Ballarat Libraries in partnership with BMI | Now cancelled due to travel restrictions caused by recent devastating floods  

Join bestselling crime writer Chris Hammer in conversation with 2022 Indie Book Award winner for debut fiction Lyn Yeowart.  Hammer, the multi-award-winning author of Scrublands will be discussing his highly anticipated novel The Tilt.  

A must attend event for lovers of gripping, homegrown Australian crime writing.  

Yeowart’s debut novel (The Silent Listener) and Hammer’s latest work explore protagonists returning home and delve into gritty stories set in the heart of small-town Australia.  

Got a question for Chris? There will be a 15-minute Q&A at the end of the session. 

Bookings are essential. Contact the Ballarat Library on 5338 6850.
The Tilt | Chris Hammer

More about Chris

More about the Lyn

Tickets

This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution

Pressed dried flowering plant specimen with roots on paper

From the Curator | Arresting the Ephemeral

09/06/2026 No Comments

The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute is custodian of the most intact surviving set of the Educational Collections of Victorian Plants (1874–1876). A herbarium and series of books compiled by the first Chief Botanist of the Colony of Victoria, Baron Sir Ferdinand von Mueller. Join BMI Heritage Curator, Ellen Becker as she reveals the history and significance of this remarkable collection, including a rare close viewing of select botanical specimens and books. Find out more Get Tickets Tickets can also be purchased from the BMI Library

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The Palace of Lost Virtue book cover by Anthea Hodgson

Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson

08/06/2026 No Comments

The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea who will be in conversation with local author AJ Lyndon talking about Anthea’s new book at BMI on Wednesday 17 June at 6pm At its core, The Palace of Lost Virtue is a story of female friendship and resilience. Marigold is a devout Christian working with her mother to save the local women from a life dedicated to sex work. Pansy is one of those sex workers and the owner of Pansy

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Book of the Week: A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker

Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker

01/06/2026 No Comments

A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno, chief of police of the Dordogne town of St Denis, is no stranger to murder. But when he receives a phone call from his friend, Pamela, reporting a fatal attack on her newly arrived lodger, Josette Quirit, he is forced to recuse himself from the investigation due to his close ties to the case. Luckily, he has a project to distract him. For hundreds of years, the market of St. Denis has been the

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Queer Blak and Deadly newsletter featuring guest host Steven Oliver

Newsletter – June 2026

25/05/2026 No Comments

Rosemary’s New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks – Live Music – Film – LIve Theatre – Minerva’s Secrets – Message from the Chair – Pride Month – Digital version coming soon…

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A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | June 2026

25/05/2026 No Comments

May unfolded as another vibrant and exciting month for the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute with new activities and visitors weaving throughout an already busy regular schedule. From the Board’s perspective, it was a month that truly demonstrated both the strength of our cultural identity and the challenges that accompany our growing momentum. I hope many of you were able to join us for Ballarat Heritage Festival weekend, we were delighted to be open during this period, including the Sunday, to showcase

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