BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.20//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:20260714T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260714T213000 DTSTAMP:20260509T122641 CREATED:20260427T070837Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260504T055234Z UID:72579-1784057400-1784064600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Grigoryan Brothers - A Boy Called Sailboat DESCRIPTION:July 14\n@\n7:30 pm\n–\n9:30 pm \n$25 – $49 \nLibrary Ground Floor \n\n\nGet Tickets\n \nFilm Screening with the soundtrack performed live by the Grigoryan Brothers\, followed by a Q & A with the film’s writer/director Cameron Nugent. \n \nAcclaimed guitarists Slava & Leonard Grigoryan have expanded their creative output by crafting and recording the soundtrack to the award-winning movie A Boy Called Sailboat. \nThis heart-warming movie\, written and developed by Melbourne-based creative team Cameron Nugent and Andrew Curry was filmed in New Mexico and stars Academy Award® winning actor J.K Simmons\, Noel G\, Elizabeth De Razzo\, Jake Busey\, Lew Temple and Julian Atocani Sanchez in the title role. \nSailboat brings love and hope to a family who have forged a simple but proud life in the drought-ridden Deep South. One afternoon he brings home a “little guitar”. From this moment\, Sailboat and his little guitar are inseparable\, and when his ill grandmother requests he write a song for her\, Sailboat meanders through adversity to deliver the unimaginable – the greatest song ever written. \nThe Latin-themed soundtrack is a key element to the movie and provides an opportunity for audiences to hear the Grigoryan Brothers like never before. \nMovie Preview \nSlava and Leonard \nSlava & Leonard Grigoryan\n Guitarists\, Slava and Leonard Grigoryan are counted amongst the finest musicians of their generation having developed a reputation for enthralling audiences with the energy of their performances and the breadth of their repertoire – embracing genres such as classical\, jazz and contemporary music from around the world. \n​Between them\, they have received 4 ARIA awards (Australian Recording Industry Association) and an incredible 24 ARIA Award nominations. As a duo they have recorded 12 albums with the 13th coming out in 2023. \n​They have been touring internationally since 2003\, regularly performing throughout Europe\, Asia\, Australia and the USA. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n“The musical themes in “A Boy Called Sailboat” are an integral part of the film\, and as such the execution had to be perfect. Lucky for us we met Slava and Lenny\, the magnificent Grigoryan Brothers\, who delivered way above expectation. Their performance in the recording is just sublime\, and once we heard it\, we just knew that it would be best heard live. To have such virtuoso musicians play on the film was a very personal honour\, and the experience of hearing the creations in the studio was pure joy. We’re very proud to be able to present this special screening and live performance of the musical score of “A Boy Called Sailboat\, and just know that you will be treated to a wonderful experience.”From the Cameron Nugent (Director) and Andrew Curry (Producer)“It has been an immense pleasure and privilege to have had the opportunity of creating the soundtrack for ‘A Boy Called Sailboat’. We loved the idea of having nothing but two guitars as a backdrop to this wonderful story. Despite being initially daunted\, collaborating so closely with director Cameron Nugent and producer Andrew Curry was nothing short of inspiring. It was very exciting to see these familiar songs take shape and become such an integral component of this beautiful production.”\nFrom the Grigoryan Brothers\nTickets: $49 general admittance\, $45 concession\, $25 under 18yrs. Plus booking fees. \n\nGet Tickets\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/grigoryan-brothers-a-boy-called-sailboat/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-a-boy-called-steamboat-v4.png.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260715T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260715T193000 DTSTAMP:20260509T122641 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:20260509T122641 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:20260720T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260720T193000 DTSTAMP:20260509T122641 CREATED:20260420T042351Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T043115Z UID:72345-1784570400-1784575800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Petronella McGovern DESCRIPTION:July 20\n@\n6:00 pm\n–\n7:30 pm \n$11.00 \nHumffray Room \n\nGet Tickets\n \nEvery Time She Wakes \nPetronella McGovern \nPetronella will be in conversation with local author Paula Gleeson \n \nAn unputdownable thriller from the bestselling author of  Six Minutes  and The Last Trace. \nEvery Time She Wakes is a taut\, time-bending thriller about family\, identity and defying fate. \nWhen careers counsellor Suze and her family are evacuated from their home during a bushfire emergency\, she suddenly realises they’re being kidnapped. The van crashes and Suze thinks it’s the end.\nBut she wakes up two weeks back in time. No one else remembers the terror that came before. Is it all in her own mind?\nThen it happens again. And again. \nWith every loop\, her world twists into a new version of itself. Suze must discover why it’s happening and who is behind the kidnappings. She’s running out of time to save her family and wake up in a world she recognises. \n \n‘Every Time She Wakes is gripping\, unsettling and impossible to put down. With each time loop\, the tension escalates and the stakes become heartbreakingly personal. A brilliant race against fate and time. I’ll be adding this to my ‘most often recommended’ list.’ \n Sally Hepworth\, bestselling author of Mad Mabel \n‘Every Time She Wakes is a clever\, propulsive thriller that plays brilliantly with time and tension.’ \nChristian White\, author\, The Long Night \nAbout the author \n \nPetronella McGovern grew up in a large family on a farm in New South Wales\, Australia. Farmland and the bush feature strongly in her debut psychological thriller\, Six Minutes. Her second novel\, The Good Teacher\, is set on the sparkling beaches of Sydney\, with a dark undercurrent. \nShe has also co-written two non-fiction books – a travelogue of the 1960s\, For Love and a Beetle with Ivan Hodge; and an Olympic memoir\, Trailblazers: Australia’s First Olympic Equestrians with Wyatt Thompson. \nPetronella is fascinated by people – what makes us tick\, how we view the world\, and the lies we tell others and ourselves. She’s interested in the complexities of relationships and the dynamics in families. \n\n\n\n\n\n \nAbout Paula Gleeson \nPaula writes mysteries and thrillers for all ages\, usually with multiple twists and complicated females at the helm. \nShe is an award-winning filmmaker\, screenwriting finalist\, and nominated non-fiction writer. Her thrillers Original Twin and Boney Creek are out now. \nShe is local to Ballarat and is often found in her pj’s\, drinking tea (wine)\, and watching horror movies snuggled with a big cheese pizza. \nPaula Gleeson\, author\n$11 per person plus booking fees\, 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/petronella-mcgovern/ 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/2026/04/sp-promo-talks-petronella-mcgovern-v3.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260723T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260723T210000 DTSTAMP:20260509T122641 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:20260509T122641 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:20260509T122641 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:20260509T122641 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:20260729T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260729T193000 DTSTAMP:20260509T122641 CREATED:20260416T050939Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T012750Z UID:72260-1785348000-1785353400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Phillipa Nefri Clark DESCRIPTION:July 29\n@\n6:00 pm\n–\n7:30 pm \n$11.78 \nHumffray Room \n\nGet Tickets\n \nLest Angels Weep \nPhillipa Nefri Clark \nPhillipa will be in conversation with local actor Kate Atkinson \n \nThe new case is cold. Stone cold. Until another murder with striking similarities rocks a remote outback town. \nDetective Liz Moorland is desperate to get out of Melbourne. Away from the aftermath of shocking events surrounding her team and her father. The heat of the red dirt is a welcome distraction. \nBut was this murder done by a copycat or is the original killer still living within the small community? What is the secret which keeps everyone away from the old church? Almost everyone. And why is the team’s request for cold and current case reports and forensics meeting resistance from the local police? \nThe discovery of an angel-shaped pendant on a grave leads to a rumoured fourth death – from even longer ago. How the pieces connect is proving to be the most complex puzzle Operation Nobody has encountered. \nSomeone is watching their every move. Someone is protecting the scene of the crimes. And someone is ready to kill again. \nBook five in the atmospheric Detective Liz Moorland series\, with books 1-4 optioned for screen. \n \nAbout the author \nPhillipa Nefri Clark\, author\nA USA Today bestselling author\, Phillipa lives in the Macedon Ranges in Victoria. She also lives in the many worlds of her imagination and stockpiles stories beside her laptop. \nShe writes from the heart about love\, dreams\, secrets\, discovery\, the sea\, the world as she knows it… or wishes it could be. She loves happy endings\, heart-pounding suspense\, and characters who stay with the reader long after the final page. \nWith a passion for music\, the ocean\, nature\, reading\, and writing\, she is often found in the vegetable garden pondering a new story. Phillipa is both an indie author and traditionally published by Storm Publishing. \n  \nAbout Kate Atkinson \nIf you have watched any Australian television in the last 30 years\, you are bound to know Kate Atkinson’s face; her work as an actress ranges from Seachange and Blue Heelers many moons ago to\, more recently\, Wentworth and Jack Irish and many other much-loved shows like Offspring and Kath and Kim in between. \nShe has also worked regularly in theatre and film. Kate moved to regional Victoria three years ago and now occasionally produces radio for ABC Ballarat. She is a big fan of books and reading so was delighted to discover the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and the treasures of its library! \nKate Atkinson\, host\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/phillipa-nefri-clark/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sp-promo-talks-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260807T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260807T204000 DTSTAMP:20260509T122641 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:20260509T122641 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 BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260813T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260813T210000 DTSTAMP:20260509T122641 CREATED:20260129T051107Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T033912Z UID:70430-1786649400-1786654800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | The Blue Trail DESCRIPTION:August 13\n@\n7:30 pm\n–\n9:00 pm \nMinerva Room \nBrazilian Dystopian Sci-fi \n \nThe Blue Trail depicts a dystopian world\, one that functions as a wry social critique rather than containing any lasting sense of terror or gloom.  In a futuristic Brazil\, retirement has questionable consequences. 77-year-old Tereza is hailed as a ‘national living heritage’\, yet she will soon be forced to live in a colony for seniors. But Tereza has one dream: to fly on a plane before she’s shipped off and forgotten. \nEmbarking on a fantastical journey through the Amazon\, she encounters a blue drool-discharging snail with an ability to chart a person’s destiny\, a shady boat captain and a sly new friend with secrets – and lessons – of her own. The best-reviewed film of the 2025 Berlinale – where it topped Screen International’s prestigious critics’ poll – Gabriel Mascaro’s extraordinary film is a breathtaking cinematic odyssey. \n“It’s remarkable how much Mascaro packs into the slender 86-minute runtime of The Blue Trail. This tale of quiet triumph knows that the best counterweight to the market’s invisible hand is to offer a caring hand into the dreams of those it leaves behind … Mascaro compassionately exhibits how a future that doesn’t make space for its past is not one worth venturing toward.” Slant Magazine. Palace Films \n \nBrazil\, 2025\, 87 mins. Dir Gabriel Mascaro. \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-the-blue-trail/ 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/the-blue-trail-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260910T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260910T210000 DTSTAMP:20260509T122641 CREATED:20260129T052341Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T033843Z UID:70438-1789068600-1789074000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Kōkā DESCRIPTION:September 10\n@\n7:30 pm\n–\n9:00 pm \nMinerva Room \n​Māori Roadtrip Film \n \nThe Māori celebration of New Year in July\, marked by the rising of the stars in the Matariki constellation\, is an occasion to mourn the deceased\, celebrate the present\, and prepare the ground for the coming year.    \nWhile driving the length of New Zealand from hospital on the South Island to her home on the North\, Māori Elder Hamo takes on the care of Jo\, a troubled young woman being evicted from a caravan park\, who has lost touch with her Māori culture. They form an unlikely bond\, and as they confront past traumas and demons\, their journey becomes a path to healing and reconciliation\, experienced through Matariki. The film won the People’s Choice Award at the Māoriland Film Festival in 2025\, possibly helped by its high production values; director Kath Akuhata-Brown said that the film benefited indirectly from the recent writers and actors strikes in America. “With several overseas film productions on hold here\, their crack crews were suddenly available\, and keen to throw their expertise at Kōka.” (Radio NZ). Roadshow. \n \nN.Z.\, 2025\, 107 min. Dir: Kath Akuhata-Brown. \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-koka/ 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/koka-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261008T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261008T210000 DTSTAMP:20260509T122641 CREATED:20260129T054045Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T033815Z UID:70446-1791487800-1791493200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Bound for Glory DESCRIPTION:October 8\n@\n7:30 pm\n–\n9:00 pm \nMinerva Room \nDustbowl Folk Singer Elegy \n \nFolk legend Woody Guthrie\, an extraordinary hard-driving\, ‘truth-telling man’ from the Oklahoma Plains\, who left the American mid-west Dust Bowl in the 1930s for the promise of California and on his journey became one of America’s most noted poet-folk singers.  \nGuthrie\, through years of travelling\, penned more than 1000 songs\, many in protest about injustice and inequality.  He sang about historic events\, migrant workers\, hoboes\, stories of the disenfranchised and ignored\, love\, and the fight against fascism. He even penned a song called “Old Man Trump” (1954) about Donald’s father\, whom he accused of stirring up racism through residential segregation in his Beach Haven apartment complex.  \nOne of his best-known songs\, “This Land is Your Land” (1940)\, has become an alternative anthem in America. His songs have been reimagined by dozens of folk singers such as Bob Dylan\, Pete Seeger\, Joan Baez\, Billy Bragg\, and many more. Nearly 60 years after his death\, an album with refined original songs Woody at Home\, was released in 2025.  Roadshow. \n \nUSA\, 1976\, 147 min. Dir: Hal Ashby (Harold and Maude\, 1971).  Stars: David Harradine as Woody Guthrie. \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-bound-for-glory/ 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/bound-for-glory-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261009T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261009T220000 DTSTAMP:20260509T122641 CREATED:20260203T013254Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T023230Z UID:70535-1791572400-1791583200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Telegraph Road - The Dire Straits Legacy: Matt Arthur and The Lazybones DESCRIPTION:October 9\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n10:00 pm \n$40 – $49 \nBallaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n\n\nGet Tickets\n \nTelegraph Road — The Dire Straits Legacy. \n \nA celebration of the legendary British rock band known for their clean guitar tone\, understated style\, and poetic storytelling. \n“Matt Arthur\, an expressive vocalist and blues guitarist from Central West NSW\, leads The Lazybones—a five-piece group drawing on decades of musical experience. \nFollowing the 2024 release of the album Then & Now\, they have toured NSW\, Victoria\, and Queensland\, receiving positive reviews for their engaging performances. \nMatt Arthur | Photo Frank Galdys Photography\n\n \nKeyboardist Sam McNally\, based in the NSW Blue Mountains\, is a founding member of Melbourne’s 80s band Stylus\, has toured with Air Supply\, John Farnham\, Tommy Emmanuel\, and Tim Finn. He also performs with Doug Williams & The Mix and Coloured Stone. \n \nBassist Michael Vidale\, based on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula\, currently tours with Don Walker (Cold Chisel)\, Jeff Lang & The Bushwackers.\nAn original member of Jimmy & The Boys. \n \nDrummer Dave Egan\, based in Sydney\, has worked with Matt Arthur for over two decades\, previously serving as the go-to drummer for major theatre shows and holding a long-running position in Sydney’s The Enormous Horns.\n” \nFollow Matt Arthur \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nTickets: $49 adults\, $40 children under 17 years. \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/telegraph-road-the-dire-straits-legacy/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/matt-arthur-sq-promo.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Matt Arthur Music":MAILTO:matt@mattarthurmusic.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261210T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261210T210000 DTSTAMP:20260509T122641 CREATED:20260129T055545Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T073342Z UID:70454-1796931000-1796936400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Smiley Gets a Gun DESCRIPTION:December 10\n @\n7:30 pm\n –\n9:00 pm\n [event-location] \nFurther Adventures of Smiley \n \nOur screening of Smiley (1956) two years ago was popular with film society members.  In this sequel\, Smiley is a young Aussie upstart and cheeky home-grown hero\, who sets out to turn over a new leaf and become a ‘responsible citizen’ after his past misadventures. \nSergeant Flaxman (Chips Rafferty) keeps a keen eye on the rapscallion and promises to award him a brand new .22 rifle if he stays out of trouble. Smiley of course scoots around in his mad-cap daily life desperately trying to keep his word\, but eventually getting accused of stealing gold from little old granny McKinley (Sybil Thorndike).  Filmed over an eight week period towards the end of 1957\, shooting took place at Camden and then Pagewood Studios in Sydney.  Have a walk down memory lane to a time when a Christmas present for a kid could be a .22 rifle! Roadshow. \n \nAustralia\, 1958\, 90 min. Dir: Anthony Kimmins. Stars Keith Calvert as Smiley\, Sybil Thorndike\, Leonard Thiele and Ruth Cracknell in her first feature film. \nBallarat Film Society \n \n \nMembership \n12 months – Feb-December: $60Feb-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-smiley-gets-a-gun/ 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/smiley-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR