Latest Events
As Ballarat’s independent home of Arts and Culture we host a wide range of events throughout the year! – Make sure you check out the BMI events calendar to see what we have coming up.
Dead Man’s Cell Phone, A Ballarat National Theatre Production
October 25 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm $15 – $30 Minerva Space Dead Man's Cell Phone is a surrealist play by Sarah RuhlDirected by Benj Beatty Dead Man's Cell Phone...
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Twilight Talks: Season 2, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party.
October 28 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm $9 – $13 Get Tickets The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. by Ross McMullin Speaker:...
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Kadampa Meditation Series | Comfortable with Yourself: Unlocking Self-Esteem & Genuine Confidence
October 28 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Free – $12 – $12 – $12 Lending Library, ground floor These classes offer simple, practical methods to improve the quality of...
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Dead Man’s Cell Phone, A Ballarat National Theatre Production
October 28 @ 7:00 pm - October 31 @ 9:00 pm $15 – $30 Minerva Space Dead Man's Cell Phone is a surrealist play by Sarah RuhlDirected by Benj Beatty Dead...
Read MoreLatest news
The Royal South Street Society | CountPro Showcase 2026
CountPro Showcase 2026 Featuring outstanding
Rosemary’s Book of the Week | When Sullivan Met Lola by Monica McInerney
When Sullivan Met Lola Monica
Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Tell Me Something True by Michael Robotham
Tell Me Something True Michael
Read up on the latest happenings at the BMI. From Library news and exhibitions to the latest word from board and staff.
Venue Hire
The BMI has a number of beautiful spaces that are available for hire. With reasonable ‘pay-for-what-you-need’ pricing, stunning heritage architecture, and modern facilities, it is the perfect place for your next event.
Membership
Invest in the Ballarat community by becoming a BMI member. Membership to the organisation allows you to borrow books from the lending library, as well as discounts to BMI events and other perks.
Supporters & Partners
If you would like to support the BMI as a Strategic Partner, as an Event Partner or Supporter, or you would like to consider a Corporate Membership then we would like to hear from you.
Find out who supports the BMI.
Our History
John B. Humffray arrived in Melbourne on the 19th of September 1853 on the Star of the East and had found himself in Ballaarat by 1854.
Because of the conditions he had seen on the goldfields he formed the Reform League to advocate for better conditions and treatment of the diggers by Government Officials. He was elected unopposed as an M.L.C. in 1855 and was elected as an M.L.A. in 1856 for North Grant.
Humffray was elected as President of the Committee of Management of the Mechanics Institute in May of 1859 when the reading room was established at the Ballarat Fire Brigade in Barkly Street. His term of office was interrupted by his Parliamentary duties so was succeeded by Andrew Anderson in 1860.
