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…
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A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | June 2026
May unfolded as another vibrant and exciting month for the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute with new activities and visitors weaving throughout an already busy regular schedule. From the Board’s perspective, it was a month that truly demonstrated both the strength of our cultural identity and the challenges that accompany our growing momentum. I hope many of
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Melbourne Rare Book Week 2026
Melbourne Rare Book Week 24 Jul – 2 Aug 2026 | As BMI associated events are confirmed they will be listed HERE.
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Newsletter – May 2026
Rosemary’s New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks – Live Music – Film – LIve Theatre – Twilight Talks – Message from the Chair – Ballarat Heritage Festival
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Newsletter – April 2026
Rosemary’s New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks – Live Music – Film – LIve Theatre – Twilight Talks
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21 HEARTS, A Theatre 180 Production | By popular demand
21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke, a THEATRE 180 production We are pleased to announce that THEATRE 180 have agreed to stage another performance on Saturday 11 July at 7pm find out more Get Tickets y: BMI stands on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the
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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
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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
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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
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