Brian Chapman & Fiends, Three Russian Piano Trios: Concert Review | Bronislaw Sozanski
10/10/2025
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New Releases, Recommendations & Author Talks
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.Â
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Expression of Interest to participate >
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For more information go to
JUNE SESSION
Here are forty texts to read at some stage in your life- forty texts that can enrich you in all manner of ways. Some are recent, like Harry Potter; some ancient, like Homer and Lao Tzu. There are memoirs (Nelson Mandela), poetry (Les Murray) and many of the world’s great novels, from George Eliot’s Middlemarch to Toni Morrison’s Beloved. Our guide, in entertaining short essays about personal encounters with each of these works, is Michael McGirr- schoolteacher and former priest, reviewer of hundreds of novels and lifelong lover of literature.
His humour and insight shine through in stories that connect the texts he has selected with each other, and connect us to them. Never prescriptive, and often very funny, this book is an invitation to reflect on-and share with others-the extraordinary gift of reading. ‘It is a gift that is taking me a lifetime to unwrap,? McGirr writes. ‘The excitement has never worn off.?
About the Author
Michael McGirr is the bestselling author of Snooze- The Lost Art of Sleep, Things You Get for Free and Bypass. He has reviewed almost one thousand books for various newspapers; his short fiction has appeared in Australian and overseas publications; and he has been a publisher of Eureka Street and fiction editor at Meanjin.
Review a title
Why not review a book for the benefit of our members. We will publish these reviews in our social media and website from time to time.
This event is a BMI Community Art Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution
Rosemary’s Book of the Week
06/10/2025
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Winds of Change J Mary Masters Don’t miss Judith at the BMI on Tuesday 21 October at 6pm Book 5 in the Belleville Family Series As a shocking betrayal unravels, a child’s future hangs in the balance. Cracks appear within the Belleville family. Against this background, a new house will rise from the ashes but not bbefore the old house gives up its long burried secrets. It is six years on from the end of the fourth book, Heirs and
Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute – Life Time Membership, Heritage Collection Volunteer, Marion Blythman
02/10/2025
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Marion Blythman Marion has been working on the BMI Heritage Collection for about 18 years!  She loves working with her current volunteer team, Dani Stonehouse, Mary Walker and Judy Peters, and is very keen to promote and publicize the wonderful treasure filled collection much more widely. Marion is also looking to include new volunteers to the team and to help to  develop new programs including a revolving display program, to utilize the collection. Marion Blythman with BMI Chair, Paula
Newsletter – October 2025
30/09/2025
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A Message from the Chair… | Rosemary’s New Releases and Recommendations | Twilight Talks – Author Talks – Live Comedy – Night Tours – Live Theatre – Seniors Festival
BMI Fashion Fundraiser Photos
30/09/2025
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Fashion Fundraiser September saw the BMI Fashion Parade event transform the Minerva into a glamourous catwalk setting, as almost 60 attendees enjoyed vintage fashions from the BMI Vintage Shop being modeled expertly, by our generous volunteer models. Thanks to Geraldine and Dona and other volunteers who worked tirelessly to bring this event together, Liam for the inventive and attractive room set-up and Phil for the work on the silent auction. The event was a fundraiser and together with fashion sales
A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | October 2025
29/09/2025
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October brings with it daylight savings, warmer weather (theoretically!) and of course the beautiful gardens of Ballarat really come alive. There are also many good reasons to step away from the heater at home and pop into the BMI for our events, to borrow a book or two, to show visiting friends and family through a Heritage Building, or to say hello to Rosemary who will assist you with any of the above or point you in the right direction
