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:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20270403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20271002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20280401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20280930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260527T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260527T200000 DTSTAMP:20260331T035212Z CREATED:20260313T002934Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035212Z UID:71249-1779906600-1779912000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Amanda Hampson 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/amanda-hampson/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-amanda-hampson.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260527T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260527T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T054009Z CREATED:20260509T053422Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T054009Z UID:72867-1779908400-1779912000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | From Aniety to Action: Tools to Reclaim Your Life 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/kadampa-meditation-series-from-aniety-to-action-tools-to-reclaim-your-life-27-may/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/4-From_Anxiety_to_Action_Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260530T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260530T110000 DTSTAMP:20260528T034920Z CREATED:20260528T041002Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260528T034920Z UID:73311-1780135200-1780138800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Lantern Vaults 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/lantern-vaults-reprised/ LOCATION:BMI – Multiple Spaces\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-events-lantern-vaults.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260603T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260603T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T053950Z CREATED:20260509T053525Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T053950Z UID:72869-1780513200-1780516800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | From Aniety to Action: Tools to Reclaim Your Life 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/kadampa-meditation-series-from-aniety-to-action-tools-to-reclaim-your-life-3-june/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/4-From_Anxiety_to_Action_Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260606T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260606T213000 DTSTAMP:20260514T035755Z CREATED:20260511T011117Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T035755Z UID:72909-1780767000-1780781400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Queer Blak+ Deadly with Steven Oliver 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/queer-blak-deadly-with-steven-oliver/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Pride,Burlesque,Comedy,Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-queer.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260607T120000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260607T150000 DTSTAMP:20260514T045643Z CREATED:20260514T020854Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T045643Z UID:72943-1780833600-1780844400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Moco: 5 Senses of Drag Workshop 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/moco-5-senses-of-drag-workshop/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Pride,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-moco.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260610T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260610T200000 DTSTAMP:20260605T012250Z CREATED:20260509T053553Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260605T012250Z UID:72871-1781118000-1781121600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Transformative Power of Concentration 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/kadampa-meditation-series-from-aniety-to-action-tools-to-reclaim-your-life-10-june/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/6-Focus_Concentration_BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260611T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260611T210000 DTSTAMP:20260331T035120Z CREATED:20260129T043042Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035120Z UID:70415-1781206200-1781211600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Monster 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/ballarat-film-society-monster/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/monster-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T200000 DTSTAMP:20260527T015517Z CREATED:20260310T005733Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260527T015517Z UID:71141-1781290800-1781294400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night 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/minervas-secrets-night-tour-12-jun-26/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sq-promo-minerva-secrets2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T220000 DTSTAMP:20260613T032649Z CREATED:20260310T010115Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260613T032649Z UID:71143-1781298000-1781301600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night 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/minervas-secrets-night-tour-12-jun-26-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sq-promo-minerva-secrets.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260617T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260617T193000 DTSTAMP:20260507T043433Z CREATED:20260506T023026Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T043433Z UID:72763-1781719200-1781724600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Anthea Hodgson 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/in-conversation-with-anthea-hodgson/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sp-promo-talks-anthea-hodgson.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260617T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260617T200000 DTSTAMP:20260605T012458Z CREATED:20260509T053624Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260605T012458Z UID:72873-1781722800-1781726400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Transformative Power of Concentration 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/kadampa-meditation-series-from-aniety-to-action-tools-to-reclaim-your-life-17-june/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/6-Focus_Concentration_BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260621T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260621T180000 DTSTAMP:20260514T041434Z CREATED:20260514T032237Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T041434Z UID:72955-1782052200-1782064800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Pianoforte Schedule - Celebrating Chopin 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/royal-south-street-society-pianoforte-schedule-celebrating-chopin-26/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Live Music,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-chopin.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260623T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260623T193000 DTSTAMP:20260331T034824Z CREATED:20260313T005434Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034824Z UID:71257-1782237600-1782243000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Mark Smith 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/mark-smith-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-mark-smith.