literature

In conversation with Fleur McDonald

Having sold over 700,000 copies of her books, Fleur has solidified her position as one of the country’s favourite storytellers. Australia’s leading rural literature author, Fleur’s books become best sellers almost as quickly as they hit the shelves. Her story lines are drawn from inspiration from having lived and worked for much of her life on […]

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Ann Cleeves | In Conversation with Jock Serong | Now fully booked Copy

Ballarat Libraries in partnership with BMI Meet Ann CleevesMeet Ann Cleeves on her 2022 Australian tour as she discusses Vera Stanhope’sreturn in her newest book, The Rising Tide.Ann Cleeves is the creator of popular detictives Vera Stanhome (ITV’s Vera), Jimmy Perez (BBC One’s Shetland), and Matthew Venn IITV’s The Long Call). Bookings are essential. Contact the

Ann Cleeves | In Conversation with Jock Serong | Now fully booked Copy Read More »

Current Affairs Dialogue | Discussion Group | NOW POSTPONED

Last months Summary: Three members met at the BMI on Thursday 29 September at 1.30 – 3.00 pm for the scheduled CAD session. Several apologies received. Subject was the Ukraine situation. Another stimulating discussion. It covered the centuries-old background to the current Russia-Ukraine conflict, rooted as it is in break-up of past empires, various peace

Current Affairs Dialogue | Discussion Group | NOW POSTPONED Read More »

Current Affairs Dialogue | Discussion Group | NOW POSTPONED

Last months Summary: Three members met at the BMI on Thursday 29 September at 1.30 – 3.00 pm for the scheduled CAD session. Several apologies received. Subject was the Ukraine situation. Another stimulating discussion. It covered the centuries-old background to the current Russia-Ukraine conflict, rooted as it is in break-up of past empires, various peace

Current Affairs Dialogue | Discussion Group | NOW POSTPONED Read More »

Chris Hammer | Now cancelled

Ballarat Libraries in partnership with BMI Join bestselling crime writer Chris Hammer in conversation with 2022 Indie Book Award winner for debut fiction Lyn Yeowart.  Hammer, the multi-award-winning author of Scrublands will be discussing his highly anticipated novel The Tilt. A must attend event for lovers of gripping, homegrown Australian crime writing. Yeowart’s debut novel (The

Chris Hammer | Now cancelled Read More »

Tracey Lee Holmes: A Life Through Sport

Thu 4 September at 6pm

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

Tax Deductible 

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2024 End of Financial Year Appeal 

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Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges. 

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The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2025 Calendar

Featuring the BMI Image Collection | Now $20

Devonshire Tea & Fashion Parade

Bubbly on arrival & Featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop | $60

Christmas Holiday Closures | Library

Monday 23 December – Sunday 5 January

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

Australian Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

18 April to 18 May

Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective

Wed 2-30 April, 5.30pm

Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

16 to 25 May 

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

with Michael Robotham

 Wed 20 August 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

Ballarat Heritage Festival BMI Day Tours

Two tours  on 20 &  21 May 

 

with Nicole Alexander

28 May at 6pm

with Gail Holmes

 Wed 4 June at 6pm

with Kylie Ladd

 Wed 25 June at 6pm

Ballarat Pride Month

Events at BMI

The Month of June 

Ballarat Winter Festival

Events at BMI

5 July – 27 July 

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing