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…

January reading – More> 

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

Melbourne Fringe Festival official black and white logo

Fringe Encore Ballarat

22/09/2026 No Comments

Fringe Encore Ballarat Fringe Encore: BallaratEvery great show deserves an encore. A week after the 2026 Festival wraps, Fringe Encore: Ballarat brings the adventurous spirit of Melbourne Fringe to regional Victoria for a vibrant weekend of surprising art. Whether you’re making the trip from Melbourne or discovering the program in your own backyard, it’s a

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Melbourne Fringe Encore Ballarat October 2026 newsletter cover

Newsletter – October 2026

20/09/2026 No Comments

Rosemary’s New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks – Live Music – Film – LIve Theatre – Message from Executive Manager – fundraisers Digital version coming soon…

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Man holding trophy at 29th Compass Awards Presentation 2020

Award for BMI Event Technical Crew Member – Chee Wei Tay

16/09/2026 No Comments

Wonderful news from Singapore | Ballarat-based Creative Director and composer Chee Wei Tay received major Singapore music honour. Chee Wei Tay is part of the BMI Events Team A proud moment on stage at the 20th Compass Awards Presentation 2026, where an award recipient Chee Wei Tay delivers his acceptance speech at the COMPASS Awards

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Sally Mackinnon promotes her fashion book Styled

Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Styled by Sally Mackinnon

14/09/2026 No Comments

Styled Sally Mackinnon Don’t miss Sally who will be talking about her new book at BMI on 29 September at 6pm Personal stylist Sally Mackinnon, known to her almost 400K (Instagram & Facebook) community, brings STYLED — a warm, practical and refreshingly realistic guide to building personal style with confidence, clarity and ease. Drawing on

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