Writing

Jock Serong | In Conversation

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

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Meet the Author | Maya Linnell

Maya Linnell From 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

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Meet the Author | A. J. Lyndon

A. J. Lyndon I have a long standing interest in history, particularly the English Civil Wars of the 17th century. In 2014 I started writing a novel about the “War Without an enemy” as it was described by an army commander in 1643. The Welsh Linnet was published in 2017. The sequel, The Tawny Sash, will be published

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The Reading Room

The Reading Room This volunteer run reading and discussion group meets monthly, the last Monday of the month, in the Heritage Reading Room (subject to availability) . Members will select books to be discussed which will include fiction, non-fiction, poetry and short stories. If you would like to be a part of this group (free

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Tracey Lee Holmes: A Life Through Sport

Thu 4 September at 6pm

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

Tax Deductible 

Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.

We need
your help.

2024 End of Financial Year Appeal 

Or alternatively go to our Donations web page.

Our Challenge

Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges. 

We thank you for your support.
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