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Twilight Talks is back on again. We have a great line-up of talks:

Music and Entertainment History

Ailsa DuBois

Ailsa chose Ballarat as her home over 18 years ago. She holds two Masters degrees: Journalism (UTS) and Writing & Literature (Deakin), among other qualifications. She is Vice-President of the community-based ‘Ballarat Arts Alive’.

Steve Rattle, published a biography on Melbourne pianist Len Luscombe and his company Anglo-American, manufacturers of Broadway piano rolls.

Evelyn ScotneyThe Ballarat Songbird, Born in Ascot Street, Ballarat in 1887, soprano Evelyn Scotney studied with Melba’s teacher Mathilde Marchesi and composer Paolo Tosti. On Christmas eve 1920 she sang with Italian tenor Enrico Caruso in his final New York Metropolitan Opera performance. So why is she now sadly forgotten? Join Steve Rattle as he affectionately remembers this great Ballarat lady.

Cost & Bookings | $8 per person BMI members | $12 per person regular.

Information on the full series 

Book places

Tracey Lee Holmes: A Life Through Sport

Thu 4 September at 6pm

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

Tax Deductible 

Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.

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your help.

2024 End of Financial Year Appeal 

Or alternatively go to our Donations web page.

Our Challenge

Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges. 

We thank you for your support.
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