The Collection

BMI Monthly Calendar 2026 – On Sale

$40 – Now on sale at $20. Limited stock left This year our 2026 calendar will feature twelve illustrations from the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute heritage book collection. All funds raised will go towards supporting the BMI – a not-for-profit community-owned organisation, continuing to share knowledge through our library and associated member services, providing a unique place to engage with history, and a vibrant hub for community events. The Calendar: If […]

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ABC Radio interview with BMI Heritage Collection Curator Ellen Becker

The Collection / By Mark

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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BMI Monthly Calendar 2026

fundraiser, Membership, The Collection, Volunteers / By Mark

$40 – limited stock This year our 2026 calendar will feature twelve illustrations from the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute heritage book collection. All funds raised will go towards supporting the BMI – a not-for-profit community-owned organisation, continuing to share knowledge through our library and associated member services, providing a unique place to engage with history, and a vibrant hub for community events. The Calendar: If you would like to purchase the

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Rex’s Snippets | The Basement… The Truth

About Us, Board Members, The Collection, Tours / By Mark

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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Rex’s Snippets | Cornish Pumping Engines

About Us, Board Members, The Collection, Tours / By Mark

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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Gift & Unveiling Function | From John Mildren OAM & Mildren Family

The Collection / By Mark

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

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From the Curator | Condor’s Milk Bar

Photography Collection, The Collection / By Mark

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

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From the Curator | Shopping at Walter Davis & Co

Photography Collection, The Collection / By Mark

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

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Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute

About Us, The Collection / By Mark

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

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From the Curator | London Chartered Bank Building

Photography Collection, The Collection / By Mark

Built in 1866, the former London Chartered Bank Building was one of the four handsome buildings that graced “the corner” of Lydiard and Sturt Streets for much of the 20th century. The building was designed by the celebrated architect Leonard Terry, known for his designs of banks and churches, including the former Bank of Australasia

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BMI Monthly Calendar 2026 – On Sale

ABC Radio interview with BMI Heritage Collection Curator Ellen Becker

BMI Monthly Calendar 2026

Rex’s Snippets | The Basement… The Truth

Rex’s Snippets | Cornish Pumping Engines

Gift & Unveiling Function | From John Mildren OAM & Mildren Family

From the Curator | Condor’s Milk Bar

From the Curator | Shopping at Walter Davis & Co

Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute

From the Curator | London Chartered Bank Building

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Library closures for the following Public Holidays

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Library closures on the the following public holidays

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Christmas Holiday Closures | Library

Monday 23 December – Sunday 5 January

Devonshire Tea & Fashion Parade

Tax Deductible

We need
your help.

2024 End of Financial Year Appeal

Give Now >

Our Challenge

We thank you for your support.

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:

The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows.

Opening Hours

Where are we?

Library Contact

Venue Contacts

Venue Contacts

Get in touch

Christmas Holiday Closures | Library

Monday 23 December – Sunday 5 January

Devonshire Tea & Fashion Parade

Tax Deductible

We need your help.

2024 End of Financial Year Appeal

Our Challenge

We thank you for your support.

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:

The Hideaways, The Harmonies & Surf Shadows.

We need
your help.

The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows.