The Reading Room (2pm in the Library for a start @ 10.30am – 12noon)
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.
This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution
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
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
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.
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
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
$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
Minerva's Secrets Night Tours
Night Tours
Fri 31 Oct – Sat 15 Nov
& Fri 12 Dec
Tour 1 at 7pm
Tour 2 at 9pm.
Linen & Lace Exhbition
Includes Devonshire Tea | $20
Sat & Sun 22, 23 Oct
10am-4pm
Remembrance Day:
A Surgeon Commander & A Leading Cook - Recent War Memoribilia
Wed 29 Oct & 5 Nov, 5.30pm.
Coming soon…
Rozzi Bazzani. Stella Day Out: Katia Ariel & Samah Sabawi, Rachael Johns
Coming soon…
Dianne Dempsey, Chrissie Bellbrae, Paula Gleeson, Rozzi Bazzani.
Coming in November…
Stella Day Out, Ballarat, Rachael Johns & Margaret Hickey
Australian Heritage Festival
Minerva's Secrets
25 April – Tour 1 at 7.30pm – fully booked
Tour 2 at 9.30pm – still tickets.
Spring Season, History Talks:
Ballarat's Henry Lawson - The Dragon's Den - Gold! Gold! Gold!
Wed 3, 17 & 24 September, 5.30pm.
Bubbly on arrival & Featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop | $60
The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2026 Calendar
Featuring illustrations from our Heritage Book Collection $40
Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.
Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges.
2 course dinner & lots
of dancing
