
Our Library | New Releases, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026
New Releases, Recommendations & Author Talks
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)
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

New Releases, Recommendations & Author Talks

Rosemary’s New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks – Live Music – Film – LIve Theatre – Message from the Chair – fundraisers Digital version coming soon…
Events Program Diversity I have heard from many members lately, that they are thrilled and excited to read about the programming diversity and the level of activity now becoming the norm and not the exception, as they peruse our monthly newsletters. This has indeed been a focus for us through all areas of the business,

21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke, a THEATRE 180 production Held at BMI 10 & 11 July 2026 Many thanks to the BMI Crew & Audience We are constantly moved and overwhelmed by the connection of these brave nurses to people all over Australia and the keen interest by patrons

Women of the Well 170 Sturt Street – pop in to say hello to Mary & Mary No strangers to the BMI as they supported our Design Markets here in the Minerva Space. We wish them well in their new enterprise. Their shop at 170 Sturt Street certainly enhances our little shopping strip. Open Monday

Lest Angels Weep Phillipa Nefri Clark Don’t miss Phillipa who will be in conversation with Kate Atkinson talking about Phillipa’s new book at BMI on 29 July at 6pm The new case is cold. Stone cold. Until another murder with striking similarities rocks a remote outback town. Detective Liz Moorland is desperate to get out
Minerva's Secrets Night Tours
Tue 19 May with special visit to Lantern Vaults
Tour 1 at 7pm – Tour 2 at 9pm.
Remembrance Day:
A Surgeon Commander & A Leading Cook - Recent War Memoribilia
Wed 29 Oct & 5 Nov, 5.30pm.
Calling for Pre-loved books
These donation assist in our Library Fundraising Activities
We can take delivery during regular Library operating hours. See website footer.
Coming in November…
Stella Day Out, Ballarat, Rachael Johns & Margaret Hickey
Australian Heritage Festival
Minerva's Secrets
25 April – Tour 1 at 7.30pm – fully booked
Tour 2 at 9.30pm – still tickets.
Spring Season, History Talks:
Ballarat's Henry Lawson - The Dragon's Den - Gold! Gold! Gold!
Wed 3, 17 & 24 September, 5.30pm.
Bubbly on arrival featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop
Pre-Sale $60 from 6 Aug to 9 Aug - $65 thereafter
The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2026 Calendar
Featuring illustrations from our Heritage Book Collection $40
Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.
Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges.
2 course dinner & lots
of dancing