BMI Fundraiser, A Public Talk with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC

The world in 2025 and beyond : What is the good news? What is the not-so-good news?

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.