Christmas Market | 7 December 25

Anthony Kearle (author)

‘My writing process is pretty simple. I put on my headset, open my playlist and just start writing. I match songs (usually soundtracks) to scenes/chapters to help set the tone. If I can’t visualize what I write, then I won’t write it. For me, it has to seem real, regardless of the fantasy elements within. I like to jot down notes on my phone. These can be broad notes such as the weather in a scene, the terrain, or who is there. The notes could also be direct quotes, lines, or passages of text. As soon as I arrive home, I copy all the notes into my Word document beneath the chapter title they will be in.’

 Excerpt from Author Serivces Australia Interview by Clayton Hobbs – 21 May 2023

Ballarat Botanical Blends – Vicky

Ballarat Botanical Blends handcraft restorative mini solid blends using nourishing ingredients. Additionally we have a small gift shop, where you will discover a range of Australian ethically sourced quality products, inc Rawleighs ointment & salve.

BMI Vintage Shop – Geraldine

The BMI Vintage & Collectables Shop is a volunteer run shop located at the front of the BMI. The stock is kindly donated by BMI members and friends. The shop sells clothing and accessories, prints, photos, books and pre-loved objects.  All funds support building maintainance projects. 

Celestial Dragon – Mikayla

Crazy Cracker Creates – Emily

I use local beeswax, honey, botanicals, lemons and whatever else I can and use paper and recyclable where possible. I make Moulded soaps, Bathbombs, bath salts, sugar scrubs, bath soaks, deodorant,  lip balm, lip scrub, foot soak, toilet bombs, shower bombs, natural cleaner, soap, bookmarks, key chains, crystal rings, bracelets and necklaces earrings, phone charms, mugs, tumblers, journals, books, mystery dice pails, dice potions, potions, dungeon master boards, cards, budgeting envelopes, budgeting prop money, gift bags and boxes with mixed items, mystery cauldron capsules, hand poured crayons, paint canvas sets, play doh, Christmas decorations and specialty items. I also produce candles, soap petals, lotion bars, stickers, paper crafts, t-shirts and tote bags, pencil cases, pens, washing powder, playing cards, roller ball oils, advent calendars, signs and plaques. 

Digby Stevens (author)

Digby Stevens has lived and worked in Ballarat for over thirty years. He is an artist, teacher, music aficionado and lover of popular culture, and enjoys the works of Raymond Chandler and Ian Rankin. He also hosts a show on community radio exploring Progressive Rock music, and enjoys walking and writing.

Elisse Hay (author)

I’m the author of Something Wicked and Fate Untethered. I have no patience for bullshit, lots of words to share, and love fiercely.

…but there isn’t room in my life for toxicity. Give me big, wholesome and heartfelt!

I live, work and learn on the Wadawurrung lands of the Kulin Nation and acknowledge that the First Nations’ people have a deep and magical connection to the land, which they have never ceded.

Ellie alker Creations – Kellie

Ellie alker started out as something to do keeping busy during lockdown and one thing led to another. I up-cycle old kitchen utensils and chopping boards/ trays making them into jewellery , hair accessories or adding resin to give the item a new lease on life as a serving board.

Flavourista – Jasmine

The Flavourista range is gluten free and nut free with speciality Olive Oils and Balsamics, Spice Blends, Salt Blends, lush Chocolate Powders, Dukkahs, Sprinkles, Dessert Toppings and Sauces.

Geoff Carr – Author

Human Designs – Zlatko

Human Designs: Zlatko Balazic & John McKee (aka Jack Morph).

Both Zlatko & John have come from very different backgrounds. This has made for a highly fertile and vibrant mix of life experiences upon which to synthesis innovative design ideas, producing truly original artwork. As such, this creative process has involved the inimitable blending of various art mediums and new technologies. The organic, ‘morphic’ quality of our work has become our binding signature style. Presently our main goal is to engage our audience through direct, tactile light and sound displays.

Zlatko will be out the front of the BMI with his roving, whimsical contraption is no ordinary musical act-it’s an interactive sound playground on wheels! See it. Hear it. Play it! With a wild mix of instruments, the Oompah invites you to step up, make some noise, and be part of the performance.

Kit and Caboodle Craft – Amber

I’m the whole kit and caboodle. Spoon rings and necklaces made out of plates. All reused and repurposed goods. 

JC Rycroft (author)

 

I’ve written stories for most of my life. Ever since I was a child, I’ve been entranced by stories and storytelling. I am vastly entertained by the unchosen heroes who can’t quite believe it, by encounters that are funny by accident, by desire that pokes its head where it’s not quite wanted (why hello queerness fancy meeting you here… again!), by fury that fills the soul and cannot be tamed. I love some meat on the bones of a story, but I want a rollicking good read. So that’s what I write.

Lisè Jewellery

It was in 2009 that Lise  jewellery was born. It was a day no different than any other day I was looking on line for a special gift in the jewellery line for a friends daughter.
Throughout the time I was searching, I could only find sites that had costume jewellery or expensive jewellery. So I decided to use a few beads I had in my office and make some earrings.
In the 1st few days after I had made the earrings, 3 pairs to be exact, I had 4 friends saying they would like to buy some. So that’s where it started. A few months after I started making earrings, I then decided to start buying semi precious gemstone beads instead of glass beads.
I did a Cert IV business course and that’s where Lisè Jewellery was born.

Little Rae Vintage – Benne

‘Cuteness and curios for all ages’

The Little Rae stall has a selection of handmade textile items including toys, bags, soft furnishings and fashion accessories, made from high quality fabrics sourced from around the world. These are combined with a few eclectic pieces of vintage homeware including vases, serving ware and artworks. Items start at $5 – everyone can afford a treat or treasure from Little Rae.

Melanie Ansley (author)

I’m an award-winning author and filmmaker of Chinese descent. I love stories involving magic, underdogs, and the power of art in our lives.

I’ve written and produced films that have screened on Netflix, been held at gunpoint during a film festival, and penned a series that won a student Emmy.

When I’m not doing those things, I’m juggling writing, filmmaking, and raising two children (all of which involve a certain level of magic and a lot of luck).

Neurospicy Design and Gift – Kelsey

Brand New Start up offering gift Hampers for every occasion, coming soon journals and planners.

Nicas Nik Naks – Nicole

Nicholas Wetemans (author)

YA Fantasy Author of The Blackburn Chronicles, In The Darkness & Let There Be Light-Available now!

Sukha Art Face Painting – Tam

With over 20 years experience, Tam from Sukha Art Face Painting can say yes to just about any request! Big and little faces are welcome. Tam is a local educator, artist and face painter – glitter tattoos, hand made bling, headbands and gift bags are also available if face/ arm painting isn’t your thing 🙂

TBH Studio – Toni Louise

Meet the unstoppable trio behind TBH Studio – Toni Louise, Brittany Wallmeyer, and Holly Would. Together, they’ve created a bold and vibrant art collective in the heart of Ballarat. TBH Studio is all about creativity, connection, and having a damn good time. Whether you’re an artist, an art lover, or just curious, there’s always something fresh and exciting happening. Come be part of the fun!

The Creative Basket Collective – Sheila-anne

The Creative Basket Collective is a small group of artists and creatives who produce original artwork and handmade pieces, ranging from textiles, embroidery and ceramics to prints, earrings, hair clips, soaps, and small-batch artisan gifts.

Twin Hearts – Jackie

Twin Hearts is a charitable foundation launched in 2017. Think local. Act global.

Stallholder expression of interest

Expressions of Interest

Guides in period costume

Minerva's Secrets Night Tours

Night Tours

Fri 31 Oct – Sat 15 Nov

& Fri 12 Dec
 

Tour 1 at 7pm
Tour 2 at 9pm. 

Linen & Lace Exhbition

Includes Devonshire Tea | $20

Sat & Sun 22, 23 Oct
10am-4pm

Remembrance Day:

A Surgeon Commander & A Leading Cook - Recent War Memoribilia

Wed 29 Oct & 5 Nov, 5.30pm

Thu 16 Oct – 19 Oct 

 Coming soon

Rozzi Bazzani. Stella Day Out: Katia Ariel & Samah Sabawi, Rachael Johns

 Coming soon

Dianne Dempsey, Chrissie Bellbrae, Paula Gleeson, Rozzi Bazzani.

Raise a Glass for Brass

The Little Brass Band BMI Fundraiser

Sun 10 August at 2pm

Tracey Lee Holmes: A Life Through Sport

Thu 4 September at 6pm

with Michael Robotham

 Wed 20 August at 6pm

 Coming in November

Stella Day Out, Ballarat, Rachael Johns & Margaret Hickey

Ballarat Winter Festival

Events at BMI

5 July – 27 July 

Ballarat Pride Month

Events at BMI

The Month of June 

Ballart Seniors Festival 

Celebrate at the BMI.

 October 2025

with Gail Holmes

 Wed 4 June at 6pm

with Nicole Alexander

28 May at 6pm

Ballarat Heritage Festival BMI Day Tours

Two tours  on 20 &  21 May 

 

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

guides dressed in period costum

Australian Heritage Festival

Minerva's Secrets

25 April – Tour 1 at 7.30pm – fully booked
Tour 2 at 9.30pm – still tickets. 

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

16 to 25 May 

Spring Season, History Talks:

Ballarat's Henry Lawson - The Dragon's Den - Gold! Gold! Gold!

Wed 3, 17 & 24 September, 5.30pm

Australian Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

18 April to 18 May

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

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 | Now $20

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