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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 Begonia Festival

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

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Ballarat Heritage Festival

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

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Woodcut of the BMI

School tour of the BMI – October 2025

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

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Rosemary’s Book of the Week

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

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Rosemary’s Book of the Week

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

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Guides in period costume

Minerva's Secrets Night Tours

Night Tours

Fri 31 Oct – Sat 15 Nov

& Fri 12 Dec
 

Tour 1 at 7pm
Tour 2 at 9pm. 

Ballarat Heritage Festival BMI Day Tours

Two tours  on 20 &  21 May 

 

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

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. 

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

with Nicole Alexander

28 May at 6pm

Linen & Lace Exhbition

Includes Devonshire Tea | $20

Sat & Sun 22, 23 Oct
10am-4pm

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 November

Stella Day Out, Ballarat, Rachael Johns & Margaret Hickey

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.

 Coming soon

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

Thu 16 Oct – 19 Oct 

Remembrance Day:

A Surgeon Commander & A Leading Cook - Recent War Memoribilia

Wed 29 Oct & 5 Nov, 5.30pm

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing