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 >

 

AUGUST SESSION

The discussion in August will not be on a pre-determined book but will be a readers choice format, this month will be a favourite piece of poetry.

For more information go to

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

The Royal South Street Society | 2026 Season Events

16/02/2026 No Comments

2026 Season Events Victoria’s largest youth performing arts pathway and a critical contributor to the regional creative workforce pipeline. Entries for all disciplines open on March 01 2026 and close on April 30 2026. Our programs offer performance opportunities in Pianoforte, Vocal, Instrumental, Debating, Choral, Speech, Drama and Comedy, All Abilities, Dance and Calisthenics. We have sections to suit everyone – including novice, intermediate and advanced across a huge range of genres. Full details of sections available on our website,

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Rosemary’s Book of the Week

16/02/2026 No Comments

The One Remaining Paula McLean Don’t miss Paula at the BMI on Wednesday 25 February at 6.30pm The One Remaining is a captivating story of overcoming loss, finding the courage to trust those who believe in us, and the self-healing power of writing our stories. Hilary Mason is thirteen when her sister Elaine disappears. She fears someone close to the family is involved but represses her suspicions. As an adult, Hilary becomes a successful novelist. In her fifties, she comes upon

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21 HEARTS, A Theatre 180 Production | By popular demand

12/02/2026 No Comments

21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke, a THEATRE 180 production We are pleased to announce that THEATRE 180 have agreed to stage another matinee on Saturday 11 July at 11am. The matinee on Friday has now been sold out. find out more Get Tickets y: BMI stands on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work, learn

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Rosemary’s Book of the Week

09/02/2026 No Comments

The Butterfly Woman Madeleine Cleary It’s 1863, and Melbourne is transitioning from a fledgling colony to a thriving, gold-fuelled metropolis. But behind its shiny new facade, the real Melbourne can be found in the notorious brothels of Little Lon, where rich and poor alike can revel all night. For poor Iishwoman Johanna Callaghan, a job at the glamorous Papillon brothel could be her ticket to success,but in a time when women’s lives are cheap, it also brings great danger. Meanwhile, for respectable

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City’s cinephiles set for a silver screen season | Ballarat Times

06/02/2026 No Comments

Ballarat Film Society The Ballarat Film Society is set to kick off another year of thought provoking cinema next month. Christopher O’Leary – Ballarat Times | Photo Sue Nunn, courtesy Ballarat Times. Read the full article here Page 23 Ballarat Times Sue Nunn, President, Ballarat Film Society | Photo: Edwina Williams, Ballarat Times Ballarat Film Society Films at BMI y: Our library stands on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first

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BMI Monthly Calendar 2026 – On Sale

04/02/2026 No Comments

$40 – Now on sale at $20. Limited stock left This year our 2026 calendar will feature twelve illustrations from the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute heritage book collection. All funds raised will go towards supporting the BMI – a not-for-profit community-owned organisation, continuing to share knowledge through our library and associated member  services, providing a unique place to engage with history, and a vibrant hub for community events. The Calendar: If you would like to purchase the calendar we will make them available at the library for pick-up, and, we will notify you by email as

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