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The Reading Room 

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 your feedback through this form as we progress this member lead initiative. 
 
Expression of Interest to participate >

For more information go to

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

Rosemary’s Book of the Week

The Last Girl’s Cry Alison Belsham. Det Lexi Bennett is walking through the quiet Canterbury streets when she hearsscreaming. Rushing towards the sound, she finds the body of a teenage girl lying beneath one of the city’s ancient towers. Lexi looks up at the cold grey stone, and vows that she will find answers. Did

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BMI in July

Coming soon… Exhibition – 5 to 27 Jul Author Talk – 8 Jul Author Talk – 8 Jul in conversation – 9 Jul Ballarat Film Soc – 10 Jul Live Comedy – 11 Jul In conversation – 16 Jul in August… Live Music – 10 August Live Music – 16 August In conversation – 20

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Book Launch | E. A. Gleeson – The Deepest Thing: A Poetic Memoir

In early May Anne Gleeson launched The Deepest Thing: A Poetic Memoir. The launch was a tremendous success as well evidenced by the photos. If you were interested in finding out more about this memoire under the penship of E A Gleeson, contact culturalservices@ballaratmi.org.au E A Gleeson Photos: Robert Rouse The Deepest Thing: A Poetic

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Rosemary’s Book of the Week

Boney Creek Paula Gleeson. Boney Creek is a dying town where not a lot happens. The perfect solution for married couple Addie and Toby who are escaping their own personal tragedy. But a quiet and simple life is not exactly posible with so many recent, strange deaths. Seven locals, all gone too soon. That’s the nature

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A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | June 2025

Important Dates Ballarat Heritage Festival Hi Folks Hi folks, this month is a bit of a “I’m not sure where to start” kind of month, there’s so much going on and happening behind the scenes and it’s all very exciting and important. I might start with the Heritage Festival, which saw the BMI not only

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Ballarat Winter Festival

Events at BMI

5 July – 27 July 

Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

16 to 25 May 

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

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

Ballarat Pride Month

Events at BMI

The Month of June 

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

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. 

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

with Kylie Ladd

 Wed 25 June at 6pm

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing