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Innovators:

Uncovering some of Ballarat's best minds.

Session 1
Back to the future: Science fiction to science fact.

Graeme Hood

Amateur historian and retired electrical engineer on the astounding life of Ballarat’s gentleman inventor, Henry Sutton.


Graeme Hood
Graeme Hood

Asoc. Prof. Peter Vamplew

Peter is from the School of Engineering, Federation University his subject will be on the rise of artificial intelligence and it’s amazing potential for our lives.

Assoc. Prof. Peter Vamplew

Series Artwork: 

Glass Plate, Henry Sutton, Colour Photograph, 1890s 
Courtesy Federation University Historical Collection.

Artwork Plate Viewer: 

Don’t miss seeing the ‘viewer’ that Henry Sutton created the series artwork on, on display in the Library.

Courtesy: Federation University Historical Collection.

Plate Viewer, The Junior Kromskop, c1899

The session will take place in the Humffray Room, Level 4, though this will depend on final numbers.

Bar open from 5.00pm | Talk starts at 5.30pm

Tickets | Session Cost

The session cost is $12 per person | $10 per person for BMI members.

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 – 2 tours: 7.30pm & 9.30pm

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

Fundraising Dinner
17 May. 

  Performance – 18 May.

Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

16 to 25 May 

Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective

Wed 2-30 April, 5.30pm

Australian Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

18 April to 18 May

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

Fundraising Dinner
17 May. 

  Performance – 18 May.

Christmas Holiday Closures | Library

Monday 23 December – Sunday 5 January

Devonshire Tea & Fashion Parade

Bubbly on arrival & Featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop | $60

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2025 Calendar

Featuring the BMI Image Collection | Now $20

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.

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing