Latest Events
As Ballarat’s independent home of Arts and Culture we host a wide range of events throughout the year! – Make sure you check out the BMI events calendar to see what we have coming up.
BMI events contributing to the Australian Heritage Festival & Ballarat Heritage Festival
Latest news
Read up on the latest happenings at the BMI. From Library news and exhibitions to the latest word from board and staff.
Has Anyone Seen Charoltte Salter? Nicci French. 1990When beautiful and vivacious Charlotte Salter fails to turn up to her husband
As part of our events for the Australian Heritage Festival, the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute is delighted to be screening the
Wake the Dust Rita McInnes. Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie
Did you enjoy an Old Gold, Freddo Frog or Cherry Ripe chocolate over Easter? These much-loved chocolates were first manufactured
Venue Hire
The BMI has a number of beautiful spaces that are available for hire. With reasonable ‘pay-for-what-you-need’ pricing, stunning heritage architecture, and modern facilities, it is the perfect place for your next event.
Membership
Invest in the Ballarat community by becoming a BMI member. Membership to the organisation allows you to borrow books from the lending library, as well as discounts to BMI events and other perks.
Supporters & Partners
If you would like to support the BMI as a Strategic Partner, as an Event Partner or Supporter, or you would like to consider a Corporate Membership then we would like to hear from you.
Find out who supports the BMI.
Our History
John B. Humffray arrived in Melbourne on the 19th of September 1853 on the Star of the East and had found himself in Ballaarat by 1854.
Because of the conditions he had seen on the goldfields he formed the Reform League to advocate for better conditions and treatment of the diggers by Government Officials. He was elected unopposed as an M.L.C. in 1855 and was elected as an M.L.A. in 1856 for North Grant.
Humffray was elected as President of the Committee of Management of the Mechanics Institute in May of 1859 when the reading room was established at the Ballarat Fire Brigade in Barkly Street. His term of office was interrupted by his Parliamentary duties so was succeeded by Andrew Anderson in 1860.
