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In Conversation with Clare Fletcher

‘Funny, warm, and real…. Cements Clare Fletcher’s position as queen of the Aussie country town romance. Long may she reign!’– Hayley Scrivenor The 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 […]

In Conversation with Clare Fletcher Read More »

Woodcut of the BMI

Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute | Victorian Seniors Festival

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

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Meet the Author | Justin Smith

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 »

image of the statue of minerva at night, dark blue sky with statue up light

Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tours

Explore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours! This beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to

Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tours Read More »

image of the statue of minerva at night, dark blue sky with statue up light

Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tours

Explore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours! This beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to

Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tours Read More »

image of the statue of minerva at night, dark blue sky with statue up light

Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tours

Explore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours! This beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to

Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tours Read More »

image of the statue of minerva at night, dark blue sky with statue up light

Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tours

Explore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours! This beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to

Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tours Read More »

image of the statue of minerva at night, dark blue sky with statue up light

Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tours

Explore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours! This beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to

Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tours Read More »

image of the statue of minerva at night, dark blue sky with statue up light

Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tours

Explore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours! This beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to

Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tours Read More »

image of the statue of minerva at night, dark blue sky with statue up light

Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tours

Explore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours! This beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to

Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tours Read More »

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

Sunday 6 September at 2pm - Cost $65

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.

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2024 End of Financial Year Appeal 

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Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges. 

We thank you for your support.