Due to popular demand our calendar is back again for 2025. The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute 2025 monthly wall calendar features twelve beautiful photographs from our heritage image collection. Each month you can turn over a new leaf to a delightful Ballarat scene. This calendar will look beautiful in your home or office, with a binder […]
BMI Monthly Calendar 2025 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 »
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
From the Curator | London Chartered Bank Building Read More »
If you’re planning on spending some leisure time at Lake Wendouree this weekend, you might spot the recreated Golden City Paddlesteamer! The original Golden City Paddlesteamer was launched on the 16th June 1885, carrying thousands of pleasure seekers for leisure rides on the lake. In 1966 the paddlesteamer was sold and relocated to Melbourne, where
From the Curator | The Golden City Steamer Read More »
As the summer of cricket is in full swing, we are featuring a photograph of the English cricket team outside of the iconic Craigs Royal Hotel in 1929. The English cricket team had travelled to Australia to play the Ashes series in 1928, ultimately retaining the honour across tests played in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane. In
From the Curator | Summer of Cricket Read More »
Bubbly on arrival & Featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop | $60
Featuring the BMI Image 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.
2 course dinner & lots
of dancing
