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DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260724T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260724T210000
DTSTAMP:20260331T034253Z
CREATED:20260223T053244Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034253Z
UID:70815-1784919600-1784926800@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production
DESCRIPTION:July 24\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n9:00 pm \n$10 – $30 \nMinerva Space \nThe Tony Award Winning Play by Yasmina Reza \nDirected by Ruby Abbott \nAfter the event of school yard bullying\, four parents differing views may have just created cause for another round; adults edition. \nGod of Carnage is a one act black comedy play. It won best comedy at the 2009 Tony Awards\nand the 2009 Laurence Olivier Awards. \nThe play begins with Michael and Veronica\, parents of young Henry\, inviting Alan and Annette\, parents of Benjamin\, to their home to discuss the horrifying event that occurred on the playground that morning. \nEleven-year-old Henry refused to let classmate Benjamin join his gang. Not taking this dismissal lightly\, Benjamin armed himself with a stick and knocked out Henry’s two front teeth. \nWith polite niceties wearing thin\, the audience watches four very different people try to resolve this matter\, convincing each other that it was not the fault of their own son\, rather that of the other. With accusations being hurled around the room\, the argument heats up even further when evaluating matters of racism\, sexism and homophobia. By evening’s end\, the gloves are well and truly off\, with the adults behaving in a manner that is eerily similar to that which occurred on the playground. \n \nPlaywright – Yasmina Reza \nYasmina Reza is a French playwright\, actress\, novelist and screenwriter best known for her plays ‘Art’ and God of Carnage. Many of her brief satiric plays have reflected on contemporary middle-class issues. \nIn 1994\, ‘Art’ premiered in Paris and went on to win the Molière Award for Best Author. Since then it has been produced internationally and translated and performed in over 30 languages. The London production\, produced by David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers\, received the 1996–97 Laurence Olivier Award. It also won the Tony Award for Best Play. \nGod of Carnage opened in London in March 2008\, directed by Matthew Warchus in a translation by Christopher Hampton starring Ralph Fiennes\, Tamsin Greig\, Janet McTeer and Ken Stott. It was produced by David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers\, their second collaboration with Reza. The London production won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. The play premiered on Broadway with an opening night cast of James Gandolfini\, Jeff Daniels\, Marcia Gay Harden\, and Hope Davis. God of Carnage won Best Play at the 2009 Tony Awards. \nDirected by Ruby Abbott \nRuby is a local creative artist\, working as an actor\, director\, and producer. God of Carnage marks Ruby’s full length directorial debut. \nRuby has been involved in many productions in Ballarat and surrounds. She has performed several times with Ballarat National Theatre\, including in Mr Bennet’s Bride (2022)\, Dust and Ruin (2023)\, A Date With Death (2024) and Dancing at Lughnasa (2024). \nRuby has previously served as an assistant director for many productions\, including The Haunted Theatre (2025)\, Sister Cities (2024)\, and The Servant of Two Masters (2021). \nTickets: $30 adults\, $25 Concession\, $20.00 BNT members\, $15 Children\,  Group package (10 adults)\, $180.00. Ticket sales close 1 hour prior to the performance. \nA bar will operate for these sessions. \n\nGet Tickets\n \nNo allocated seating \nRunning Time: 1.5 Hours (no interval) \nDoors open 30 minutes prior to show start time. Bar available \nContent warning – Strong language and mature themes. \nBallarat National Theatre \n\n  \nBallarat National Theatre are a BMI Community Partner\nFind out more about BMI Community Partnerships below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSupporters & partners\n\n\n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land.
URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/god-of-carnage-24-july/
LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350
CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T140000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T160000
DTSTAMP:20260331T034233Z
CREATED:20260223T053557Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034233Z
UID:70819-1784988000-1784995200@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production
DESCRIPTION:July 25\n@\n2:00 pm\n–\n4:00 pm \n$10 – $30 \nMinerva Space \nThe Tony Award Winning Play by Yasmina Reza \nDirected by Ruby Abbott \nAfter the event of school yard bullying\, four parents differing views may have just created cause for another round; adults edition. \nGod of Carnage is a one act black comedy play. It won best comedy at the 2009 Tony Awards\nand the 2009 Laurence Olivier Awards. \nThe play begins with Michael and Veronica\, parents of young Henry\, inviting Alan and Annette\, parents of Benjamin\, to their home to discuss the horrifying event that occurred on the playground that morning. \nEleven-year-old Henry refused to let classmate Benjamin join his gang. Not taking this dismissal lightly\, Benjamin armed himself with a stick and knocked out Henry’s two front teeth. \nWith polite niceties wearing thin\, the audience watches four very different people try to resolve this matter\, convincing each other that it was not the fault of their own son\, rather that of the other. With accusations being hurled around the room\, the argument heats up even further when evaluating matters of racism\, sexism and homophobia. By evening’s end\, the gloves are well and truly off\, with the adults behaving in a manner that is eerily similar to that which occurred on the playground. \n \nPlaywright – Yasmina Reza \nYasmina Reza is a French playwright\, actress\, novelist and screenwriter best known for her plays ‘Art’ and God of Carnage. Many of her brief satiric plays have reflected on contemporary middle-class issues. \nIn 1994\, ‘Art’ premiered in Paris and went on to win the Molière Award for Best Author. Since then it has been produced internationally and translated and performed in over 30 languages. The London production\, produced by David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers\, received the 1996–97 Laurence Olivier Award. It also won the Tony Award for Best Play. \nGod of Carnage opened in London in March 2008\, directed by Matthew Warchus in a translation by Christopher Hampton starring Ralph Fiennes\, Tamsin Greig\, Janet McTeer and Ken Stott. It was produced by David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers\, their second collaboration with Reza. The London production won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. The play premiered on Broadway with an opening night cast of James Gandolfini\, Jeff Daniels\, Marcia Gay Harden\, and Hope Davis. God of Carnage won Best Play at the 2009 Tony Awards. \nDirected by Ruby Abbott \nRuby is a local creative artist\, working as an actor\, director\, and producer. God of Carnage marks Ruby’s full length directorial debut. \nRuby has been involved in many productions in Ballarat and surrounds. She has performed several times with Ballarat National Theatre\, including in Mr Bennet’s Bride (2022)\, Dust and Ruin (2023)\, A Date With Death (2024) and Dancing at Lughnasa (2024). \nRuby has previously served as an assistant director for many productions\, including The Haunted Theatre (2025)\, Sister Cities (2024)\, and The Servant of Two Masters (2021). \nTickets: $30 adults\, $25 Concession\, $20.00 BNT members\, $15 Children\,  Group package (10 adults)\, $180.00. Ticket sales close 1 hour prior to the performance. \nA bar will operate for these sessions. \n\nGet Tickets\n \nNo allocated seating \nRunning Time: 1.5 Hours (no interval) \nDoors open 30 minutes prior to show start time. Bar available \nContent warning – Strong language and mature themes. \nBallarat National Theatre \n\n  \nBallarat National Theatre are a BMI Community Partner\nFind out more about BMI Community Partnerships below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSupporters & partners\n\n\n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land.
URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/god-of-carnage-25-july/
LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350
CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T210000
DTSTAMP:20260331T034212Z
CREATED:20260223T053430Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034212Z
UID:70817-1785006000-1785013200@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production
DESCRIPTION:July 25\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n9:00 pm \n$10 – $30 \nMinerva Space \nThe Tony Award Winning Play by Yasmina Reza \nDirected by Ruby Abbott \nAfter the event of school yard bullying\, four parents differing views may have just created cause for another round; adults edition. \nGod of Carnage is a one act black comedy play. It won best comedy at the 2009 Tony Awards\nand the 2009 Laurence Olivier Awards. \nThe play begins with Michael and Veronica\, parents of young Henry\, inviting Alan and Annette\, parents of Benjamin\, to their home to discuss the horrifying event that occurred on the playground that morning. \nEleven-year-old Henry refused to let classmate Benjamin join his gang. Not taking this dismissal lightly\, Benjamin armed himself with a stick and knocked out Henry’s two front teeth. \nWith polite niceties wearing thin\, the audience watches four very different people try to resolve this matter\, convincing each other that it was not the fault of their own son\, rather that of the other. With accusations being hurled around the room\, the argument heats up even further when evaluating matters of racism\, sexism and homophobia. By evening’s end\, the gloves are well and truly off\, with the adults behaving in a manner that is eerily similar to that which occurred on the playground. \n \nPlaywright – Yasmina Reza \nYasmina Reza is a French playwright\, actress\, novelist and screenwriter best known for her plays ‘Art’ and God of Carnage. Many of her brief satiric plays have reflected on contemporary middle-class issues. \nIn 1994\, ‘Art’ premiered in Paris and went on to win the Molière Award for Best Author. Since then it has been produced internationally and translated and performed in over 30 languages. The London production\, produced by David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers\, received the 1996–97 Laurence Olivier Award. It also won the Tony Award for Best Play. \nGod of Carnage opened in London in March 2008\, directed by Matthew Warchus in a translation by Christopher Hampton starring Ralph Fiennes\, Tamsin Greig\, Janet McTeer and Ken Stott. It was produced by David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers\, their second collaboration with Reza. The London production won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. The play premiered on Broadway with an opening night cast of James Gandolfini\, Jeff Daniels\, Marcia Gay Harden\, and Hope Davis. God of Carnage won Best Play at the 2009 Tony Awards. \nDirected by Ruby Abbott \nRuby is a local creative artist\, working as an actor\, director\, and producer. God of Carnage marks Ruby’s full length directorial debut. \nRuby has been involved in many productions in Ballarat and surrounds. She has performed several times with Ballarat National Theatre\, including in Mr Bennet’s Bride (2022)\, Dust and Ruin (2023)\, A Date With Death (2024) and Dancing at Lughnasa (2024). \nRuby has previously served as an assistant director for many productions\, including The Haunted Theatre (2025)\, Sister Cities (2024)\, and The Servant of Two Masters (2021). \nTickets: $30 adults\, $25 Concession\, $20.00 BNT members\, $15 Children\,  Group package (10 adults)\, $180.00. Ticket sales close 1 hour prior to the performance. \nA bar will operate for these sessions. \n\nGet Tickets\n \nNo allocated seating \nRunning Time: 1.5 Hours (no interval) \nDoors open 30 minutes prior to show start time. Bar available \nContent warning – Strong language and mature themes. \nBallarat National Theatre \n\n  \nBallarat National Theatre are a BMI Community Partner\nFind out more about BMI Community Partnerships below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSupporters & partners\n\n\n \n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land.
URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/god-of-carnage-25-july-2/
LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350
CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260729T180000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260729T193000
DTSTAMP:20260417T012750Z
CREATED:20260416T050939Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T012750Z
UID:72260-1785348000-1785353400@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:In Conversation with Phillipa Nefri Clark
DESCRIPTION:July 29\n@\n6:00 pm\n–\n7:30 pm \n$11.78 \nHumffray Room \n\nGet Tickets\n \nLest Angels Weep \nPhillipa Nefri Clark \nPhillipa will be in conversation with local actor Kate Atkinson \n \nThe new case is cold. Stone cold. Until another murder with striking similarities rocks a remote outback town. \nDetective Liz Moorland is desperate to get out of Melbourne. Away from the aftermath of shocking events surrounding her team and her father. The heat of the red dirt is a welcome distraction. \nBut was this murder done by a copycat or is the original killer still living within the small community? What is the secret which keeps everyone away from the old church? Almost everyone. And why is the team’s request for cold and current case reports and forensics meeting resistance from the local police? \nThe discovery of an angel-shaped pendant on a grave leads to a rumoured fourth death – from even longer ago. How the pieces connect is proving to be the most complex puzzle Operation Nobody has encountered. \nSomeone is watching their every move. Someone is protecting the scene of the crimes. And someone is ready to kill again. \nBook five in the atmospheric Detective Liz Moorland series\, with books 1-4 optioned for screen. \n \nAbout the author \nPhillipa Nefri Clark\, author\nA USA Today bestselling author\, Phillipa lives in the Macedon Ranges in Victoria. She also lives in the many worlds of her imagination and stockpiles stories beside her laptop. \nShe writes from the heart about love\, dreams\, secrets\, discovery\, the sea\, the world as she knows it… or wishes it could be. She loves happy endings\, heart-pounding suspense\, and characters who stay with the reader long after the final page. \nWith a passion for music\, the ocean\, nature\, reading\, and writing\, she is often found in the vegetable garden pondering a new story. Phillipa is both an indie author and traditionally published by Storm Publishing. \n  \nAbout Kate Atkinson \nIf you have watched any Australian television in the last 30 years\, you are bound to know Kate Atkinson’s face; her work as an actress ranges from Seachange and Blue Heelers many moons ago to\, more recently\, Wentworth and Jack Irish and many other much-loved shows like Offspring and Kath and Kim in between. \nShe has also worked regularly in theatre and film. Kate moved to regional Victoria three years ago and now occasionally produces radio for ABC Ballarat. She is a big fan of books and reading so was delighted to discover the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and the treasures of its library! \nKate Atkinson\, host\n$11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. \n\nBook on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land.
URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/phillipa-nefri-clark/
LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sp-promo-talks-v2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260801T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260801T235000
DTSTAMP:20260613T032955Z
CREATED:20260612T030356Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260613T032955Z
UID:73553-1785610800-1785628200@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Anything for a Mate: Charity Ball
DESCRIPTION:August 1\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n11:50 pm \n$150 \nLibrary Ground Floor  \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nThe Anything for a Mate (AFAM) Charity Ball is on again. \nThe AFAM Ball was an idea from a group of friends who wanted to do something to help a mate. What it evolved into was the biggest non-corporate donation made to The NBCF in 2026. In memory of our dearly loved daughter\, sister\, wife\, mother and mate; Toni\, we’re doing it all again in 2026 and we need your help. \nThe inaugural ball was held in June 2022 and was a fabulous celebration of what mates will do to support each other\, whilst raising $36\,000 for Breast Cancer Research \n    \nEntertainment by Bitter Sweet \n \n\n \n$150 per person. Includes food\, beer\, wine and soft drinks and entertainment \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land.
URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/anything-for-a-mate-charity-ball/
LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350
CATEGORIES:external event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/promo.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260803T180000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260803T193000
DTSTAMP:20260520T232801Z
CREATED:20260520T044923Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260520T232801Z
UID:73049-1785780000-1785785400@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety
DESCRIPTION:August 3\n@\n6:00 pm\n–\n7:30 pm \n$11.00 \nHumffray Room \n\nGet Tickets\n \nCold River \nMargaret Hickey \nMargaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \nDeep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \nDetective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. \nLouis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . \nBut with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. \nUntil she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. \nWere Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \nAbout the author \nMargaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\nMargaret Hickey \nMargaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe. \nMargaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio. \nMargaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \nAbout the host \nGregory Flood \nGregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. \nFor the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n$11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. \n\nBook on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land.
URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-margaret-hickety/
LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sp-promo-talks-margaret-hickey.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260807T180000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260807T190000
DTSTAMP:20260617T043625Z
CREATED:20260615T050825Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260617T043625Z
UID:73589-1786125600-1786129200@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:150 Years of Botanical Communication
DESCRIPTION:August 7\n@\n6:00 pm\n–\n7:00 pm \n$15 \nLibrary Ground Floor  \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nBefore digital databases and photography\, how did we learn about the natural world? \nThis Biodiversity Week\, discover the BMI’s rare set of Ferdinand von Mueller’s Educational Collections of Victorian Plants (1874–1876). \nDesigned to “diffuse information on the native vegetation” across Victoria\, this historic herbarium and book collection reveals how early scientific communication cultivated local observers—and how it can inspire us to protect our regional ecosystems today. \nTickets can also be purchased from the BMI Library \nThere is no allocated seating for this event. \nSpecimen ‘Helichrysum Obtusifolium’\, renamed ‘Argentipallium Obtusifloium’\, commonly known as ‘Blunt Everlasting’\nConservation of the von Mueller Collection \n\nSpeaker: Ellen Becker \nEllen Becker\, BMI Heritage Collection Curator\nEllen Becker is a museum and cultural heritage professional\, currently working as the Heritage Collections Curator at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, as well as Property Coordinator of Old Melbourne Gaol and Polly Woodside at the National Trust of Australia (Victoria). \n$15 Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land.
URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/150-years-of-botanical-communication/
LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Talk,The Collection
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-arresting.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260807T193000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260807T204000
DTSTAMP:20260331T034032Z
CREATED:20251205T035734Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034032Z
UID:69366-1786131000-1786135200@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Blake Pavey: A Bit Scared
DESCRIPTION:August 7\n@\n7:30 pm\n–\n8:40 pm \n$44.90 \nMinerva Space \nPresented by KEG Touring \n\n\nGet Tickets\n \nA Bit Scared \nBlake Pavey rose to online fame at just 17 years old through his character based sketch comedy on TikTok. \nSince then\, he has amassed over 1 Million followers across social media. He’s now converted his online presence onto the stage with some absolutely killer stand up! Blake was a 2022 Raw Comedy National Grand Finalist. \nHis sophomore solo comedy show ‘Still Kickin’ was a hit across Australia\, including 59 shows. Blake has recently returned from performing in the New Zealand and the UK and is set to star in Season 2 of Amazon Series Deadloch in 2026. Blake is also one third of the B.L.T podcast. \n \nShow Contains Adult Themes and Coarse Language. Recommended Age: 16+ \nALL UNDER 18s Must be accompanied by a Parent or Legal Guardian. (Someone who has guardianship over you via a legal guardianship order). \n \nPrice: $49.90 \n\nGet Tickets\n\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land.
URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/blake-pavey-a-bit-scared/
LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350
CATEGORIES:Comedy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sq-promo-blake-pavey.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="KEG Touring":MAILTO:Contact@kegtouring.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260812T180000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260812T193000
DTSTAMP:20260611T041738Z
CREATED:20260324T234500Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T041738Z
UID:71535-1786557600-1786563000@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:In Conversation with Sophie Green
DESCRIPTION:August 12\n@\n6:00 pm\n–\n7:30 pm \n$11.78 \nHumffray Room \n\nGet Tickets\n \nThe Frock Shop \nSophie Green \nSophie will be in conversation with radio presenter Jane Nield \n \nMeet the Ladies of The Frock Shop \nWhere clothes are just the start of the story \nAustralian bestseller Sophie Green returns with a sparkling story about the beauty of the second-hand\, the power of second chances\, and becoming who you were always meant to be (with a little help from your friends). \nOn Sydney’s lower north shore\, in the harbourside suburb of Mosman\, there is a charity frock shop. For decades\, it has clothed the women of this suburb\, through good times and bad\, for richer\, for poorer. \nLocal resident Daphne has always worked at the frock shop. And she knows better than most how clothes are used by women as talismans\, as armour\, as beauty. Clothes are essential parts of women’s stories\, and those stories are now part of Daphne’s life. \nDaphne has her own stories\, too. Some involve her old friend Adelaide\, who still bears the devastating secret that caused her to flee Australia in her youth. Some involve a new friend\, Christina\, who has been forced to leave her glamorous Los Angeles life to rebuild in her childhood city. Then there is Margot\, living a life that is far from what she had dreamed it would be\, and Lucy\, desperate for escape and the promise of tomorrow. \nNot only does the frock shop give them purpose\, but the clothes will help them become the women they were destined to be\, because it is never too late for a transformation. \n \nAbout the author \n \nSophie Green – ‘I’m  an author and publisher living in Sydney\, Australia. I’ve written several novels and I love exploring the art of storytelling in all its forms. \nWhen I’m not writing novels\, I’m often writing about Australian country music—a genre I adore—on my website\, Sunburnt Country Music. I also love practising yoga\, exploring creativity in its many forms\, and losing myself in music that tells a great story. \nMy Books: \nLessons in Love at the Seaside Salon – Art Hour at the Duchess Hotel  – Weekends iwth the Sunshine Gardening Society – The Bellbird River Country Choir – Thursdays at Orange Blossom House – The Shelly Bay Ladies Swimming Circle – The Inaugural Meeting o fthe Fairvale Ladies Book Club. \n\n\n\n\n\n \nAbout the host \nJane Nield \nJane Nield is a Ballarat based radio producer with the ABC’s Statewide Drive Victoria program. She’s passionate about storytelling – whether it’s for live radio\, in the written form or woven into her songwriting. \nJane believes everyone has a story and loves delving into the inspiration behind the stories that enrich our lives. \n\nJane Nield | Photo\, courtesy ABC Radio\, Ballarat \nThis event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n$11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. \n\nBook on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land.
URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/sophie-green/
LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-sophie-green.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260813T193000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260813T210000
DTSTAMP:20260331T033912Z
CREATED:20260129T051107Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T033912Z
UID:70430-1786649400-1786654800@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | The Blue Trail
DESCRIPTION:August 13\n@\n7:30 pm\n–\n9:00 pm \nMinerva Room \nBrazilian Dystopian Sci-fi \n \nThe Blue Trail depicts a dystopian world\, one that functions as a wry social critique rather than containing any lasting sense of terror or gloom.  In a futuristic Brazil\, retirement has questionable consequences. 77-year-old Tereza is hailed as a ‘national living heritage’\, yet she will soon be forced to live in a colony for seniors. But Tereza has one dream: to fly on a plane before she’s shipped off and forgotten.  \nEmbarking on a fantastical journey through the Amazon\, she encounters a blue drool-discharging snail with an ability to chart a person’s destiny\, a shady boat captain and a sly new friend with secrets – and lessons – of her own. The best-reviewed film of the 2025 Berlinale – where it topped Screen International’s prestigious critics’ poll – Gabriel Mascaro’s extraordinary film is a breathtaking cinematic odyssey. \n“It’s remarkable how much Mascaro packs into the slender 86-minute runtime of The Blue Trail. This tale of quiet triumph knows that the best counterweight to the market’s invisible hand is to offer a caring hand into the dreams of those it leaves behind … Mascaro compassionately exhibits how a future that doesn’t make space for its past is not one worth venturing toward.” Slant Magazine. Palace Films \n \nBrazil\, 2025\, 87 mins. Dir Gabriel Mascaro. \nBallarat Film Society \n  \nMembership \n12 months – Feb-December: $60\nFeb-July: $35 – July-Dec: $30 \nTo join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. \nMembership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. \nFor film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website \nAll films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme.
URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-film-society-the-blue-trail/
LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350
CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/the-blue-trail-sq-promo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260905T100000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260906T140000
DTSTAMP:20260619T051824Z
CREATED:20260604T032725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260619T051824Z
UID:73413-1788602400-1788703200@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Book Sale | Reward yourself with some excellent Spring reading
DESCRIPTION:September 5\n@\n10:00 am\n–\nSeptember 6\n@\n2:00 pm \nFree \nLibrary Ground Floor  \nBooks priced from $5 – more for collectable items. \nDiscover your next great read at The BMI Library Book Sale! Browse an incredible selection of titles at unbeatable prices.\nDon’t miss our book sale this weekend. \nAdmission and parking are free (one hour on Saturday\, all day Sunday). There are hundreds of books – some of which are in gently used condition and some in mint condition – and many start at a dollar or two. And it’s not just books – there are CDs\, DVDs\, framed prints from our image collection and more! \nWe will have some children’s books for your kids and grand kids. Plus\, all proceeds are help to support our Library programs. \nSupport the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute through our exciting fundraising events. Every contribution helps preserve a vital piece of Australian heritage.\n\n\nBook Donations. \nOur book sales are an important fundraiser for our independent BMI Library\, if you would like to clear your book shelves we are happy to take donations of books that have been loved. We will also accept\, DVDs\, Vinyl Records and CDs. We can take delivery during our usual Library operating hours. \nVintage & Collectables Shop  \nOur Vintage Shop will be open from 11 until 3pm on Saturday 5 September. \nLibrary Operating Hours. \nMonday\, Wednesday & Friday – 10am to 4pm \nTuesday & Thursday – 10am to 3pm \nSaturday – 9.30am to 12noon. \nHoliday Season Closures. \nThe Library will be closed from Monday 21 December to Sunday 3 January and re-open on Monday 4 January 2027. \n\nmembership\n\n\nLibrary\n\n\nAuthor Talks\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land.
URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/book-sale-spring-bmi/
LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Library
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/square-promo-spring-book-sale.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260906T140000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260906T160000
DTSTAMP:20260604T035434Z
CREATED:20260514T044101Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260604T035434Z
UID:72995-1788703200-1788710400@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Fashion Parade Fundraiser | Vintage & Collectables
DESCRIPTION:September 6\n@\n2:00 pm\n–\n4:00 pm \n$60 – $65 \nLibrary Ground Floor  \n\n\nGet Tickets\n \nTake part in this important BMI fundraiser \n \n\nThe BMI vintage & Pre-loved Shop are showcasing their wares\nMake time for a lovely get together.\nA glass of champagne on entry with music accompaniment: \n \nFashion Parade\nOnce again our beautiful models will be\ndisplaying outfits from the Vintage shop\, we hope you can join us. \nA Silent Auction will feature. \nA beautiful Afternoon Tea included\,\nComplimentary Champagne on arrival. \nA standard bar will also operate. \nPre-sale tickets $60 per person (will go on sale between 6 – 9 August). \nRegister at the library or the Vintage Shop or below if you would like to be alerted of pre-sale. \nThere-after tickets are $65 per person (i.e. after 9 August). \n\nTicket pre-sale starts 6 August at 10am\n \nVintage Fashion Parade pre-sale notification\n\n\nFacebookThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.\nName*\n\nFirst\n\nLast\nYou will be notified when pre-sale begins.\nPhone number*\nEmail address*\n\nCAPTCHA\n\n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\nPrevious years fashions | Many thanks to all who participated \n\n  \n\n  \n\n\n\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land.
URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/fashion-parade-fundraiser-vintage-collectables/
LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350
CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Vintage & Collectables
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/promotional-square-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260910T193000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260910T210000
DTSTAMP:20260331T033843Z
CREATED:20260129T052341Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T033843Z
UID:70438-1789068600-1789074000@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Kōkā
DESCRIPTION:September 10\n@\n7:30 pm\n–\n9:00 pm \nMinerva Room \n​Māori Roadtrip Film \n \nThe Māori celebration of New Year in July\, marked by the rising of the stars in the Matariki constellation\, is an occasion to mourn the deceased\, celebrate the present\, and prepare the ground for the coming year.    \nWhile driving the length of New Zealand from hospital on the South Island to her home on the North\, Māori Elder Hamo takes on the care of Jo\, a troubled young woman being evicted from a caravan park\, who has lost touch with her Māori culture. They form an unlikely bond\, and as they confront past traumas and demons\, their journey becomes a path to healing and reconciliation\, experienced through Matariki. The film won the People’s Choice Award at the Māoriland Film Festival in 2025\, possibly helped by its high production values; director Kath Akuhata-Brown said that the film benefited indirectly from the recent writers and actors strikes in America. “With several overseas film productions on hold here\, their crack crews were suddenly available\, and keen to throw their expertise at Kōka.” (Radio NZ). Roadshow. \n \nN.Z.\, 2025\, 107 min. Dir: Kath Akuhata-Brown. \nBallarat Film Society \n  \nMembership \n12 months – Feb-December: $60\nFeb-July: $35 – July-Dec: $30 \nTo join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. \nMembership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. \nFor film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website \nAll films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme.
URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-film-society-koka/
LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350
CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/koka-sq-promo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260923T180000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260923T193000
DTSTAMP:20260619T021935Z
CREATED:20260618T020721Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260619T021935Z
UID:73660-1790186400-1790191800@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:In Conversation with P. A. Swanborough
DESCRIPTION:September 23\n@\n6:00 pm\n–\n7:30 pm \n$11.00 \nHumffray Room \n\nGet Tickets\n \nThings With Teeth By Moonlight: A Miscellany \nP.A. Swanborough \nPam will be in conversation with Rebecca Fletcher \n \nThings With Teeth by Moonlight is an illustrated multi-genre collection of flash\, micro-fiction and short stories covering loss\, revenge\, affection\, and spending too much time in cafes. \nHuman and other creatures in urban\, forested\, or post-apocalyptic settings address hunger or love\, pain or comfort\, as best they can while the night is chill. \nA Jewel in your hand\, a pebble in your shoe. A low growl in the dark. Seventy-one tiny\, disquieting\, tales. \n \nAbout the author \n \nP.A. Swanborough \nPam’s writing influences range from a childhood diet of Kipling and Thurber to 19th and 20th century novelists\, Metaphysical and medieval poetry\, Y Mabinogion and the northern sagas\, assorted authors not writing in English\, and gothic/speculative fiction of all eras … magic realism is her happy place. She works in literary/speculative fiction and lyric non-fiction\, exploring fragility and imbalance. \nHer interests include but are not restricted to the environment and issues of extinction and climate chaos\, loneliness\, memory\, things that bite\, permaculture\, visual arts\, costume and textiles\, inner and outer space\, the economics of the future\, things that kiss\, rewilding\, social history\, and indigenous knowledge. \nPam lives in rural Victoria and is currently working on her next major writing project while renovating a crumbling ruin with which she feels a natural affinity. \nAbout the host \nRebecca Fletcher \nRebecca Fletcher is a writer and editor based in Ballarat who is passionate about supporting regional writing. She was on the Ballarat Writers committee from 2017 to 2022 and was the editor/project manager for the 2024 Ballarat Writers Anthology. Her writing has been published in Farrago\, The Victorian Writer and Andromeda Spaceways Magazine. You can follow her antics at saltyturnip.com. \n$11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. \n\nBook on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land.
URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-p-a-swanborough/
LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/sp-promo-talks-pa-swanborough-v2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261001T180000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261001T193000
DTSTAMP:20260619T055107Z
CREATED:20260618T013735Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260619T055107Z
UID:73652-1790877600-1790883000@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:In Conversation with Michael Robotham
DESCRIPTION:October 1\n@\n6:00 pm\n–\n7:30 pm \n$11.00 \nHumffray Room \n\nGet Tickets\n \nTell Me Something True \nMichael Robotham \n \nMICHAEL IS COMING HOME: This is his 20th novel\, but the 1st to be set in Australia. \nThis is a once-in-a-lifetime publishing event for a book destined to enter the Australian \ncanon as a classic. \nThe astonishing\, emotional epic from Michael Robotham: a mystery\, a coming-of-age tale and a love story wrapped into one\, set against the simmering \ntensions of a small Australian town. \nI look along the road and notice how many people are standing outside their houses or \nwatching from doorways and windows. Staring. Studying. \n‘Do you think this town will ever forgive me?’ I ask. \n‘Not in a million years.’ \nSmall towns are quick to anger and slow to forgive\, but Arlo Hackett doesn’t expect mercy when he emerges from a twelve-year prison sentence and makes his way back to Yulara\, a waypoint on Australia’s Great Southern Road. The last time Arlo was home\, his brother Luke was charged with a terrible crime and Arlo was found guilty by association. His return to the goldrush town is like cracking open a time capsule full of hatred and violence\, along with memories of the people he loved – the ones he couldn’t save. \nYulara wants Arlo gone\, or worse\, but every insult and humiliation pushes him to confront what really happened all those years ago. \nThe truth will shock you\, surprise you\, and break your heart. \n \nEarly praise for Tell Me Something True \n‘My book of the year. This compelling\, intriguing and entertaining masterpiece examines the conscience of a whole town and should win every award going. Genius’ LIZ NUGENT \n‘Emotional\, startling and beautifully crafted; it brings small town Australia into your living room’ VAL MC DERMID \n‘Most writers would be proud to produce\, in their entire career\, a book half as good as Tell Me Something True. No one can touch him when it comes to infusing crime with character and heart’ LINWOOD BARCLAY \nAbout the author \nMichael Robotham | Photo Tony Mott\n\n\n\n\n\n \nMichael Robotham \nBefore becoming a novelist\, Michael Robotham was a feature writer and investigative reporter working in Britain\, Australia and America\, and with clinical and forensic psychologists as they helped police investigate complex\, psychologically driven crimes. \n2024 marked the 20-year anniversary of the  publication of his debut thriller\, The Suspect\, which introduced clinical psychologist Joe O’Loughlin\, sold more than a million copies around the world and is now a major TV series starring Aidan Turner on ABC TV. \nMichael’s standalone thriller The Secrets She Keeps was adapted for TV by Network 10 and the BBC . \nMichael is the only Australian to twice win the UK’s prestigious Gold Dagger Award for best crime novel\, for Life or Death and Good Girl\, Bad Girl as well as the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award for When She Was Good. Lying Beside You was shortlisted for the Australian Crime Writers Association’s Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Fiction 2023. \nStorm Child\, the fourth novel in his globally bestselling Cyrus Haven and Evie Cormac series\, was a No. 1 national bestseller in Australia. The White Crow\, the second book in his Philomena McCarthy series\, following on from the internationally bestselling When You Are Mine was shortlisted for the 2025 Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Fiction. \nArlo’s story\, at the centre of Michael Robotham’s 20th novel\, Tell Me Something True\, has held a special place in his heart since he first dreamt of becoming a writer. Four decades later\, he’s ready to share it with readers for the first time. \nMichael lives in Sydney. \n$11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. \n\nBook on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n\nGet Tickets\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land.
URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-michael-robotham/
LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350
CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/sp-promo-talks-michael-robotham.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261008T193000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261008T210000
DTSTAMP:20260331T033815Z
CREATED:20260129T054045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T033815Z
UID:70446-1791487800-1791493200@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Bound for Glory
DESCRIPTION:October 8\n@\n7:30 pm\n–\n9:00 pm \nMinerva Room \nDustbowl Folk Singer Elegy \n \nFolk legend Woody Guthrie\, an extraordinary hard-driving\, ‘truth-telling man’ from the Oklahoma Plains\, who left the American mid-west Dust Bowl in the 1930s for the promise of California and on his journey became one of America’s most noted poet-folk singers.   \nGuthrie\, through years of travelling\, penned more than 1000 songs\, many in protest about injustice and inequality.  He sang about historic events\, migrant workers\, hoboes\, stories of the disenfranchised and ignored\, love\, and the fight against fascism. He even penned a song called “Old Man Trump” (1954) about Donald’s father\, whom he accused of stirring up racism through residential segregation in his Beach Haven apartment complex.  \nOne of his best-known songs\, “This Land is Your Land” (1940)\, has become an alternative anthem in America. His songs have been reimagined by dozens of folk singers such as Bob Dylan\, Pete Seeger\, Joan Baez\, Billy Bragg\, and many more. Nearly 60 years after his death\, an album with refined original songs Woody at Home\, was released in 2025.  Roadshow. \n \nUSA\, 1976\, 147 min. Dir: Hal Ashby (Harold and Maude\, 1971).  Stars: David Harradine as Woody Guthrie. \nBallarat Film Society \n  \nMembership \n12 months – Feb-December: $60\nFeb-July: $35 – July-Dec: $30 \nTo join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. \nMembership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. \nFor film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website \nAll films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme.
URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-film-society-bound-for-glory/
LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350
CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/bound-for-glory-sq-promo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261009T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261009T220000
DTSTAMP:20260331T023230Z
CREATED:20260203T013254Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T023230Z
UID:70535-1791572400-1791583200@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Telegraph Road - The Dire Straits Legacy: Matt Arthur and The Lazybones
DESCRIPTION:October 9\n@\n7:00 pm\n–\n10:00 pm \n$40 – $49 \nBallaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n\n\nGet Tickets\n \nTelegraph Road — The Dire Straits Legacy. \n \nA celebration of the legendary British rock band known for their clean guitar tone\, understated style\, and poetic storytelling. \n“Matt Arthur\, an expressive vocalist and blues guitarist from Central West NSW\, leads The Lazybones—a five-piece group drawing on decades of musical experience.  \nFollowing the 2024 release of the album Then & Now\, they have toured NSW\, Victoria\, and Queensland\, receiving positive reviews for their engaging performances. \nMatt Arthur | Photo Frank Galdys Photography\n\n \nKeyboardist Sam McNally\, based in the NSW Blue Mountains\, is a founding member of Melbourne’s 80s band Stylus\, has toured with Air Supply\, John Farnham\, Tommy Emmanuel\, and Tim Finn. He also performs with Doug Williams & The Mix and Coloured Stone. \n \nBassist Michael Vidale\, based on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula\, currently tours with Don Walker (Cold Chisel)\, Jeff Lang & The Bushwackers.\nAn original member of Jimmy & The Boys. \n \nDrummer Dave Egan\, based in Sydney\, has worked with Matt Arthur for over two decades\, previously serving as the go-to drummer for major theatre shows and holding a long-running position in Sydney’s The Enormous Horns.\n” \nFollow Matt Arthur \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nTickets: $49 adults\, $40 children under 17 years. \n\nGet Tickets\n\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land.
URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/telegraph-road-the-dire-straits-legacy/
LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Live Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/matt-arthur-sq-promo.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Matt Arthur Music":MAILTO:matt@mattarthurmusic.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261210T193000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261210T210000
DTSTAMP:20260414T073342Z
CREATED:20260129T055545Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T073342Z
UID:70454-1796931000-1796936400@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Smiley Gets a Gun
DESCRIPTION:December 10\n	  @\n7:30 pm\n	  –\n9:00 pm\n		[event-location]					 \nFurther Adventures of Smiley \n																										 \nOur screening of Smiley (1956) two years ago was popular with film society members.  In this sequel\, Smiley is a young Aussie upstart and cheeky home-grown hero\, who sets out to turn over a new leaf and become a ‘responsible citizen’ after his past misadventures.  \nSergeant Flaxman (Chips Rafferty) keeps a keen eye on the rapscallion and promises to award him a brand new .22 rifle if he stays out of trouble. Smiley of course scoots around in his mad-cap daily life desperately trying to keep his word\, but eventually getting accused of stealing gold from little old granny McKinley (Sybil Thorndike).  Filmed over an eight week period towards the end of 1957\, shooting took place at Camden and then Pagewood Studios in Sydney.  Have a walk down memory lane to a time when a Christmas present for a kid could be a .22 rifle! Roadshow. \n										 \nAustralia\, 1958\, 90 min. Dir: Anthony Kimmins. Stars Keith Calvert as Smiley\, Sybil Thorndike\, Leonard Thiele and Ruth Cracknell in her first feature film. \nBallarat Film Society \n			\n						 \nMembership \n12 months – Feb-December: $60Feb-July: $35 – July-Dec: $30 \nTo join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. \nMembership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. \nFor film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  \nAll films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme.
URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-film-society-smiley-gets-a-gun/
LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350
CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/smiley-sq-promo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261212T100000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261213T140000
DTSTAMP:20260619T051722Z
CREATED:20260619T034945Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260619T051722Z
UID:73676-1797069600-1797170400@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Book Sale | Reward yourself with some excellent Christmas reading
DESCRIPTION:December 12\n	  @\n10:00 am\n	  –\n	December 13\n	  @\n2:00 pm \n\nFree \nLibrary Ground Floor  \nBooks priced from $5 – more for collectable items. \n\n										The perfect gift for every bookworm! The BMI Library’s Book Sale is your chance to find a wonderful read at a great price.\nDon’t miss our book sale this weekend. \nAdmission and parking are free (one hour on Saturday\, all day Sunday). There are hundreds of books – some of which are in gently used condition and some in mint condition – and many start at a dollar or two. And it’s not just books – there are CDs\, DVDs\, framed prints from our image collection and more! \nWe will have some children’s books for your kids and grand kids. Plus\, all proceeds are help to support our Library programs. \n\n										Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute through our exciting fundraising events. Every contribution helps preserve a vital piece of Australian heritage.\n\n										\n\n										\nBook Donations. \nOur book sales are an important fundraiser for our independent BMI Library\, if you would like to clear your book shelves we are happy to take donations of books that have been loved. We will also accept\, DVDs\, Vinyl Records and CDs. We can take delivery during our usual Library operating hours.  \nLibrary Operating Hours. \nMonday\, Wednesday & Friday – 10am to 4pm \nTuesday & Thursday – 10am to 3pm \nSaturday – 9.30am to 12noon. \nHoliday Season Closures. \nThe Library will be closed from Monday 21 December to Sunday 3 January and re-open on Monday 4 January 2027. \n												\n									membership\n					\n														\n									Library\n					\n														\n									Author Talks\n					\n																														 \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land.
URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/book-sale-reward-yourself-with-some-excellent-christmas-reading/
LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Library
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/square-promo-christmas-26.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270501T100000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270502T140000
DTSTAMP:20260619T051712Z
CREATED:20260619T051024Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260619T051712Z
UID:73683-1809165600-1809266400@ballaratmi.org.au
SUMMARY:Book Sale | Reward yourself with some excellent Autumn reading
DESCRIPTION:May 1\n@\n10:00 am\n–\nMay 2\n@\n2:00 pm \nFree \nLibrary Ground Floor  \nBooks priced from $5 – more for collectable items. \nDiscover hidden treasures at The BMI Library Book Sale! Browse through a wonderful collection of books and more this autumn season.\nDon’t miss our book sale this weekend. \nAdmission and parking are free (one hour on Saturday\, all day Sunday). There are hundreds of books – some of which are in gently used condition and some in mint condition – and many start at a dollar or two. And it’s not just books – there are CDs\, DVDs\, framed prints from our image collection and more! \nWe will have some children’s books for your kids and grand kids. Plus\, all proceeds are help to support our Library programs. \nSupport the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute through our exciting fundraising events. Every contribution helps preserve a vital piece of Australian heritage.\n\n\nBook Donations. \nOur book sales are an important fundraiser for our independent BMI Library\, if you would like to clear your book shelves we are happy to take donations of books that have been loved. We will also accept\, DVDs\, Vinyl Records and CDs. We can take delivery during our usual Library operating hours. \nVintage & Collectables Shop  \nOur Vintage Shop will be open from 11 until 3pm on Saturday 1 May. \nLibrary Operating Hours. \nMonday\, Wednesday & Friday – 10am to 4pm \nTuesday & Thursday – 10am to 3pm \nSaturday – 9.30am to 12noon. \n\nmembership\n\n\nLibrary\n\n\nAuthor Talks\n\n \nThis event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land.
URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/book-sale-reward-yourself-with-some-excellent-autumn-reading/
LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Library
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/square-promo-autumn-26.jpg
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END:VCALENDAR