The Reading Room (2.30pm – 4pm)

This volunteer run reading and discussion group meets monthly. It is anticipated that members will read the selected book prior to attendance.
If you would like to be a part of this group (free to BMI members) please complete the Expression of Interest. We welcome you feedback through this form as we progress this great new initiative. 
 
The November reading will be  Past the Shallows by Favel Parrett.
 

Expression of Interest to participate >

 

Let me sing you gentle songs | Linda Olsson
book cover
Past the Shallows | Favel Parrett

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

Monica McInerney author photo with When Sullivan Met Lola book cover

Rosemary’s Book of the Week | When Sullivan Met Lola by Monica McInerney

28/09/2026 No Comments

When Sullivan Met Lola Monica McInerney Don’t miss Monica who will be talking about her new book at BMI on  5 October at 6pm The eagerly awaited new novel by beloved Australian author Monica McInerney. Lola Quinlan is eighty-six. If her time on earth is running out, she’s not leaving quietly. Against the wishes of her family in South Australia, she’s flying solo to Melbourne for a week. They think she’s in search of distraction and entertainment. The truth is,

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Melbourne Fringe Encore Ballarat October 2026 newsletter cover

Newsletter – October 2026

20/09/2026 No Comments

Rosemary’s New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks – Live Music – Film – LIve Theatre – Message from Executive Manager – fundraisers Digital version coming soon…

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

19/09/2026 No Comments

A Busy October I wonder whether you will all agree when you make your way through the pages of this newsletter that October is shaping up to be a very busy and exciting month at the BMI. Fundraising Events | Book Sale, Vintage Fashion Parade & Errard Hall Open Garden Firstly though, thank you to all who came along to our recent Book Sale on September 5th & 6th, this was a very successful fund raiser for the BMI Library

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Man holding trophy at 29th Compass Awards Presentation 2020

Award for BMI Event Technical Crew Member – Chee Wei Tay

16/09/2026 No Comments

Wonderful news from Singapore | Ballarat-based Creative Director and composer Chee Wei Tay received major Singapore music honour. Chee Wei Tay is part of the BMI Events Team A proud moment on stage at the 20th Compass Awards Presentation 2026, where an award recipient Chee Wei Tay delivers his acceptance speech at the COMPASS Awards in Singapore | Photo Sharon Jing Yi. COMPASS Award recognises Tay’s work as Music Director of a landmark national immersive exhibition that drew more than

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BMI AGM 2026 – Monday 28 September, 5pm

02/09/2026 No Comments

The Institute’s 2026 Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday, 28 September at 5pm | Humffray Room. All members of the Institute are invited to attend. Voting members are reminded that they can provide proxy attendance for the meeting (proxy forms are available below). Members are asked to RSVP to the meeting by Friday 25 September. RSVP here If you need any assistance to attend the 2026 AGM please email the Executive Manager or contact the Library on T:

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