BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.18//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 END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260506T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260506T183000 DTSTAMP:20260404T170549 CREATED:20260323T001805Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043353Z UID:71453-1778088600-1778092200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks: Focus on Ballarat - What We Watched Before Cinema: ‘Entertainments’ at the Mechanics’ Hall\, 1863–1919 DESCRIPTION:May 6\n@\n5:30 pm\n–\n6:30 pm \n$9 – $13 \nHumffray Room \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nWhat We Watched Before Cinema: ‘Entertainments’ at the Mechanics’ Hall\, 1863–1919 \nSpeaker: Ellen Becker \n\nWhen the Mechanics’ Hall opened in 1863\, the people of Ballarat flocked to see some strange and spectacular contemporary entertainments — mesmerists\, automata\, waxworks\, human curiosities\, and the magic of the first moving image technologies. Join Curator Ellen Becker in traversing the entertainments held in the hey day of the hall\, before it was converted into the Britannia Cinema in 1919.  \nAbout the speaker \nEllen Becker\, BMI Heritage Collection Curator\nEllen Becker is a museum and cultural heritage professional\, currently working as the Heritage Collections Curator at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, as well as Property Coordinator of Old Melbourne Gaol and Polly Woodside at the National Trust of Australia (Victoria). \nThis event will be supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n$13 per person plus booking fee\, general admission | $9 for BMI members plus booking fee. \nBook on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-focus-on-ballarat-4/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/square-promo-2025-ellen.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260506T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260506T200000 DTSTAMP:20260404T170549 CREATED:20260302T012938Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043305Z UID:71029-1778094000-1778097600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Love Changes Everything: How to Transform Yourself & the World Around You DESCRIPTION:April 15\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \nFree – $12 \nLending Library\, ground floor \n \nThese classes offer simple\, practical methods to improve the quality of our life and develop inner peace\nthrough meditation and Buddhist teachings. \nThe in-person setting fosters a supportive community and\noffers real-time interaction with the teacher for personalized guidance.\nClasses include guided meditations and teachings to help us solve our\ndaily problems and find the lasting happiness we seek. \nBeginners welcome\, no bookings required. \nFree for Kadampa members \nKadampa Meditation Centre Australia (Ballarat Branch)\ninfo@meditateinmelbourne.org | 0455205589\nmeditateinballarat.org\nABN 86 114 195 550\nKMC Australia is a not-for-profit organisation \n\nBookings\n \nThe Teacher\nChristielli Portela has been teaching modern Kadampa Buddhism for a decade. As an experienced and well-loved teacher\, she inspires people to use Buddhist meditation to improve their lives through her sincere example and clear teachings. \n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-6-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:20260508T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260508T213000 DTSTAMP:20260404T170549 CREATED:20260310T034440Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043207Z UID:71174-1778268600-1778275800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:One Tease Rules Them All: Fellowship of the G-String - The Burlesque Parody DESCRIPTION:May 8\n@\n7:30 pm\n–\n9:30 pm \n$48.79 \nMinerva Space \n\nGet Tickets\n \nAn epic burlesque fantasy parody where Middle-earth is reimagined through \nglitter\, glamour\, and glorious mischief. \n \nOne Tease to Rule Them All is a theatrical burlesque revue inspired by legendary fantasy worlds and the archetypes we know and love\, hobbits\, heroes\, wizards\, warriors\, and shadowy foes. \nNine incredible performers gather to bring Middle Earth to life in a spectacle of seduction\, spectacle\, and storytelling. \nEach member of this enchanting fellowship brings their own magic to the stage — from sultry burlesque and spellbinding circus artistry to theatrical characters drawn from the realms of fantasy. Together they weave a tale of mischief\, glamour\, and daring adventure\, where heroes shimmer\, villains tempt\, and every costume hides a little bit of magic. \nThis is not a direct retelling\, but a playful and spectacular reimagining\, told through the art of burlesque\, circus\, and character-driven performance. \nFollow a fellowship of bold performers as they embark on a daring quest for the Golden G-string. Along the way\, expect dramatic reveals\, handcrafted costumes\, cinematic lighting\, tongue-in-cheek humour\, and moments of pure theatrical magic. \n \nBlending immersive storytelling with powerful stage presence\, this production invites audiences into a world where fantasy meets sensuality and spectacle. \nWhether you’re a devoted fantasy fan or a lover of live performance\, this is your chance to experience Middle-earth as you’ve never seen it before. \nThe fellowship assembles. The quest begins. And not everyone stays dressed. \nTickets: $48.79 plus bkg fee. 18+ Event – Valid form of  ID required \nA bar will operate for these sessions. \n\nGet Tickets\n \nThere is no allocated seating. \nEthereal Real Events Co. where fantasy meets reality in unforgettable experiences across regional Victoria and New South Wales. Our passion lies in creating immersive\, otherworldly events that bring magic and wonder to life. From enchanted balls to mystical gatherings inspired by folklore\, literature\, and mythology\, we invite dreamers\, adventurers\, and romantics alike to step into a realm where the impossible becomes possible \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/one-tease-rules-them-all/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Sq-promo-one.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ethereal Realm Events Co.":MAILTO:etherealrealm.eventsco@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260509T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260509T113000 DTSTAMP:20260404T170549 CREATED:20260121T221045Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043133Z UID:70205-1778320800-1778326200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Teeny Tiny Stevies - Brain Fart Tour DESCRIPTION:May 9\n@\n10:00 am\n–\n11:30 am \n$35 \nInsert venue… \n\n\nGet Tickets\n \nThe ultimate live gig experience for young families. \n \nAdult friendly kids music played live on stage by real musicians? We got you!! \nThe ABC Kids TV favourites and ARIA winners will entertain the whole family with the most wholesome live gig there is. \nFunny stuff for parents\, heaps of engagement for kids\, the old feel young\, the young feel like grown-ups and everyone meets in the middle for a rocking good time. \n“Teeny Tiny Stevies are real life” – audience member\, 4 years old. \n“That was the best concert I have ever seen” – audience member\, 7 years old. \n“What a truly delightful morning. We just love you both\, your wonderful band\, and of course\, your amazing music. We can never express enough how much all of your songs continue to move\, educate and bring joy to our family” – audience member\, 37 years old. \nGet ready for core memories galore. \nThere is no allocated seating. \nNote: Babies in arms/parent’s lap (aged 12 months and under) are admitted free with a full paying adult ticket. \n \nTickets $35 | Babies in arms/parent’s lap (12 & under) free with a full paying adult \n\nTickets\n\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/teeny-tiny-stevies-brain-fart-tour/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy,Live Music,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Square-logo-only-1920x1920-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260509T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260509T213000 DTSTAMP:20260404T170549 CREATED:20260310T043604Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043048Z UID:71186-1778355000-1778362200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:One Tease Rules Them All: Fellowship of the G-String - The Burlesque Parody DESCRIPTION:May 9\n@\n7:30 pm\n–\n9:30 pm \n$48.79 \nMinerva Space \n\nGet Tickets\n \nAn epic burlesque fantasy parody where Middle-earth is reimagined through \nglitter\, glamour\, and glorious mischief. \n \nOne Tease to Rule Them All is a theatrical burlesque revue inspired by legendary fantasy worlds and the archetypes we know and love\, hobbits\, heroes\, wizards\, warriors\, and shadowy foes. \nNine incredible performers gather to bring Middle Earth to life in a spectacle of seduction\, spectacle\, and storytelling. \nEach member of this enchanting fellowship brings their own magic to the stage — from sultry burlesque and spellbinding circus artistry to theatrical characters drawn from the realms of fantasy. Together they weave a tale of mischief\, glamour\, and daring adventure\, where heroes shimmer\, villains tempt\, and every costume hides a little bit of magic. \nThis is not a direct retelling\, but a playful and spectacular reimagining\, told through the art of burlesque\, circus\, and character-driven performance. \nFollow a fellowship of bold performers as they embark on a daring quest for the Golden G-string. Along the way\, expect dramatic reveals\, handcrafted costumes\, cinematic lighting\, tongue-in-cheek humour\, and moments of pure theatrical magic. \n \nBlending immersive storytelling with powerful stage presence\, this production invites audiences into a world where fantasy meets sensuality and spectacle. \nWhether you’re a devoted fantasy fan or a lover of live performance\, this is your chance to experience Middle-earth as you’ve never seen it before. \nThe fellowship assembles. The quest begins. And not everyone stays dressed. \nTickets: $48.79 plus bkg fee. 18+ Event – Valid form of  ID required \nA bar will operate for these sessions. \n\nGet Tickets\n \nThere is no allocated seating. \nEthereal Real Events Co. where fantasy meets reality in unforgettable experiences across regional Victoria and New South Wales. Our passion lies in creating immersive\, otherworldly events that bring magic and wonder to life. From enchanted balls to mystical gatherings inspired by folklore\, literature\, and mythology\, we invite dreamers\, adventurers\, and romantics alike to step into a realm where the impossible becomes possible \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/one-tease-rules-them-all-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Sq-promo-one.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ethereal Realm Events Co.":MAILTO:etherealrealm.eventsco@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260511T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260511T193000 DTSTAMP:20260404T170549 CREATED:20260316T013945Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043011Z UID:71295-1778522400-1778527800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Victoria Purman DESCRIPTION:May 11\n@\n6:00 pm\n–\n7:30 pm \n$11.78 \nHumffray Room \n\nGet Tickets\n \nThe Marriage Trap \nVictoria Purman \n \nIn 1960s Australia\, the scent of freedom is in the air… \nFrom bestselling Australian author\, comes the story of a mother and her two daughters\, set in the tumultuous extraordinary decade of the 1960s. A time of great change; the effects of the pill\, rebellion and new ideas on ordinary Australian women… as\, alongside shorter skirts and the Beatles\, they embrace freedom. The ideal Mother’s Day gift. \n1960s Adelaide: The Langley family – Olive\, Len and their two daughters\, twenty-year-old Cathy and ten-year-old Evelyn – live a peaceful suburban life\, although Grandma Langley turns up each Sunday lunch like a bad fairy to castigate them for their dubious morals. \nCathy\, training to be a teacher\, thinks women have it tough. No sex until marriage\, then no work\, child after child and the sacrifice of their desires to church\, husband and family. Cathy is determined not to marry right away. Once married\, it’s all over. A life no longer her own. \nYoung Evelyn wants to be a fairy princess … until she sees for herself the price women pay for such dreams. \nWhen the new contraceptive pill arrives women can suddenly sense freedom. But powerful forces are aligned against women’s reproductive choice and a fight begins. A fight that takes on their own doctors\, the might of the Catholic church\, and the outdated morality of previous generations. For readers of Lessons in Chemistry. \nVictoria Purman on the inspiration behind The Marriage Trap:\n‘This was really informed by my own love of putting women forward in Australian history and also was inspired by the stories of real women who shared their experiences of that time with me. And I’ve incorporated them into the book.’ \n \nAbout the author \nVictoria Purman | Photo Cath Leo.\nVictoria Purman is an Australian top ten and USA Today bestselling fiction author. Both of her last two books The Radio Hour and A Woman’s Work\, were Australian bestsellers\, as were her novels The Nurses’ War\, The Women’s Pages\, The Land Girls and The Last of the Bonegilla Girls. She is a regular guest at writers festivals\, a mentor and workshop presenter and was a judge in the fiction category for the 2018 Adelaide Festival Awards for Literature and the 2022 ASA/HQ Commercial Fiction Prize for an unpublished manuscript. \nVictoria is based in Adelaide SA\, but will be touring to NSW\, SA and VIC. \n\n\n\n\n\n \nThis event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n$11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. \n\nBook on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/victoria-purman/ 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-victoria-purman.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260513T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260513T200000 DTSTAMP:20260404T170549 CREATED:20260303T011741Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T041831Z UID:71063-1778697000-1778702400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Kerri Rogan DESCRIPTION:May 13\n@\n6:30 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \n$11.78 \nHumffray Room \n\nGet Tickets\n \nAfter the Noise \nKerri Rogan \n \nLee squinted in the sunlight and patted around her. It felt like a mattress and a dog. For the first time in months\, she had slept in a bed. Oh\, dear. Moose. She had fed her a bottle before she had come to bed last night but not after that. \nLee Evans stands alone in the echoing silence of her grand mansion\, the absence of her husband both a relief and a torment. Thirty years of marriage – ten spent as his carer – shaped her world and slowly shrank it to the boundaries of his illness. \nIn trying to protect her children\, Luke and Katy\, and her friends\, Kelly and Jenny\, Lee pushed them away. Now\, wandering locked rooms and empty halls\, she realises the fortress she built for safety has become a prison. \nShould she stay in the mansion she’s inherited\, or finally travel as she always dreamed? Why is someone old always napping on her favourite couch? Where did all the animals come from – and why is there a trampoline in the grand conservatory? \nCan Lee rebuild her life\, after the noise? \n \nAbout the author\nKerri Rogan\, author\nKerri was the child in English class who always received the following note from her teacher – ‘Great story\, Kerri\, if but a little too long’. \nNow she lets the characters dictate how long the story is and lives in constant awe and wonder at producing something out of thin air. The imagination is a wonderous thing. She lives in the country where she can see the sun rise and set\, be dazzled by the vastness of the sky\, and the wonder of the stars\, planets and meteorites. \nKerri shares this space with her husband and many rescued animals. \n  \n$11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. \n\nBook on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. 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:20260404T170549 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:April 15\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \nFree – $12 \nLending Library\, ground floor \n \nThese classes offer simple\, practical methods to improve the quality of our life and develop inner peace\nthrough meditation and Buddhist teachings. \nThe in-person setting fosters a supportive community and\noffers real-time interaction with the teacher for personalized guidance.\nClasses include guided meditations and teachings to help us solve our\ndaily problems and find the lasting happiness we seek. \nBeginners welcome\, no bookings required. \nFree for Kadampa members \nKadampa Meditation Centre Australia (Ballarat Branch)\ninfo@meditateinmelbourne.org | 0455205589\nmeditateinballarat.org\nABN 86 114 195 550\nKMC Australia is a not-for-profit organisation \n\nBookings\n \nThe Teacher\nChristielli Portela has been teaching modern Kadampa Buddhism for a decade. As an experienced and well-loved teacher\, she inspires people to use Buddhist meditation to improve their lives through her sincere example and clear teachings. \n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. 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:20260404T170549 CREATED:20260129T041334Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T040127Z UID:70407-1778787000-1778792400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Black Dog DESCRIPTION:May 14\n@\n7:30 pm\n–\n9:00 pm \nMinerva Room \nNoir ‘Dog Movie’ \n \nA melancholic dead-pan drama about Lang\, a former celebrity musician and stunt rider who\, chastened by ten years in jail for manslaughter\, returns to his dusty post-industrial hometown to find it run-down and over-run by abandoned dogs. \nLang joins a group of dog-catchers with the task of cleaning up the town on the eve of the 2028 Beijing Olympics. Dogs are running wild\, but one is special: a black whippet cross that takes a disarming liking to Lang. Black Dog is slow and gentle\, satirical and playful: a travelling circus comes to town\, romance may find a way\, yet small-town drama is always on the boil. Contrasting beautiful widescreen filming of the Gobi Desert with noir moodiness and slapstick absurdity\, Guan’s film gives a bittersweet perspective. The love between a dog and human may heal\, but ultimately cannot save the world. This is a beautiful unpretentious film\, which won the top prize of Un Certain Regard at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024. Highgloss \n \nChina\, 2024\, 110 min. Dir: Guan Hu. Stars: Eddie Peng and dog Xin. \nBallarat Film Society \n  \nMembership \n12 months – Feb-December: $60\nFeb-July: $35 – July-Dec: $30 \nTo join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. \nMembership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. \nFor film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website \nAll films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. 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:20260404T170549 CREATED:20260128T044603Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035919Z UID:70338-1778920200-1778954400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Victorian Occult Conference DESCRIPTION:May 16\n@\n8:30 am\n–\n6:00 pm \n$140 – $150 \nMinerva Space \n\nGet Tickets\n \nThe Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \nA day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. \nThe Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ \nThe conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \nLectures this year include \nJosephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \nSetken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \nBenjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \nDr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \nShu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \nPeregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n\n \nJosephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess \nJosephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \nSetken | Artist & Researcher \nSetken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \nBenjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher \nBenjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \nDr. David Waldron | Associate Professor \nDr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \nShu Yap | Teacher & Consultant \nShu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \nPeregrin Wildoak | Esotericist \nAuthor of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \nMore about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n\n\n\n\n\n \nCost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \nCost: $150 – Thereafter \nSpeakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible. \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. 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:20260404T170549 CREATED:20260310T001332Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035527Z UID:71137-1779217200-1779220800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:April 24\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \n$27.50 \nMeet at the BMI entrance  \n\nGet Tickets\n \nExplore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours! \nThis beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to be explored. During these tours\, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute\, exploring the library’s impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts\, and learn about the building’s original purpose as a hub for scientific and technological education. And make sure to check out the basement\, which is steeped in mystery and intrigue – you never know what secrets you might uncover! \nKatrina Hill & Tim Harris | Photo: Jess Schroeter\nWhether you’re a local looking to discover more about your city’s history\, or a visitor seeking a unique and memorable experience\, the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours are not to be missed. \nLed by expert guides who are passionate about the building’s history\, these tours will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Ballarat. Book your tickets today and get ready to step back in time! \nThe tours have a small capacity\, and therefore\, numbers are limited. \nGroup bookings are available – please contact our Tours Coordinator – Katrina Hill \nNote | Accessibility \nMost of this tour is wheelchair accessible\, however the tour does include entry into the BMI Basement\, which is not wheelchair accessible. The tour does involve stairs\, however a lift is available throughout (except to the basement). This tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Tour groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility \nCost / Bookings:  $28.69 includes gst & booking fee \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nMore Tours\n \nThe research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). \nThis reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n\nUnder Minerva’s Gaze\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. 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:20260519T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T220000 DTSTAMP:20260404T170549 CREATED:20260310T002124Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044437Z UID:71139-1779224400-1779228000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:October 31\n@\n9:00 pm\n–\n10:00 pm \n$27.50 \nMeet at the BMI entrance  \n\nGet Tickets\n \nExplore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours! \nThis beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to be explored. During these tours\, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute\, exploring the library’s impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts\, and learn about the building’s original purpose as a hub for scientific and technological education. And make sure to check out the basement\, which is steeped in mystery and intrigue – you never know what secrets you might uncover! \nKatrina Hill & Tim Harris | Photo: Jess Schroeter\nWhether you’re a local looking to discover more about your city’s history\, or a visitor seeking a unique and memorable experience\, the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours are not to be missed. \nLed by expert guides who are passionate about the building’s history\, these tours will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Ballarat. Book your tickets today and get ready to step back in time! \nThe tours have a small capacity\, and therefore\, numbers are limited. \nGroup bookings are available – please contact our Tours Coordinator – Katrina Hill \nNote | Accessibility \nMost of this tour is wheelchair accessible\, however the tour does include entry into the BMI Basement\, which is not wheelchair accessible. The tour does involve stairs\, however a lift is available throughout (except to the basement). This tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Tour groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility \nCost / Bookings:  $28.69 includes gst & booking fee \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nMore Tours\n \nThe research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). \nThis reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n\nUnder Minerva’s Gaze\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. 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:20260522T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260522T203000 DTSTAMP:20260404T170549 CREATED:20260318T041021Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035338Z UID:71379-1779476400-1779481800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Panic from the Sky: A Call of Cthulhu Advenure DESCRIPTION:May 22\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:30 pm \n$3 – $5 \nMinerva Space \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nPresented by Tales from Rat City \nPanic from the Skies is the fourth chapter in our multi award winning Call of Cthulhu liveplay series\, delivering a fresh descent into mystery\, suspense\, and eldritch terror. \nFaced with unsettling events and unimaginable dangers\, our investigators must uncover the truth before panic gives way to madness. \nIt is 1917. The world is at war. \nOn the home front\, Australia is wrestling with rapid technological change — aviation promising both \nthrilling progress and terrifying new forms of warfare. \nThen the sightings begin. \nStrange shapes moving through the clouds.\nLights flickering across the night sky.\nUnidentified flying objects over the Central Highlands. \nBallarat is thrown into panic. \nInvaders.\nBut from where? \nOuter… Europe? \nAudiences are invited to join a team of plucky adventurers as they investigate whether these reports are wartime hysteria\, elaborate hoaxes\, or something far beyond what anyone could have imagined. \nBlending live performance\, improvisation\, historical immersion\, and interactive storytelling\, the event will unfold in real time before both a live audience and an online streaming community. \nSet within one of Ballarat’s most significant heritage buildings\, the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, this production is produced by the ENNIE award winning Tales From Rat City team. \n \nAbout Tales from Rat City \nTales from Rat City is an award-winning creative team whose heritage projects draw on history\, folklore\, and the dark forgotten stories of the goldfields. Blending meticulous research with atmospheric storytelling and live performance\, the team creates events steeped in mystery\, period detail\, and cosmic horror. \n\n\n\n \nTickets: $5 for live performance\, $3 for Live Stream – plus booking fee. \nA bar will operate for this session. \n\nGet Tickets\n \nThis event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. 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/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Ufo-picture-only-for-ATDW-Tales-from-Rat-City-David-Waldron.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260527T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260527T200000 DTSTAMP:20260404T170549 CREATED:20260313T002934Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035212Z UID:71249-1779906600-1779912000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Amanda Hampson DESCRIPTION:May 27\n@\n6:30 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \n$11.78 \nHumffray Room \n\nGet Tickets\n \nThe Model Murder \nAmanda Hampson \n \nA Tea Ladies Mystery \nA model vanishes – A man is murdered – and the Tea Ladies are back on the case. \nSydney\, 1968. In a shadowy city lane\, a young man is shot dead. His glamorous fiancée\, a rising fashion model\, disappears without a trace. The police think they’ve  found their culprit. \nBut Hazel\, Betty\, Irene and Merl know better. \nThe Model Murder is the fourth irresistible instalment in bestselling author Amanda Hampson’s much-loved Tea Ladies cosy crime series. A smart\,  warmhearted and sharply observed crime novel that proves sleuthing isn’t just for hard-boiled detectives. \nSet against the fizz and tension of late-1960s Sydney\, The Model Murder plunges into a world of fashion houses\, theatre groups\, back-street bookmakers and dangerous secrets. When the Tea Ladies begin quietly asking questions about the laneway murder\, they uncover a tangled web of lies involving missing money\, organised crime — and a truth someone is willing to kill to keep buried. \nAs always\, Hampson’s great strength lies in her characters: four working women whose friendship\, courage and stubborn sense of justice carry them far beyond their day jobs. Witty\, suspenseful and deeply humane\, The Model Murder blends classic whodunnit pleasures with rich social detail and a keen eye for the hidden lives of older women. \n \nAbout the author \nAmanda Hampson\, Author\nMelbourne-based author\, Amanda Hampson has been writing professionally for more than thirty years and is the best-selling author of ten novels: The Olive Sisters\, Two for the Road\, The French Perfumer\, The Yellow Villa\, Sixty Summers\, Lovebirds\, The Tea Ladies\, The Cryptic Clue\, The Deadly Dispute and her forthcoming release The Model Murder. \nA runaway bestseller\, The Tea Ladies won the 2024 Danger Awards for Best  Crime Fiction and was Shortlisted for 2024 Davitt Awards – Best Adult Crime & 2024 Ned Kelly Awards – Best Fiction. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nThis event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n$11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. \n\nBook on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. 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:20260611T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260611T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T170549 CREATED:20260129T043042Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035120Z UID:70415-1781206200-1781211600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Monster DESCRIPTION:June 11\n@\n7:30 pm\n–\n9:00 pm \nMinerva Room \nJapanese Coming of Age Psychological Thriller \n \nThis psychological mystery/exploration of growing up from one of Japan’s major filmmakers offers superb acting and an intriguing storyline that seems darker than it ends up being. \nA young boy’s mother feels that there is something wrong with him; that he is acting weirdly. Suspecting that a teacher is responsible\, she storms into the school demanding to know what’s going on. But as the story unfolds through the eyes of mother\, teacher\, headmistress and child\, the truth gradually emerges. Monster plays with narrative and perspective\, leading us from simple judgements through to a complex understanding\, and the corrosive effects of shame on children. The word ‘monster’ itself is potentially misleading – while suspenseful\, this is anything but a horror film. The complex narrative technique is just one component of a film that is full of humanity\, insight\, imagination\, and emotional resonance. Palace Films  \n \nJapan\, 2024\, 122 mins. Dir Hirokazu Kore-eda. \nBallarat Film Society \n  \nMembership \n12 months – Feb-December: $60\nFeb-July: $35 – July-Dec: $30 \nTo join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. \nMembership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. \nFor film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website \nAll films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. 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:20260404T170549 CREATED:20260310T005733Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035038Z UID:71141-1781290800-1781294400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:April 24\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:00 pm \n$27.50 \nMeet at the BMI entrance  \n\nGet Tickets\n \nExplore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours! \nThis beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to be explored. During these tours\, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute\, exploring the library’s impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts\, and learn about the building’s original purpose as a hub for scientific and technological education. And make sure to check out the basement\, which is steeped in mystery and intrigue – you never know what secrets you might uncover! \nKatrina Hill & Tim Harris | Photo: Jess Schroeter\nWhether you’re a local looking to discover more about your city’s history\, or a visitor seeking a unique and memorable experience\, the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours are not to be missed. \nLed by expert guides who are passionate about the building’s history\, these tours will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Ballarat. Book your tickets today and get ready to step back in time! \nThe tours have a small capacity\, and therefore\, numbers are limited. \nGroup bookings are available – please contact our Tours Coordinator – Katrina Hill \nNote | Accessibility \nMost of this tour is wheelchair accessible\, however the tour does include entry into the BMI Basement\, which is not wheelchair accessible. The tour does involve stairs\, however a lift is available throughout (except to the basement). This tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Tour groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility \nCost / Bookings:  $28.69 includes gst & booking fee \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nMore Tours\n \nThe research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). \nThis reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n\nUnder Minerva’s Gaze\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. 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/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T220000 DTSTAMP:20260404T170549 CREATED:20260310T010115Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035008Z UID:71143-1781298000-1781301600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:October 31\n@\n9:00 pm\n–\n10:00 pm \n$27.50 \nMeet at the BMI entrance  \n\nGet Tickets\n \nExplore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours! \nThis beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to be explored. During these tours\, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute\, exploring the library’s impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts\, and learn about the building’s original purpose as a hub for scientific and technological education. And make sure to check out the basement\, which is steeped in mystery and intrigue – you never know what secrets you might uncover! \nKatrina Hill & Tim Harris | Photo: Jess Schroeter\nWhether you’re a local looking to discover more about your city’s history\, or a visitor seeking a unique and memorable experience\, the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours are not to be missed. \nLed by expert guides who are passionate about the building’s history\, these tours will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Ballarat. Book your tickets today and get ready to step back in time! \nThe tours have a small capacity\, and therefore\, numbers are limited. \nGroup bookings are available – please contact our Tours Coordinator – Katrina Hill \nNote | Accessibility \nMost of this tour is wheelchair accessible\, however the tour does include entry into the BMI Basement\, which is not wheelchair accessible. The tour does involve stairs\, however a lift is available throughout (except to the basement). This tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Tour groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility \nCost / Bookings:  $28.69 includes gst & booking fee \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nMore Tours\n \nThe research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). \nThis reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n\nUnder Minerva’s Gaze\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. 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/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260623T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260623T193000 DTSTAMP:20260404T170549 CREATED:20260313T005434Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034824Z UID:71257-1782237600-1782243000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Mark Smith DESCRIPTION:June 23\n@\n6:00 pm\n–\n7:30 pm \n$11.78 \nHumffray Room \n\nGet Tickets\n \nWhere Truth Ends \nMark Smith \n \nWhat if everything you believed in was a lie? Truth and betrayal collide in the new Mark Smith thriller\, perfect for fans of Christian White and Lisa Jewell. \nMeg Maher thought she was doing the right thing. Now she’s on the run. \nWhen a peaceful climate protest ends with a violent explosion in the city centre\, every anonymous member of the group becomes a suspect.\n \nBut the authorities aren’t the only ones hunting Meg. \nScared and alone\, Meg seeks refuge with her father\, Luke\, knowing that every word she says puts him in danger too. But as the terrorism investigation closes in\, Meg is forced to question her friends\, her cause\, even herself. Was the non-violent activist group infiltrated from the start? Or has someone twisted their mission beyond recognition? \nWhat happens when the truth is the first thing to burn? \nWhere Truth Ends is a taut\, character-driven thriller by award-winning author of Three Boys Gone\, about when the fight for change becomes a fight for survival. \n \nAbout the author \n\nMark Smith is the author of five novels\, including his critically acclaimed Winter Trilogy. The Road to Winter was shortlisted for multiple awards and is taught in schools around Australia. The sequel\, Wilder Country won the 2018 Australian Indie Book Award for YA. His first adult novel\, Three Boys Gone\, was published in 2025 and his second\, Where Truth Ends\, will be released in May 2026. \nAn award-winning writer of short fiction\, Mark’s work has appeared in Best Australian Stories\, Review of Australian Fiction\, The Big Issue\, The Victorian Writer\, Island and The Australian. \nMark is also an in-demand speaker at schools and an experienced facilitator at festivals and book launches. \n\n\n\n \nThis event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n$11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. \n\nBook on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. 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:20260710T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T125000 DTSTAMP:20260404T170549 CREATED:20250930T001641Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034727Z UID:67766-1783681200-1783687800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke\, a THEATRE 180 production | SOLD OUT DESCRIPTION:Due to popular demand we have a second matinee on Saturday 11 July \n\nJuly 10\n@\n11:00 am\n–\n12:50 pm \n$38.50 – $77 \nMinerva Theatre \n\n\nGet Tickets\n \nFriday 10 July\, two sessions: 11am  & 7pm – Due to popular demand we now have a Saturday Morning session at 11am \n \nWritten by Jenny Davis \nA compelling true story from WWII\, honouring the bravery strength\, love and hope of Australian Army Nurses\nin the face of adversity. \nDirected by Stuart Halusz \nFeaturing Caitlin Beresford-Ord\, Rebecca Davis\, Michelle Fornasier\, Alex Jones\, Tegan Mulvany and Helen Searle. \nVivian Bullwinkel was one of 65 Australian nurses who boarded the Vyner Brooke in an attempt to flee the Japanese invasion of Singapore in February\, 1942. Bombed by Japanese fighter planes and after spending days at sea\, she and some other survivors found their way to Radji Beach on Banka Island where they surrendered. \nIn one of the most atrocious acts of war crimes in our history\, 22 nurses were forced to march into the sea where they were callously machine gunned. \nThe only survivor and witness\, Vivian spent the rest of the war in a prison camp before liberation\, and her remaining years fighting for recognition of the bravery of her friends and colleagues; their strength and courage in the face of death sustaining her for the rest of her illustrious life. \n21 Hearts relays the resilient Aussie humour displayed by the women in the camp and provides a respectful and authentic voice to those who were silenced\, remembering them for who they were and not just for what happened to them. \nA story of hope\, courage\, resilience and heart. \nFeaturing 6 of WA’s most outstanding actors\, 21 Hearts is a celebration of the human spirit and an uplifting\, inspiring story which reminds us of the great futility of war. \n \nTHEATRE 180 \nTHEATRE 180 is a proudly Western Australian company which tours works throughout the state and beyond\, sharing heritage stories of Western Australia and our nation’s past to gain an insight into who we are now and our future as a diverse and vibrant multicultural society. In 2023 we were awarded a Western Australian Heritage Award for Contributions by a Community Based Organisation for our work in telling WA stories and in 2024 we were awarded Producer of the Year at the CircuitWest Showcase WA Awards. \nTHEATRE 180 is committed to regional touring and playing to audiences in Perth’s metro and outer metro venues\, as well as activating found spaces and established theatres. We are proud to be part of the Preston Street Arts Collective\, helping to revitalise the beautiful Como Theatre as a cultural anchor for the City of South Perth\, welcoming audiences from far and wide to experience our CinePlay genre\, an ensemble approach incorporating the immediacy of live theatre with the visual impact of cinema\, for an immersive and unique live experience. This exciting genre is versatile\, agile and adaptable\, able to be presented in a pop-up style in venues as diverse as theatres\, cinemas\, country Town Halls and Recreation Centres. \nThis world-first genre was created with CinemaStage in 2020 for our award-winning adaptation of A.B. Facey’s A Fortunate Life (by Jenny Davis and Stuart Halusz)\, which has toured continuously throughout Western Australia and amassed nearly 160 performances so far\, including a tour to QLD. We now having 5 plays in repertoire\, including SYDNEY II: Lost and Found (by Jenny Davis)\, The Lighthouse Girl Saga (by Jenny Davis and Hellie Turner)\, Taking Liberty (by Ingle Knight – a collaboration with WA Museum) and 21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke (by Jenny Davis). The response to this work from around the nation has led to 4 Perth seasons\, a WA regional tour and a season at the Australian War Memorial\, Canberra in July/August this year. All seasons of 21 Hearts have sold-out in advance. \nThis year we collaborated with Government House Foundation on our 6th CinePlay production Arthur Haynes and the Smoking Gun (by Jenny Davis) which had a sold-out season at Government House Ballroom in September and our 7th CinePlay is a collaboration with WA Museum CATALPA: Flight to Freedom (by Jenny Davis) in October/November.