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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 
Broad River Station | Fleur McDonald

Follow Fleur

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

Follow Lexie

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

The Royal South Street Society | A BMI Community Partner | 2025 Countpro Showcase

Sunday 26 October at 5.30pm Her Majesty’s Ballarat Join the Royal South Street Society for a night to celebrate the standout stars, unforgettable moments and peak performances of the 2025 Royal South Street Society season of events. Dance, Calisthenics, Vocal, Piano, Speech and Drama, Debating, All Abilities, Choral and Instrumental. Tickets available from Her Majesty’s Ballarat. Tickets: $40 adult, $35 Concession. Get Tickets Royal South Street Society Royal South Street Society are a BMI Community Partner Find out more about BMI

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Rosemary’s Book of the Week

Boney Creek Paula Gleeson Don’t miss Paula at the BMI on Thursday 25 September at 6.30pm. When several small-town locals die under mysterious circumstances, an aspiring journalist is determined to prove the connection between them, only to discover the dangerous secrets they left behind. Boney Creek is a dying town where not a lot happens. The perfect solution for married couple Addie and Toby who are escaping their own personal tragedy. But a quiet and simple life is not exactly

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Rosemary’s Book of the Week

The Florentine Quilt Chrissie Bellbrae Don’t miss Chrissie at the BMI on Thursday 18 September at 6pm. ‘Three women connected in time to a medieval quilt and an ancient tale of forbidden love.’ Australian textile conservator, Theodora Harris, is grieving her grandmother’s death when offered an internship to restore a medieval quilt depicting a legend steeped in Celtic folklore. But while the hero Tristan is lauded in the design, his true love, Isolde’s story is missing. As each scene is

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Rosemary’s Book of the Week

Saving Dragons: The Life and Times of Russell Goldfield (Louey Yeung Man) Jack Dainne Dempsey Don’t miss Dianne at the BMI for Twilight Talks on Wednesday 17 September at 5.30pm. Russell Jack, the visionary founder of the internationally renowned Golden Dragon Museum, spent his life breaking barriers and preserving the history of the Chinese Australian community. Growing up in the shadow of the White Australia Policy, he turned adversity into strength, using the vibrant traditions of Chinese dragon processions as a

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Newsletter – September 2025

A Message from the Chair… | Rosemary’s New Releases and Recommendations | Fashion Parade – Twilight Talks – Author Talks – Live Comedy – Live Music – Live Theatre – Festivals – Opera

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

The Little Brass Band – Fundraiser Looking back to the month that was, firstly I would like to say a huge thank you to The Little Brass Band for all their generosity in delivering Cheers – Raise a Glass for Brass, the recent fundraiser for the BMI held on August 10th. The Minerva Room was the perfect setting for two wonderful sets of music arranged for brass, with the bar available to purchase a drink to accompany complimentary snacks. Thanks

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Thu 16 Oct – 19 Oct 

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. 

Tax Deductible 

Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.

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your help.

2024 End of Financial Year Appeal 

 
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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.
The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2025 Calendar

Featuring the BMI Image Collection | Now $20

Devonshire Tea & Fashion Parade

Bubbly on arrival & Featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop | $60

Christmas Holiday Closures | Library

Monday 23 December – Sunday 5 January

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

Australian Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

18 April to 18 May. 

Spring Season, History Talks:

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

Wed 3, 17 & 24 September, 5.30pm. 

Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

16 to 25 May 

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm. 

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm. 

 Coming soon

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

Ballarat Heritage Festival BMI Day Tours

Two tours  on 20 &  21 May 

 

with Nicole Alexander

28 May at 6pm. 

with Gail Holmes

 Wed 4 June at 6pm. 

Ballart Seniors Festival 

Celebrate at the BMI.

 October 2025. 

Ballarat Pride Month

Events at BMI

The Month of June 

Ballarat Winter Festival

Events at BMI

5 July – 27 July 

 Coming in September

Gabriel Bergmoser, Tracey Lee Holmes, Dianne Dempsey, Chrissie Bellbrae.

with Michael Robotham

 Wed 20 August at 6pm. 

Tracey Lee Holmes: A Life Through Sport

Thu 4 September at 6pm. 

Raise a Glass for Brass. 

The Little Brass Band BMI Fundraiser

Sun 10 August at 2pm. 

 Coming soon

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

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing