Latest Events
As Ballarat’s independent home of Arts and Culture we host a wide range of events throughout the year! – Make sure you check out the BMI events calendar to see what we have coming up.
Book Sale | Reward yourself with some excellent Spring reading
September 5 @ 10:00 am - September 6 @ 2:00 pm Free Books priced from $5 - more for collectable items. Discover your next great read at The BMI Library...
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Fashion Parade Fundraiser | Vintage & Collectables
September 6 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm $65 Get Tickets Take part in this important BMI fundraiser The BMI vintage & Pre-loved Shop are showcasing their wares Make time...
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Kadampa Meditation Series | Breaking Bad Habits: How to Change the Patterns That Shape Our Life
September 9 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Free – $12 – $12 – $12 Lending Library, ground floor These classes offer simple, practical methods to improve the quality of...
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Ballarat Film Society | Kōkā
September 10 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Minerva Room Māori Roadtrip Film The Māori celebration of New Year in July, marked by the rising of the stars in the...
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Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Neighbourhood Watch by Lauren Williams
Neighbourhood Watch Lauren Williams Don’t
Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Frock Shop by Sophie Green
The Frock Shop Sophie Green
Our Library | New Releases, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026
New Releases, Recommendations & Author
Read up on the latest happenings at the BMI. From Library news and exhibitions to the latest word from board and staff.
Venue Hire
The BMI has a number of beautiful spaces that are available for hire. With reasonable ‘pay-for-what-you-need’ pricing, stunning heritage architecture, and modern facilities, it is the perfect place for your next event.
Membership
Invest in the Ballarat community by becoming a BMI member. Membership to the organisation allows you to borrow books from the lending library, as well as discounts to BMI events and other perks.
Supporters & Partners
If you would like to support the BMI as a Strategic Partner, as an Event Partner or Supporter, or you would like to consider a Corporate Membership then we would like to hear from you.
Find out who supports the BMI.
Our History
John B. Humffray arrived in Melbourne on the 19th of September 1853 on the Star of the East and had found himself in Ballaarat by 1854.
Because of the conditions he had seen on the goldfields he formed the Reform League to advocate for better conditions and treatment of the diggers by Government Officials. He was elected unopposed as an M.L.C. in 1855 and was elected as an M.L.A. in 1856 for North Grant.
Humffray was elected as President of the Committee of Management of the Mechanics Institute in May of 1859 when the reading room was established at the Ballarat Fire Brigade in Barkly Street. His term of office was interrupted by his Parliamentary duties so was succeeded by Andrew Anderson in 1860.
