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Ballarat Libraries in partnership with BMI

Meet Ann Cleeves
Meet Ann Cleeves on her 2022 Australian tour as she discusses Vera Stanhope’sreturn in her newest book, The Rising Tide.
Ann Cleeves is the creator of popular detictives Vera Stanhome (ITV’s Vera), Jimmy Perez (BBC One’s Shetland), and Matthew Venn IITV’s The Long Call).
 
Bookings are essential. Contact the Ballarat Library on 5338 6850.
Ann Cleeves

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Jock Serong

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This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution

Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith, BMI Library Book of the Week

Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Where Truth Ends by Mark Smith

Where Truth Ends Mark Smith Don’t miss Mark who will be in conversation with local radio presenter Gavin McGrath talking about Mark’s new book at BMI on Tuesday 23 June at 6pm What if everything you believed in was a lie? Truth and betrayal collide in the new Mark Smith thriller, perfect for fans of Christian White and Lisa Jewell. Meg Maher thought she was doing the right thing. Now she’s on the run. When a peaceful climate protest ends

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Pressed dried flowering plant specimen with roots on paper

From the Curator | Arresting the Ephemeral

The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute is custodian of the most intact surviving set of the Educational Collections of Victorian Plants (1874–1876). A herbarium and series of books compiled by the first Chief Botanist of the Colony of Victoria, Baron Sir Ferdinand von Mueller. Join BMI Heritage Curator, Ellen Becker as she reveals the history and significance of this remarkable collection, including a rare close viewing of select botanical specimens and books. Find out more Get Tickets Tickets can also be purchased from the BMI Library

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The Palace of Lost Virtue book cover by Anthea Hodgson

Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson

The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea who will be in conversation with local author AJ Lyndon talking about Anthea’s new book at BMI on Wednesday 17 June at 6pm At its core, The Palace of Lost Virtue is a story of female friendship and resilience. Marigold is a devout Christian working with her mother to save the local women from a life dedicated to sex work. Pansy is one of those sex workers and the owner of Pansy

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Book of the Week: A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker

Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker

A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno, chief of police of the Dordogne town of St Denis, is no stranger to murder. But when he receives a phone call from his friend, Pamela, reporting a fatal attack on her newly arrived lodger, Josette Quirit, he is forced to recuse himself from the investigation due to his close ties to the case. Luckily, he has a project to distract him. For hundreds of years, the market of St. Denis has been the

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Queer Blak and Deadly newsletter featuring guest host Steven Oliver

Newsletter – June 2026

Rosemary’s New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks – Live Music – Film – LIve Theatre – Minerva’s Secrets – Message from the Chair – Pride Month – Digital version coming soon…

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A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | June 2026

May unfolded as another vibrant and exciting month for the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute with new activities and visitors weaving throughout an already busy regular schedule. From the Board’s perspective, it was a month that truly demonstrated both the strength of our cultural identity and the challenges that accompany our growing momentum. I hope many of you were able to join us for Ballarat Heritage Festival weekend, we were delighted to be open during this period, including the Sunday, to showcase

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