Ballan Mechanics InstitutePrint Page 
The Mechanics Institute of Victoria plaque commemorates the major renovations to the Institute.
The purpose of the MIV Historical Plaques Program is to inform the public of the history of Mechanics' Institutes in Victoria and also give a snippet of history about the individual Institute. The idea of putting a plaque on Mechanics' Institute Halls was advanced by Committee member Alan Tonkin in 1999. Committee member Paul Permezel brought it to reality in 2003 and since then plaques have been installed to mark special occasions within Institutes all across the State. These plaques have been used to commemorate a significant date in the history of an Institute or town; be it an anniversary, or a significant renovation or restoration project.
Location
| Address: | 143 Inglis Street, Ballan Mechanics Institute, Ballan, 3342 |
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| State: | VIC |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -37.600267 Long: 144.224592 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Plaque |
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| Monument Theme: | Culture |
| Sub-Theme: | Community |
| Link: | http://home.vicnet.net.au/~mivic/ |
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Saturday 6th December, 2003 |
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Mechanics Institute of Victoria Inc. (MIV)
Ballan Mechanics' Institute.
Founded 1861. Established on this site 1885
The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community.
This plaque, No. 2 in the MIV series, was placed here on December 6, 2003 on the occasion of major renovations to the building.
