Marion Blythman Marion has been working on the BMI Heritage Collection for about 18 years! She loves working with her current volunteer team, Dani Stonehouse, Mary Walker and Judy Peters, and is very keen to promote and publicize the wonderful treasure filled collection much more widely. Marion is also looking to include new volunteers […]
The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute is now registered as a charity for donations. We are raising funds to purchase new display shelves to improve access, usability, and comfort for our community. Anyone can now select the ‘Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’ from the charities list and donations will flow to our account, once the campaign is completed we will
CDS Victoria, Collection Deposit Scheme | Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute Read More »
The re-creation of the 1925 chess tournament between Ballarat and Geelong, August 10. Members of the Ballarat Chess Club and BMI Patron Dr Phil Roberts gave a brief address, of the story of the 1925 tournament. This current day tournament in 2025 was won by Geelong, with several matches being played in the Humffray Room
Ballarat Chess Club | Reinactment of the 1925 Chess Tournament Read More »
Why are there windows in the basement? This is an updated account on the original article written by heritage architect, consultant and good friend of the BMI, Wendy Jacobs. Wendy was part of the architect and advisory team that devised and formulated the extensive plans for the building renovations, including the theatre, Humffray room, lift
Rex’s Snippets | The Basement… The Truth Read More »
A Treatise On the 20th. June 1868, the secretary of the BMI, Mr. Batten, wrote to Mr. W.F.Fowler in London, the following… “Only one vol. of Briton came by mail before last March, please send Volunteers Services Gazette, no news of the long promised case of books; I ordered many months ago Pole’s Treatise on Cornish
Rex’s Snippets | Cornish Pumping Engines Read More »
John Mildren OAM was the Federal Member for Ballarat 1980-1990. Prior to his election to Federal Parliament, he had been from 1970 a Senior Lecturer in Education at the Ballarat Teachers’ College and later Ballarat CAE. Soon after his election, he acquired one of the limited run of prints, made from the original woodblock, of
Gift & Unveiling Function | From John Mildren OAM & Mildren Family Read More »
Travel back in time to Conder’s Milk Bar for a delicious banana split topped with ice cream, wafers, nuts and chocolate syrup! Jack Conder opened his eponymous milk bar on Sturt Street in 1941 at the tender age of 25. As well as ice cream, Conder’s sold pastries, cigarettes, candy and newspapers. Conder’s fast became a popular
From the Curator | Condor’s Milk Bar Read More »
The art deco beauty of Walter Davis & Co. Walter Davis & Co first opened on Bridge Street in 1920, selling men’s, ladies and children’s clothing, as well as household furnishings and manchester. By 1930, the shop was solely focused on ladies fashion, with Walter’s brother Joseph opening a men’s clothing store nearby. Walter and
From the Curator | Shopping at Walter Davis & Co Read More »
The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the Ballaarat Mechanic’s Institute occupied all of the upper story of the first (back) section of the Institute built in 1860. The hall is 84 ft. long, 47 ft. wide and has a 25ft. ceiling. It was designed as a lecture hall, meeting, function and exhibition
Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute Read More »
Trivia Night Fundraiser
26 August Doors open 6.45pm | Tickets also available at the door
$25 per person | $20 BMI members
Minerva's Secrets Night Tours
Tue 19 May with special visit to Lantern Vaults
Tour 1 at 7pm – Tour 2 at 9pm.
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.
Coming in November…
Stella Day Out, Ballarat, Rachael Johns & Margaret Hickey
Spring Season, History Talks:
Ballarat's Henry Lawson - The Dragon's Den - Gold! Gold! Gold!
Wed 3, 17 & 24 September, 5.30pm.
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
Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.
Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges.
