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The Yarrowee: Uncovering the secrets of the Ballarat River

BMI Twilight Talks are back! The series is hosted by Prue Bentley.

Prue Bentley

Session 3

How people power is protecting local waterways

Jeff Rootes

Jeff is one of the original convenors of the Friends of Canadian Corridor. In 2012 the large Canadian Forest Blue Gum plantation was going to be removed and the land handed back to the State Government for sale. The convenors saw the opportunity to imagine a different outcome and developed, with the community, the case for a Multi-use Forest Park. That vision and success of the Friends led to the establishment of the Woowookarung Regional Park in 2016. Since the establishment of the Park, Jeff has been secretary of the Friends of Canadian Corridor – an organisation that is now approaching 1000 friends. Jeff lives in Canadian on a small property and is a former teacher.

Jeff Rootes, Secretary of the Friends of Canadian Corridor and the Bunanyung Landscape Aliance

Nick McKinley | Leigh Catchment Landcare Group

Celebrating Landcare in the Yarrowee and Leigh River Catchments. This presentation will provide a snap shot of what activities Landcare Groups are currently undertaking in our catchments, and provide some examples of some of our successful projects.

Bar

The bar in the Humffray Room (level 4) will be open from 5pm.

Tickets | Session cost

The session cost is $8 per person BMI members | $12 per person general bookings.

Win a double pass to this Season’s Twilight Talks

SHARE YOUR MEMORIES OF THE YARROWEE RIVER AND WIN TWILIGHT TALKS TICKETS!

What do you love about our Yarrowee River?

We’re collecting stories, pictures, and memories of life on and by the Yarrowee River for our latest series of Twilight Talks, focussing on this important local waterway.

Post your story or picture below, send a message to the BMI Facebook inbox, or complete the form below.

Each week from 10th April we’ll give away a double pass to that week’s talk.

So tell us your tales, and share your pictures!

Artwork Image: Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute | Max Harris Image Collection  | Albert Hall, 1953 | MH1615

MH 1615 | Alfred Hall, 1953

Tracey Lee Holmes: A Life Through Sport

Thu 4 September at 6pm

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

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The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2025 Calendar

Featuring the BMI Image Collection | Now $20

Devonshire Tea & Fashion Parade

Bubbly on arrival & Featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop | $60

Christmas Holiday Closures | Library

Monday 23 December – Sunday 5 January

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

Australian Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

18 April to 18 May

Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective

Wed 2-30 April, 5.30pm

Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

16 to 25 May 

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

with Michael Robotham

 Wed 20 August at 6pm

guides dressed in period costum

Australian Heritage Festival

Minerva's Secrets

25 April – Tour 1 at 7.30pm – fully booked
Tour 2 at 9.30pm – still tickets. 

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

Ballarat Heritage Festival BMI Day Tours

Two tours  on 20 &  21 May 

 

with Nicole Alexander

28 May at 6pm

with Gail Holmes

 Wed 4 June at 6pm

with Kylie Ladd

 Wed 25 June at 6pm

Ballarat Pride Month

Events at BMI

The Month of June 

Ballarat Winter Festival

Events at BMI

5 July – 27 July 

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing