The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute takes accessibility and equity seriously and we aim to ensure that people of all abilities can come and enjoy events in our building. We acknowledge that we can always do better, and we strive to improve our venue’s facilities and make events more accessible.
We would like to know how we can further improve our services and would welcome your feedback. Please get in touch and let us know how we’re doing. Your feedback will be responded to, and appropriate action or rectification will be investigated to ensure a better experience for future visitors.
Wheelchair Access
The BMI is completely wheelchair accessible with a small inline (approx. 2º) in our main entrance foyer (from Sturt Street), and lift access throughout the building. We have a LH Accessible bathroom on the mezzanine floor (accessible via the lift).
For theatre seated performances we reserve seats for people who use a wheelchair and an accompanying person. If you require an accessible spot for a wheelchair please contact the Venue Manager on 0419 677 713 or via email before booking your ticket, or let us know after you have booked your ticket so that we can ensure you get an accessible seat.
The Minerva Space stage is also wheelchair accessible via a ramp that has an incline of 4º and has tactile indicators on the floor at the end of the incline.
Lifts
The lift is located on the ground level to the right just past the main stairs. The doors to the lift are 90cm wide, and the lift is 210cm long. The buttons are at a height 1m off the floor and have Braille indicators. The lift is rated for 1000kg. The lift will take you to each of our spaces throughout the building including the Minerva Space, the Humffray Room, and the bathrooms located in the Hugh Williamson Foyer (mezzanine level). Our lift also has a VoiceOver to notify you of which level it is stopping at, and which way the lift is heading (up or down).
TOILETS
The BMI has two accessible bathrooms. One is located near the main bathrooms and is publicly available while there is an event at the BMI. This bathroom is a Left Hand Transfer all-gender bathroom and is large enough to manoeuvre a wheelchair. There are no steps to access this bathroom and is accessible via the lift (go to HW Foyer – button 2).
The second accessible bathroom is located in the artist green room and is only available to artists and crew. This bathroom is also a Left Hand Transfer bathroom and is a similar size to the public bathroom.
Hearing loop
Unfortunately our spaces are not currently fitted with a hearing loop or other audio aid equipment. We are currently researching the best way to implement technology in the Minerva Space to for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Stay tuned!
COMPANION CARDS
This card has been developed by the Victorian Network on Recreation and Disability (VICNORD) and allows carers to attend shows as a complimentary guest.
Holders of this card are welcome at BMI produced events with a free ticket to accompany a ticket purchaser. Holders of this card will need to check with any external event producer about their policy regarding the Companion Card.
ASSISTANCE ANIMALS
We welcome all assistance animals into our building. Unfortunately we do not have any extra accommodations for assistance animals, however if you need assistance please inform a BMI staff member, or a member of the event team.
Quiet Space
The BMI is able to offer the Hugh Williamson Foyer as a quiet space for all events held in our building. It is close to the bathrooms and the room is usually 20-30dB more quiet than the event space (either the Humffray Room or the Minerva Space). We can leave chairs and tables in this space if needed.
PARKING
There is a single designated parking space outside Kevin Paisley Eyewear (approx. 30 metres down hill of the BMI).
Public Transport
The closest bus stop to the BMI is the Old Post Office/Sturt St bus stop on Sturt Street. This is uphill of the BMI, across the other side of the road.
We are also 500 metres from the Ballarat Railway Station.