\nOver the last 6 years\, we have also established a loyal following for our choice of gritty\, international plays staged at Burt Memorial Hall\, with our critically acclaimed productions of Lucy Kirkwood’s The Children\, Joe Penhall’s BLUE/ORANGE and Lauren Gunderson’s I AND YOU\, proving a demand for this exciting style of theatre with a strong audience database.\nWe continue our long history of conducting intergenerational oral history workshops with communities and working closely with Aged Care facilities in creating bespoke cultural events and programs with their residents and families; our award-winning work with dementia patients has been particularly impactful. This oral history work extends to veterans’ organisations such as Legacy WA and Buddy Up Australia. \nTHEATRE 180’s unique style of writing has been honed over 3 decades\, and we are committed to the development of emerging WA writers through our Emerging Writers Program who are able to carry on this important storytelling legacy. Central to our purpose is sharing these stories to all Western Australians; our productions are built to tour\, and we believe that geography is no barrier. With our strong audience relationships and large network of venues in outer metro and regional WA\, we look towards the next 30 years and the stories they hold. \n \nVivian Bulwinkel\nTickets: $77 adults\, $71.50 Concession\, $38.50 Children (12yrs – 17yrs)\, $66 Group (minimum of 10 tickets)\, School Booking $25 (Teacher Free). Ticket sales close 1 hour prior to the performance. \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nRunning Time: 110 min \nTHEATRE 180 Production \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/21-hearts/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-21-hearts.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T205000 DTSTAMP:20260404T170549 CREATED:20251001T031523Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034644Z UID:67817-1783710000-1783716600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke\, a THEATRE 180 production DESCRIPTION:Due to popular demand we have a second matinee on Saturday \n\nJuly 10\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n8:50 pm \n$38.50 – $77 \nMinerva Theatre \n\n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nWritten by Jenny Davis \nA compelling true story from WWII\, honouring the bravery strength\, love and hope of Australian Army Nurses\nin the face of adversity. \nDirected by Stuart Halusz \nFeaturing Caitlin Beresford-Ord\, Rebecca Davis\, Michelle Fornasier\, Alex Jones\, Tegan Mulvany and Helen Searle. \nVivian Bullwinkel was one of 65 Australian nurses who boarded the Vyner Brooke in an attempt to flee the Japanese invasion of Singapore in February\, 1942. Bombed by Japanese fighter planes and after spending days at sea\, she and some other survivors found their way to Radji Beach on Banka Island where they surrendered. \nIn one of the most atrocious acts of war crimes in our history\, 22 nurses were forced to march into the sea where they were callously machine gunned. \nThe only survivor and witness\, Vivian spent the rest of the war in a prison camp before liberation\, and her remaining years fighting for recognition of the bravery of her friends and colleagues; their strength and courage in the face of death sustaining her for the rest of her illustrious life. \n21 Hearts relays the resilient Aussie humour displayed by the women in the camp and provides a respectful and authentic voice to those who were silenced\, remembering them for who they were and not just for what happened to them. \nA story of hope\, courage\, resilience and heart. \nFeaturing 6 of WA’s most outstanding actors\, 21 Hearts is a celebration of the human spirit and an uplifting\, inspiring story which reminds us of the great futility of war. \n \nTHEATRE 180 \nTHEATRE 180 is a proudly Western Australian company which tours works throughout the state and beyond\, sharing heritage stories of Western Australia and our nation’s past to gain an insight into who we are now and our future as a diverse and vibrant multicultural society. In 2023 we were awarded a Western Australian Heritage Award for Contributions by a Community Based Organisation for our work in telling WA stories and in 2024 we were awarded Producer of the Year at the CircuitWest Showcase WA Awards. \nTHEATRE 180 is committed to regional touring and playing to audiences in Perth’s metro and outer metro venues\, as well as activating found spaces and established theatres. We are proud to be part of the Preston Street Arts Collective\, helping to revitalise the beautiful Como Theatre as a cultural anchor for the City of South Perth\, welcoming audiences from far and wide to experience our CinePlay genre\, an ensemble approach incorporating the immediacy of live theatre with the visual impact of cinema\, for an immersive and unique live experience. This exciting genre is versatile\, agile and adaptable\, able to be presented in a pop-up style in venues as diverse as theatres\, cinemas\, country Town Halls and Recreation Centres. \nThis world-first genre was created with CinemaStage in 2020 for our award-winning adaptation of A.B. Facey’s A Fortunate Life (by Jenny Davis and Stuart Halusz)\, which has toured continuously throughout Western Australia and amassed nearly 160 performances so far\, including a tour to QLD. We now having 5 plays in repertoire\, including SYDNEY II: Lost and Found (by Jenny Davis)\, The Lighthouse Girl Saga (by Jenny Davis and Hellie Turner)\, Taking Liberty (by Ingle Knight – a collaboration with WA Museum) and 21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke (by Jenny Davis). The response to this work from around the nation has led to 4 Perth seasons\, a WA regional tour and a season at the Australian War Memorial\, Canberra in July/August this year. All seasons of 21 Hearts have sold-out in advance. \nThis year we collaborated with Government House Foundation on our 6th CinePlay production Arthur Haynes and the Smoking Gun (by Jenny Davis) which had a sold-out season at Government House Ballroom in September and our 7th CinePlay is a collaboration with WA Museum CATALPA: Flight to Freedom (by Jenny Davis) in October/November.\nOver the last 6 years\, we have also established a loyal following for our choice of gritty\, international plays staged at Burt Memorial Hall\, with our critically acclaimed productions of Lucy Kirkwood’s The Children\, Joe Penhall’s BLUE/ORANGE and Lauren Gunderson’s I AND YOU\, proving a demand for this exciting style of theatre with a strong audience database.\nWe continue our long history of conducting intergenerational oral history workshops with communities and working closely with Aged Care facilities in creating bespoke cultural events and programs with their residents and families; our award-winning work with dementia patients has been particularly impactful. This oral history work extends to veterans’ organisations such as Legacy WA and Buddy Up Australia. \nTHEATRE 180’s unique style of writing has been honed over 3 decades\, and we are committed to the development of emerging WA writers through our Emerging Writers Program who are able to carry on this important storytelling legacy. Central to our purpose is sharing these stories to all Western Australians; our productions are built to tour\, and we believe that geography is no barrier. With our strong audience relationships and large network of venues in outer metro and regional WA\, we look towards the next 30 years and the stories they hold. \n \nVivian Bulwinkel\nTickets: $77 adults\, $71.50 Concession\, $38.50 Children (12yrs – 17yrs)\, $66 Group (minimum of 10 tickets)\, School Booking $25 (Teacher Free). Ticket sales close 1 hour prior to the performance. \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nRunning Time: 110 min \nTHEATRE 180 Production \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/21-hearts-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-21-hearts.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260711T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260711T125000 DTSTAMP:20260404T170549 CREATED:20260212T045959Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034613Z UID:70689-1783767600-1783774200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke\, a THEATRE 180 production DESCRIPTION:July 11\n@\n11:00 am\n–\n12:50 pm \n$38.50 – $77 \nMinerva Theatre \n\n\nGet Tickets\n \nThis 11am Saturday session has been added due to popular demand. \n \nWritten by Jenny Davis \nA compelling true story from WWII\, honouring the bravery strength\, love and hope of Australian Army Nurses\nin the face of adversity. \nDirected by Stuart Halusz \nFeaturing Caitlin Beresford-Ord\, Rebecca Davis\, Michelle Fornasier\, Alex Jones\, Tegan Mulvany and Helen Searle. \nVivian Bullwinkel was one of 65 Australian nurses who boarded the Vyner Brooke in an attempt to flee the Japanese invasion of Singapore in February\, 1942. Bombed by Japanese fighter planes and after spending days at sea\, she and some other survivors found their way to Radji Beach on Banka Island where they surrendered. \nIn one of the most atrocious acts of war crimes in our history\, 22 nurses were forced to march into the sea where they were callously machine gunned. \nThe only survivor and witness\, Vivian spent the rest of the war in a prison camp before liberation\, and her remaining years fighting for recognition of the bravery of her friends and colleagues; their strength and courage in the face of death sustaining her for the rest of her illustrious life. \n21 Hearts relays the resilient Aussie humour displayed by the women in the camp and provides a respectful and authentic voice to those who were silenced\, remembering them for who they were and not just for what happened to them. \nA story of hope\, courage\, resilience and heart. \nFeaturing 6 of WA’s most outstanding actors\, 21 Hearts is a celebration of the human spirit and an uplifting\, inspiring story which reminds us of the great futility of war. \n \nTHEATRE 180 \nTHEATRE 180 is a proudly Western Australian company which tours works throughout the state and beyond\, sharing heritage stories of Western Australia and our nation’s past to gain an insight into who we are now and our future as a diverse and vibrant multicultural society. In 2023 we were awarded a Western Australian Heritage Award for Contributions by a Community Based Organisation for our work in telling WA stories and in 2024 we were awarded Producer of the Year at the CircuitWest Showcase WA Awards. \nTHEATRE 180 is committed to regional touring and playing to audiences in Perth’s metro and outer metro venues\, as well as activating found spaces and established theatres. We are proud to be part of the Preston Street Arts Collective\, helping to revitalise the beautiful Como Theatre as a cultural anchor for the City of South Perth\, welcoming audiences from far and wide to experience our CinePlay genre\, an ensemble approach incorporating the immediacy of live theatre with the visual impact of cinema\, for an immersive and unique live experience. This exciting genre is versatile\, agile and adaptable\, able to be presented in a pop-up style in venues as diverse as theatres\, cinemas\, country Town Halls and Recreation Centres. \nThis world-first genre was created with CinemaStage in 2020 for our award-winning adaptation of A.B. Facey’s A Fortunate Life (by Jenny Davis and Stuart Halusz)\, which has toured continuously throughout Western Australia and amassed nearly 160 performances so far\, including a tour to QLD. We now having 5 plays in repertoire\, including SYDNEY II: Lost and Found (by Jenny Davis)\, The Lighthouse Girl Saga (by Jenny Davis and Hellie Turner)\, Taking Liberty (by Ingle Knight – a collaboration with WA Museum) and 21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke (by Jenny Davis). The response to this work from around the nation has led to 4 Perth seasons\, a WA regional tour and a season at the Australian War Memorial\, Canberra in July/August this year. All seasons of 21 Hearts have sold-out in advance. \nThis year we collaborated with Government House Foundation on our 6th CinePlay production Arthur Haynes and the Smoking Gun (by Jenny Davis) which had a sold-out season at Government House Ballroom in September and our 7th CinePlay is a collaboration with WA Museum CATALPA: Flight to Freedom (by Jenny Davis) in October/November.