News Archive

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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From the Chair

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

Events Program Diversity I have heard from many members lately, that they are thrilled and excited to read about the programming diversity and the level of activity now becoming the norm and not the exception, as they peruse our monthly newsletters. This has indeed been a focus for us through all areas of the business,

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Theatre Production

21 HEARTS, A Theatre 180 Production | Participant Feedback

21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke, a THEATRE 180 production Held at BMI 10 & 11 July 2026 Many thanks to the BMI Crew & Audience We are constantly moved and overwhelmed by the connection of these brave nurses to people all over Australia and the keen interest by patrons

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Colourful woven African basket with leather handles on kitchen bench
Women of the Well

Women of the Well, 107 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central

Women of the Well  170 Sturt Street – pop in to say hello to Mary & Mary No strangers to the BMI as they supported our Design Markets here in the Minerva Space. We wish them well in their new enterprise. Their shop at 170 Sturt Street certainly enhances our little shopping strip. Open Monday

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Lest Angels Weep book cover, Rosemary's Book of the Week BMI Library
Book of the Week

Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Lest Angels Weep by Phillipa Nefri Clark

Lest Angels Weep Phillipa Nefri Clark Don’t miss Phillipa who will be in conversation with Kate Atkinson talking about Phillipa’s new book at BMI on  29 July at 6pm The new case is cold. Stone cold. Until another murder with striking similarities rocks a remote outback town. Detective Liz Moorland is desperate to get out

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21 HEARTS: Vivian Bulwinkel & The Nurses of the Vyner Brooke

Sat 11 June at 7pm

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

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.

Raise a Glass for Brass

The Little Brass Band BMI Fundraiser

Sun 10 August at 2pm

 Coming in November

Stella Day Out, Ballarat, Rachael Johns & Margaret Hickey

with Gail Holmes

 Wed 4 June at 6pm

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 

Spring Season, History Talks:

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

Wed 3, 17 & 24 September, 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

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.

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing