WordPress database error: [The table 'S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug' is full]INSERT INTO S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug (`timestamp`,`blog`,`request_id`,`trigger_activated`,`message`) VALUES ('2026-07-26 00:15:45.757','0','6a6551b1b8845',0,'DEBUG: [WorkflowEngine] Engine starting with execution id \"39ece36b972f819d7ed78b5bbb11b80d\" for user #guest (frontend)')
WordPress database error: [The table 'S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug' is full]INSERT INTO S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug (`timestamp`,`blog`,`request_id`,`trigger_activated`,`message`) VALUES ('2026-07-26 00:15:45.758','0','6a6551b1b8845',0,'DEBUG: [WorkflowEngine] Engine ready, listening for triggers')
WordPress database error: [The table 'S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug' is full]INSERT INTO S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug (`timestamp`,`blog`,`request_id`,`trigger_activated`,`message`) VALUES ('2026-07-26 00:15:45.760','0','6a6551b1b8845',0,'DEBUG: [WorkflowEngine] Loading all published workflows')
WordPress database error: [The table 'S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug' is full]INSERT INTO S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug (`timestamp`,`blog`,`request_id`,`trigger_activated`,`message`) VALUES ('2026-07-26 00:15:45.762','0','6a6551b1b8845',0,'DEBUG: [WorkflowEngine] All workflows are ready')
WordPress database error: [The table 'S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug' is full]INSERT INTO S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug (`timestamp`,`blog`,`request_id`,`trigger_activated`,`message`) VALUES ('2026-07-26 00:15:45.763','0','6a6551b1b8845',0,'DEBUG: [Plugin] Reviews module has been initialized successfully.')
WordPress database error: [The table 'S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug' is full]INSERT INTO S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug (`timestamp`,`blog`,`request_id`,`trigger_activated`,`message`) VALUES ('2026-07-26 00:15:45.763','0','6a6551b1b8845',0,'DEBUG: [Plugin] Notices module has been initialized successfully.')
WordPress database error: [The table 'S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug' is full]INSERT INTO S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug (`timestamp`,`blog`,`request_id`,`trigger_activated`,`message`) VALUES ('2026-07-26 00:15:45.764','0','6a6551b1b8845',0,'DEBUG: [Plugin] PublishPress\\Future\\Modules\\Debug\\Module module has been initialized successfully.')
WordPress database error: [The table 'S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug' is full]INSERT INTO S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug (`timestamp`,`blog`,`request_id`,`trigger_activated`,`message`) VALUES ('2026-07-26 00:15:45.765','0','6a6551b1b8845',0,'DEBUG: [Plugin] PublishPress\\Future\\Modules\\InstanceProtection\\Module module has been initialized successfully.')
WordPress database error: [The table 'S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug' is full]INSERT INTO S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug (`timestamp`,`blog`,`request_id`,`trigger_activated`,`message`) VALUES ('2026-07-26 00:15:45.765','0','6a6551b1b8845',0,'DEBUG: [Plugin] PublishPress\\Future\\Modules\\VersionNotices\\Module module has been initialized successfully.')
WordPress database error: [The table 'S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug' is full]INSERT INTO S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug (`timestamp`,`blog`,`request_id`,`trigger_activated`,`message`) VALUES ('2026-07-26 00:15:45.766','0','6a6551b1b8845',0,'DEBUG: [Plugin] PublishPress\\Future\\Modules\\Expirator\\Module module has been initialized successfully.')
WordPress database error: [The table 'S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug' is full]INSERT INTO S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug (`timestamp`,`blog`,`request_id`,`trigger_activated`,`message`) VALUES ('2026-07-26 00:15:45.767','0','6a6551b1b8845',0,'DEBUG: [Plugin] PublishPress\\Future\\Modules\\Settings\\Module module has been initialized successfully.')
WordPress database error: [The table 'S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug' is full]INSERT INTO S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug (`timestamp`,`blog`,`request_id`,`trigger_activated`,`message`) VALUES ('2026-07-26 00:15:45.767','0','6a6551b1b8845',0,'DEBUG: [Plugin] PublishPress\\Future\\Modules\\WooCommerce\\Module module has been initialized successfully.')
WordPress database error: [The table 'S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug' is full]INSERT INTO S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug (`timestamp`,`blog`,`request_id`,`trigger_activated`,`message`) VALUES ('2026-07-26 00:15:45.768','0','6a6551b1b8845',0,'DEBUG: [Plugin] PublishPress\\Future\\Modules\\Workflows\\Module module has been initialized successfully.')
WordPress database error: [The table 'S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug' is full]INSERT INTO S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug (`timestamp`,`blog`,`request_id`,`trigger_activated`,`message`) VALUES ('2026-07-26 00:15:45.769','0','6a6551b1b8845',0,'DEBUG: [Plugin] PublishPress\\Future\\Modules\\Backup\\Module module has been initialized successfully.')
26/06/2021 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm This film explains why this unique river, travelling from the Wombat Forests near Ballarat to the Barwon River at Geelong, is in trouble. "The River Moorabool" promotes alternative urban water supplies that would increase its flow and resilience in a changing climate. About 90% of the Moorabool’s natural flow is taken for human use. Dams…
07/07/2021 @ 10:00 am - 28/07/2021 @ 4:00 pm Free Image: View of Clunes towards lookout (detail), 2021 | Geoff Roderick Exhibition of Works During Geoff’s Painting Basics sessions a small exhibition of his works will be on display. Commission earned for works offered for sale during the exhibition will support BMI arts and cultural activities. Arts and cultural activities If you would like to provide feedback…
10/07/2021 @ 7:00 pm - 10:30 pm $20.00 Artwork: Jackson Dahlenberg Leah Senior with Champanzee. BMI is thrilled to host two groups with a very unique modern take on folk music in the Humffray Room. Leah Senior creates captivating folk music through ethereal vocals, thoughtful lyricism and blissful harmonies. This will be her first appearance to Ballarat since the release of The Passing…
15/09/2021 @ 10:00 am - 09/01/2022 @ 5:00 pm Image: Image: Brian Purnell, Michael Gudinski, Courtesy of Mushroom Creative House Number One | Gudinski (currently open Thursday to Sunday | updated 13/10/21) This element of the Ballarat International Foto Biennale will be held in the Basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute. We are thrilled to be a part of this wonderful event. About this…
02/10/2021 @ 10:00 am - 19/11/2021 @ 4:00 pm Image: Be My Valentine 2, 2020 | Melinda Muscat Exhibition of Works Prior to and during Melinda's Tin Art sessions a small exhibition of her works will be on display. Commission earned for works offered for sale during the exhibition will support BMI arts and cultural activities. This display will only be open during normal…
09/10/2021 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm $33.00 Image: Melinda Muscat | Burst of Sunshine, 2020 | Tin Art (full image below)A Tin Art Workshop | Melinda Muscat In this workshop you will get to make your very own piece of ready to hang tin art. Melinda has a range of designs and templates you can use or you can create your own simple design. You…
20/10/2021 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm $33.00 Image: Melinda Muscat | Burst of Sunshine, 2020 | Tin Art (full image below) A Tin Art Workshop | Melinda Muscat (10am - 1pm) In this workshop you will get to make your very own piece of ready to hang tin art. Melinda has a range of designs and templates you can use or you can create…
22/10/2021 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm $44 Celebrate International Champagne Day with a tasting workshop at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute with Amie Brûlée, Doctor of Wine. We’ll taste two champagnes side by side – a well-known big brand and hand-crafted grower Champagne. Amie will guide you through the tasting, explaining the similarities and differences, and what makes Champagne taste so good! As…
26/10/2021 @ 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm The Reading Room (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 you feedback through this form…
19/11/2021 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm $44 Discover the secrets of sparkling wine with a tasting workshop at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute with Amie Brûlée, Doctor of Wine. We’ll take you and your taste buds through a range of sparkling wines - including Champagne, Cava, Prosecco, and Australian sparkling - explaining the difference between the styles. You’ll learn about the history, production…
20/11/2021 @ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Come along and experience our Spring Maker & Community Market: Meet our makers & stallholders - More > Live music with the talented kids from Ballarat Centre of Music & the Arts (BCMA) - More > Free entry Visit our library as will will be hosting a BMI Fundraising BOOK SALE Our VINTAGE & COLLECTABLES …
30/11/2021 @ 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm 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…
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
WordPress database error: [The table 'S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug' is full]INSERT INTO S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug (`timestamp`,`blog`,`request_id`,`trigger_activated`,`message`) VALUES ('2026-07-26 00:15:46.964','0','6a6551b1b8845',0,'DEBUG: [WorkflowEngine] Engine finished processing request (1208 ms)')
WordPress database error: [The table 'S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug' is full]INSERT INTO S1JQUJ_postexpirator_debug (`timestamp`,`blog`,`request_id`,`trigger_activated`,`message`) VALUES ('2026-07-26 00:15:46.968','0','6a6551b1b8845',0,'DEBUG: Shutdown')
