Hello everyone.
Firstly I hope you have all received notification of the launch of the BMI Annual Giving Campaign. As we approach the end of our Financial Year, it’s time to reach out to you all for support once again. We are so pleased to report an increase in hire activity, wonderful attendance at the author talks and twilight talks, renegotiated agreements with ongoing users, new partners gracing our building and performance spaces, solid activity during festivals and increasing memberships. But as a community funded body we continue to rely on that community to assist to facilitate forward momentum and growth in our offerings along with ensuring we can care for the building itself in a sustainable and responsible way. The campaign will run through until the end of June but we would be most appreciative of “early” donations as these will assist us as we finalize budgets and plans for the 2025-2026 year.
You can also donat/e by direct credit:
Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute | BSB – 083-526 | Account – 515667832.
Heritage Festivals
May is always a very exciting and busy time for the BMI. The team have been preparing for our participation in both the National Heritage Festival and the Ballarat Heritage Festival (BHF). The details, including booking links for our offerings within the BHF, can be found in this newsletter and on our Important Dates webpage but can also be found at the Ballarat Heritage Festival link below.
Thanks to all staff for their efforts in developing and marketing our listings it is always a team effort and this year we will again be collaborating with some other organizations including Melba Opera Trust and Showbiz Cinema to deliver a varied offering with something for everyone!! Those dates are May 16-25.
Oubliette
We are also pleased to announce an artist’s residency in our basement space running from mid April into May. Artist Gemma Cavoli in the context of Punctum’s Ballarat Seedpod Residency, will undertake a first stage development of a new live arts performance work titled Oubliette. This program is supported by Creative Ballarat.
Oubliette is concerned with the notion of proof in interweaving stories with space; examining, reviving and conjuring traces of occupancy. Working in partnership with the Ballaraat Mechanics’ Institute, and activating the Basement, a space marked with the presence and layers of the Goldfields’ past. The artist will be locating the narratives of various 19th Century historical figures whose stories and voices were silenced within the mental health care system.
The public will be invited to experience the work in progress during presentations on Friday 9 May, 6pm and on Saturday 10 May, 2pm.
Restoration Works
We have an update from the restoration of paintings from the BMI collection that are being restored via the Copland Foundation grant, we can give you a sneak peak as conservation work reveals colour and detail of this work – thanks to the Copland Foundation!
Personnel
I would like to let you know that we will be farewelling a couple of staff members this month. Firstly Kevin Murnane will be finishing up as the BMI Finance Officer after serving the organisation for a number of years. Kevin has been a very hardworking and committed part of the finance and management team and was also instrumental in the establishment of the BMI Fundraising Golf Day at Snake Valley Golf Club. We wish to thank Kevin so much for his contribution to the BMI and we hope he has a little more time with family and for travel and other adventures moving forward.
Kevin will be replaced by our new Finance Officer in Carry Fungsi. Carry is also employed by Chris Packer and Associates and brings many skills and much experience to the role. Carry will be working with Kevin to ensure a smooth transition in this area and we welcome him to the team.
And finally in other news, Colin Jackson our long serving Executive Manager will also leave the team after 6 years in the role. After thoughtful consideration, Colin has made the decision to step down from the role of Executive Manager, effective end of April. During his tenure, Colin has made a lasting impact on the Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute, guiding us through some difficult times such as Covid and lockdowns and always leading with integrity, vision, and care for the people who make up our community and we are so grateful to him for his leadership.
The Board will be working closely with the leadership team to ensure a smooth transition. More information about interim leadership and the search for a successor will be shared soon.
Please join us in expressing our heartfelt thanks to Colin for his excellent leadership and wishing him all the best in the next chapter.
Paula Nicholson
Community Partnerships
Royal South Street Society
RSSS Drag Queen Bingo
Thursday 15 May – Doors open at 6pm,Performance begins at 7pm.
Join us for an electrifying three-hour extravaganza of interactive entertainment, featuring dazzling drag performances and fabulous campery hosted by our incredible Piano Bar Queens. It’s the perfect midweek treat to add some excitement to your work week.
For just $10 per person, you’ll receive a game book and dabber. Prepare to laughter, surprises, and the chance to win fantastic prizes throughout the evening.
The kitchen will be open and serving delicious food from 6pm to 8pm.
This event will serve as a fundraiser for the Royal South Street Society, and everyone is warmly invited to attend.
Entries for Royal South Street Society Ballarat Eisteddfod are closing soon!
Don’t miss out! Be part of the Ballarat Eisteddofd and feel the thrill, passion, and magic of live performance.
Find out more: royalsouthstreet.com.au
