The Reading Room (2pm in the Library for a start @ 2.30pm – 4pm)
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
Executive Manager Update – September Newsletter – Nev Ivey BMI has enjoyed another busy and productive month, with strong activity throughout the building and continued progress on a number of exciting initiatives. During July an estimated 1,200–1,250 people attended activities across BMI, highlighting the wonderful diversity of ways our historic building is being used. Theatre,
Neighbourhood Watch Lauren Williams Don’t miss Lauren and Penny Tangey who will be talking about their new books (Neighbourhood Watch & What Rhymes With Murder?) at BMI on 2 September at 6pm ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook, a generous dose of dark humour, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian
Stage Ready programs will be listed here as they are confirmed. 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
Red Lake Jason Summers Sergeant Harper Quinn has returned to her sleepy hometown Koorinda in search of a quieter life. Until she learns that the town’s once glittering waterpark is being reopened, on the shores of its famous Red Lake: the place her little brother vanished into thin air 30 years ago. And then Harper
The Frock Shop Sophie Green Don’t miss Sophie who will be in conversation with Jane Nield talking about Sophie’s new book at BMI on 12 August at 6pm Meet the Ladies of The Frock Shop Where clothes are just the start of the story Australian bestseller Sophie Green returns with a sparkling story about the beauty of
BMI Trivia Night Put your local knowledge to the test at a fun and engaging Trivia Night at the historic Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute! Gather your friends and join us for an evening of fascinating questions about Ballarat’s rich history and the remarkable story of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute – one of Victoria’s oldest continually operating libraries
Trivia Night Fundraiser
26 August Doors open 6.45pm | Tickets also available at the door
$25 per person | $20 BMI members
Minerva's Secrets Night Tours
Tue 19 May with special visit to Lantern Vaults
Tour 1 at 7pm – Tour 2 at 9pm.
Calling for Pre-loved books
These donation assist in our Library Fundraising Activities
We can take delivery during regular Library operating hours. See website footer.
Coming in November…
Stella Day Out, Ballarat, Rachael Johns & Margaret Hickey
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
Pre-Sale $60 from 6 Aug to 9 Aug - $65 thereafter
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.
