Newsletter – November 2025
23/10/2025
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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
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
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
A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | November 2025
23/10/2025
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The Governor was especially pleased to have a tour with myself and Ellen. I’d like to thank Katrina Hill for her involvement in the tour. Her Excellency was then thrilled to join staff and Collection and Library volunteers for a morning tea prepared by Malcolm Roberts. She enjoyed a chat with the small group where
Ballarat Begonia Festival
22/10/2025
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7 to 9 March 2026 Festival Highlights Begonia Parade | Conservatory display | Family entertainment | Markets | Food and drink. Events at the BMI during the Fesitval will be listed here as they are confirmed Your ideas Why not let us know what Festivals & Events you think the BMI should participate in. The
Ballarat Heritage Festival
21/10/2025
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21 – 24 May 2026 With Ballarat’s stunning Victorian architecture as the backdrop the annual festival highlights the city’s golden past and evolving future. Stay tuned for event updates on the Ballarat Heritage Festival. 2026 theme, Hidden Histories, will shine a light on the lesser-known stories, characters, and moments that have shaped Ballarat — the
School tour of the BMI – October 2025
21/10/2025
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School Tours of the BMIOn 9 October the BMI hosted students from: Lucas Primary School Lal Lal Primary Delecombe Primary Buninyong Primary, and, Mt Egerton Primary Event Overview An engaging, educational day at the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute, designed to spark creativity and curiosity. The program includes a poetry writing workshop to develop writing skills, a guided
Rosemary’s Book of the Week
20/10/2025
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Cactus Pear For My Beloved Samah Sabawi Don’t miss Samah at the BMI on Wednesday 5 November at 7.17pm. Samah will be in conversation with author Fatima Measham This is a FREE community event brought to you by the Stella Prize as Stella Day Out Ballarat. Cactus Pear For My Beloved: A Family Story from
