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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 >

 

For more information go to

A Tale of Two Cities | Charles Dickens

APRIL SESSION

A Tale of Two Cities | Charles Dickens

After eighteen years as a political prisoner in the Bastille, the ageing Doctor Manette is finally released and reunited with his daughter in England. There the lives of two very different men, Charles Darnay, an exiled French aristocrat, and Sydney Carton, a disreputable but brilliant English lawyer, become enmeshed through their love for Lucie Manette. From the tranquil lanes of London, they are drawn against their will to the vengeful, bloodstained streets of Paris at the height of the Reign of Terror, and they soon fall under the lethal shadow of La Guillotine.

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

Newsletter – August 2025

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

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

Royal South Street Society | BMI Community Partner I imagine everyone knows what RSSS stands for, but in case you don’t it’s Royal South Street Society and here at the BMI, we are all about RSSS for the months of July, August and into September . We are so pleased to welcome RSSS into the building as their competition season kicks off along with the brand new Schimmel grand piano that now “lives” in our building and will be able

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Rosemary’s Book of the Week

A Woman’s Voice Alli Sinclair A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement. She is defiant – She is strong – She will be heard Don’t miss Alli and author Chloe Adams on Wednesday 6 August at 6pm. When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback, Laura discovers anextraordinary

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Rosemary’s Book of the Week

The Occupation Chloe Adams Don’t miss Chloe and author Alli Sinclair on Wednesday 6 August at 6pm. In the autumn of 1949, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among

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Raise a Glass for Brass

The Little Brass Band BMI Fundraiser

Sun 10 August at 2pm

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

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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

Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

16 to 25 May 

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

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. 

Tracey Lee Holmes: A Life Through Sport

Thu 4 September at 6pm

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

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, Chrissie Bellbrae, Paula Gleeson.

with Michael Robotham

 Wed 20 August at 6pm

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing