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Eureka! I’ve found it.

Eureka Diaorama Eureka, you’ve found it!!  Come in to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute library and see our Pop-up Eureka activity this week, commemorating 170 years since the battle took place. Experience and direct this moving diorama depicting the Eureka battle, conceptualised, designed and constructed by the team at Human Designs. Thanks to Zlatko Balazic and […]

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Rex’s Snippets | The Basement… The Truth

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

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model of a cornigh pumping engine

Rex’s Snippets | Cornish Pumping Engines

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

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building facade

Rex’s Snippets | Visiting the BMI? | Where are you?

Newspaper Reading Room | Victoria League Room (ground floor) Lending Library | Batten Room Stand in the entry to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and straight ahead is a long passage with five doors that could go anywhere. Open the double doors at the far end, you will find a room now called the Batten Room.

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BMI Notables | Contribution by Neil Leckie | Dr James Robert Pound, Benefactor

James Robert Pound was born to Mr James Henry and Mrs Selina Maude (nee Walton) Pound at their home Lyndon in Riversdale Road Auburn, Victoria on 22 April 1888. James studied Metallurgy at the School of Mines, Ballarat (SMB) where he was founder of the SMB Literary and Debating Society, and foundation member and Editor

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Rex’s Snippets | UNESCO 2010 Honourable Mention

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

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Christmas Holiday Closures | Library

Monday 23 December – Sunday 5 January

Devonshire Tea & Fashion Parade

Bubbly on arrival & Featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop | $60

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2025 Calendar

Featuring the BMI Image Collection | $40

Tax Deductible 

Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.

We need
your help.

2024 End of Financial Year Appeal 

Or alternatively go to our Donations web page.

Our Challenge

Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges. 

We thank you for your support.

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing