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The Reading Room (2pm in the Library for a start @ 2.30pm – 4pm)

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 >

 

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JANUARY SESSION

The Dictionary of Lost Words Pip Williams

In 1901, the word bondmaid was discovered missing from the Oxford English Dictionary. This is the story of the girl who stole it.

Motherless and irrepressibly curious, Esme spends her childhood in the Scriptorium, a garden shed in Oxford where her father and a team of lexicographers are gathering words for the very first Oxford English Dictionary.

Esme’s place is beneath the sorting table, unseen and unheard. One day, she sees a slip containing the word bondmaid flutter to the floor unclaimed. Esme seizes the word and hides  it in an old wooden trunk that belongs to her friend, Lizzie,  a young servant in the big house. Esme begins to collect other words from the Scriptorium that are misplaced, discarded or have been neglected by the dictionary men. They help her make sense of the world.

Over time, Esme realises that some words are considered more important than others, and that words and meanings relating to women’s experiences often go unrecorded. She begins to collect words for another dictionary: The Dictionary of Lost Words.

Set when the women’s suffrage movement was at its height and the Great War loomed, The Dictionary of Lost Words reveals a lost narrative,  hidden between the lines of a history written by men. It’s a delightful, lyrical and deeply thought-provoking celebration of words, and the power of language to shape our experience of the world…

Review this title

Why not review this 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

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Newsletter – September 2025

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

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

The Little Brass Band – Fundraiser Looking back to the month that was, firstly I would like to say a huge thank you to The Little Brass Band for all their generosity in delivering Cheers – Raise a Glass for Brass, the recent fundraiser for the BMI held on August 10th. The Minerva Room was the perfect setting for two wonderful sets of music arranged for brass, with the bar available to purchase a drink to accompany complimentary snacks. Thanks

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Rosemary’s Book of the Week

The Eye of the Dragonfly: My life seeing the world through Sport Tracey Lee Holmes Don’t miss Tracey at the BMI on Thursday 4 September at 6pm. Presented in partnership with The Wheeler Centre For over 30 years, Tracey Lee Holmes has been a trailblazer in Australian broadcasting – breaking ground as the first female host of a national sports program and championing gender equality both on and off the field. Now, with the release of her new book The Eye

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Ballarat Chess Club | Reinactment of the 1925 Chess Tournament

The re-creation of the 1925 chess tournament between Ballarat and Geelong, August 10. Members of the Ballarat Chess Club and BMI Patron Dr Phil Roberts gave a brief address, of the story of the 1925 tournament. This current day tournament in 2025 was won by Geelong, with several matches being played in the Humffray Room throughout the day. Thanks to all players who made this photo opportunity possible. The original the result on the day was apparently somewhat ambiguous. Patrick

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Rosemary’s Book of the Week

The White Crow Michael Robotham Over 5 million copies sold. She upholds the law – Her family breaks it. ‘A twisty-turny, second-guessing great read with a killer ending’ – Herald Sun for When you are Mind. Don’t miss Michael at the BMI on Wednesday 20 August at 6pm. Beloved character Police Constable Philomena McCarthy, from When You Are Mine, returns in a heart stopping thriller from the master of crime. As the daughter of a London crime boss, PC Philomena McCarthy

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Rosemary’s Book of the Week

High Rise Gabriel Bergmoser An expertly executed shot of adrenaline – Laura McCluskey. Grabs you by the throat and hurls you straight into the action… Brutally good fun – Michale Trant Don’t miss Gabriel on Monday 1 September at 6pm The story follows estranged father and ex-cop Jack Carlin as he tracks his rebellious daughter Morgan to the top floor of a crumbling Melbourne high-rise. But Morgan isn’t looking to be saved, and Jack’s dark past has drawn dangerous enemies.

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Thu 16 Oct – 19 Oct 

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. 

Tax Deductible 

Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.

We need
your help.

2024 End of Financial Year Appeal 

Or alternatively go to our Donations web page.

Our Challenge

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

Spring Season, History Talks:

Ballarat's Henry Lawson - The Dragon's Den - Gold! Gold! Gold!

Wed 3, 17 & 24 September, 5.30pm

Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

16 to 25 May 

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

 Coming soon

Rozzi Bazzani. Stella Day Out: Katia Ariel & Samah Sabawi, Rachael Johns

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, Dianne Dempsey, Chrissie Bellbrae.

with Michael Robotham

 Wed 20 August at 6pm

Tracey Lee Holmes: A Life Through Sport

Thu 4 September at 6pm

Raise a Glass for Brass

The Little Brass Band BMI Fundraiser

Sun 10 August at 2pm

 Coming soon

Dianne Dempsey, Chrissie Bellbrae, Paula Gleeson, Rozzi Bazzani.

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing