Twilight Talks 2023 | Season 1

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

Making a difference to Ballarat’s homeless - Ballarat Future Shapers & Michael Poulton. Bar open from 5.00pm | Talk starts at 5.30pm Ballarat Future Shapers Western Region leadership project and how they dreamed big to help the homeless and deliver the Sleepbus to Ballarat. Michael Poulton Michael is the current CEO of the Committee for Ballarat, a role […]

Free

Twilight Talks 2023 | Season 1

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

Your data and how to protect it - George Fong  & Dr Omaru Maruatona Bar open from 5.00pm | Talk starts at 5.30pm George Fong Founder of Lateral Plains George Fong is the founder and Nerd Herder of Lateral Plains, one of the oldest IT companies in the region. He is Chair of the Committee […]

Free

Jock Serong | In Conversation

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

Jock Serong We’re excited to be bringing acclaimed author Jock Serong back to Ballarat after his success facilitating our much loved Ann Cleeves event last year. Jock will be In Conversation with debut author, Lyn Yeowart. Don’t miss this chance to see this engaging speaker live. Lyn Yeowart | Credit LJM Photography The Settlement | Jock […]

Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute | Victorian Seniors Festival

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

The Tour (by day) A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. These tours are lead by volunteer tour guides. Victorian Seniors Festival Attendees $5, non seniors $10 per person (Seniors Status identity to be shown). Accessiblity - Note Most of this tour is wheelchair accessible, however the tour does include entry into the […]

$5

Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute | Victorian Seniors Festival

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

The Tour (by day) A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. These tours are lead by volunteer tour guides. Victorian Seniors Festival Attendees $5, non seniors $10 per person (Seniors Status identity to be shown). Accessiblity - Note Most of this tour is wheelchair accessible, however the tour does include entry into the […]

$5

Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute | Victorian Seniors Festival

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

The Tour (by day) A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. These tours are lead by volunteer tour guides. Victorian Seniors Festival Attendees $5, non seniors $10 per person (Seniors Status identity to be shown). Accessiblity - Note Most of this tour is wheelchair accessible, however the tour does include entry into the […]

$5

Twilight Talks 2024 | Season 1

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

Wednesdays, Starting at 5.30pm (bar open at 5pm) | The full program, is coming soon...

Free

Twilight Talks 2024, Season 2, Session 1 | At Play in the Fields of the past: Roleplaying, gaming and local heritage

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

This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics' Institute, meaning many had their first ever experience of 'moving pictures' in […]

$8 – $12

Twilight Talks 2024, Season 2, Session 2 | Not the Last Picture Show: The Lost City of Melbourne

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

This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics' Institute, meaning many had their first ever experience of 'moving pictures' in […]

$10 – $15

Twilight Talks 2024, Season 2, Session 3 | Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI

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

This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics' Institute, meaning many had their first ever experience of 'moving pictures' in […]

$8 – $12

with Nicole Alexander

28 May at 6pm

Ballarat Heritage Festival BMI Day Tours

Two tours  on 20 &  21 May 

 

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 – Tour 1 at 7.30pm – fully booked
Tour 2 at 9.30pm – still tickets. 

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  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

  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