Ballarat Marathon 2026 | Limited access to the BMI
25 & 26 April 2026
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National Science Week
15 – 23 August | As BMI associated events are confirmed they will be listed HERE.
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BMI Monthly Calendar 2026
$40 – limited stock This year our 2026 calendar will feature twelve illustrations from the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute heritage book collection. All funds raised will go towards supporting the BMI – a not-for-profit community-owned organisation, continuing to share knowledge through our library and associated member services, providing a unique place to engage with history, and a vibrant hub for community events. The Calendar: If you would like to purchase the
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Update from Liam Mudge, Venue Manager | Stage Ready
Stage Ready The BMI has received funding to launch Stage Ready — a new non-formal technical-theatre training program for regional creatives. The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (BMI) is pleased to announce it has secured $22,946 to deliver Stage Ready, a training program designed to support emerging production talent and strengthen regional creative capability. Launching in 2026, Stage Ready
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The Guardian | The Rural Newtork – I joined the oldest and most overlooked library in my town – and it feels like being part of a secret club – Dellaram Vreeland
The Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute has had a reading room for 165 years but today it has just 530 members – and tens of thousands of book lovers are missing out. I love my local libraries. I adore the staff, the ambience, the facilities and the free wifi. As a freelancer, hot-desking without needing to pay
Ballarat Heritage Festival
21 – 24 May 2026 With Ballarat’s stunning Victorian architecture as the backdrop the annual festival highlights the city’s golden past and evolving future. Stay tuned for event updates on the Ballarat Heritage Festival. 2026 theme, Hidden Histories, will shine a light on the lesser-known stories, characters, and moments that have shaped Ballarat — the
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School tour of the BMI – October 2025
School Tours of the BMIOn 9 October the BMI hosted students from: Lucas Primary School Lal Lal Primary Delecombe Primary Buninyong Primary, and, Mt Egerton Primary Event Overview An engaging, educational day at the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute, designed to spark creativity and curiosity. The program includes a poetry writing workshop to develop writing skills, a guided
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Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute – Life Time Membership, Heritage Collection Volunteer, Marion Blythman
Marion Blythman Marion has been working on the BMI Heritage Collection for about 18 years! She loves working with her current volunteer team, Dani Stonehouse, Mary Walker and Judy Peters, and is very keen to promote and publicize the wonderful treasure filled collection much more widely. Marion is also looking to include new volunteers
CDS Victoria, Collection Deposit Scheme | Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute
The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute is now registered as a charity for donations. We are raising funds to purchase new display shelves to improve access, usability, and comfort for our community. Anyone can now select the ‘Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’ from the charities list and donations will flow to our account, once the campaign is completed we will
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Australian Heritage Festival | 2026 Theme: Change
AUSTRALIAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL: Unearthed. 18 April to 18 May 2026. BMI related events will be listed here as they confirm.
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