About Once Were Wild:

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.

Bookings are essential | Tickets ar $10 per person 
logo
Once Were Wild | Leslie Scott

About Leslie

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.

Tickets
Download Flyer
Why Not become a member

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

Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb

09/04/2026 No Comments

Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb, Ballarat Times When theatre-maker Gin  O’Brien found a script for a play about dogs she knew straight away she must stage it. As a result, Ballarat  National Theatre is now getting ready to present the local premiere of The Dog Logs, a play written by C.J. Johnson and directed by O’Brien in her directorial debut. “I love dogs,” said O’Brien  who is vice president of BNT and known for prior

Read More »
2026 twilight talks logo with gold and black text

Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb

09/04/2026 No Comments

BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb, Ballarat Times The Twilight Talks series is back at the the Ballaarat  Mechanics’ Institute this month with more tales from Henry Lawson’s 1887 exploration of local  Eureka Rebellion sites. Taking place on Wednesday 15 April, the first talk will feature guest presenter Hedley Thomson who last year provided a very well-received talk about Lawson’s 1887 visit to Ballarat. For this month’s first cab off the rank, Thomson will  further explore the iconic Australian

Read More »

Rosemary’s Book of the Week

06/04/2026 No Comments

Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin SDB with Gerardine Christou Don’t miss Gerardine at the BMI on Tuesday 14 April at 6pm This is the story of Peg, an ordinary woman who was ‘made of extraordinary stuff’ Margaret (Peg) Rankin is remembered by all who knew and loved her as a woman of kindness with a ready smile. Her long life brought her much joy, love and happiness. She was the devoted mother of twelve children

Read More »
Young person wearing blue cap reading book outdoors

Executive Manager Update – April 2026

01/04/2026 No Comments

Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI, I have been struck by the genuine passion, knowledge, and commitment that each staff member and volunteer brings to this organization.  It is this collective capability that ensures we are not only recognized for our remarkable building, but are continuing to evolve as a vibrant and relevant hub for our members and guests in 2026 and beyond. Given that many of the staff are part-time and/or volunteers, paths do not

Read More »

Rosemary’s Book of the Week

30/03/2026 No Comments

What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones, a lost girl, a mind adrift – sometimes what is lost comes back to haunt you…from an award-winning author comes a contemporary gothic tale of guilt, grief and redemption. In the village of Kiln Creek in the Victorian Highlands, a ghost gum falls in a storm. Tangled in its roots are the bones of a small child and the tattered remains of her clothing, including a pair of bright red sneakers.

Read More »