Time to talk news and current affairs

THE Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s latest cultural group is aiming to cater to those with a keen interest in news and current affairs.

To be held in the Heritage Reading Room on the last Thursday of each month, the Current Affairs Dialogue group will discuss a range of local, national, and international topics.

Past BMI president and current patron Frank Hurley attended last month’s first meeting, and said he enjoyed the round-table discussion, and social space.

“A topic will be set a month in advance so the group can develop their thoughts, and the meetings will be a dialogue, rather than a class with a lecturer and a monologue,” he said.

“All those who participate will be equal, and we encourage informed, insightful, respectful, open-minded, relaxed discussion and analysis from people who engage with a range of news sources and commentary.

“We welcome anyone who enjoys intelligent conversation about significant issues, which is rewarding and satisfying in itself. Hopefully, we’ll all go away with a new insight or two, and an expanded horizon.”

Mr Hurley said the Current Affairs Dialogue group is harmonious with the historic role of a traditional mechanics’ institute: to be a fusion of knowledge.

“When you sit in the Heritage Reading Room, you can see it’s always been source of so much information,” he said.

Current Affairs Dialogue is an initiative of BMI member Greta Christie, and will be held from 1.30pm to 3pm on the last Thursday of each month.

This month, the group will explore the topic: the United States: what’s the state of the union? Expressions of interest can be made to [email protected] or 5331 3042.