When local Clunes resident Leslie Scott discovers two brumbies living on the rugged Mount Beckworth, she almost can’t believe it. Brumbies don’t live in Central Victoria, and the terrain is not suited to them, so how did they get there?
The horses are scared and unused to people, but the mountain is not a safe place for horses. With summer heat on its way, the waterholes are drying up and food is getting scarce – and local rumour has it that logging is soon to begin. Looking into the eyes of the young colt she names Milo, Leslie knows it’s up to her to gain their trust and get them down to safety.
‘Every day for months Leslie makes the hike up the mountain, slowly but surely building a connection with Milo and his companion Lucy, but there are other mysterious things happening up there – bones being rearranged into different shapes – and always the question: who left the horses here in the first place?
Once Were Wild is a fascinating and heart-warming story about a woman and her resourcefulness and determination to do what’s right for two beautiful brumbies.
Leslie Scott’s love for horses and the bush began when she got her first pony at age 6. Her father, an experienced bushman taught her to listen, appreciate and be able to read the bush. When Leslie can’t get to the high country, she immerses herself in the rugged terrain of Mt Beckworth, a nature reserve seven minutes from her front gate. Leslie lives on a small property with her husband in historical Clunes, rural Victoria. They have a menagerie of animals. In her spare time she’s either riding her horses in the bush or hiking through it with her dog. For Leslie the bush is not just a place to visit – it’s her home.
This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution
Minerva’s Secrets Night Tours are back. Two tours, 7pm and 9pm. Step back in time with these atmospheric Victorian-era performers, lanterns in hand and ready to guide you through history. Their period costumes and old stone backdrop set the perfect scene for a ghostly walking tour.
What Rhymes With Murder? Penny Tangey Don’t miss Penny and Lauren Williams who will be talking about their new books (What Rhymes With Murder? & Neighbourhood Watch) at BMI on 2 September at 6pm Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder,
Neighbourhood Watch Lauren Williams Don’t miss Lauren and Penny Tangey who will be talking about their new books (Neighbourhood Watch & What Rhymes With Murder?) at BMI on 2 September at 6pm ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook, a generous dose of dark humour, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian
Red Lake Jason Summers Sergeant Harper Quinn has returned to her sleepy hometown Koorinda in search of a quieter life. Until she learns that the town’s once glittering waterpark is being reopened, on the shores of its famous Red Lake: the place her little brother vanished into thin air 30 years ago. And then Harper
The Frock Shop Sophie Green Don’t miss Sophie who will be in conversation with Jane Nield talking about Sophie’s new book at BMI on 12 August at 6pm Meet the Ladies of The Frock Shop Where clothes are just the start of the story Australian bestseller Sophie Green returns with a sparkling story about the beauty of
Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains, secrets grow deadly… Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor, a young man lost up Mount Viking, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist, researching the
Fundraiser for Ballarat RSL & BMI
$33 per person
Minerva's Secrets Night Tours
Tue 19 May with special visit to Lantern Vaults
Tour 1 at 7pm – Tour 2 at 9pm.
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.
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
Sunday 6 September at 2pm - Cost $65
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.
