National Science Week
13/12/2025
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15 – 23 August | As BMI associated events are confirmed they will be listed HERE.
Having sold over 700,000 copies of her books, Fleur has solidified her position as one of the country’s favourite storytellers.
Australia’s leading rural literature author, Fleur’s books become best sellers almost as quickly as they hit the shelves. Her story lines are drawn from inspiration from having lived and worked for much of her life on farms. Loving the rural life style Fleur now owns 4050ha across rural Western Australia.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear about her new book Broad River Station in conversation with local ABC journalist Lexie Jeuniewic (More about Lexie >)
Books will be available for purchase, courtesy Collins Booksellers Ballarat on Lydiard and Fleur will be available for book signings. Fleur is brought to us courtesy Allen & Unwin Book Publishers. (Image: Dan Paris)
Bookings are essential | Tickets ar $10 per person
Mia, a newly graduated constable, on her first post is assigned to Broad River, a small country town. And as certain as she is about her ability to do the job, on day one she’s already in conflict with colleagues who believe that women shouldn’t be coppers.
It takes the shine off coming home, where her grandmother, Clara, is in the early stages of dementia. Clara is in a nursing home, living between her present and the mist-covered past of her life as dementia slowly steals her memories. Mia is accustomed to their conversations often not quite making sense but when Clara hints at veiled family secrets, Mia isn’t sure what she should believe.
Lexie Jeuniewic is a reporter for ABC Ballarat, covering radio, digital, and television.
She previously worked as a senior reporter for 9News Sunshine Coast and as a video journalist for 9News Border North-East, based in Shepparton.
A former rower, she continues to enjoy the exploring great outdoors and loves curling up with a great book and cup of tea on a chilly Ballarat afternoon!
This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution
BMI Monthly Calendar 2026
12/12/2025
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$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 calendar we will make them available at the library for pick-up, and, we will notify you by email as soon as these are available. They
Library closure Festive Season
10/12/2025
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The Library will be closed from Monday 22 December and re-opening on Monday 5 January 2026 We wish you a Merry Christmas. Special Membership offer Please remember we still have our Special Membership offer (only $50) running through to 5 January However if you wish to offer membership as a Christmas Gift we can arrange a voucher for you to pick up from the Library desk prior to 20 December. Purchase here
Celebrating our Volunteers & Members
09/12/2025
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We hope everyone enjoyed our Members and Volunteers Christmas Thank you. We loved having the Ballarat Singers and The Little Brass Band entertain and share the celebration. Below is special 12 Days of Christmas composed just for us by Fiona Watson and the team. Paula Nicholson The BMI’s 12 Days of Christmas On the first day of Christmas Mechanics gave to me A year’s membership for free. On the second day of Christmas Mechanics gave to me Two Twilight Talks
Ballarat Organs & Fine Music Festival
08/12/2025
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9 -13 January 2026 Each January, the Ballart Goldfields come alive with beautiful music, warm community spirit, and the glow of summer. Over five inspiring days audiences are invited to experience world-class performances in the region’s historic churches and grand heritage venues. Ballarat Organs & Fine Music Full Program. Festival Events at the BMI BMI events will be listed here as information becomes available. 1 event found. Today Upcoming Upcoming Select date. List of events in Photo View Ballarat Festival
Rosemary’s Book of the Week
08/12/2025
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The Hidden Bryan Brown The heads was once a small village on the NSW north coast. Now it’s a large village with a lot of action below the surface. A shipment of coke, a crime quad investigation and a drug overdose keep the local sergeant pretty busy. Someone is preying on the women of The Heads. And what does the discovery of buried roosters in the forest mean to a young boy? Will Sergeant William Jarrett uncover what is really
