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
A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno, chief of police of the Dordogne town of St Denis, is no stranger to murder. But when he receives a phone call from his friend, Pamela, reporting a fatal attack on her newly arrived lodger, Josette Quirit, he is forced to recuse himself from the investigation due to
National Reconciliation Week City of Ballarat Ballarat National Reconciliation Week Flagraising National Reconciliation Week. 27th May-3rd June The City of Ballarat and Community partners are ‘All In’ with a National Reconciliation Week Launch to Mark the Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum. 9:30am Join Wadawurrung Elder and WTOAC members, with the City of Ballarat Mayor and KEAG
May unfolded as another vibrant and exciting month for the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute with new activities and visitors weaving throughout an already busy regular schedule. From the Board’s perspective, it was a month that truly demonstrated both the strength of our cultural identity and the challenges that accompany our growing momentum. I hope many of
The Second Wife Ali Lowe The Fairchild family have it all. But as Sydney Harbour Bridge starts to disappear in the rear-view window of the luxury liner, so too does any pretence that this is a happy family. Unbeknownst to his children, CEO and patriarch Irving had planned to use the cruise to reveal his
The Model Murder Amanda Hampson Don’t miss Amanda who will be in conversation with local radio presenter Prue Bentley talking about Amanda’s new book at BMI on Wednesday 27 May at 6.30pm A Tea Ladies Mystery A model vanishes – A man is murdered – and the Tea Ladies are back on the case. Sydney, 1968. In a shadowy
Minerva's Secrets Night Tours
Tue 19 May with special visit to Lantern Vaults
Tour 1 at 7pm – Tour 2 at 9pm.
Linen & Lace Exhbition
Includes Devonshire Tea | $20
Sat & Sun 22, 23 Oct
10am-4pm
Remembrance Day:
A Surgeon Commander & A Leading Cook - Recent War Memoribilia
Wed 29 Oct & 5 Nov, 5.30pm.
Coming soon…
Rozzi Bazzani. Stella Day Out: Katia Ariel & Samah Sabawi, Rachael Johns
Coming soon…
Dianne Dempsey, Chrissie Bellbrae, Paula Gleeson, Rozzi Bazzani.
Coming in November…
Stella Day Out, Ballarat, Rachael Johns & Margaret Hickey
Australian Heritage Festival
Minerva's Secrets
25 April – Tour 1 at 7.30pm – fully booked
Tour 2 at 9.30pm – still tickets.
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 | $60
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.
2 course dinner & lots
of dancing
