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News Archive - Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute

News Archive

The Frock Shop by Sophie Green, Rosemary's Book of the Week
Book of the Week

Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Frock Shop by Sophie Green

The Frock Shop Sophie Green Don’t miss Sophie who will be in conversation with Jane Nield talking about Sophie’s new book at BMI on 12 August at 6pm Meet the Ladies of The Frock Shop Where clothes are just the start of the story Australian bestseller Sophie Green returns with a sparkling story about the beauty of

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Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute Trivia Night Fundraiser promotional poster
Fundraising Events

Trivia Night Fundraiser

BMI Trivia Night Put your local knowledge to the test at a fun and engaging Trivia Night at the historic Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute! Gather your friends and join us for an evening of fascinating questions about Ballarat’s rich history and the remarkable story of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute – one of Victoria’s oldest continually operating libraries

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Cold River by Margaret Hickey, Rosemary's Book of the Week
Book of the Week

Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey

Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep in the mountains, secrets grow deadly… Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor, a young man lost up Mount Viking, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist, researching the

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Newsletter cover featuring model in vintage fur coat
Newsletter

Newsletter – August 2026

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

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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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