BMI stalwart Clive Brooks, a member for more than 20 years, celebrated his 80th birthday on Monday, while construction of the institute’s new kitchen has also begun. 

Staff, volunteers and friends celebrated Mr Brooks’ birthday at the institute with a morning tea.

BMI president Ann Cato said Mr Brooks had been an important member for many years. 

“Clive is a former RAAF Officer who has been responsible for archiving years of important documents associated with the history of the BMI,” she said.

“Each Monday, he leads a team of volunteers who catalogue and put in order all the institute’s archival material.

“His commitment to the BMI has ensured that important historical papers are catalogued for research and future generations’ interest.”

Ms Cato said the commencement of construction of the institute’s new “finishing kitchen” was also reason to celebrate. 

“From a marketing point of view, the new finishing kitchen will be very important to us in that we will be able to attract caterers for weddings and similar events,” she said.

“It will provide caterers with adequate finishing and serving space, and enable food to be taken to the Minerva Space or the Humffray Room.

“This means we can attract other events and, in turn, boost the overall revenue of the BMI and enable the beautiful building to be maintained.”