Twilight Talks 2024, Season 2, Session 1 | At Play in the Fields of the past: Roleplaying, gaming and local heritage

BMI - Humffray Room 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics' Institute, meaning many had their first ever experience of 'moving pictures' in […]

$8 – $12

All Schubert Chamber Recital | Susan Pierotti, Zoe Knighton & Brian Chapman

BMI - Humffray Room 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

Violinist Susan Pierotti and pianist Brian Chapman join forces to present a Duo-Recital comprising a rich and varied selection of works by Ludwig van Beethoven. The concert opens with a perennial favourite - the engagingly melodious "Spring" Sonata in F, Op.24, followed by the composer's final Violin Sonata - the serenely pastoral G major Sonata […]

$15 – $35

In Conversation with Rita McInnes | Book Launch

BMI - Humffray Room 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

Wake the Dust by Rita McInnes Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer, Ella, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom […]

Free

Ballarat Chess Club

BMI - Humffray Room 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

Meet Thursdays in the Humffray Room

$3 – $80

Ballarat Chess Club

BMI - Humffray Room 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

Meet Thursdays in the Humffray Room

$3 – $80

Twilight Talks 2024 | Season 1

BMI - Humffray Room 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

Wednesdays, Starting at 5.30pm (bar open at 5pm) | The full program, is coming soon...

Free

Ballarat Chess Club

BMI - Humffray Room 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

Meet Thursdays in the Humffray Room

$3 – $80

Ballarat Chess Club

BMI - Humffray Room 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

Meet Thursdays in the Humffray Room.

$3 – $80

BMI Members Christmas Party with the Ballarat Singers

BMI - Humffray Room 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

Come along to help us welcome the festive season. We will be joined by the Ballarat Singers & The Little Brass Band for some joyous Caroling as well as a thank you to our volunteers and to congratulate our fundraisers. The Ballarat Singers The Little Brass Band This is a free event, it would be […]

Free

Past Truths/Bright Futures

BMI - Humffray Room 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

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 […]

Free

with Nicole Alexander

28 May at 6pm

Ballarat Heritage Festival BMI Day Tours

Two tours  on 20 &  21 May 

 

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May 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

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

16 to 25 May 

Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective

Wed 2-30 April, 5.30pm

Australian Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

18 April to 18 May

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

Fundraising Dinner
17 May. 

  Performance – 18 May.

Christmas Holiday Closures | Library

Monday 23 December – Sunday 5 January

Devonshire Tea & Fashion Parade

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

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2025 Calendar

Featuring the BMI Image Collection | Now $20

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.

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing