Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute

12/02/2025

The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC | Federation University Geoffrey Blainey Research Centre y

Now in his mid nineties, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’.

From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher, one of five children, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria, from Terang to Leongatha, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond.

Now the author of over forty books, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance.

We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI, the precursor to University of Ballarat, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998.

Find out more: https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-world-in-2025-geoffrey-blainey/
Get tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/professor-geoffrey-blainey-bmi-talk

11/02/2025

'Hot Club Swing will light up the stage with their dynamic, toe-tapping blend of jazz and swing, capturing the timeless spirit of Django Reinhardt. Their infectious energy and masterful musicianship promise to have you dancing in your seat.
Joining them is the incredibly talented Amie Brûlée, known for her rich vocals and engaging storytelling. Amie brings a unique charm to every performance, blending jazz, blues, and folk influences into a sound that’s both soulful and captivating.

To make this special evening even more accessible to our community, we’ve reduced ticket prices—because great live music should be enjoyed by as many people as possible!

Together, these artists will deliver an evening of vibrant tunes, heartfelt performances, and an atmosphere you won’t want to miss. Whether you're a jazz enthusiast or just looking for a night of great live music, BMI Live has something special in store for you.

Don’t miss out—grab your tickets at the new price and join us for a night to remember!'

Find out more: go to our Live Music webpage

https://ballaratmi.org.au/live-music/

Get Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/bmi-live-hot-club-swing-and-the-amie-brulee

10/02/2025

Rosemary's Book of the Week
Cleaved by Jane Cafarella

Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity, family, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life.

It is honest, moving and at times, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks.

Jane is, and always has been, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story.

Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria.

During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section, which focused on women’s issues, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard.

What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life.

Written with compassion and humour, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters, foot soldiers in their parents marital war, who lost and then found each other.

Don't miss Jane in conversation at the BMI on 18 February:

Go to our Library webpage to reserve a copy of her book:

https://ballaratmi.org.au/library

Get Tickets to Jane's event on 18th
https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/jane-cafarella/

09/02/2025

The Ballarat Film Society is off to a cracking start to the 2025 Program

'Kneecap' - Pumping Northern Irish Comedy

​Ireland, 2024, 94 min. Rated M. Dir: Rich Peppiatt. Starring, as themselves, Naoise Ó Cairealláin “Móglaí Bap” and Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh “Mo Chara.”

'Kneecap' is a comedic and musical start to our 2025 program. Rich Peppiatt’s raucous Irish-language debut feature is a semi-fictionalised biopic of the anarchic Belfast hip-hop band Kneecap and their rebellious civil rights mission to save the Irish language. Mo Chara and Móglaí Bap are the stage names of two erudite working-class hopefuls who exploded out of Belfast in 2017 in a post-Troubles social environment, making waves with their tongue-in-cheek political lyrics. Soon to be performing in Australia (sadly, already sold out), Kneecap were one of the most talked about acts at the 2024 Glastonbury festival. They certainly pack a punch in the film: expect bursts of swearing, white powder, run-ins with the police, parents, girlfriends, and politics. Kneecap was awarded the Audience Prize for Best Film at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, plus numerous other film awards. Brace yourselves for a hilarious act of ‘pure delinquency.’ Madman.

Why not become a member of the Ballarat Film Society

Find out more: https://ballaratfilmsociety.weebly.com/membership.html

08/02/2025

Twilight Talks 2025 is well and truely underway, whilst our programming is still being finalised our 2 Special Events are all confirmed. We begin with a talk by Gabrielle Samson. (Brought to you by )

Gabrielle is a writer of fiction and memoir, she has won national prizes for her short stories and co-written a radion play produced by the ABC.

She will be talking her memoir 'Dancers On The Sea': Stories from Ataúro Island Timore Leste.

This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change...

During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.

Supported by the university, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions.

It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island, its people and an Indonesian co-worker, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island.

Do not miss this session. Thank you to Phil Roberts and Andrew Miller who have worked hard to present this Special Event.

Find out more: https://ballaratmi.org.au/twilight-talks/
Get Tickets:
https://events.humanitix.com/bmi-twilight-talks-season-1-2025

07/02/2025

BMI Live TONIGHT featuring: Olybird & Ballarat locals, the Milla Williams Duo at 6.30pm - we still have tickets, we are happy to sell tickets at the door but we would love to know you are coming.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of live music at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute, featuring the mesmerizing sounds of Olybird and the soulful harmonies of the Milla Williams Duo.

Olybird will enchant you with their unique blend of heartfelt lyrics, intricate arrangements, and an unforgettable stage presence. Known for their soulful performances, Olybird creates a sonic journey that resonates deeply with audiences.

Joining the lineup is the Milla Williams Duo, a powerhouse of vocal artistry and dynamic instrumentation. Their rich harmonies and evocative melodies are guaranteed to leave you spellbound, bringing an energy and passion that lights up the room.

Time: Doors open 6:30pm

Don’t miss your chance to witness these talented performers light up the stage. Book your tickets now and be part of this special evening!

More go to our Live Music Webpage: https://ballaratmi.org.au/live-music/

Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/bmi-live-olybird-and-the-milla-williams-duo

07/02/2025

iAdam Harvey at the BMI, this Sunday afternoon at 3pm (Adam Harvey)

Join Adam Harvey as he celebrates his new album “Let The Song Take You Home”.

Adam will perform some new songs plus all of his hits and some classic country. Don’t miss this special event filled with laughter and great country music.

What a great way to spend an afternoon.

More go to our Live Music Webpage: https://ballaratmi.org.au/live-music/
Tickets:
https://www.stickytickets.com.au/whehd/adam_harvey_let_the_song_take_you_home_tour.aspx

06/02/2025

BMI Live TOMORROW night featuring: Olybird & the Milla Williams Duo at 6.30pm

Join us for an unforgettable evening of live music at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute, featuring the mesmerizing sounds of Olybird and the soulful harmonies of the Milla Williams Duo.

Olybird will enchant you with their unique blend of heartfelt lyrics, intricate arrangements, and an unforgettable stage presence. Known for their soulful performances, Olybird creates a sonic journey that resonates deeply with audiences.

Joining the lineup is the Milla Williams Duo, a powerhouse of vocal artistry and dynamic instrumentation. Their rich harmonies and evocative melodies are guaranteed to leave you spellbound, bringing an energy and passion that lights up the room.

Date: 7th of February 2025
Time: Doors open 6:30pm
Location: Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute

Don’t miss your chance to witness these talented performers light up the stage. Book your tickets now and be part of this special evening!

More go to our Live Music Webpage: https://ballaratmi.org.au/live-music/

Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/bmi-live-olybird-and-the-milla-williams-duo

05/02/2025

In Conversation with Jane Cafarella ()
Tuesday 18 Febrary at 6pm at BMI | Cleaved by Jane Cafarella

'Cleaved' is a story of coping with difference; of identity, family, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life.

It is honest, moving and at times, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks.

Jane Cafarella is, and always has been, a wonderful storyteller. 'Cleaved' is her story.

Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria.

During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section, which focused on women’s issues, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard.

What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life.

Written with compassion and humour, 'Cleaved' is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters, foot soldiers in their parents marital war, who lost and then found each other.

Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing.

For more go to our Library Webpage: https://ballaratmi.org.au/library/
Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/jane-cafarella-bmi

04/02/2025

BMI Live: Hot Club Swing & Aimie Brûlée | Friday 21 February at 7.30pm

Prepare for an evening of unforgettable music at the historic Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute, featuring the lively rhythms of Hot Club Swing and the captivating artistry of Amie Brûlée.

Find out more: go to our Live Music webpage

https://ballaratmi.org.au/live-music/

Get Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/bmi-live-hot-club-swing-and-the-amie-brulee

03/02/2025

Rosemary's Book of the Week
Gunnawah by Ronni Salt

When nineteen-year-old farmgirl Adelaide Hoffman applies for a cadetship at the Gunnawah Gazette, she sees it as her ticket out of a life too small for her. The paper's owner, Valdene Bullark, seeing something of the girl she once was in young Adelaide,puts her straight to work.

What starts as a routine assignment covering an irrigation project soon puts Adelaide on the trail of a much bigger story. Water is money in farming communities, and when Adelaide starts asking question, it's like she's poked a bull ant's nest. Someone will do whatever it takes to stop Adelaide and Val finding out how far the river of corruption and crime runs.

Shady deals, Vested interests. A labyrinth of lies, it seems everyone in Gunnawah has a secret to keep. And too many are already dead quiet.

Reserve your copy now go to our Library Webpage

https://ballaratmi.org.au/library

31/01/2025

The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news? Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC | Federation University Geoffrey Blainey Research Centre y

Now in his mid nineties, Professor Geoffrey Blainey – Australia’s most significant and popular historian is listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living National Treasure’.

From humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher, one of five children, he enjoyed a childhood spent in rural Victoria, from Terang to Leongatha, Geelong to Ballarat. From a young age these places ignited for Blainey a great affection for the Australian landscape, and a deep curiosity in Australia’s history. He longed to travel, and would climb atop the roof of their home in Burnbank Street to stare out at the Great Dividing Range and imagine the world beyond.

Now the author of over forty books, Geoffrey Blainey thinks he has discovered Australia’s history his own way – and is still learning. Blainey has always been compelled to visit the places of our historical interest, including places of archaeological and Indigenous significance.

We are delighted to welcome Professor Blainey back to historical Ballarat to speak at the BMI, the precursor to University of Ballarat, now Federation University where Professor Blainey was the Foundation Chancellor from 1994 – 1998.

Find out more: https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-world-in-2025-geoffrey-blainey/
Get tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/professor-geoffrey-blainey-bmi-talk

30/01/2025

30/01/2025

In conversation with Megan Brown & Lucy Sussex with host Meg Tasker ()

Outrageous Fortunes: The gripping story of Australia’s first female crime writer and her career-criminal son.

When Mary Fortune arrived in Melbourne with her infant son in 1855, she was determined to reinvent herself. The Victorian goldfields were just the place.

After a time selling sly grog and a bigamous marriage to a policeman, Mary became a pioneering journalist and author. The Detective’s Album was the first book of detective stories to be published in Australia and the first by a woman to be published anywhere in the world. Her work appeared in magazines and newspapers for over forty years – but none of her readers knew who she was. She wrote using pseudonyms, often adopting the voice of a male narrator to write about ‘unladylike’ subjects.

When Mary died in 1911, her identity was nearly lost. In Outrageous Fortunes, Megan Brown and Lucy Sussex retrieve Fortune’s astonishing career and discover an equally absorbing story in her illegitimate son, George. While Mary was writing crime, George was committing it, with convictions for theft and bank robbery. In their intertwined stories, crime fiction meets true crime, and Melbourne’s literary bohemia consorts with the criminal underworld.

Find out more go to our Library Webpage: https://ballarartmi.org.au/library/
Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/megan-brown-lucy-sussex-bmi

29/01/2025

BMI Live: We have 2 stunning events happening in February - We would love to see you there to support these amazing artists: - Olybird - Amie Brûlée

7 February at 6.30pm | Olybird & the Milla Williams Duo
21 February at 7.30pm | Hot Club Swing & Amie Brûlée

Tickets $40 General Admittance & $30 BMI Members

For more go to our Live Music Webpage: https://ballaratmi.org.au/live-music/

Tickets Olybird:
https://events.humanitix.com/bmi-live-olybird-and-the-milla-williams-duo
Tickets Hot Club Swing: https://events.humanitix.com/bmi-live-hot-club-swing-and-the-amie-brulee

29/01/2025

Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations for February | Go to our Library Webpage to find out more:

https://ballaratmi.org.au/library

28/01/2025

Tomorrow night -A Public Talk with Gen Kelsang Rabten | Finding Joy Within: Meditation in a Busy Life

Whether we’re looking for ways to manage stress or to grow emotionally and spiritually, meditation can help us bring more calm and joy into our lives. However, while many of us feel we could benefit from meditation, we often find it challenging to set aside time or go as deeply into it as we’d like.

In this public talk, Buddhist monk Gen Kelsang Rabten will share simple and practical ways to start meditating and make the most of the moments we have, helping us keep our minds peaceful, controlled, and joyful all day long.

$10 for Kadampa members | $25 for non-members

Find out more: https://ballaratmi.org.au/kadampa-meditation/

Registration 6.30-6.50pm

28/01/2025

Rosemary's Book of the Week | The Mystery of Haverford House by Rachel Burton

1933 Annie Bishop is sixteen years old when she first unlocks the gate of Haverford House ready to take service as a maid. She knows her place until, during a summer of high society, she crosses paths with wealthy America heir, Thomas Everard. In his arms. Annie dares to dream of a different life. Until she vanishes without a trace.

2003. Viola Hendricks knows what it's like to dream big. So when she reads about Annie's disappearance shortly before she sees an advert for a job at Haverford House, it seems fate is at work. Five years later, when the house faces closure, Viola is determined to do everything she can to keep it alive. What's not in her plans is enigmatic American Chase Matthews, with an agenda of his own.

If they want to save Haverford House, they must look for answers together, but are they prepared for the truth about what really happened to Annie Bishop?

Reserve your copy now: https://ballaratmi.org.au/library