 DTSTAMP:20260605T012745Z CREATED:20260509T053656Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260605T012745Z UID:72875-1782327600-1782331200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Transformative Power of Concentration DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-from-aniety-to-action-tools-to-reclaim-your-life-24-june/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/6-Focus_Concentration_BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260627T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260627T193000 DTSTAMP:20260514T034853Z CREATED:20260514T032920Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T034853Z UID:72959-1782585000-1782588600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Vocal Championship Challenge DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/royal-south-street-society-vocal-championship-challenge/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Live Music,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260629T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260629T210000 DTSTAMP:20260514T040925Z CREATED:20260514T033415Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T040925Z UID:72963-1782761400-1782766800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | The Herald Sun Aria Semi-Final DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/royal-south-street-society-the-herald-sun-aria-semi-final/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Live Music,Royal South Street Society,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-arias.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260630T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270126T150000 DTSTAMP:20260623T010825Z CREATED:20250527T054132Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260623T010825Z UID:65238-1782828000-1800975600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - Each Tuesday DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-ballarat-26/ LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/building-tours-sq-promo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260701T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260701T193000 DTSTAMP:20260508T010257Z CREATED:20260506T041811Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260508T010257Z UID:72778-1782928800-1782934200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Sherryl Clark DESCRIPTION:This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat\, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895\, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute\, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in our beautiful Minerva Theatre. Since then\, thousands of movies have been screened in the theatre through its many iterations\, including at the Vegas 70 theatre which is being reactivated for this year’s Heritage Week. Come along from 5.30pm to grab a drink and wander through the exhibition in the Williamson Foyer\, the former candy bar of the cinema\, before the talk.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI \n \n In 1896\, Ballarat audiences first witnessed the marvel of ‘moving pictures’ at the BMI’s Mechanics’ Hall\, just a year after the Lumière Brothers’ invention of the cinematographe. By 1919\, the hall had been converted to a cinema\, known as the Britannia\, then the Odeon\, the Vegas 70\, and finally\, The Sturt.   In 2004\, the final cinema lease on the Minerva ended\, leaving the ghostly theatre time-worn and scarred from its many uses and iterations. In the 2010’s\, committee member Dr. Frank Hurley OAM spearheaded the securing of funding to restore the Minerva to how it looked as a 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, with practical modern additions.  Today\, the Minerva is a stunning event space\, which fulfills its initial purpose as a community hall\, playing host to events including concerts\, dances\, theatre\, comedy\, exhibitions\, banquets\, markets and more. The Minerva Space is also used for screenings\, making the theatre one of the oldest cinemas still showing films in the world.  This Twilight Talk will feature BMI Curator Ellen Becker traversing the history of the Minerva as a cinema\, Dr Frank Hurley OAM discussing the incredible work of restoring a disused cinema to a glorious 19th century Mechanics’ Hall\, and our Venues and Events Manager Sam McColl will explore how the Minerva is used today and touch on the challenges of putting on modern events in a heritage listed 1860’s Mechanics’ Hall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More of our Image Collection\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: Frank Hurley\, Ellen Becker\, BMI Heritage Curator & Sam McColl BMI Venue Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM Frank served on the BMI Committee for over 30 years till retiring in 2013. He was then BMI Patron for a further five years. He served numerous terms as President and as Secretary. He played a leading role in the restoration and revitalisation of the BMI in the ten or so years from 2000. In other spheres\, Frank was deeply involved\, as a senior academic for 25 years\, in the evolution of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) and in the establishment of the University’s Arts Academy city campus in the complex of former government buildings on Camp/Lydiard Streets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Frank Hurley OAM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl Sam is Venue and Events Manager at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Currently in his 6th year at the BMI\, Sam has worked at the organisation through immense change – COVID-19\, a brand invigoration\, changes in board and executive management\, and now a cost-of-living crisis that seems to be hitting the arts and culture sector quite hard. Outside the BMI\, Sam also works for a local Member of Parliament\, and in his ‘spare time’ volunteers with St John Ambulance Victoria. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam McColl\, Venue & Events Manager\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Becker Ellen Becker is the Heritage Collections Curator at the BMI\, and also works as an Education Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association. Ellen has previously worked in various roles in collections including at the Australian Film Institute Research Collection\, the Arts Centre Melbourne\, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Starting at 6pm (bar open at 5.30pm)\, close 7pm. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $12 general admission | $8 BMI members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience seated in the Vegas 70 Cinema in the 1960's | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute archives.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute\n The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Find out more about the BMI building  Renovations\, via Rex’s Snippits. \n \n \n \n Renovations\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2024 Twilight Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to the support of Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Community Bank Buninyong socials: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The BMI’s Twilight Talks series has been a forum for sharing fascinating history and radical futures since 2001\, check out our website for upcoming talks.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Twilight Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch\n Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood.\n The Secrets of Provence Daisy Wood Provence\,1940 Thrown out of... \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 Newsletter – July 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-sherryl-clark/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sp-promo-talks-sherryl-clark.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR