Loading Events

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

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 You Are Mine, returns in a heart stopping thriller from the master of crime. As the daughter of a London crime boss, PC Philomena McCarthy

Read More »

Rosemary’s Book of the Week

A Woman’s Voice Alli Sinclair A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement. She is defiant – She is strong – She will be heard Don’t miss Alli and author Chloe Adams on Wednesday 6 August at 6pm. When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback, Laura discovers anextraordinary

Read More »

Melbourne International Film Festival | Ballarat Screenings

Returning in August for its 73rd edition, the Melbourne International Film Festival is once again hitting the road with the MIFF Regional showcase,bringing a curated selection of titles from its expansive 2025 program toscreens throughout regional Victoria across the festival weekends of 15–17 and 22–24 August.  From local titles to international standouts, the MIFF Regional program will featuresome of the most anticipated titles from the 2025 slate. Audiences will also havethe chance to meet the filmmakers behind some of this year’s

Read More »

Rosemary’s Book of the Week

The Girl with the Suitcase Lesley Pearse When Mary meets a glamorous stranger named Elizabeth, she realizes their lives couldn’t be more different. Elizabth is beautiful and charming , about to set off on a dazzling adventure to Ireland where she’s inherited a grand house. Mary, shy and meek, has nothing to look forward to but the dreary life of a maid in Hampstead. But when an air raid forces them to take shelter undergroud, Mary’s life is suddenly changed

Read More »

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

Royal South Street Society | BMI Community Partner I imagine everyone knows what RSSS stands for, but in case you don’t it’s Royal South Street Society and here at the BMI, we are all about RSSS for the months of July, August and into September . We are so pleased to welcome RSSS into the building as their competition season kicks off along with the brand new Schimmel grand piano that now “lives” in our building and will be able

Read More »

Raise a Glass for Brass

The Little Brass Band BMI Fundraiser

Sun 10 August at 2pm

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

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.
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

Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective

Wed 2-30 April, 5.30pm

Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

16 to 25 May 

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

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. 

Tracey Lee Holmes: A Life Through Sport

Thu 4 September at 6pm

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

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, Chrissie Bellbrae, Paula Gleeson.

with Michael Robotham

 Wed 20 August at 6pm

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing