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Lantern Vaults Raffle Winner Drawn at Ballarat
Two women smiling holding framed artwork in a library

Lantern Vaults – Prize Winner

Lantern Vaults

Prize Winner has been drawn

The raffle draw for Amanda Western’s work that brought you Lantern Vaults to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute during the Ballarat Heritage Festival has been drawn.

And the winner is… Leigh Maylor, who is thrilled.

Leigh was  notified by BMI President, Paula Nicholson.

Two women smiling holding framed artwork in a library
BMI Librarian, Rosemary McInerney and Artist, Amanda Western at the drawing of the raffle | Photo Elaine Maberly
Victorian auctioneer holding ornate vase before seated crowd
Auctioneer, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western

Visitors had the oppportunity to move through the vaulted spaces in small groups, encountering a series of scenes that unfold quietly and gradually. The experience was of approximately 25–30 minute duration.

“This is about stepping into the building’s memory,” says Western. “You’re not just looking at history, you’re moving through it and meeting the people who lived and worked here.”

Lantern Vaults is written and directed by Amanda Western, featuring her detailed linocut artworks some in sculptural form, with animation and projection by Zlatko Balazic, and voice by Tabitha Rickard.

Three people posing in underground stone cellar or cave
Photo credit: Alex Western. L to R Zlatko Balazic, Amanda Western, Tabitha Rickard

Recent News

Trivia Night Fundraiser

26 August Doors open 6.45pm | Tickets also available at the door

$25 per person | $20 BMI members

Minerva's Secrets Night Tours

Tue 19 May with special visit to Lantern Vaults

Tour 1 at 7pm – Tour 2 at 9pm. 

BMI Fundraising Events book donation promotional image

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

Spring Season, History Talks:

Ballarat's Henry Lawson - The Dragon's Den - Gold! Gold! Gold!

Wed 3, 17 & 24 September, 5.30pm

Christmas Holiday Closures | Library

Monday 23 December – Sunday 5 January

Vintage Fashion Parade

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

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.

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