The Reading Room

Heritage Reading Room Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

The Reading Room This volunteer run reading and discussion group meets monthly, the last Monday of the month, in the Heritage Reading Room (subject to availability) . Members will select books to be discussed which will include fiction, non-fiction, poetry and short stories. If you would like to be a part of this group (free […]

Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute | Series

Lending Library Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, Victoria, Australia

A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days.

$11.78

Ballarat Chess Club

BMI - Humffray Room 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

Meet Thursdays in the Humffray Room

$3 – $80

Kadampa Meditation Series | New Beginnings: How to Start Meditating

Lending Library Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, Victoria, Australia

February 5 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Free – $15 Lending Library These classes offer simple, practical methods to improve the quality of our life and develop inner peace through meditation and Buddhist teachings. The in-person setting fosters a supportive community and offers real-time interaction with the teacher for personalized guidance. Classes include guided […]

Free – $15

In Conversation with Jane Cafarella

BMI - Humffray Room 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

February 18 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm $10 Humffray Room Get Tickets Cleaved Jane Cafarella. A story of loss, legs and finding family It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM Former journalist for The […]

$10

Kadampa Meditation Series | New Beginnings: How to Start Meditating

Lending Library Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, Victoria, Australia

February 5 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Free – $15 Lending Library These classes offer simple, practical methods to improve the quality of our life and develop inner peace through meditation and Buddhist teachings. The in-person setting fosters a supportive community and offers real-time interaction with the teacher for personalized guidance. Classes include guided […]

Free – $15

In Conversation with Megan Brown & Lucy Sussex

February 25 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm $10 Humffray Room Get Tickets Outrageous Fortunes Megan Brown & Lucy Sussex Megan & Lucy will be hosted in conversation by Dr. Meg Tasker The Adventures of Mary Fortune, Crime-writer, and Her Criminal Son 'Engrossingly illuminating and ultimately deeply moving' - John Connolly 'Mary Fortune's bold fictions […]

$10

Kadampa Meditation Series | The Path of Peace: Three Ways to a Simpler Life

Lending Library Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, Victoria, Australia

February 26 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Free – $15 Lending Library These classes offer simple, practical methods to improve the quality of our life and develop inner peace through meditation and Buddhist teachings. The in-person setting fosters a supportive community and offers real-time interaction with the teacher for personalized guidance. Classes include guided […]

Free – $15
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