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
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
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
Wonderful news from Singapore | Ballarat-based Creative Director and composer Chee Wei Tay received major Singapore music honour. Chee Wei Tay is part of the BMI Events Team A proud moment on stage at the 20th Compass Awards Presentation 2026, where an award recipient Chee Wei Tay delivers his acceptance speech at the COMPASS Awards
Styled Sally Mackinnon Don’t miss Sally who will be talking about her new book at BMI on 29 September at 6pm Personal stylist Sally Mackinnon, known to her almost 400K (Instagram & Facebook) community, brings STYLED — a warm, practical and refreshingly realistic guide to building personal style with confidence, clarity and ease. Drawing on
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.
