16/11/2023 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm $10 An isolated, empty ski resort in the off-season. A woman who doesn’t want to be found. A man who may not be who he appears to be. A game of cat and mouse – with deadly consequences. On the run from a controlling husband and his underworld associates in Melbourne, Charlotte has adopted a new…
In Conversation with Gabriel Bergmoser Read More »
11/10/2023 @ 5:15 pm – 7:15 pm Free An evening of history and hope with local historian Dr Marguerita Stephens and local documentary film-maker James Freemantle.The Years of Terror meticulously documents the struggle of the Kulin clans to hold Country as La Trobe unleashed ‘the terror of British law’ on them.Based on the journal of Assistant Protector William Thomas, this work provides a
Past Truths/Bright Futures Read More »
11/11/2023 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Free What if staying with the man you love meant leaving everything behind? There is little joy for Eliza, the well-educated wife of a dissolute cavalry officer, living in the colony of New South Wales in the early 1830s. Charmed by the attentions of a handsome stockman, the tempestuous ex-convict, Martin Cash, she flees her loveless
From the Shadows by Gillian Gregory | Book Launch Read More »
07/10/2023 – 08/10/2023 Free Image: above Clem Onojeghuo Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 October, 10am – 2pm This event is an important fundraiser for the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Venue: Library, Ground Floor Book Donations In the lead-up to the Book Sale we are happy to take book donations to assist in raising badly needed funds. We can take delivery
28/09/2023 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm $10 Tania is an award-winning advertising strategist who has spent over twenty-five years working in Australia’s leading advertising agencies, telling stories for the world’s biggest brands. She has more recently built her own successful, brand consultancy iSPY. She has turned her hand from brand stories to human stories with the help of creative writing courses at
In Conversation with Tania Farrelly Read More »
05/10/2023 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm $10 ‘Funny, warm, and real…. Cements Clare Fletcher’s position as queen of the Aussie country town romance. Long may she reign!’– Hayley ScrivenorThe highly anticipated spin-off from Five Bush Weddings will have readers falling in love with footy, fashion and fabulous 1960s flashbacks.Clare Fletcher’s latest instalment from the fictional – and all too familiar – regional
In Conversation with Clare Fletcher Read More »
04/10/2023 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am $5 The Tour (by day) A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. These tours are lead by volunteer tour guides. Victorian Seniors Festival Attendees $5, non seniors $10 per person (Seniors Status identity to be shown). Accessiblity – Note Most of this tour is wheelchair accessible, however the tour does include entry into the
Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute | Victorian Seniors Festival Read More »
20/09/2023 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm $10 From the acclaimed author of Cooper Not Out comes an adventurous retelling of the first Melbourne Cup. Set in 1861 Victoria, Good as Gold is a cracking Australian-Western that reflects our colourful history — both the good and the bad. Critically acclaimed Cooper Not Out, described by The Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph as a ‘five star’ read
Meet the Author | Justin Smith Read More »
14/06/2023 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm Jock Serong We’re excited to be bringing acclaimed author Jock Serong back to Ballarat after his success facilitating our much loved Ann Cleeves event last year. Jock will be In Conversation with debut author, Lyn Yeowart. Don’t miss this chance to see this engaging speaker live. Lyn Yeowart | Credit LJM Photography The Settlement | Jock
Jock Serong | In Conversation Read More »
30/06/2023 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Maya LinnellFrom country show baking to raising orphaned lambs, bestselling author Maya Linnell writesabout the life she lives and loves. A keen bookworm, former rural journalist and radio show host.Maya is also an ambassador for the digital library app Libby OverDrive. She lives in rural Victoriawith a menagerie of animals, sweeping gardens, three bookworms and
Meet the Author | Maya Linnell Read More »
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.
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.
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
Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.
Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges.
