Events Program Diversity
I have heard from many members lately that they are thrilled and excited to see all the programming diversity and the level of activity now becoming the norm not the exception in our monthly newsletters. This has indeed been a focus for us through all areas of the business, so it’s terrific to understand that our wider membership and indeed the wider community are keen to see the BMI thrive and grow.
The THEATRE 180 production of 21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke. Was a wonderful example of what we see as a change in our events diversity. This production won the hearts and minds of Ballarat and beyond with 4 sell-out performances. We have had some beautfiul feedback and you can see some of this feeback below
Fundraising Events
It is timely to emphasize three very different fundraising events coming up between now and Christmas that we hope will attract diverse audiences. For those of you eagerly awaiting the return of our Vintage Fashion Parade- details are below. You’ll be delighted to know that the event returns to its original format with afternoon tea being a central inclusion. Get your tickets soon.
The Open garden (courtesy of generous Board Member Malcolm Roberts ) is happening again late November- tickets available very soon.
Most immediately is the BMI Trivia Night happening August 26th from 7pm in the Minerva Room. Come along and bring your friends , enjoy hot snacks and purchase drinks at the BMI bar whilst doubling down on your Ballarat and BMI knowledge. Bring your friends for a chance to win a prize and support the BMI through learning and the sharing of useful knowledge in line with our original constitution!!
Tickets: Pre-Sale $60 per person, starts 10am 6 August to 4pm 9 August. Thereafter tickets are $65 per person
Find out more about our Fundraising Events
Vintage & Collectables Shop
In other Vintage Shop news some of you maybe have noticed that the BMI vintage shop has moved into a bigger space which has seen interest and sales grow accordingly!
The new larger window display more adequately shows the selection of high quality vintage wear available and the spacious interior allows the stunning clothing and accessories to be more effectively curated. Thanks to Geraldine and Donna and their band of merry helpers for effecting this massive change. If you haven’t been in, the ladies would love to welcome you.
Website
We are very pleased with the progress of our new website build through the generous pro-bono support of Stoke Design, led by our very own board member Leigh Ericksen.
We are currently finalizing the Site Map for the new site, directed by all the previous analysis and research (also probono) to ensure the result will achieve maximum benefit, achieve efficiencies and provide opportunities to adequately represent and enable the strategic direction around enhanced engagement and growth. Thanks again to Leigh and Stoke Design and our staff for working through this period of change in such a positive way. We hope to unveil a very new look website in about 3 months time!
Strategic Partnership
We are delighted to share our success in receiving Strategic Partnership Funds from the City of Ballarat in a recent and very competitive funding round. This funding will see $240,000 dedicated to marketing and community reach over the next three years.
This initiative will strengthen our ability to connect with more people across Ballarat and ensure this historic community asset remains vibrant, accessible and sustainable for future generations. Through improved marketing capability, audience engagement and partnerships, we will be better positioned to reach out to and welcome new residents, families, creatives, visitors and diverse community groups into our heritage spaces and programs. This investment is not only about growing BMI’s reach—it is about building lasting community connection, supporting local culture and helping activate the Ballarat CBD in a sustainable and focused way moving forward.
We thank the City of Ballarat for the commitment to the BMI through this program and congratulate the other successful community organizations in their respective bids for funding.
Christmas Extravaganza
We are heading towards the end of winter with speed and I’m sure some of you are starting to think about Christmas as are we at the BMI.
Many of you will be familiar with the talent of Zlatko Balazic through his work on Lantern Vaults with Amanda Western and Tabitha Rickard. Zlatko has been steadily developing a fabulous Christmas extravaganza to take place in the Minerva Space for December. Through his talent and generosity, the space will be transformed into a light and sound spectacle creating an immersive experience in our beautiful building providing a brand new Christmas experience in the CBD. We are hopeful that we might receive some grant funds for this project whilst we continue to welcome corporate sponsorship to enable our progress. Watch this space for further information on how you can enjoy Christmas at the BMI.
Volunteering
We would be delighted to hear from anyone wanting to volunteer within the Collections area, at internal events like Twilight Talks or our fundraisers.
Please contact Marilyn Furness (volunteers@ballaratmi.org.au) or Neville Ivey (execmanager@ballarat.org.au) with queries.
Governance
In governance news, the Board are finalizing a revised Strategic Risk Register and our policy review work is almost complete.
We continue to refine our financial reporting procedures and processes, constantly examining expenditure and building capacity for income generation.
AGM
The AGM for the BMI will be on September 30- details coming soon via email and notifications in the library.
Executive Manager
In finishing up we would all like to wish our Executive Manager Neville Ivey, a speedy recovery from his knee surgery in mid July.
For those who know Nev, you can imagine how difficult it is for him to rest up during this early phase – but we encourage him to follow doctor’s orders so we can look forward to his imminent return !!
Please read on to understand the many events that you might enjoy in August and in the future – we hope to see you soon.
Paula Nicholson – President
Our Vision
To promote an inclusive and diverse community. This is achieved through sharing knowledge, providing a unique place to engage with history, and a vibrant hub for community events.
