The Reading Room | Now rescheduled to 2 May

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 […]

Feeling Out Loud: Writing Poetry

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

A relaxed session of writing poetry as personal catharsis. Let your feelings flow onto the page with a series of writing prompts and the gift of time to write, with the option to share your poetic works out loud in a safe, facilitated space. Confirmation This FREE event is being run by Ballarat Libraries Get […]

Meet the Author | Bill “Swampy” Marsh

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

About Bill Swampy Marsh: The Australian Outback can be harsh, but it's the kind of place where you either learn to laugh off your troubles or fold under the pressure. Bill 'Swampy' Marsh has a deep affection and respect for people living in the Australian Bush, and he's spent more than twenty years travelling to […]

$10

Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute

Library Ground Floor Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

Image: Courtesy Paul Lambeth The Tour (by day) A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. Tuesday’s at 2pm By appointment only, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Please complete the on-line booking form. Cost (incl. gst) $10 per person Find out about our Night Tours More Tour Information Enq/Book a […]

$10.00

Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute

Library Ground Floor Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

Image: Courtesy Paul Lambeth The Tour (by day) A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. Tuesday’s at 2pm By appointment only, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Please complete the on-line booking form. Cost (incl. gst) $10 per person Find out about our Night Tours More Tour Information Enq/Book a […]

$10.00

Ballarat Film Society – Both Sides of the Blade

BMI - Minerva Space 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC

France, 2021, 116 min.  Directed by Claire Denis Scorching Love Triangle Drama Celebrated veteran film director, Claire Denis developed and shot this film during different stages of Covid-19 lockdowns in France (as is reflected in some of the outdoor scenes). Juliette Binoche and Vincent Lindon play an apparently happy couple whose relationship is unsettled when […]

Book Launch | Look Back on Languor: The memoir of a hurkle-durkle Australian male

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

Dr Frank Hurley OAM is well-known and highly respected in the Ballarat community, nowhere more so than in BMI circles has written a memoir titled Look Back on Languor: The memoir of a hurkle-durkle Australian male. The book will be launched at the BMI, in the Humffray Room, at 5.00 - 6.30 p.m. on Friday […]

Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute

Library Ground Floor Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

Image: Courtesy Paul Lambeth The Tour (by day) A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. Tuesday’s at 2pm By appointment only, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Please complete the on-line booking form. Cost (incl. gst) $10 per person Find out about our Night Tours More Tour Information Enq/Book a […]

$10.00

Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute

Library Ground Floor Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

Image: Courtesy Paul Lambeth The Tour (by day) A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. Tuesday’s at 2pm By appointment only, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Please complete the on-line booking form. Cost (incl. gst) $10 per person Find out about our Night Tours More Tour Information Enq/Book a […]

$10.00

Meet the Author | Olivia Wearne & Elizabeth Coleman

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

The Woman Who Knew Too Little by Olivia Wearne  A Routine Infidelity by Elizabeth Coleman THE similarities keep coming for two local authors who discovered they recently published their latest works a couple of days apart from each other. Now Elizabeth Coleman and Olivia Wearne have become fast friends following the release of their second novels. […]

$10
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 | $40

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