BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.17.0//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:20200404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20201003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20210403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20211002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20220402T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20221001T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20230401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20230930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220130T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220130T170000 DTSTAMP:20211221T065511Z CREATED:20211221T065511Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211221T065511Z UID:15176-1643551200-1643562000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Three Tenors - Ballarat Italian Association 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 Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-three-tenors/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Externally Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/the-three-tenors-e1640069815683.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220125T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220125T160000 DTSTAMP:20220527T010844Z CREATED:20211027T002244Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010844Z UID:13552-1643121000-1643126400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | January 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 Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-reading-room-january/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/the-reading-room-event-header-final-e1640069925423.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220122T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220122T220000 DTSTAMP:20211221T063754Z CREATED:20211221T063037Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211221T063754Z UID:15170-1642879800-1642888800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Charlie Wilde 'Allihies' Tour - Ballarat 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 Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/charliewilde-allihies/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Externally Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CHARLIE-WILDE-tour-cover-e1640068623114.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220122T090000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220122T140000 DTSTAMP:20211130T050242Z CREATED:20211130T045553Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211130T050242Z UID:14667-1642842000-1642860000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Book Sale Fundraiser 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 Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bmi-book-sale-fundraiser/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/book_sale_10_1_square-e1640068474344.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211218T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211218T230000 DTSTAMP:20211101T024626Z CREATED:20211101T024622Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211101T024626Z UID:13718-1639854000-1639868400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:A Very Motown Christmas with Motor City Sounds 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 Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/motown-christmas/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Website_Image-01.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211211T123000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211211T223000 DTSTAMP:20211208T024509Z CREATED:20211201T051643Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211208T024509Z UID:14716-1639225800-1639261800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:SoundCheck Studios - Summer Sounds 2021 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 Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/soundcheck-2021/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Externally Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/245917318_438458011243533_1293259393769842968_n.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="SoundCheck Studios":MAILTO:hello@soundcheckstudios.com.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211205T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211205T160000 DTSTAMP:20211201T050904Z CREATED:20211201T050904Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211201T050904Z UID:14705-1638712800-1638720000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Gather - Podcast Party 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 Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/gather/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Externally Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/261700737_1311501322652197_6658001133272834236_n.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Minerva's Books & Ideas":MAILTO:minervasbooksballarat@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211130T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211130T160000 DTSTAMP:20211104T234011Z CREATED:20211027T013848Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211104T234011Z UID:13579-1638282600-1638288000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | November 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 Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-reading-room-november/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/the-reading-room-event-header-final-e1640069925423.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211120T090000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211120T140000 DTSTAMP:20220527T010809Z CREATED:20210621T014337Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010809Z UID:8354-1637398800-1637416800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Maker & Community Market | Spring 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 Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bmi-maker-community-market-spring/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Market ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/maker_image-e1628392488945.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211119T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211119T190000 DTSTAMP:20211101T024250Z CREATED:20211101T024250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211101T024250Z UID:13714-1637343000-1637348400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Sparkling Wine Tasting Workshop with Dr Amie Brûlée 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 Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/sparkling-workshop/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Wine_Pour.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211026T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211026T160000 DTSTAMP:20220527T010852Z CREATED:20211008T235001Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010852Z UID:13020-1635258600-1635264000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | A book reading & discussion group DESCRIPTION:From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria\, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad.Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out\, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read that ‘will fill your heart’\, contains an energetic spark that is doubled in Good as Gold through its complex and loveable characters. Good as Gold follows an escaped orphan\, a copper and his prisoner\, and a gang of bushrangers as they descend on Melbourne town for the Cup. Each is hoping for something different — a new beginning\, a chance to make history\, or a prize bigger than they could imagine. But only one can get the gold. Justin Smith has a personal connection to the characters he writes\, but none more than Laurence Flynn\, named after his first Australian ancestor\, an educated man who helped immigrants of the time receive licencing to work in the local mines. Justin wrote this novel with a love for westerns\, Australian history\, and a good yarn.  Good as Gold is a tale that will simultaneously transport readers to the past\, while commenting on the racism that still exists in our present. It reminds us that putting your faith into the wrong people can often lead to  trouble. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Justin Smith is a Melbourne writer\, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News. Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs\, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan\, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath Justin will be in-conversation with ABC Ballarat Journalist Gavin McGrath. After more than a decade and a half working the beat as a newspaper reporter\, Gavin McGrath brings an eye (and an ear) for what’s newsworthy\, interesting and just plain unusual in regional Australia to ABC Local Radio. Growing up in regional South Australia and Victoria\, Gavin was a relative latecomer to news journalism (he actually wanted to be a fighter pilot) but studied communications at Deakin University in Warrnambool and has since worked for the Herald Sun (five years) and The Courier in Ballarat (eight years). Prior to becoming a staff reporter\, he worked within the motoring industry and as a motorsport scribe at racetracks around Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gavin McGrath\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In his time as a writer Gavin has taken a keen interest in local sport\, rural and farming matters\, and even returned to his first love\, driving and reviewing cars\, but hasn’t been afraid to tackle everything from politics to theatre (including a failed attempt to become Ballarat’s Phantom of the Opera. Sadly he is a terrible singer). There has also been a late run at attracting the attention of AFL football recruiters\, playing bush footy as a 40-something despite an absence of any kind of sporting ability and playing virtually no football between the ages of 15 and 39. He has even spun up some discs as a pub DJ so beware of hearing the odd pub rock tune or cheesy disco classic. Gavin takes a look at local life in Ballarat and South West Victoria each weekday between 10 and 11am\, and would love to hear your stories. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-reading-room/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/linda-olsson-let-me-sing-you-gentle-songs-e1633914060658.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211022T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211022T190000 DTSTAMP:20211007T005315Z CREATED:20211007T005311Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211007T005315Z UID:12942-1634923800-1634929200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Champagne Tasting Workshop @ 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 Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/champagne-day-2021/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Externally Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/cbad3a6926d348a1e3bea5e2e0013741-copy.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211020T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211020T130000 DTSTAMP:20220527T011012Z CREATED:20210816T062718Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T011012Z UID:11408-1634724000-1634734800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Tin Art Workshop | Melinda Muscat 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 Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tin-art-workshop-melinda-muscat-2/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/burst-of-sunshine-2020-melinda-muscat-tin-art_adjusted_1600_1200-v3.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211009T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211009T130000 DTSTAMP:20220527T010537Z CREATED:20210816T031559Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010537Z UID:11326-1633773600-1633784400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Tin Art Workshop | Melinda Muscat 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 Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tin-art-workshop-melinda-muscat/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/burst-of-sunshine-2020-melinda-muscat-tin-art_adjusted_1600_1200-v3.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211002T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211119T160000 DTSTAMP:20220527T010400Z CREATED:20210817T052952Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010400Z UID:11533-1633168800-1637337600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Exhibition of Works | Melinda Muscat 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 Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/exhibition-of-works-melinda-muscat/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/be-my-valentine-2-2020-melinda-muscat-tin-art-adjusted-1600-1200.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210915T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220109T170000 DTSTAMP:20220527T005846Z CREATED:20210701T020119Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T005846Z UID:9041-1631700000-1641747600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat International Foto Biennale | Number One | Gudinski 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 Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bifb-gudinski/ LOCATION:The Ballarat Imaginarium\, 119A Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Exhibition,Externally Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/tiff:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/MichaelGudinski_Portraits_Credits-to-Brian-Purnell-of-Mushroom-Creative-House-2017-6423_BandW-e1628392289624.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210710T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210710T223000 DTSTAMP:20210902T231249Z CREATED:20210630T035325Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210902T231249Z UID:8861-1625943600-1625956200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Leah Senior with Chimpanzee 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 Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/leah-senior-with-chimpanzee/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Chimpleah-banner.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210707T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210728T160000 DTSTAMP:20220527T010736Z CREATED:20210703T030150Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010736Z UID:9203-1625652000-1627488000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Exhibition of Works | Geoff Roderick 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 Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/exhibition-of-works-geoff-roderick/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/view_of_clunes_towards_lookout_2021.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210626T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210626T210000 DTSTAMP:20210902T231350Z CREATED:20210609T030630Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210902T231350Z UID:7840-1624734000-1624741200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The River Moorabool | Ballarat 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 Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-river-moorabool-ballarat/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/74d5b9cd69230017e7329c3ddf9b0b71.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210508T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210508T193000 DTSTAMP:20210808T032122Z CREATED:20210420T070704Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210808T032122Z UID:2975-1620496800-1620502200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Murder Mystery | The Peculiar Demise of William Bailey 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 Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/william-bailey-mystery/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/186456208_1883618885121481_3037375389238591407_n.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210515T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210515T220000 DTSTAMP:20210902T231755Z CREATED:20210422T033137Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210902T231755Z UID:3181-1621108800-1621116000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Red Mill Revue! 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 Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/red-mill-revue-bmi/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Externally Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/97829b69f439fbbd7b03e06407a84938.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210522T120000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210522T140000 DTSTAMP:20210902T231740Z CREATED:20210422T052409Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210902T231740Z UID:3272-1621684800-1621692000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:2021 Victorian Pinup Pageant 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 Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/2021-victorian-pinup-pageant/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Externally Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/EHI728790-d50820af050940b3a5459a47e8f817ec.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210521T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210521T220000 DTSTAMP:20210422T034425Z CREATED:20210420T070707Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210422T034425Z UID:2978-1621623600-1621634400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Witching Hour & A Night of Spiritualism | Ballarat Heritage Festival 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 Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twhnos/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/9eaabc75ac1614e0c0a34022a61ccffd.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210515T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210515T220000 DTSTAMP:20210902T231755Z CREATED:20210422T033137Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210902T231755Z UID:3181-1621108800-1621116000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Red Mill Revue! 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 Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/red-mill-revue-bmi/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Externally Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/97829b69f439fbbd7b03e06407a84938.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210514T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210514T220000 DTSTAMP:20210422T034437Z CREATED:20210407T085224Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210422T034437Z UID:2705-1621018800-1621029600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Suffrajitsu & Playing the Ghost | Ballarat Heritage Festival 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 Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/sptg/ LOCATION:BMI – Multiple Spaces\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/3bc4d070a929e13e1b5ff308cfa1ee65-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210509T130000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210509T150000 DTSTAMP:20210422T034447Z CREATED:20210420T070704Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210422T034447Z UID:2976-1620565200-1620572400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Journey to the Southern Cross | Ballarat Heritage Festival 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 Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/jttsc/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/482bcdd02fa8fe3ddd75d368445021b7.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210508T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210508T193000 DTSTAMP:20210808T032122Z CREATED:20210420T070704Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210808T032122Z UID:2975-1620496800-1620502200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Murder Mystery | The Peculiar Demise of William Bailey 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 Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/william-bailey-mystery/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/186456208_1883618885121481_3037375389238591407_n.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210501T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210501T233000 DTSTAMP:20210902T231804Z CREATED:20210422T032210Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210902T231804Z UID:3161-1619892000-1619911800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Rock Ballarat Burlesque Showcase 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 Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/rock-ballarat-burlesque-showcase/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Externally Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/burlesque-ii-small-1046x1479-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210328T150000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210328T170000 DTSTAMP:20210902T231821Z CREATED:20210308T064055Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210902T231821Z UID:2365-1616943600-1616950800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Keep the Circle Unbroken - Ballarat 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 Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ktcu/ LOCATION:BMI – Multiple Spaces\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Externally Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/540137b6bebec0055e539e5a54d24651.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210318T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210318T210000 DTSTAMP:20210902T231833Z CREATED:20210308T063321Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210902T231833Z UID:2357-1616094000-1616101200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:MICF Class Clowns | Ballarat Heat 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 Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage | A BMI Community Partner\n 19 June - 22 June | As events are confirmed... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Biodiversity Week – Ballarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern\n Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Don’t miss Petronella who... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/class-clowns-2021/ LOCATION:BMI – Multiple Spaces\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Externally Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/88e0e8e29bd66f49a899dbff909c887c.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR