BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.16.4.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20210403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20211002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20220402T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20221001T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20230401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20230930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220914T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220914T190000 DTSTAMP:20220907T232229Z CREATED:20220602T003246Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220907T232229Z UID:19225-1663174800-1663182000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2022 | Season 2 | Session 2 DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-2022-season-2-session-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/tt-banner-22-2-e1654128079849.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220913T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220913T150000 DTSTAMP:20220804T055309Z CREATED:20220804T055128Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220804T055309Z UID:21280-1663077600-1663081200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-september-2/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220907T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220907T190000 DTSTAMP:20220907T231755Z CREATED:20220601T234949Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220907T231755Z UID:19204-1662570000-1662577200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2022 | Season 2 | Session 1 DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-2022-season-2-session-1/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/tt-banner-22-2-e1654128079849.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220906T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220906T150000 DTSTAMP:20220804T055052Z CREATED:20220804T054836Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220804T055052Z UID:21278-1662472800-1662476400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-september-1/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220830T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220830T150000 DTSTAMP:20220719T223118Z CREATED:20220712T011044Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220719T223118Z UID:20271-1661868000-1661871600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-30-august-2022/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220830T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220830T120000 DTSTAMP:20220731T225133Z CREATED:20220731T224848Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220731T225133Z UID:20934-1661855400-1661860800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | 30 August DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-reading-room-30-august/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/the-reading-room-event-header-final-e1640069925423.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220825T130000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220825T150000 DTSTAMP:20220802T053154Z CREATED:20220731T224648Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220802T053154Z UID:20932-1661432400-1661439600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Current Affairs Dialogue | Discussion Group DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/current-affairs-dialogue-2/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Current-Affairs-logo-cropped.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220823T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220823T150000 DTSTAMP:20220804T053930Z CREATED:20220719T223033Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220804T053930Z UID:20407-1661263200-1661266800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-23-august-2022-copy/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220818T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220818T193000 DTSTAMP:20221003T004324Z CREATED:20221003T004324Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221003T004324Z UID:22950-1660847400-1660851000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ann Cleeves | In Conversation with Jock Serong | Now fully booked Copy DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/meet-ann-cleeves-copy/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Ann-Cleeves-Digital-Signage-slide.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220818T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220818T193000 DTSTAMP:20220721T223736Z CREATED:20220711T011609Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220721T223736Z UID:20175-1660847400-1660851000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ann Cleeves | In Conversation with Jock Serong | Now fully booked DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/meet-ann-cleeves/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Ann-Cleeves-Digital-Signage-slide.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220816T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220816T150000 DTSTAMP:20220804T054226Z CREATED:20220719T222923Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220804T054226Z UID:20406-1660658400-1660662000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-16-august-2022-copy/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220811T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220811T213000 DTSTAMP:20220803T064057Z CREATED:20220803T063454Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220803T064057Z UID:21164-1660244400-1660253400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - Little Woods DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-little-woods/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/little-woods-image.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220809T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220809T150000 DTSTAMP:20220804T053726Z CREATED:20220719T222830Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220804T053726Z UID:20405-1660053600-1660057200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-9-august-2022-copy/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220802T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220802T150000 DTSTAMP:20220719T223449Z CREATED:20220719T222720Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220719T223449Z UID:20404-1659448800-1659452400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-2-august-2022-copy/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220802T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221024T150000 DTSTAMP:20221003T004102Z CREATED:20220801T223637Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221003T004102Z UID:20986-1659434400-1666623600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Invention\, innovation & environment display DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/innovation-environment/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/twilight-talks-2022-season-2-banner-e1664508717818.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220728T130000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220728T150000 DTSTAMP:20220630T023250Z CREATED:20220629T045708Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220630T023250Z UID:19781-1659013200-1659020400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Current Affairs Dialogue | Discussion Group DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/current-affairs-dialogue-1/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Current-Affairs-logo-cropped.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220727T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220727T123000 DTSTAMP:20220627T214102Z CREATED:20220419T014429Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220627T214102Z UID:18302-1658917800-1658925000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Paper bead-making with Faye Heininger | 27 July - Session 2 of 2 | Now fully booked DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/paper-bead-making-with-faye-heininger-27-july-session-2/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_1508-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220726T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220726T150000 DTSTAMP:20220719T223509Z CREATED:20220719T222414Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220719T223509Z UID:20403-1658844000-1658847600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-26-july-2022-copy/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220726T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220726T120000 DTSTAMP:20220629T052138Z CREATED:20220629T051619Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220629T052138Z UID:19799-1658831400-1658836800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | 26 July DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-reading-room-26-july/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/the-reading-room-event-header-final-e1640069925423.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220725T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220725T190000 DTSTAMP:20220719T034816Z CREATED:20220609T043335Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220719T034816Z UID:19402-1658768400-1658775600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Fundraiser | Carols in Winter | Ballarat Singers & Little Brass Band DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/carols-in-winter/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Carols-banner-final-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220720T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220720T143000 DTSTAMP:20220627T214254Z CREATED:20220418T233225Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220627T214254Z UID:18281-1658313000-1658327400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Paper bead-making with Faye Heininger | 20 July - Session 1 of 2 | Now fully booked DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/paper-bead-making-with-faye-heininger-20-july/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_1508-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220719T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220719T150000 DTSTAMP:20220719T223524Z CREATED:20220719T222213Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220719T223524Z UID:20401-1658239200-1658242800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-19-july-2022-copy/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220714T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220714T213000 DTSTAMP:20220623T025812Z CREATED:20220623T024935Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220623T025812Z UID:19749-1657825200-1657834200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - High Ground DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-high-ground/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/high-ground-image.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220714T184500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220714T200000 DTSTAMP:20220615T232426Z CREATED:20220607T004435Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220615T232426Z UID:19301-1657824300-1657828800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Fundraiser | The Phantom of the Open DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-phantom-of-the-open/ LOCATION:Regent Cinemas Ballarat\, 49 Lydiard Street North\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/fun-the-phantom-of-the-open-banner-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220704T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220728T160000 DTSTAMP:20220617T012414Z CREATED:20220614T060046Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220617T012414Z UID:19529-1656928800-1659024000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Exhibition of works Lillipilli Beads\, Faye Heininger DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/exhibition-of-lillipilli-beads/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Exhibition,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/IMG_2871-rotated-e1655427437685.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220701T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220701T230000 DTSTAMP:20220606T034426Z CREATED:20220606T034426Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220606T034426Z UID:19295-1656702000-1656716400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Fanny Lumsden's Deep in the Fallow Tour DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/fallow/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Externally Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/62822e0f1111f4204c192b1d-e1654487275688.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220629T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220629T130000 DTSTAMP:20220527T005259Z CREATED:20220405T013807Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T005259Z UID:17907-1656498600-1656507600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Painting with Geoff Roderick | 29 June 22 | Now fully booked DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/painting-with-geoff-roderick-29-june-22/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_6524.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220628T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220628T120000 DTSTAMP:20220615T035300Z CREATED:20220603T035206Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220615T035300Z UID:19243-1656412200-1656417600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | 28 June DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-reading-room-28-june-22/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/the-reading-room-event-header-final-e1640069925423.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220622T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220622T130000 DTSTAMP:20220525T055055Z CREATED:20220405T013548Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220525T055055Z UID:17905-1655893800-1655902800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Painting with Geoff Roderick | 22 June 22 | Now fully booked DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/painting-with-geoff-roderick-22-june-22/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_6524.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220619T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220619T160000 DTSTAMP:20220606T034930Z CREATED:20220527T005602Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220606T034930Z UID:19112-1655649000-1655654400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Toying With The Classics - Ballarat Symphony Orchestra DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026\n Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark\n For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Collection Events\n Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith\n Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bsojune22/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art programs,Classical Music,Externally Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Toying-With-the-Classics-BMI-Events-alternative-graphic.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR