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The Reading Room (2pm in the Library for a start @ 10.30am – 12noon)

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 great new initiative. 
 
Expression of Interest to participate >

 

JULY SESSION

The discussion in July will not be on a pre-determined book but will be a readers choice format.

For more information go to

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

Rosemary’s Book of the Week

Boney Creek Paula Gleeson Don’t miss Paula at the BMI on Thursday 25 September at 6.30pm. When several small-town locals die under mysterious circumstances, an aspiring journalist is determined to prove the connection between them, only to discover the dangerous secrets they left behind. Boney Creek is a dying town where not a lot happens.

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Rosemary’s Book of the Week

The Florentine Quilt Chrissie Bellbrae Don’t miss Chrissie at the BMI on Thursday 18 September at 6pm. ‘Three women connected in time to a medieval quilt and an ancient tale of forbidden love.’ Australian textile conservator, Theodora Harris, is grieving her grandmother’s death when offered an internship to restore a medieval quilt depicting a legend

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Rosemary’s Book of the Week

Saving Dragons: The Life and Times of Russell Goldfield (Louey Yeung Man) Jack Dainne Dempsey Don’t miss Dianne at the BMI for Twilight Talks on Wednesday 17 September at 5.30pm. Russell Jack, the visionary founder of the internationally renowned Golden Dragon Museum, spent his life breaking barriers and preserving the history of the Chinese Australian community.

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Newsletter – September 2025

A Message from the Chair… | Rosemary’s New Releases and Recommendations | Fashion Parade – Twilight Talks – Author Talks – Live Comedy – Live Music – Live Theatre – Festivals – Opera

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Rosemary’s Book of the Week

The Eye of the Dragonfly: My life seeing the world through Sport Tracey Lee Holmes Don’t miss Tracey at the BMI on Thursday 4 September at 6pm. Presented in partnership with The Wheeler Centre For over 30 years, Tracey Lee Holmes has been a trailblazer in Australian broadcasting – breaking ground as the first female

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Thu 16 Oct – 19 Oct 

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. 

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 

 
Give Now >

 

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. 

Spring Season, History Talks:

Ballarat's Henry Lawson - The Dragon's Den - Gold! Gold! Gold!

Wed 3, 17 & 24 September, 5.30pm. 

Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

16 to 25 May 

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm. 

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm. 

 Coming soon

Rozzi Bazzani. Stella Day Out: Katia Ariel & Samah Sabawi, Rachael Johns

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. 

Ballart Seniors Festival 

Celebrate at the BMI.

 October 2025. 

Ballarat Pride Month

Events at BMI

The Month of June 

Ballarat Winter Festival

Events at BMI

5 July – 27 July 

 Coming in September

Gabriel Bergmoser, Tracey Lee Holmes, Dianne Dempsey, Chrissie Bellbrae.

with Michael Robotham

 Wed 20 August at 6pm. 

Tracey Lee Holmes: A Life Through Sport

Thu 4 September at 6pm. 

Raise a Glass for Brass. 

The Little Brass Band BMI Fundraiser

Sun 10 August at 2pm. 

 Coming soon

Dianne Dempsey, Chrissie Bellbrae, Paula Gleeson, Rozzi Bazzani.

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing