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

2026 BMI Appeal | Give now

13/04/2026 No Comments

A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute in 2026 Dear Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute supporter, In the early days of the gold rush, Ballarat was a place of extraordinary ambition. Among the diggers and merchants who built the town was a group of citizens who believed that knowledge mattered just as much as gold. In 1859 they established the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute, creating a place where miners, tradespeople and families could read newspapers, borrow books, attend lectures and debate the

Read More »

Rosemary’s Book of the Week

13/04/2026 No Comments

The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI on Tuesday 21 April at 6pm A body on the beach. An inheritance. A family pulled apart.  CC Cilento’s best memories are of spending every summer holiday running wild in and out of the Friend family beach house with her cousins, James, Ollie, Felix and Lily. It’s the next best thing to having brothers and sisters. They’ve continued the summer tradition into adulthood, getting together at the shack with its

Read More »

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 »