\nOver the last 6 years\, we have also established a loyal following for our choice of gritty\, international plays staged at Burt Memorial Hall\, with our critically acclaimed productions of Lucy Kirkwood’s The Children\, Joe Penhall’s BLUE/ORANGE and Lauren Gunderson’s I AND YOU\, proving a demand for this exciting style of theatre with a strong audience database.\nWe continue our long history of conducting intergenerational oral history workshops with communities and working closely with Aged Care facilities in creating bespoke cultural events and programs with their residents and families; our award-winning work with dementia patients has been particularly impactful. This oral history work extends to veterans’ organisations such as Legacy WA and Buddy Up Australia. \nTHEATRE 180’s unique style of writing has been honed over 3 decades\, and we are committed to the development of emerging WA writers through our Emerging Writers Program who are able to carry on this important storytelling legacy. Central to our purpose is sharing these stories to all Western Australians; our productions are built to tour\, and we believe that geography is no barrier. With our strong audience relationships and large network of venues in outer metro and regional WA\, we look towards the next 30 years and the stories they hold. \n \nVivian Bulwinkel\nTickets: $77 adults\, $71.50 Concession\, $38.50 Children (12yrs – 17yrs)\, $66 Group (minimum of 10 tickets)\, School Booking $25 (Teacher Free). Ticket sales close 1 hour prior to the performance. \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nRunning Time: 110 min \nTHEATRE 180 Production \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/21-hearts-vivian-bulllwinkel-and-the-nurses-of-the-vyner-brooke-a-theatre-180-production-saturday/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-21-hearts.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260715T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260715T193000 DTSTAMP:20260404T170549 CREATED:20260313T024204Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034457Z UID:71265-1784138400-1784143800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Benita Bensch DESCRIPTION:July 15\n@\n6:00 pm\n–\n7:30 pm \n$11.78 \nHumffray Room \n\nGet Tickets\n \nSeen Again: Light On Matrescence \nBenita Bensch \n \nSeen Again is a modern companion through matrescence\, the profound transition\nof becoming a mother. \nMatrescence is a biological\, psychological\, emotional\, social and spiritual transformation that can leave mothers without the language or support to make sense of who they are. Many feel disconnected or  invisible\, wondering: Who am I now? Is it normal to feel this way? \nBlending intimate memoir\, eighteen real-life stories and years of coaching into a compassionate framework\, Benita Bensch explores the inner landscape and seismic shift of matrescence with unflinching honesty. If you have ever felt lost\, remember: you are not broken\, you are evolving. This is an invitation to reimagine your next season of life\, free of shoulds. \nSeen Again: Light on Matrescence is a return to the inner campfire\, where the dark is honoured\, the light is reclaimed\, and your true self is waiting to be seen again. By you\, first. \n \nAbout the author \nBenita Bensch\, author\nBenita Bensch is an Australian author\, coach and speaker whose work explores identity\, transition\, purpose and visibility through storytelling and the creative life. She is a certified Motherhood Studies Practitioner with over a decade of coaching experience\, drawing on narrative therapy principles in her work with women in rural and regional communities. \nShe is a certified Motherhood Studies Practitioner with over a decade of coaching experience\, drawing on narrative therapy principles in her work with women in rural and regional communities. \nBenita lives and farms near Moama\, New South Wales\, with her husband and four sons. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nThis event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n$11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. \n\nBook on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/benita-bensch/ 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-benita-bensch-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260716T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260716T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T170549 CREATED:20260129T044738Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034341Z UID:70423-1784230200-1784235600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Journey Home DESCRIPTION:July 16\n@\n7:30 pm\n–\n9:00 pm \nMinerva Room \nDocumentary Tribute to David Guylpilil \n \nDavid Gulpilil\, from the Mandjalpingu (Djilba) clan of the Yolngu people\, was discovered by a visiting British film-maker and recruited into the world of film. Adventurous\, talented\, intelligent and ambitious\, he became one of Australia’s best-known and charismatic actors.  \nFollowing Walkabout (1971)\, Gulpilil’s acting career spanned over 40 films\, including classics such as The Tracker (2002)\, Rabbit-Proof Fence (2001)\, Ten Canoes (2006)\, and My Name is Gulpilil (2021); international attention soared with his role in Crocodile Dundee (1986).  Gulpilil spent over 50 years of his life bringing authentic Indigenous stories\, dance and music to audiences around the world\, culminating in a collaboration with Rolf de Heer and Molly Reynolds on My Name Is Gulpilil (2021) which showed him looking back over a life of extreme highs and lows. \nWhile dying of lung cancer\, Gulpilil made his final wishes known – he not only wanted his body to be repatriated to his homeland Gupulul\, a remote location in East Arnhem Land on Yolngu Country\, but for the funeral to be captured on film – a final act of cultural sharing.  The film crew chronicled an extraordinary journey across more than 3000 kilometers before recording the funeral ceremony\, or Bäpurru\, that was both traditional and unique. It was a collective act of farewell that will be remembered for generations to come. Madman. \n \nAustralia\, 2025\, 88 min. Dir: Maggie Miles and Trisha Morton-Thomas. Narrated by Baker Boy and Hugh Jackman \nBallarat Film Society \n  \nMembership \n12 months – Feb-December: $60\nFeb-July: $35 – July-Dec: $30 \nTo join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. \nMembership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. \nFor film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website \nAll films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-film-society-journey-home/ 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/journey-home-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260723T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260723T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T170549 CREATED:20260223T045111Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034312Z UID:70806-1784833200-1784840400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:July 23\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n9:00 pm \n$10 – $30 \nMinerva Space \nThe Tony Award Winning Play by Yasmina Reza \nDirected by Ruby Abbott \nAfter the event of school yard bullying\, four parents differing views may have just created cause for another round; adults edition. \nGod of Carnage is a one act black comedy play. It won best comedy at the 2009 Tony Awards\nand the 2009 Laurence Olivier Awards. \nThe play begins with Michael and Veronica\, parents of young Henry\, inviting Alan and Annette\, parents of Benjamin\, to their home to discuss the horrifying event that occurred on the playground that morning. \nEleven-year-old Henry refused to let classmate Benjamin join his gang. Not taking this dismissal lightly\, Benjamin armed himself with a stick and knocked out Henry’s two front teeth. \nWith polite niceties wearing thin\, the audience watches four very different people try to resolve this matter\, convincing each other that it was not the fault of their own son\, rather that of the other. With accusations being hurled around the room\, the argument heats up even further when evaluating matters of racism\, sexism and homophobia. By evening’s end\, the gloves are well and truly off\, with the adults behaving in a manner that is eerily similar to that which occurred on the playground. \n \nPlaywright – Yasmina Reza \nYasmina Reza is a French playwright\, actress\, novelist and screenwriter best known for her plays ‘Art’ and God of Carnage. Many of her brief satiric plays have reflected on contemporary middle-class issues. \nIn 1994\, ‘Art’ premiered in Paris and went on to win the Molière Award for Best Author. Since then it has been produced internationally and translated and performed in over 30 languages. The London production\, produced by David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers\, received the 1996–97 Laurence Olivier Award. It also won the Tony Award for Best Play. \nGod of Carnage opened in London in March 2008\, directed by Matthew Warchus in a translation by Christopher Hampton starring Ralph Fiennes\, Tamsin Greig\, Janet McTeer and Ken Stott. It was produced by David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers\, their second collaboration with Reza. The London production won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. The play premiered on Broadway with an opening night cast of James Gandolfini\, Jeff Daniels\, Marcia Gay Harden\, and Hope Davis. God of Carnage won Best Play at the 2009 Tony Awards. \nDirected by Ruby Abbott \nRuby is a local creative artist\, working as an actor\, director\, and producer. God of Carnage marks Ruby’s full length directorial debut. \nRuby has been involved in many productions in Ballarat and surrounds. She has performed several times with Ballarat National Theatre\, including in Mr Bennet’s Bride (2022)\, Dust and Ruin (2023)\, A Date With Death (2024) and Dancing at Lughnasa (2024). \nRuby has previously served as an assistant director for many productions\, including The Haunted Theatre (2025)\, Sister Cities (2024)\, and The Servant of Two Masters (2021). \nTickets: $30 adults\, $25 Concession\, $20.00 BNT members\, $15 Children\,  Group package (10 adults)\, $180.00. Ticket sales close 1 hour prior to the performance. \nA bar will operate for these sessions. \n\nGet Tickets\n \nNo allocated seating \nRunning Time: 1.5 Hours (no interval) \nDoors open 30 minutes prior to show start time. Bar available \nContent warning – Strong language and mature themes. \nBallarat National Theatre \n\n \nBallarat National Theatre are a BMI Community Partner\nFind out more about BMI Community Partnerships below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSupporters & partners\n\n\n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/god-of-carnage-23-july/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260724T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260724T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T170549 CREATED:20260223T053244Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034253Z UID:70815-1784919600-1784926800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:July 24\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n9:00 pm \n$10 – $30 \nMinerva Space \nThe Tony Award Winning Play by Yasmina Reza \nDirected by Ruby Abbott \nAfter the event of school yard bullying\, four parents differing views may have just created cause for another round; adults edition. \nGod of Carnage is a one act black comedy play. It won best comedy at the 2009 Tony Awards\nand the 2009 Laurence Olivier Awards. \nThe play begins with Michael and Veronica\, parents of young Henry\, inviting Alan and Annette\, parents of Benjamin\, to their home to discuss the horrifying event that occurred on the playground that morning. \nEleven-year-old Henry refused to let classmate Benjamin join his gang. Not taking this dismissal lightly\, Benjamin armed himself with a stick and knocked out Henry’s two front teeth. \nWith polite niceties wearing thin\, the audience watches four very different people try to resolve this matter\, convincing each other that it was not the fault of their own son\, rather that of the other. With accusations being hurled around the room\, the argument heats up even further when evaluating matters of racism\, sexism and homophobia. By evening’s end\, the gloves are well and truly off\, with the adults behaving in a manner that is eerily similar to that which occurred on the playground. \n \nPlaywright – Yasmina Reza \nYasmina Reza is a French playwright\, actress\, novelist and screenwriter best known for her plays ‘Art’ and God of Carnage. Many of her brief satiric plays have reflected on contemporary middle-class issues. \nIn 1994\, ‘Art’ premiered in Paris and went on to win the Molière Award for Best Author. Since then it has been produced internationally and translated and performed in over 30 languages. The London production\, produced by David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers\, received the 1996–97 Laurence Olivier Award. It also won the Tony Award for Best Play. \nGod of Carnage opened in London in March 2008\, directed by Matthew Warchus in a translation by Christopher Hampton starring Ralph Fiennes\, Tamsin Greig\, Janet McTeer and Ken Stott. It was produced by David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers\, their second collaboration with Reza. The London production won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. The play premiered on Broadway with an opening night cast of James Gandolfini\, Jeff Daniels\, Marcia Gay Harden\, and Hope Davis. God of Carnage won Best Play at the 2009 Tony Awards. \nDirected by Ruby Abbott \nRuby is a local creative artist\, working as an actor\, director\, and producer. God of Carnage marks Ruby’s full length directorial debut. \nRuby has been involved in many productions in Ballarat and surrounds. She has performed several times with Ballarat National Theatre\, including in Mr Bennet’s Bride (2022)\, Dust and Ruin (2023)\, A Date With Death (2024) and Dancing at Lughnasa (2024). \nRuby has previously served as an assistant director for many productions\, including The Haunted Theatre (2025)\, Sister Cities (2024)\, and The Servant of Two Masters (2021). \nTickets: $30 adults\, $25 Concession\, $20.00 BNT members\, $15 Children\,  Group package (10 adults)\, $180.00. Ticket sales close 1 hour prior to the performance. \nA bar will operate for these sessions. \n\nGet Tickets\n \nNo allocated seating \nRunning Time: 1.5 Hours (no interval) \nDoors open 30 minutes prior to show start time. Bar available \nContent warning – Strong language and mature themes. \nBallarat National Theatre \n\n \nBallarat National Theatre are a BMI Community Partner\nFind out more about BMI Community Partnerships below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSupporters & partners\n\n\n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/god-of-carnage-24-july/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T160000 DTSTAMP:20260404T170549 CREATED:20260223T053557Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034233Z UID:70819-1784988000-1784995200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:July 25\n@\n2:00 pm\n–\n4:00 pm \n$10 – $30 \nMinerva Space \nThe Tony Award Winning Play by Yasmina Reza \nDirected by Ruby Abbott \nAfter the event of school yard bullying\, four parents differing views may have just created cause for another round; adults edition. \nGod of Carnage is a one act black comedy play. It won best comedy at the 2009 Tony Awards\nand the 2009 Laurence Olivier Awards. \nThe play begins with Michael and Veronica\, parents of young Henry\, inviting Alan and Annette\, parents of Benjamin\, to their home to discuss the horrifying event that occurred on the playground that morning. \nEleven-year-old Henry refused to let classmate Benjamin join his gang. Not taking this dismissal lightly\, Benjamin armed himself with a stick and knocked out Henry’s two front teeth. \nWith polite niceties wearing thin\, the audience watches four very different people try to resolve this matter\, convincing each other that it was not the fault of their own son\, rather that of the other. With accusations being hurled around the room\, the argument heats up even further when evaluating matters of racism\, sexism and homophobia. By evening’s end\, the gloves are well and truly off\, with the adults behaving in a manner that is eerily similar to that which occurred on the playground. \n \nPlaywright – Yasmina Reza \nYasmina Reza is a French playwright\, actress\, novelist and screenwriter best known for her plays ‘Art’ and God of Carnage. Many of her brief satiric plays have reflected on contemporary middle-class issues. \nIn 1994\, ‘Art’ premiered in Paris and went on to win the Molière Award for Best Author. Since then it has been produced internationally and translated and performed in over 30 languages. The London production\, produced by David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers\, received the 1996–97 Laurence Olivier Award. It also won the Tony Award for Best Play. \nGod of Carnage opened in London in March 2008\, directed by Matthew Warchus in a translation by Christopher Hampton starring Ralph Fiennes\, Tamsin Greig\, Janet McTeer and Ken Stott. It was produced by David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers\, their second collaboration with Reza. The London production won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. The play premiered on Broadway with an opening night cast of James Gandolfini\, Jeff Daniels\, Marcia Gay Harden\, and Hope Davis. God of Carnage won Best Play at the 2009 Tony Awards. \nDirected by Ruby Abbott \nRuby is a local creative artist\, working as an actor\, director\, and producer. God of Carnage marks Ruby’s full length directorial debut. \nRuby has been involved in many productions in Ballarat and surrounds. She has performed several times with Ballarat National Theatre\, including in Mr Bennet’s Bride (2022)\, Dust and Ruin (2023)\, A Date With Death (2024) and Dancing at Lughnasa (2024). \nRuby has previously served as an assistant director for many productions\, including The Haunted Theatre (2025)\, Sister Cities (2024)\, and The Servant of Two Masters (2021). \nTickets: $30 adults\, $25 Concession\, $20.00 BNT members\, $15 Children\,  Group package (10 adults)\, $180.00. Ticket sales close 1 hour prior to the performance. \nA bar will operate for these sessions. \n\nGet Tickets\n \nNo allocated seating \nRunning Time: 1.5 Hours (no interval) \nDoors open 30 minutes prior to show start time. Bar available \nContent warning – Strong language and mature themes. \nBallarat National Theatre \n\n \nBallarat National Theatre are a BMI Community Partner\nFind out more about BMI Community Partnerships below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSupporters & partners\n\n\n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/god-of-carnage-25-july/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T170549 CREATED:20260223T053430Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034212Z UID:70817-1785006000-1785013200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:July 25\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n9:00 pm \n$10 – $30 \nMinerva Space \nThe Tony Award Winning Play by Yasmina Reza \nDirected by Ruby Abbott \nAfter the event of school yard bullying\, four parents differing views may have just created cause for another round; adults edition. \nGod of Carnage is a one act black comedy play. It won best comedy at the 2009 Tony Awards\nand the 2009 Laurence Olivier Awards. \nThe play begins with Michael and Veronica\, parents of young Henry\, inviting Alan and Annette\, parents of Benjamin\, to their home to discuss the horrifying event that occurred on the playground that morning. \nEleven-year-old Henry refused to let classmate Benjamin join his gang. Not taking this dismissal lightly\, Benjamin armed himself with a stick and knocked out Henry’s two front teeth. \nWith polite niceties wearing thin\, the audience watches four very different people try to resolve this matter\, convincing each other that it was not the fault of their own son\, rather that of the other. With accusations being hurled around the room\, the argument heats up even further when evaluating matters of racism\, sexism and homophobia. By evening’s end\, the gloves are well and truly off\, with the adults behaving in a manner that is eerily similar to that which occurred on the playground. \n \nPlaywright – Yasmina Reza \nYasmina Reza is a French playwright\, actress\, novelist and screenwriter best known for her plays ‘Art’ and God of Carnage. Many of her brief satiric plays have reflected on contemporary middle-class issues. \nIn 1994\, ‘Art’ premiered in Paris and went on to win the Molière Award for Best Author. Since then it has been produced internationally and translated and performed in over 30 languages. The London production\, produced by David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers\, received the 1996–97 Laurence Olivier Award. It also won the Tony Award for Best Play. \nGod of Carnage opened in London in March 2008\, directed by Matthew Warchus in a translation by Christopher Hampton starring Ralph Fiennes\, Tamsin Greig\, Janet McTeer and Ken Stott. It was produced by David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers\, their second collaboration with Reza. The London production won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. The play premiered on Broadway with an opening night cast of James Gandolfini\, Jeff Daniels\, Marcia Gay Harden\, and Hope Davis. God of Carnage won Best Play at the 2009 Tony Awards. \nDirected by Ruby Abbott \nRuby is a local creative artist\, working as an actor\, director\, and producer. God of Carnage marks Ruby’s full length directorial debut. \nRuby has been involved in many productions in Ballarat and surrounds. She has performed several times with Ballarat National Theatre\, including in Mr Bennet’s Bride (2022)\, Dust and Ruin (2023)\, A Date With Death (2024) and Dancing at Lughnasa (2024). \nRuby has previously served as an assistant director for many productions\, including The Haunted Theatre (2025)\, Sister Cities (2024)\, and The Servant of Two Masters (2021). \nTickets: $30 adults\, $25 Concession\, $20.00 BNT members\, $15 Children\,  Group package (10 adults)\, $180.00. Ticket sales close 1 hour prior to the performance. \nA bar will operate for these sessions. \n\nGet Tickets\n \nNo allocated seating \nRunning Time: 1.5 Hours (no interval) \nDoors open 30 minutes prior to show start time. Bar available \nContent warning – Strong language and mature themes. \nBallarat National Theatre \n\n \nBallarat National Theatre are a BMI Community Partner\nFind out more about BMI Community Partnerships below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSupporters & partners\n\n\n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/god-of-carnage-25-july-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260726T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260726T160000 DTSTAMP:20260404T170549 CREATED:20260223T053749Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034148Z UID:70821-1785074400-1785081600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:July 26\n@\n2:00 pm\n–\n4:00 pm \n$10 – $30 \nMinerva Space \nThe Tony Award Winning Play by Yasmina Reza \nDirected by Ruby Abbott \nAfter the event of school yard bullying\, four parents differing views may have just created cause for another round; adults edition. \nGod of Carnage is a one act black comedy play. It won best comedy at the 2009 Tony Awards\nand the 2009 Laurence Olivier Awards. \nThe play begins with Michael and Veronica\, parents of young Henry\, inviting Alan and Annette\, parents of Benjamin\, to their home to discuss the horrifying event that occurred on the playground that morning. \nEleven-year-old Henry refused to let classmate Benjamin join his gang. Not taking this dismissal lightly\, Benjamin armed himself with a stick and knocked out Henry’s two front teeth. \nWith polite niceties wearing thin\, the audience watches four very different people try to resolve this matter\, convincing each other that it was not the fault of their own son\, rather that of the other. With accusations being hurled around the room\, the argument heats up even further when evaluating matters of racism\, sexism and homophobia. By evening’s end\, the gloves are well and truly off\, with the adults behaving in a manner that is eerily similar to that which occurred on the playground. \n \nPlaywright – Yasmina Reza \nYasmina Reza is a French playwright\, actress\, novelist and screenwriter best known for her plays ‘Art’ and God of Carnage. Many of her brief satiric plays have reflected on contemporary middle-class issues. \nIn 1994\, ‘Art’ premiered in Paris and went on to win the Molière Award for Best Author. Since then it has been produced internationally and translated and performed in over 30 languages. The London production\, produced by David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers\, received the 1996–97 Laurence Olivier Award. It also won the Tony Award for Best Play. \nGod of Carnage opened in London in March 2008\, directed by Matthew Warchus in a translation by Christopher Hampton starring Ralph Fiennes\, Tamsin Greig\, Janet McTeer and Ken Stott. It was produced by David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers\, their second collaboration with Reza. The London production won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. The play premiered on Broadway with an opening night cast of James Gandolfini\, Jeff Daniels\, Marcia Gay Harden\, and Hope Davis. God of Carnage won Best Play at the 2009 Tony Awards. \nDirected by Ruby Abbott \nRuby is a local creative artist\, working as an actor\, director\, and producer. God of Carnage marks Ruby’s full length directorial debut. \nRuby has been involved in many productions in Ballarat and surrounds. She has performed several times with Ballarat National Theatre\, including in Mr Bennet’s Bride (2022)\, Dust and Ruin (2023)\, A Date With Death (2024) and Dancing at Lughnasa (2024). \nRuby has previously served as an assistant director for many productions\, including The Haunted Theatre (2025)\, Sister Cities (2024)\, and The Servant of Two Masters (2021). \nTickets: $30 adults\, $25 Concession\, $20.00 BNT members\, $15 Children\,  Group package (10 adults)\, $180.00. Ticket sales close 1 hour prior to the performance. \nA bar will operate for these sessions. \n\nGet Tickets\n \nNo allocated seating \nRunning Time: 1.5 Hours (no interval) \nDoors open 30 minutes prior to show start time. Bar available \nContent warning – Strong language and mature themes. \nBallarat National Theatre \n\n \nBallarat National Theatre are a BMI Community Partner\nFind out more about BMI Community Partnerships below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSupporters & partners\n\n\n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/god-of-carnage-26-july/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260807T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260807T204000 DTSTAMP:20260404T170549 CREATED:20251205T035734Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034032Z UID:69366-1786131000-1786135200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Blake Pavey: A Bit Scared DESCRIPTION:August 7\n@\n7:30 pm\n–\n8:40 pm \n$44.90 \nMinerva Space \nPresented by KEG Touring \n\n\nGet Tickets\n \nA Bit Scared \nBlake Pavey rose to online fame at just 17 years old through his character based sketch comedy on TikTok. \nSince then\, he has amassed over 1 Million followers across social media. He’s now converted his online presence onto the stage with some absolutely killer stand up! Blake was a 2022 Raw Comedy National Grand Finalist. \nHis sophomore solo comedy show ‘Still Kickin’ was a hit across Australia\, including 59 shows. Blake has recently returned from performing in the New Zealand and the UK and is set to star in Season 2 of Amazon Series Deadloch in 2026. Blake is also one third of the B.L.T podcast. \n \nShow Contains Adult Themes and Coarse Language. Recommended Age: 16+ \nALL UNDER 18s Must be accompanied by a Parent or Legal Guardian. (Someone who has guardianship over you via a legal guardianship order). \n \nPrice: $49.90 \n\nGet Tickets\n\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/blake-pavey-a-bit-scared/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sq-promo-blake-pavey.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="KEG Touring":MAILTO:Contact@kegtouring.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260812T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260812T193000 DTSTAMP:20260404T170549 CREATED:20260324T234500Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T033956Z UID:71535-1786557600-1786563000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Sophie Green DESCRIPTION:August 12\n@\n6:00 pm\n–\n7:30 pm \n$11.78 \nHumffray Room \n\nGet Tickets\n \nThe Frock Shop \nSophie Green \n \nMeet the Ladies of The Frock Shop \nWhere clothes are just the start of the story \nAustralian bestseller Sophie Green returns with a sparkling story about the beauty of the second-hand\, the power of second chances\, and becoming who you were always meant to be (with a little help from your friends). \nOn Sydney’s lower north shore\, in the harbourside suburb of Mosman\, there is a charity frock shop. For decades\, it has clothed the women of this suburb\, through good times and bad\, for richer\, for poorer. \nLocal resident Daphne has always worked at the frock shop. And she knows better than most how clothes are used by women as talismans\, as armour\, as beauty. Clothes are essential parts of women’s stories\, and those stories are now part of Daphne’s life. \nDaphne has her own stories\, too. Some involve her old friend Adelaide\, who still bears the devastating secret that caused her to flee Australia in her youth. Some involve a new friend\, Christina\, who has been forced to leave her glamorous Los Angeles life to rebuild in her childhood city. Then there is Margot\, living a life that is far from what she had dreamed it would be\, and Lucy\, desperate for escape and the promise of tomorrow. \nNot only does the frock shop give them purpose\, but the clothes will help them become the women they were destined to be\, because it is never too late for a transformation. \n \nAbout the author \n \nSophie Green – ‘I’m  an author and publisher living in Sydney\, Australia. I’ve written several novels and I love exploring the art of storytelling in all its forms. \nWhen I’m not writing novels\, I’m often writing about Australian country music—a genre I adore—on my website\, Sunburnt Country Music. I also love practising yoga\, exploring creativity in its many forms\, and losing myself in music that tells a great story. \nMy Books: \nLessons in Love at the Seaside Salon – Art Hour at the Duchess Hotel  – Weekends iwth the Sunshine Gardening Society – The Bellbird River Country Choir – Thursdays at Orange Blossom House – The Shelly Bay Ladies Swimming Circle – The Inaugural Meeting o fthe Fairvale Ladies Book Club. \n\n\n\n\n\n \nThis event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n$11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. \n\nBook on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/sophie-green/ 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-sophie-green.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR