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
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
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 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
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
A Statement on behalf of the BNT Board God of Carnage. After much difficult deliberation, Ballarat National Theatre have made the heartbreaking decision to cancel this week’s production of God of Carnage. One of our cast members, Samantha White, was involved in a major car accident a week ago. While we are relieved that she
The Swift Dark Tide Katia Ariel Don’t miss Katia at the BMI on Wednesday 5 November at 6pm. Katia will be in conversation with author Kelly Gardiner This is a FREE community event brought to you by the Stella Prize as Stella Day Out Ballarat. The Swift Dark Tide What happens when, in the middle
Minerva's Secrets Night Tours
Night Tours
Fri 31 Oct – Sat 15 Nov
& Fri 12 Dec
Tour 1 at 7pm
Tour 2 at 9pm.
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.
Featuring the BMI Image Collection | Now $20
Bubbly on arrival & Featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop | $60
Spring Season, History Talks:
Ballarat's Henry Lawson - The Dragon's Den - Gold! Gold! Gold!
Wed 3, 17 & 24 September, 5.30pm.
Australian Heritage Festival
Minerva's Secrets
25 April – Tour 1 at 7.30pm – fully booked
Tour 2 at 9.30pm – still tickets.
Linen & Lace Exhbition
Includes Devonshire Tea | $20
Sat & Sun 22, 23 Oct
10am-4pm
Coming in November…
Stella Day Out, Ballarat, Rachael Johns & Margaret Hickey
Coming soon…
Dianne Dempsey, Chrissie Bellbrae, Paula Gleeson, Rozzi Bazzani.
Coming soon…
Rozzi Bazzani. Stella Day Out: Katia Ariel & Samah Sabawi, Rachael Johns
Remembrance Day:
A Surgeon Commander & A Leading Cook - Recent War Memoribilia
Wed 29 Oct & 5 Nov, 5.30pm.
2 course dinner & lots
of dancing
