Twilight Talks 2026
Twilight Talks 2026 Read More »
Lantern Vaults – Prize Winner
Lantern Vaults Prize Winner has been drawn The raffle draw for Amanda Western’s work that brought you Lantern Vaults to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute during the Ballarat Heritage Festival has been drawn. And the winner is… Leigh Maylor, who is thrilled. Leigh was notified by BMI President, Paula Nicholson. BMI Librarian, Rosemary McInerney and Artist,
Lantern Vaults – Prize Winner Read More »
Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch
Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita who will be in conversation with Dellaram Vreeland talking about Benita’s new book at BMI on 15 July at 6pm Matrescence is a biological, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual transformation that can leave mothers without the language or support to make sense of who they are. Many
Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch Read More »
A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026
Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests for financial assistance from many organisations, as the month of June draws to a close thus representing the End of the Financial Year for most businesses and indeed Not for Profits. For the BMI, we are already 2 months into our financial year and not
A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026 Read More »
Newsletter – July 2026
Rosemary’s New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks – Live Music – Film – LIve Theatre – Message from the Chair – fundraisers Digital version coming soon…
Newsletter – July 2026 Read More »
Newsletter – June 2026
Rosemary’s New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks – Live Music – Film – LIve Theatre – Minerva’s Secrets – Message from the Chair – Pride Month – Digital version coming soon…
Newsletter – June 2026 Read More »
ABC Radio interview with BMI Heritage Collection Curator Ellen Becker
From the Heritage Collection Curator – Interview with ABC Radio Sydney | Nightlife – Tuesday 23 Dec 2025 at 10pm The Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute, or BMI, is celebrating 165 years since its reading room first opened in December 1860. It’s the oldest surviving cultural institution in Ballarat and has an incredible story. From hosting Mark
ABC Radio interview with BMI Heritage Collection Curator Ellen Becker Read More »
Update from Liam Mudge, Venue Manager | Stage Ready
Stage Ready The BMI has received funding to launch Stage Ready — a new non-formal technical-theatre training program for regional creatives. The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (BMI) is pleased to announce it has secured $22,946 to deliver Stage Ready, a training program designed to support emerging production talent and strengthen regional creative capability. Launching in 2026, Stage Ready
Update from Liam Mudge, Venue Manager | Stage Ready Read More »
The Guardian | The Rural Newtork – I joined the oldest and most overlooked library in my town – and it feels like being part of a secret club – Dellaram Vreeland
The Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute has had a reading room for 165 years but today it has just 530 members – and tens of thousands of book lovers are missing out. I love my local libraries. I adore the staff, the ambience, the facilities and the free wifi. As a freelancer, hot-desking without needing to pay
School tour of the BMI – October 2025
On 9 October the BMI hosted students from: Lucas Primary School – Lal Lal Primary – Delecombe Primary – Buninyong Primary, and, Mt Egerton Primary
School tour of the BMI – October 2025 Read More »
