Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute

Rock Ballarat Burlesque Showcase
2021-05-01 18:00 - 23:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | BMI – Minerva Space, 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, 3350
Twilight Talks is back on again. We have a great line-up of talks: Military History – How do we remember?

Peter DowlingLocal member of the Ballarat WAGS (Wireless Airgunners School).Motivated to find out more of his father’s and uncle’s experiences in WWII, Peter Dowling has been a member and now President of the Air Force Association NSW Sunderland Branch for the past 25 years. Since moving to Ballarat in 2018, he has been a member of the Air Force Association Ballarat Branch and is the incumbent President.Peter was born in Melbourne and his first career was in the family real estate business. He was approached to join the Reserves of the Royal Australia Navy when in his mid-thirties due to his expertise in containerisation and shipping and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander.Prior to his retirement, Peter was the Director and Owner of a Small Business Consulting group, providing analysis and solutions to a wide range of small businesses.

Peter Dowling

No. 1 Wireless Air Gunners School – BallaratUnder the auspices of the Royal Australian Air Force, Ballarat Airport domiciled the first wireless and air gunners’ school to be established in WWII. Recruits were schooled in Morse Code and gunnery prior to assignment to fighter, bomber or coastal squadrons. Over 6000 young men passed through the 58 courses held between 1940 and 1945. Of these young men, nearly 1200 were killed. Members of the Air Force Association Ballarat have researched 1WAGS extensively. A visual memorial has been created at the old Officers’ Mess in Hut 48 at the airport and the 1WAGS websitedetailing the history of the school and the lives of many of the trainees has had over 80,000 hits.

Marion SnowdonResearcher into military memorials:Marion says that she is a curious observer. As a retired teacher she now enjoys the luxury of time to visit communities, near and far. Cemetery rambles are a favourite with visits to memorials a close second. Through living and travelling with her husband Garry – passionate amateur World War One historian – Marion’s eyes have been opened to the multitude of ways that communities remember and pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed. She appreciates the opportunity to share some of her photographs with others.

Marion Snowdon

Cost & Bookings | $8 per person BMI members | $12 per person regular

Information on the full series

Full Series

Book places

Book Places

Update from Liam Mudge, Venue Manager | Stage Ready
Stage Ready The BMI has received funding to launch Stage...

A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | December 2025
Hello everybody, it is hard to believe we are writing...

Rosemary’s Book of the Week
It’s A Scorcher: Tales of the Australian Summer William McInnes...

Rosemary’s Book of the Week
The Courageous Life of Weary Dunlop Peter FitzSimons AM Don’t...

Load More

Keep the Circle Unbroken - Ballarat
2021-03-28 15:00 - 17:00 | BMI – Multiple Spaces, 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, 3350, Australia

MICF Class Clowns | Ballarat Heat
2021-03-18 19:00 - 21:00 | BMI – Multiple Spaces, 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, 3350, Australia

Big Women | Presented by LadderFrame Theatre
2021-03-13 19:00 - 22:30 | BMI – Multiple Spaces, 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, 3350, Australia
