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.
This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution
This display is arranged in our glass display cases in the Heritage Reading Room. Open during regular Library operating hours. This display has been installed by our Heritage Collection volunteers, utilising our heritage book collection. They tirelessly care for this valuable National resource. Become a Member of the BMI Volunteering at BMI
Stage Ready – Expressions of interest are now open. The BMI has received funding to launch Stage Ready — a new non-formal technical-theatre training program for regional creatives. The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (BMI) is pleased to announce it has secured $22,946 to deliver Stage Ready, a training program designed to support emerging production talent and strengthen regional
The Gambler J.P. Pomare Don’t miss Josh and Christian White at the BMI on Tuesday 10 March at 6pm The Gambler is a Vince Reid thriller From the author of 17 Years Later PI Vince Reid is visiting an old friend when he’s offered a case he can’t Why did a respected local woman open fire at
I don’t know about anyone else but it seems to me that 2026 is just zipping by! The BMI is keeping up beautifully delivering a packed program, whilst honoring our purpose which is: To promote an inclusive and diverse community. This is achieved through sharing knowledge, providing a unique place to engage with history, and
2026 Season Events Victoria’s largest youth performing arts pathway and a critical contributor to the regional creative workforce pipeline. Entries for all disciplines open on March 01 2026 and close on April 30 2026. Our programs offer performance opportunities in Pianoforte, Vocal, Instrumental, Debating, Choral, Speech, Drama and Comedy, All Abilities, Dance and Calisthenics. We
The One Remaining Paula McLean Don’t miss Paula at the BMI on Wednesday 25 February at 6.30pm The One Remaining is a captivating story of overcoming loss, finding the courage to trust those who believe in us, and the self-healing power of writing our stories. Hilary Mason is thirteen when her sister Elaine disappears. She fears
Minerva's Secrets Night Tours
Night Tours
Fri 31 Oct – Sat 15 Nov
& Fri 12 Dec
Tour 1 at 7pm
Tour 2 at 9pm.
Linen & Lace Exhbition
Includes Devonshire Tea | $20
Sat & Sun 22, 23 Oct
10am-4pm
Remembrance Day:
A Surgeon Commander & A Leading Cook - Recent War Memoribilia
Wed 29 Oct & 5 Nov, 5.30pm.
Coming soon…
Rozzi Bazzani. Stella Day Out: Katia Ariel & Samah Sabawi, Rachael Johns
Coming soon…
Dianne Dempsey, Chrissie Bellbrae, Paula Gleeson, Rozzi Bazzani.
Coming in November…
Stella Day Out, Ballarat, Rachael Johns & Margaret Hickey
Australian Heritage Festival
Minerva's Secrets
25 April – Tour 1 at 7.30pm – fully booked
Tour 2 at 9.30pm – still tickets.
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 | $60
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.
2 course dinner & lots
of dancing
