News Archive

Monica McInerney author photo with When Sullivan Met Lola book cover
Book of the Week

Rosemary’s Book of the Week | When Sullivan Met Lola by Monica McInerney

When Sullivan Met Lola Monica McInerney Don’t miss Monica who will be talking about her new book at BMI on  5 October at 6pm The eagerly awaited new novel by beloved Australian author Monica McInerney. Lola Quinlan is eighty-six. If her time on earth is running out, she’s not leaving quietly. Against the wishes of

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Melbourne Fringe Encore Ballarat October 2026 newsletter cover
Newsletter

Newsletter – October 2026

Rosemary’s New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks – Live Music – Film – LIve Theatre – Message from Executive Manager – fundraisers Digital version coming soon…

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From the Chair

A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | October 2026

A Busy October I wonder whether you will all agree when you make your way through the pages of this newsletter that October is shaping up to be a very busy and exciting month at the BMI. Fundraising Events | Book Sale, Vintage Fashion Parade & Errard Hall Open Garden Firstly though, thank you to

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Man holding trophy at 29th Compass Awards Presentation 2020
From the Venue Manager

Award for BMI Event Technical Crew Member – Chee Wei Tay

Wonderful news from Singapore | Ballarat-based Creative Director and composer Chee Wei Tay received major Singapore music honour. Chee Wei Tay is part of the BMI Events Team A proud moment on stage at the 20th Compass Awards Presentation 2026, where an award recipient Chee Wei Tay delivers his acceptance speech at the COMPASS Awards

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Membership

BMI AGM 2026 – Monday 28 September, 5pm

The Institute’s 2026 Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday, 28 September at 5pm | Humffray Room. All members of the Institute are invited to attend. Voting members are reminded that they can provide proxy attendance for the meeting (proxy forms are available below). Members are asked to RSVP to the meeting by Friday

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Fundraiser for Ballarat RSL & BMI

$33 per person

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.

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

Sunday 6 September at 2pm - Cost $65

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.