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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. 
 
There will be no December meeting.
 
Expression of Interest to participate >

For more information go to

book cover
Past the Shallows | Favel Parrett

NOVEMBER SESSION

Past the Shallows | Favel Parrett

Brothers Joe, Harry and Miles live with their father, an abalone fisherman, on the south-east coast of Tasmania. Everyday their dad battles the unpredictable ocean to make a living. He is a hard man, a bitter drinker who harbours a devastating secret that is destroying him. 

Unlike Joe, Harry and Miles are too young to leave home and so are forced to live under the dark cloud of their father’s mood, trying to stay as invisible as possible whenever he is home. Harry, the youngest, is the most vulnerable and it seems he bears the brunt of his father’s anger…

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

Ballarat Organs & Fine Music Festival

9 -13 January 2026 Each January, the Ballart Goldfields come alive with beautiful music, warm community spirit, and the glow of summer. Over five inspiring days audiences are invited to experience world-class performances in the region’s historic churches and grand heritage venues. Ballarat Organs & Fine Music Full Program. Festival Events at the BMI BMI events will be listed here as information becomes available. 1 event found. Today Upcoming Upcoming Select date. List of events in Photo View Ballarat Festival

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Rosemary’s Book of the Week

The Hidden Bryan Brown The heads was once a small village on the NSW north coast. Now it’s a large village with a lot of action below the surface. A shipment of coke, a crime  quad investigation and a drug overdose keep the local sergeant pretty busy. Someone is preying on the women of The Heads.  And what does the discovery of buried roosters in the forest mean to a young boy? Will Sergeant William Jarrett uncover what is really

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Rosemary’s Book of the Week

Dead Man’s Tale Quintin Jardine His native Scotland stands on the cusp of a new era of international expansion under its charismatic new leader, but former top cop Sir Robert Skinner is settled happily in Spain with his family, fully engaged in a new and unexpected career. Hs is focused on a business issue, only to be drawn suddenly homewards as a family member finds himself a witness to a homicidal attack, and under fire himself. Skinner drops everything to rush

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Update from Liam Mudge, Venue Manager | Stage Ready

Stage Ready The BMI has received funding to launch Stage Ready — a new non-formal technical-theatre training program for regional creatives. The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (BMI) is pleased to announce it has secured $22,946 to deliver Stage Ready, a training program designed to support emerging production talent and strengthen regional creative capability. Launching in 2026, Stage Ready delivers practical, real-world experience in lighting, sound, stagecraft, and venue operations. The program is non-formal by design, helping participants develop entry-level technical skills through guided

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