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260624T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260624T200000 DTSTAMP:20260605T012745Z CREATED:20260509T053656Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260605T012745Z UID:72875-1782327600-1782331200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Transformative Power of Concentration 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/kadampa-meditation-series-from-aniety-to-action-tools-to-reclaim-your-life-24-june/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/6-Focus_Concentration_BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260627T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260627T193000 DTSTAMP:20260514T034853Z CREATED:20260514T032920Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T034853Z UID:72959-1782585000-1782588600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Vocal Championship Challenge 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/royal-south-street-society-vocal-championship-challenge/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Live Music,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260629T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260629T210000 DTSTAMP:20260514T040925Z CREATED:20260514T033415Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T040925Z UID:72963-1782761400-1782766800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | The Herald Sun Aria Semi-Final 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/royal-south-street-society-the-herald-sun-aria-semi-final/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Live Music,Royal South Street Society,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-arias.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260630T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270126T150000 DTSTAMP:20260623T010825Z CREATED:20250527T054132Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260623T010825Z UID:65238-1782828000-1800975600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - Each Tuesday 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/day-tours-ballarat-26/ LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/building-tours-sq-promo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260701T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260701T193000 DTSTAMP:20260508T010257Z CREATED:20260506T041811Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260508T010257Z UID:72778-1782928800-1782934200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Sherryl Clark 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/in-conversation-with-sherryl-clark/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sp-promo-talks-sherryl-clark.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260701T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260701T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T054226Z CREATED:20260509T054129Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T054226Z UID:72881-1782932400-1782936000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Full Heart: Gratitude and Contentment in Daily Life 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/kadampa-meditation-series-a-full-heart-gratitude-and-contentment-in-daily-life/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5-Gratitude_GP_Class_BMI-Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260703T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260703T211500 DTSTAMP:20260514T042336Z CREATED:20260505T235334Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T042336Z UID:72745-1783108800-1783113300@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Joscho Stephan Trio: Gypsy Jazz Virtuosos 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/joscho-stephan-trio-gypsy-jazz-virtuosos/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-joscho-final.png ORGANIZER;CN="Concerts Australia":MAILTO:michael@concertsaustralia.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260704T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260704T110000 DTSTAMP:20260514T042623Z CREATED:20260413T230016Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T042623Z UID:72002-1783159200-1783162800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Whistle and Trick 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/whistle-and-trick/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy,Live Music,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-events-whistle-and-trick.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260705T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260705T210000 DTSTAMP:20260521T040050Z CREATED:20260521T034118Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T040050Z UID:73067-1783279800-1783285200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Alexandr Misko: International Guitar Sensation Live at BMI 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/alexandr-misko-international-guitar-sensation-live-at-bmi/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-alexandr-misko.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260708T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260708T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T054612Z CREATED:20260509T054308Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T054612Z UID:72884-1783537200-1783540800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Full Heart: Gratitude and Contentment in Daily Life 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/kadampa-meditation-series-a-full-heart-gratitude-and-contentment-in-daily-life-8-july/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5-Gratitude_GP_Class_BMI-Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T125000 DTSTAMP:20260430T050116Z CREATED:20250930T001641Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T050116Z UID:67766-1783681200-1783687800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke\, a THEATRE 180 production | SOLD OUT DESCRIPTION: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/21-hearts/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-21-hearts.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T205000 DTSTAMP:20260430T051020Z CREATED:20251001T031523Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T051020Z UID:67817-1783710000-1783716600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke\, a THEATRE 180 production | SOLD OUT 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/21-hearts-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-21-hearts.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260711T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260711T125000 DTSTAMP:20260605T013835Z CREATED:20260212T045959Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260605T013835Z UID:70689-1783767600-1783774200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke\, a THEATRE 180 production 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/21-hearts-vivian-bulllwinkel-and-the-nurses-of-the-vyner-brooke-a-theatre-180-production-saturday/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-21-hearts.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260711T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260711T205000 DTSTAMP:20260430T050650Z CREATED:20260430T044744Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T050650Z UID:72672-1783796400-1783803000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke\, a THEATRE 180 production 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/21-hearts-vivian-bullwinkel-and-the-nurses-of-the-vyner-brooke-a-theatre-180-production/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-21-hearts.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260714T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260714T213000 DTSTAMP:20260504T055234Z CREATED:20260427T070837Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260504T055234Z UID:72579-1784057400-1784064600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Grigoryan Brothers - A Boy Called Sailboat 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/grigoryan-brothers-a-boy-called-sailboat/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-a-boy-called-steamboat-v4.png.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260715T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260715T193000 DTSTAMP:20260511T072228Z CREATED:20260313T024204Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260511T072228Z UID:71265-1784138400-1784143800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Benita Bensch 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/benita-bensch/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-benita-bensch-FINAL.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR