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Ballarat Libraries in partnership with BMI | Now cancelled due to travel restrictions caused by recent devastating floods  

Join bestselling crime writer Chris Hammer in conversation with 2022 Indie Book Award winner for debut fiction Lyn Yeowart.  Hammer, the multi-award-winning author of Scrublands will be discussing his highly anticipated novel The Tilt.  

A must attend event for lovers of gripping, homegrown Australian crime writing.  

Yeowart’s debut novel (The Silent Listener) and Hammer’s latest work explore protagonists returning home and delve into gritty stories set in the heart of small-town Australia.  

Got a question for Chris? There will be a 15-minute Q&A at the end of the session. 

Bookings are essential. Contact the Ballarat Library on 5338 6850.
The Tilt | Chris Hammer

More about Chris

More about the Lyn

This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution

Ballarat Historical Society | Nathan Spielvogel Oration, Dr Frank Golding

Exploring Difficult History | Dr Frank Golding Wednesday 21 May, 7pm, Barkley Theatre, Barkly Square, 25 Barkly Street, Ballarat East As part of Heritage Month, on Wednesday May 21st the Ballarat Historical Society is hosting the Nathan Spielvogel Oration with author, researcher and historian Dr Frank Golding as guest speaker. Frank will discuss the experience of women and children in care during the 19th and 20th century in Ballarat. Frank will also explore the institutions established to provide care, and the social attitudes

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Rosemary’s Book of the Week

Tracings Barry J Conn. Four brothers and a sister emigrated from Ireland to the colony of Victoria between 1853 and 1858.  They came as part of the gold rush, but not because of the lure of gold. They came to farm the new pastoral and agricultural estates. Life in Northern Ireland during the early 19th Century, provided limited opportunities for families. After years of hard work as agricultural labourers on the large estates of the far-off colony, they became successful landowners.

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Minerva’s Secrets, Night Tours | Are on again, don’t miss out.

Minerva’s Secrets Night Tours are back for the Australian Heritage Festival . Two tours, 7.30pm and 9.30pm. If you miss out we will also be hosting these  tours during the Ballarat Heritage Festival. Book Night Tours 6 events found.     Today Upcoming Upcoming Select date. Apr 25   Featured 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tour, Australian Heritage Festival, Tour 1 $25 Apr 25   Featured 9:30 pm – 10:30 pm Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tour, Australian

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Rosemary’s Book of the Week

Three Boys Gone Mark Smith. Mark Smith presents the ultimate moral dilemma in a breathtaking psychological thriller. Would you try to save them?‘First rule of rescue: don’t create another casualty.’ Grace Disher is about to face every teacher’s worst nightmare. Three of her students are going to die. On a high school camping trip, three boys slip away for an ocean swim. By the time Grace catches up, the perilous surf conditions are overwhelming the teenagers. If she goes in,

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A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2025

Hello everyone. As the leaves start to fall, pace is really picking up here at the BMI! Both the Twilight Talk and Author talks are attracting enthusiastic audiences and our Library is busy as usual. Don’t forget to invite your friends to join you as these events, wouldn’t want them to miss out!! Professor Geoffrey Blainey We were delighted with the recent address by Professor Geoffrey Blainey. The audience of over 200 people were enthralled as the Professor used his

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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 – 2 tours: 7.30pm & 9.30pm

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

Fundraising Dinner
17 May. 

  Performance – 18 May.

Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

16 to 25 May 

Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective

Wed 2-30 April, 5.30pm

Australian Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

18 April to 18 May

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

Fundraising Dinner
17 May. 

  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