Spring is in full swing! This week we’re flashing back to another time when the City of Ballarat was in full bloom. In March 1938, Ballarat celebrated the centenary of the first white settler setting up camp in Ballarat. The city was blanketed with millions of natural and artificial flowers, transforming the streetscape with vibrant […]
From the Curator | Spring 1938 Read More »
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.
Rex’s Snippets | Visiting the BMI? | Where are you? Read More »
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
BMI Notables | Contribution by Neil Leckie | Dr James Robert Pound, Benefactor Read More »
This is a open file of the minutes of the Institute from the inaugural meeting in 1859 to the annual meeting in 1863. It shows the optimism and the hardships encountered during the formation period and the problems encountered with the later lining of the great hall ceiling and the state of the trusses, the
Rex’s Snippets | The BMI The Early Days Read More »
Did you enjoy an Old Gold, Freddo Frog or Cherry Ripe chocolate over Easter? These much-loved chocolates were first manufactured by MacRobertson’s Steam Confectionery Works. The company’s founder, MacPherson Robertson, was born in Ballarat in 1859. Robertson’s Scottish father and Irish mother were part of thousands of immigrants who flocked to Victoria during the Goldrush,
From the Curator | MacRobertson’s Steam Confectionery Works Read More »
Old friends William ‘Bill’ Messer and Francis ‘Frank’ Opie first opened their tailors on Bridge Street in 1935. The two had first known each other through the Ballarat Harriers Athletic Club before the war. In 1915, they enlisted four days apart, both aged 18. At the time, Messer was working as a draper and Opie as
From the Curator | Messer & Opie Read More »
This month we are featuring the old Ballarat Courier building on Sturt Street. The Courier was established by Robert Clark and Edward J. Bateman in 1867. Bateman was born in London in 1832 and migrated to Australia during the early years of the gold rush. Robert Clark was born in Dunfermline, Scotland, in 1826. He
From the Curator | The Ballarat Courier Read More »
The Ballarat Railway Station! Ballarat West Railway Station was officially opened by Governor Sir Henry Barkly on the 11th April 1862, with four trains scheduled each way between Spencer Street Station (Southern Cross) and Ballarat per day.The initial route was vastly different to today, the train traveling from Melbourne to Geelong, then on to Ballarat
From the Curator | Ballarat Railway Station Read More »
This image was used as part of an exhibition of photographs from the Max Harris Collection on the theme of Rupture for the 2023 Ballarat International Foto Biennale. On New Year’s Eve in 1991, Ballarat experienced 76mm of rainfall which caused flooding across the city. This photograph shows Lydiard Street North cut off from the city at
From the Curator | Ballarat International Foto Biennale Read More »
The history of the (now) Canberra Hotel on the corner of Creswick Road and Macarthur Street. The first hotel on the site was called The Cornubian Hotel, a single-storey timber building constructed in 1861. The first licensee was William Ball (or Bull), but following his death in 1863, the license was transferred to Margaret Maule,
From the Curator | History of the Canberra Hotel Read More »
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.
Featuring the BMI Image Collection | Now $20
Bubbly on arrival & Featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop | $60
Australian Heritage Festival
Minerva's Secrets
25 April – Tour 1 at 7.30pm – fully booked
Tour 2 at 9.30pm – still tickets.
2 course dinner & lots
of dancing
