Christmas time in Ballart allows us to feature the long-time producer of a Christmas banquet staple, George Farmer’s ham and bacon curing works on Eureka Street. George Farmer first set up his curing business in 1864. Farmer reportedly travelled to America and Europe to investigate curing methods and adapt his findings to “Australian tastes and […]
From the Curator | Christmas time George Farmers Read More »
18 April – 18 May 2024 Event registrations for the 2024 Australian Heritage Festival are open. The Heritage Festival will run from Thursday 18 April to Saturday 18 May in Victoria. As long as your event occurs during the festival dates you can register. Registrations for inclusion in the Digital Program and Itineraries will close
Australian Heritage Festival Read More »
This work is the large painting between the stairs leading to the Humffray Room. It seems it was left over from the BMI Art Union of 1874 and an arrangement was made with the artist Mr Burtt for the BMI to retain it… The frame has been professionally restored and re-gilded, and the painting cleaned by
Rex’s Snippits | Governor Sir Charles Darling Read More »
A call for expressions of interest for:1) Anyone with the RSA certificate (or anyone willing to undertake the ‘Responsible Service of Alcohol’ certificate) to volunteer for Bar Operations at the BMI. 2) And, or we are also looking for volunteers to assist with BMI events that support Ballarat Festivals and Events. We would love to hear from
Would you like to help in delivering BMI services Read More »
How about a journey in a Withers’ White Char-à-banc?The char-à-banc, which comes from the French “carriage with benches”, was a horse-drawn vehicle or later, motor coach. They were open-topped and were often used for taking large parties on sight-seeing adventures. Withers started his char-à-banc business in 1907, escorting Melbournites on sight-seeing trips around country Victoria.A four-day
From the Curator | Fancy taking a jaunt to the country this weekend? Read More »
Extract from the Heritage Victoria Register BMI statement of significance. “The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute in Ballarat was built in two main stages, in 1860-61 and in 1869-70. The Institute had first met unofficially in 1854, with space provided for the first reading room in the Ballarat Fire Brigade building, but a site for a new
Rex’s Snippits | Is it AA or A in Ballaarat? Read More »
1. MH1335 Ballarat Post Office, post 1905. Max Harris Collection. Note the disappearing electric tram lines – some crude early photoshop! For today’s #flashbackfriday, we are featuring the old Ballarat Post Office. In the early days of the Ballarat Goldfields, the swelling population were forced to trek three miles to the Buninyong Post Office to
From the Curator | Post Office Gallery Read More »
Jane Valpied is an accomplished property valuer, building designer and community and landowner engagement professional who has excellent communication and project management skills. Jane lives in Ballarat with her husband Tim and has three adult children. Jane is passionate about the preservation of Ballarat’s historic buildings. Jane is also Chair of the BMI Building Committee. Jane
Introducing Jane Valpied | Vice President, Board, Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue Read More »
Saturday 1 June 2024 White Night will transform the streets and venues of Ballarat on the evening of the 1 June 2024 through illuminations, projections, music, and interactive works, stay tuned for the program details to be revealed closer to the date. Your ideas Why not let us know what Festivals & Events you think
White Night Ballarat Read More »
Did you know that in 2010 the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute received recognition from UNESCO? It was in the form of a Honourable Mention in the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation. This was to recognise the major renovations to the building that took place in that period, and names Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute
Rex’s Snippits | UNESCO 2010 Honourable Mention Read More »
2 course dinner & lots
of dancing
