BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20270403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20271002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20280401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20280930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne: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:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More 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:20261005T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261005T193000 DTSTAMP:20260730T043550Z CREATED:20260707T044017Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T043550Z UID:74304-1791223200-1791228600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Monica McInerney DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-monica-mcinerney/ 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/2026/07/sp-promo-talks-monica-mcinerney-v2.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:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More 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:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More 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:20261010T141500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261010T161500 DTSTAMP:20260729T022505Z CREATED:20260715T015745Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260729T022505Z UID:74546-1791641700-1791648900@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal Australian Navy 125th Anniversary Concert DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/royal-australian-navy-125th-anniversary-concert/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/sq-promo-events-cerberus.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261031T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261031T150000 DTSTAMP:20260730T051343Z CREATED:20260729T002352Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T051343Z UID:74805-1793455200-1793458800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:An Intimate Hour of Magic DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/an-intimate-hour-of-magic/ LOCATION:BMI – Hooper Room CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/sq-promo-events-barry-govan.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261031T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261031T200000 DTSTAMP:20260730T051519Z CREATED:20260729T023609Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T051519Z UID:74835-1793473200-1793476800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:An Intimate Hour of Magic DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/an-intimate-hour-of-magic-7pm/ LOCATION:BMI – Hooper Room CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/sq-promo-events-barry-govan.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261125T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261125T183000 DTSTAMP:20260625T023611Z CREATED:20260623T232758Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260625T023611Z UID:73816-1795627800-1795631400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, Understanding the Language of your Body DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-season-2-the-language-of-your-body/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/square-promo-tt-language-of-your-body.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261202T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261202T183000 DTSTAMP:20260709T034048Z CREATED:20260625T024453Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T034048Z UID:73897-1796232600-1796236200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, 100 Year History of Legacy\, Ballarat DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-season-2-100-year-history-of-legacy-ballarat/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/square-promo-tt-legacy.png 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:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More 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:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More 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:Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session 5: This session is now fully booked\n \nWedneday 24 May | 5.30pm\nBallarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street\nChinese History\n“Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road\, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate event for no more than 20 people\, you’ll hear about local historian Yvonne Horsfield’s fascinating research into the Chinese contribution to life on the goldfields\, while sitting among precious Chinese books and artefacts drawn from collections all over Australia. Charles Zhang\, will then offer a tour of the library for those who would like to delve a little deeper.” \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang Ballarat Chinese LibraryLocated in the heart of Ballarat\, the library covers an area of 700 square metres with 16 rooms. Housing over 200\,000 Chinese books\, the Xin Jin Shan Library (translates to new gold mountain) now has the largest collection of Chinese-language books in Australia. Charles is a committee member of the library and president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society in Ballarat. The Library is not only the largest in the Southern Hemisphere\, but also serves as an education and research centre for Chinese languages and the history of Chinese immigration and settlement in Australia. (source SBS Mandarin) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Haoliang Sun and Charles Zhang are the driving forces behind the Chinese library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham )\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne HorsfieldChinese on the goldfields.Yvonne is a retired teacher who has spent the majority of her teaching career working at Sovereign Hill an as Education Officer\, followed by another role in education at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery (now Art Gallery of Ballarat). She first developed an awareness of the significant role the Chinese played in the early Goldfields history of Ballarat when working at Sovereign Hill. She has a family connection with Reverend John Tong Way who became Superintendent Missioner to the Ballarat and district Chinese from 1903 until he retired in 1949. She has recently completed her PhD to further research the history of the Tong Ways and other families of Chinese descent who settled in both Ballarat and Bendigo. Since graduating she has written “Chinese Roots”\, a biographical story of the Tong Way family recently published on 25 th March this year by Shawline Publishing in Ballarat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yvonne Horsfield\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Roots | Yvonne Horsfield \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese Library | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A drawing from 1854 shows Chinese miners walking to the goldfields.(Supplied: State Library of Victoria) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A painting by artist Shen Jiawei is the first thing visitors see when they enter the library. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oldest Bank Building in Ballarat | ABC Ballarat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Zhang and Haoliang Sun have a lot of knowledge to share with visitors. (ABC News: Rochelle Kirkham ) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: Accessibility This building is not wheelchair accessible. To access the library spaces it is necessary to climb a set of stairs. \n \n Cost & Bookings | $10 flat fee per person\, funds will be split 50/50 with the Ballarat Chinese Library \n \n \n \n \n \n Information on the full series  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Full Series\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book places \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Places\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Season Finalised\n  Twilight Talks for 2026.Thank you to Community Bank Buninyong for... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trivia Night Fundraiser\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey\n Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Library | New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More 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 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR