Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute

Ballarat Film Society | Journey Home
2026-07-16 19:30 - 21:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | BMI – Minerva Space, 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, 3350
An evening of history and hope with local historian Dr Marguerita Stephens and local documentary film-maker James Freemantle.

The Years of Terror meticulously documents the struggle of the Kulin clans to hold Country as La Trobe unleashed ‘the terror of British law’ on them. Based on the journal of Assistant Protector William Thomas, this work provides a new history of colonisation at Port Phillip Naarm, bringing the focus to bear on those violently dispossessed of lands and waters, theirs from time immemorial. Bush to Belly is a 52 min documentary by James Freemantle, with narration by Deborah Mailman. It’s a gorgeous story. You’re going to love these kids doing great work up in the Kimberley! Deborah Mailman 7 Gooniyandi kids load their espresso machine in a 4-wheel drive and travel the Gibb River Road to make lattes, cappuccinos and espressos for cyclists in some of Australia’s wildest terrain. But Bush to Belly is about more than coffee… …bulldust, bikes and rich cultural exchange, as a group of Indigenous kids shape their destinies. Bush to Belly has been screened on ABC International and NITV.

The Years of Terror, Banbu-Deen: Kelin and Colonists at Prot Philip 1835-1851 | Marguerita Stephens with Fay Stewart-Muir

Film-maker James Freemantle, with Narrator, Deborah Mailman.

Dr Marguerita Stephens | Photo: Renee Price for Collins Booksellers on Lydiard

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This event has been organised in partnership with Collins Booksellers on Lydiard

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