The Reading Room (2pm in the Library for a start @ 2.30pm – 4pm)
NOVEMBER SESSION
Past the Shallows | Favel Parrett
Brothers Joe, Harry and Miles live with their father, an abalone fisherman, on the south-east coast of Tasmania. Everyday their dad battles the unpredictable ocean to make a living. He is a hard man, a bitter drinker who harbours a devastating secret that is destroying him.
Unlike Joe, Harry and Miles are too young to leave home and so are forced to live under the dark cloud of their father’s mood, trying to stay as invisible as possible whenever he is home. Harry, the youngest, is the most vulnerable and it seems he bears the brunt of his father’s anger…
This event is a BMI Community Art Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution
CountPro Showcase 2026 Featuring outstanding performances from the 2026 RSSS Ballarat Eisteddfod SEason Royal South Street Society Get Tix – Her Majesty’s Royal South Street Society are a BMI Community Partner Find out more about BMI Community Partnerships below. Supporters & partners
When Sullivan Met Lola Monica McInerney Don’t miss Monica who will be talking about her new book at BMI on 5 October at 6pm The eagerly awaited new novel by beloved Australian author Monica McInerney. Lola Quinlan is eighty-six. If her time on earth is running out, she’s not leaving quietly. Against the wishes of
Fringe Encore Ballarat Fringe Encore: Ballarat Every great show deserves an encore. A week after the 2026 Festival wraps, Fringe Encore: Ballarat brings the adventurous spirit of Melbourne Fringe to regional Victoria for a vibrant weekend of surprising art. Whether you’re making the trip from Melbourne or discovering the program in your own backyard, it’s
Tell Me Something True Michael Robotham Don’t miss Michael who will be talking about his new book at BMI on 1 October at 6pm The astonishing, emotional epic from Michael Robotham: a mystery, a coming-of-age tale and a love story wrapped into one, set against the simmering tensions of a small Australian town. Small towns are
Rosemary’s New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks – Live Music – Film – LIve Theatre – Message from Executive Manager – fundraisers Digital version coming soon…
A Busy October I wonder whether you will all agree when you make your way through the pages of this newsletter that October is shaping up to be a very busy and exciting month at the BMI. Fundraising Events | Book Sale, Vintage Fashion Parade & Errard Hall Open Garden Firstly though, thank you to
Fundraiser for Ballarat RSL & BMI
$33 per person
Minerva's Secrets Night Tours
Tue 19 May with special visit to Lantern Vaults
Tour 1 at 7pm – Tour 2 at 9pm.
Calling for Pre-loved books
These donation assist in our Library Fundraising Activities
We can take delivery during regular Library operating hours. See website footer.
Spring Season, History Talks:
Ballarat's Henry Lawson - The Dragon's Den - Gold! Gold! Gold!
Wed 3, 17 & 24 September, 5.30pm.
Bubbly on arrival featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop
Sunday 6 September at 2pm - Cost $65
The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2026 Calendar
Featuring illustrations from our Heritage Book Collection $40
Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.
Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges.
