Colourful woven African basket with leather handles on kitchen bench

Women of the Well, 107 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central

Women of the Well 

170 Sturt Street – pop in to say hello to Mary & Mary

No strangers to the BMI as they supported our Design Markets here in the Minerva Space. We wish them well in their new enterprise.

Their shop at 170 Sturt Street certainly enhances our little shopping strip.

Open Monday 10.00 – 15.30

Tuesday 10.00 – 15.30

Wednesday 10.00 – 16.00

Thursday 10.00 – 16.00

Friday 10.00 – 16.00

Saturday 10.00 – 15.00

Sunday Closed

Boutique Fashion | Handmade African Treasures | African Hair Braiding

A message from Women of the Well

Thank you so much, Ballaarat Mechancis’ Institute, for shining a light on Women of the Well and giving us the opportunity to share our story. We are truly grateful for your support of local businesses and for helping celebrate the rich diversity and culture that make our Ballarat community so special.

Every conversation like this helps more people discover not just our boutique, but the heart behind it a place where epople are welcomed cultures are celebrated, and community comes together.

We sincerely appreciate your kindness and support.

Two smiling women posing together in a colourful boutique shop
Mary & Mary
Woman wearing long floral maxi dress in blue and brown
Make a statement in this stunning floor-length maxi dress featuring bold blue florals on a rich chocolate brown background.
Woman wearing sculptural silver statement earring with sunglasses
Effortlessly chic meets modern artistry. This sculptural silver earring adds an instant edge to any look.
Colourful woven African basket with leather handles on kitchen bench
Fresh from the market and straight to the kitchen — this vibrant handwoven Bolga basket is as functional as it is beautiful.

Recent News

21 HEARTS: Vivian Bulwinkel & The Nurses of the Vyner Brooke

Sat 11 June at 7pm

Minerva's Secrets Night Tours

Tue 19 May with special visit to Lantern Vaults

Tour 1 at 7pm – Tour 2 at 9pm. 

Remembrance Day:

A Surgeon Commander & A Leading Cook - Recent War Memoribilia

Wed 29 Oct & 5 Nov, 5.30pm

BMI Fundraising Events book donation promotional image

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.

Raise a Glass for Brass

The Little Brass Band BMI Fundraiser

Sun 10 August at 2pm

 Coming in November

Stella Day Out, Ballarat, Rachael Johns & Margaret Hickey

with Gail Holmes

 Wed 4 June at 6pm

with Nicole Alexander

28 May at 6pm

Ballarat Heritage Festival BMI Day Tours

Two tours  on 20 &  21 May 

 

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May 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

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

16 to 25 May 

Spring Season, History Talks:

Ballarat's Henry Lawson - The Dragon's Den - Gold! Gold! Gold!

Wed 3, 17 & 24 September, 5.30pm

Australian Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

18 April to 18 May

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

Christmas Holiday Closures | Library

Monday 23 December – Sunday 5 January

Vintage Fashion Parade

Bubbly on arrival featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop

 Pre-Sale $60 from 6 Aug to 9 Aug - $65 thereafter

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2026 Calendar

Featuring illustrations from our Heritage Book Collection $40

Tax Deductible 

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

We need
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.

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing