17/09/2022 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm $12 This engaging, highly informative film is a must-see for communities like Ballarat and Moorabool who are keen to understand the environmental and lifestyle implications of Victoria’s 21st-century mining boom. Filmed over three years, 'Mine-Field' (2022) shows how a farming community in East Gippsland fought a ruthless mining company and won. It reveals the devastating impact…
15/04/2023 @ 9:00 am - 16/04/2023 @ 2:00 pm Book Sale We will be hosting a book sale in the Library on both Saturday & Sunday from 9am-2pm each day. The books on sale have been donated to the BMI by members and the Ballarat community to assist in raising funds for Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution. Prices range from $1 to $10 | Some…
24/09/2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm $25 Explore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours! This beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to…
24/09/2023 @ 9:00 pm - 10:00 pm $25 Explore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours! This beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to…
07/10/2023 - 08/10/2023 Free Image: above Clem Onojeghuo Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 October, 10am - 2pm This event is an important fundraiser for the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute. Venue: Library, Ground Floor Book Donations In the lead-up to the Book Sale we are happy to take book donations to assist in raising badly needed funds. We can take delivery…
22/10/2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm $25 Explore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours! This beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to…
22/10/2023 @ 9:00 pm - 10:00 pm $25 Explore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours! This beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to…
28/10/2023 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm $60 Take part in this important BMI fundraiser The BMI vintage & Pre-loved Shop are showcasing their waresMake time for a lovely get together. A glass of champagne on entry with music accompaniment and a beautiful high tea with:Fashion Parade 6 x Models will be displaying outfits from the shop.We will be hosting a Silen Auction of…
26/11/2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm $25 Explore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours! This beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to…
26/11/2023 @ 9:00 pm - 10:00 pm $25 Special Offer November Explore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours!This beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just…
01/12/2023 @ 9:30 am - 3:30 pm $100 – $1000 Take part in this important BMI fundraiser 9 holes of golf (approximately 2.5hrs) followed by lunch, an auction, presentations and then the option to play another 9 holes of golf and enjoy daylight saving on the picturesque golf course. This is a fund raising day for BMI and an opportunity to reward your people with…
02/12/2023 - 03/12/2023 Free Image: above Clem Onojeghuo Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 December, 10am - 2pm This event is an important fundraiser for the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute. Venue: Library, Ground Floor Book Donations In the lead-up to the Book Sale we are happy to take book donations to assist in raising funds for this grand old beauty. We…
Minerva's Secrets Night Tours
Tue 19 May with special visit to Lantern Vaults
Tour 1 at 7pm – Tour 2 at 9pm.
Remembrance Day:
A Surgeon Commander & A Leading Cook - Recent War Memoribilia
Wed 29 Oct & 5 Nov, 5.30pm.
Calling for Pre-loved books
These donation assist in our Library Fundraising Activities
We can take delivery during regular Library operating hours. See website footer.
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
Pre-Sale $60 from 6 Aug to 9 Aug - $65 thereafter
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
