I don’t know about anyone else but it seems to me that 2026 is just zipping by!
The BMI is keeping up beautifully delivering a packed program, whilst honoring our purpose which is:
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.
Author Talks
We have welcomed a new and diverse group of visiting authors in February including first time author Tori Baxter as she launched her book My Sweet Monster on Valentine’s Day.
Paula McLean added the BMI to her book tour and will be at the BMI on 25 February at 6.30pm. With more literary events scheduled for March, Rosemary continues to secure prize winning authors to the BMI providing fascinating discussions and meet and greet opportunities for our membership and beyond. If you’ve yet to attend an author talk “do yourself a favour” and checkout who is visiting in March!
Live Music
Our line up of performers continues to deliver something for everyone. We welcome Danielle Whalebone at the end of February. Danielle is an Australian songwriter, guitarist, and spoken-word artist whose work dissolves the borders between sound, poetry, and performance art- I hope some of you experienced her work through Whispers of Shadows.
We also had the pleasure of hosting Aria Award winning oud virtuoso Joseph Tawadros in February. This event once again emphasized the high quality and diverse offerings featured in our unique setting and reinforces the BMI as a venue of choice for talented performers and artists looking for spaces that not only meet their needs but add that extra dimension to their event offering.
Film
We continue to welcome long time partner in the Ballarat Film Society each month as they offer a wide variety of film offerings in the Minerva Space- see details online.
Other film opportunities in March include presentations of short films through “Pub Cinemas”, it’s terrific to see films showing in our building regularly- as was the case in history – we do make the claim of being one of the oldest “still operating” cinemas in the world!
BMI Shopping Precinct
We farewelled our wonderful tenant Peter Swaddle in February. Many of you would’ve visited or admired the windows of the Hughes Gallery over the last couple of years. Peter’s gallery was a wonderful addition to the building and we wish him well in his next endeavor. His followers can find Peter at his studio in Soldiers Hill if you wanted to purchase or comission a piece. He can be contacted at E: peterswaddle4@gmail.com M: 0418 185 122
Whilst we are actively looking for another tenant, if anyone knows of someone looking for a prime retail space in Sturt Street please feel free to direct them our way. Contact Executive Manager, Nev Ivey by E: execmanager@ballaratmi.org.au or M: 0419 863 538
Rennovations
There will be a bit of activity in and on top of the Heritage Reading Room very shortly with repairs to the UV protectant paneling on the roof along with guttering maintenance getting underway. We are also thrilled to see a security upgrade taking place in this room through Sectrol Security. This will add a further layer of protection to our Heritage Listed Collection going forward. Thanks so much to the Joe White Foundation for making this work possible and our contractor Peter Broadhead for his continued attention to detail and quality at the BMI.
BMI Hertiage Collection Curator – Ellen Becker
Our curator Ellen Becker was one of the guest speakers recently at the Genealogical Society with the theme being “Getting to know Your Ancestors in Ballarat and Beyond”.
According to lovely feedback she spoke enthusiastically about the role Mechanics’ Institutes played historically, the history of the Ballaarat Mechanic’s Institute, the resources available for research and the other treasures to be enjoyed at the Institute. Ellen also reported distributing many BMI membership brochures at the event to the interested audience and we thank her for her advocacy.
Ellen will also be speaking at the Ballarat Historical Society on March 11 with audience numbers predicted to be around 50 people. The Title of this next talk is – Eureka! Unearthing ‘Useful Knowledge’ on the Ballarat Goldfields
This presentation will explore the remarkable history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and the global movement that inspired it, tracing how ideas of education, reform, and self-improvement shaped life on the Victorian goldfields. Emerging from the social and political upheavals of the Eureka era, the Institute became a centre for learning, debate, culture, and community, dedicated to the ‘diffusion of useful knowledge.’
Australia Day Honours – Neil Leckie (OAM)
We were delighted to receive news that long time BMI advocate, volunteer and past Board Member Neil Leckie received Australia Day honours in the form of a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) “for service to veterans and to the community through a range of roles“. I am sure the membership join with the board, staff and volunteers in congratulating Neil on this achievement.
Ballarat Times – Posted on 26 January 2026 by Darren McLean (excerpt – Neil Leckie)
Mr Leckie, meanwhile, is well known in Ballarat for his military-related activities and his involvement in various community groups.
His connections include the Officer Training Unit Association, the Ballarat Ranger Military Museum, the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia Ballarat sub-branch, the Royal Victoria Regiment Association, the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute.
The former Army Reservist who attained the rank of major was a volunteer firefighter and held various other positions with the Clunes CFA brigade, has been a cricket umpire, and has written several military history publications.
He has already received several awards and official recognitions, and became a life member of the CFA in 2022.
Art Restoration
We also look forward to the imminent return of some artworks to the BMI. Through a grant from the Copland Foundation, two of our prized artworks have been conserved and will find a new home on the walls of the BMI very shortly. Through a small donation for framing, some original works by artist Bill Gribble will also be displayed on our walls.
Artworks, whilst being a treasured part of our collection, also provide another point of interest for visitors and members alike.
In conclusion
So inside and outside of the BMI the organisation continues to play a vital part in the cultural life of Ballarat and beyond. Thank all of you for your support of the BMI as a member, event attendee, volunteer or staff member. Please watch your inbox for our End of Financial Year appeal (our financial year ends April 30) which is a terrific opportunity to continue your vital support. Paula Nicholson
