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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

More about Ann

Jock Serong

More about the Jock

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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