THE Ballaarat Mechanics\u2019 Institute\u2019s latest cultural group is aiming to cater to those with a keen interest in news and current affairs.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Past BMI president and current patron Frank Hurley attended last month\u2019s first meeting, and said he enjoyed the round-table discussion, and social space.<\/p>\n
\u201cA 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe welcome anyone who enjoys intelligent conversation about significant issues, which is rewarding and satisfying in itself. Hopefully, we\u2019ll all go away with a new insight or two, and an expanded horizon.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Hurley said the Current Affairs Dialogue group is harmonious with the historic role of a traditional mechanics\u2019 institute: to be a fusion of knowledge.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you sit in the Heritage Reading Room, you can see it\u2019s always been source of so much information,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n