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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

Rosemary’s Book of the Week

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The Eye of the Dragonfly: My life seeing the world through Sport Tracey Lee Holmes Don’t miss Tracey at the BMI on Thursday 4 September at 6pm. Presented in partnership with The Wheeler Centre For over 30 years, Tracey Lee Holmes has been a trailblazer in Australian broadcasting – breaking ground as the first female

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Ballarat Chess Club | Reinactment of the 1925 Chess Tournament

The re-creation of the 1925 chess tournament between Ballarat and Geelong, August 10. Members of the Ballarat Chess Club and BMI Patron Dr Phil Roberts gave a brief address, of the story of the 1925 tournament. This current day tournament in 2025 was won by Geelong, with several matches being played in the Humffray Room

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Rosemary’s Book of the Week

The White Crow Michael Robotham Over 5 million copies sold. She upholds the law – Her family breaks it. ‘A twisty-turny, second-guessing great read with a killer ending’ – Herald Sun for When you are Mind. Don’t miss Michael at the BMI on Wednesday 20 August at 6pm. Beloved character Police Constable Philomena McCarthy, from When

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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. 

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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