Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute

Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute Ballarat's independent home of Arts, Culture, and Literature since 1859.

Ballarat has one of the most vibrant cultural scenes to be found anywhere in regional Australia. The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (BMI) is positioned in the centre of the Ballarat scene - between the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Ballarat Trades Hall, and Her Majesty’s Theatre. Established in 1859 as an independent cultural and learning hub, the BMI maintains a lending library, heritage books and reference archives, and many wonderfully restored rooms that will delight any heritage aficionado. All are welcome to visit for tours, cultural and live music events, and to hire our unique event spaces. The BMI is a special venue for holding celebrations, weddings, conferences and performances. The BMI also produces high quality and unique events that bring arts and culture to our city. Our organisation continues to create partnerships with other cultural organisations including The Wheeler Centre for Books, Writing, and Ideas; Ballarat National Theatre; and The Royal South Street Society, to bring you the best that Ballarat has to offer. The BMI acknowledges that our building stands on the traditional lands of the Wadawurrung People and we pay our respects to Elders - past, present, and emerging.

Rosemary's Book of the Week'Styled' by Sally Mackinnon - To reserve go to our 'Library' webpage link in BIO - To find o...
14/09/2026

Rosemary's Book of the Week

'Styled' by Sally Mackinnon - To reserve go to our 'Library' webpage link in BIO - To find our Author Talks go to our 'Library' Link in BIO.

Don't miss Sally in conversation with Mary Card on Tuesday 29 September at 6pm

Drawing on nearly two decades of one-to-one wardrobe consults, shopping sessions, styling transformations and media appearances, Sally translates insider fashion knowledge into genuinely useful tools women can apply to their everyday lives. But 'Styled' is about far more than clothes.

At its heart, the book explores why so many women feel disconnected from their wardrobes — and often from themselves. Between trend overload, body changes, motherhood, work, ageing, fast fashion and the pressure to constantly reinvent ourselves, getting dressed has quietly become overwhelming for many women.

Sally’s approach cuts through the noise. Rather than telling women what they “should” wear, 'Styled' helps readers understand their personal style, reconnect with confidence and build wardrobes that reflect who they actually are and how they really live.

Warm, inclusive and deeply practical, 'Styled' offers a smarter and more compassionate approach to fashion — one rooted in self-expression rather than perfection.

Through styling principles, wardrobe strategies, outfit formulas and honest advice, Sally helps women create wardrobes that work harder, mornings that feel easier and style that feels authentic.

Author Talks coming to the BMI soon... To get tickets go to our Box Office link in BIO.1. Pam Swanborough - 25 September...
13/09/2026

Author Talks coming to the BMI soon... To get tickets go to our Box Office link in BIO.

1. Pam Swanborough - 25 September at 6pm
2. Sally Mackinnon - 29 September at 6pm
3. Michael Robotham - 1 October at 6pm Michael Robotham
4. Monica McInerney - 5 October at 6pm Monica McInerney
5. Richard Glover - 23 November at 6.30pm Richard Glover

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Minerva's Secrets, Night Tours are back for a limited time. Don't miss out...Next tour Friday 2 October, 2 tours one at ...
12/09/2026

Minerva's Secrets, Night Tours are back for a limited time. Don't miss out...

Next tour Friday 2 October, 2 tours one at 7pm and another at 9pm...

Find out more to to our Links in BIO. Box Office link for tickets and Tours link for more information.

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 be explored. During these tours, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute, exploring the library’s impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts, and learn about the building’s original purpose as a hub for scientific and technological education. And make sure to check out the basement, which is steeped in mystery and intrigue – you never know what secrets you might uncover!

Stage Ready | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - Industry conversations: Venue & Industry Leadership. Monday 14 September ...
12/09/2026

Stage Ready | Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - Industry conversations: Venue & Industry Leadership. Monday 14 September at 6.30pm

What does it take to run a venue, build a crew and create opportunities in Ballarat’s live events industry?

Join Stage Ready for an open conversation with venue managers, technical leaders and industry representatives about the realities of operating venues, delivering events and developing local technical talent.

The panel will explore the pressures behind the scenes — including staffing, safety, budgets, client expectations, skills shortages, workplace culture and the challenge of creating meaningful entry points for emerging crew.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to submit anonymous questions before and during the event. Questions will be grouped into broader themes so the discussion can be honest, constructive and respectful.

This event is for venue staff, technicians, freelancers, students, volunteers, community theatre members, event organisers and anyone interested in understanding how the local industry works.

If this is you, we would love to see you there.

Stage Ready members attend free. General admission is $5 and includes light snacks and nibbles.

Get tickets go to our Box Office Link in BIO or to find out more go to our Live Theatre Link in BIO.

Twilight Talks, Season 2 | 13 September - 28 October - Brought to you by: Community Bank Buninyong Wed 13 September: A B...
11/09/2026

Twilight Talks, Season 2 | 13 September - 28 October - Brought to you by: Community Bank Buninyong

Wed 13 September: A Brief, Selected History 'Herstory' of Nursing at Ballarat Base Hospital - Over the Years - Speakers: Emeritus Professor Margaret Bennett AM, Sarah Birtles & Shirley Jones.

After looking at what is a nurse in 2026, we briefly glance at the way in which nursing changed, quite dramatically, during the settlement of Ballarat, the influx of miners, and through the 19th 20th and 21st centuries.

Wed 30 September: Ideas of Love & Loss - In conversation with writer Anne Connor and poet Anne Gleeson.

Wed 7 October: The Importance of Ballarat East - Speaker Doug Bradby.

Wed 28 October: 'The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party'.

Find out more go to our Talks Webpage link in BIO. To get tickets go to our Box Office link in BIO.

In conversation with P. A. Swanborough - Wednesday 23 September at 6pm To find out more go to our Library webpage - Link...
10/09/2026

In conversation with P. A. Swanborough - Wednesday 23 September at 6pm

To find out more go to our Library webpage - Link in BIO. To get tickets go to our Box Office Link in BIO.

'Things With Teeth by Moonlight' is an illustrated multi-genre collection of flash, micro-fiction and short stories covering loss, revenge, affection, and spending too much time in cafes.

Human and other creatures in urban, forested, or post-apocalyptic settings address hunger or love, pain or comfort, as best they can while the night is chill.

A Jewel in your hand, a pebble in your shoe. A low growl in the dark. Seventy-one tiny, disquieting, tales.

Pam’s writing influences range from a childhood diet of Kipling and Thurber to 19th and 20th century novelists, Metaphysical and medieval poetry, Y Mabinogion and the northern sagas, assorted authors not writing in English, and gothic/speculative fiction of all eras … magic realism is her happy place. She works in literary/speculative fiction and lyric non-fiction, exploring fragility and imbalance.

Australian Wiccan Conference | Saturday 26 September, 10am to 6pm. The Australian Wiccan Conference To get tickets go to...
09/09/2026

Australian Wiccan Conference | Saturday 26 September, 10am to 6pm. The Australian Wiccan Conference

To get tickets go to our Box Office Link in BIO.

The AWC has run annually since 1984 for witches, occultists and pagans of all paths.

It is a significant not-for-profit event for those involved in Wicca and Paganism in Australia, fostering a sense of community, education, and spiritual exploration. It provides a space to learn, connect, and deepen one’s understanding of these traditions.

The conference is traditionally held on the weekend closest to the Spring Equinox, with workshops, classes, lectures, entertainment and socialising.

In conversation with Sally Mackinnon, Sally will be speaking with local radio producer and broadcaster Mary Card and the...
08/09/2026

In conversation with Sally Mackinnon, Sally will be speaking with local radio producer and broadcaster Mary Card and they will be talking about Sally's book 'Styled'

Date: Tuesday 29 September at 6pm - find out more go to our talks webpage. Link in BIO, to get tickets go to the Box Office link in BIO.

'Styled'

Personal stylist Sally Mackinnon, known to her almost 400K (Instagram &
Facebook) community, brings STYLED — a warm, practical and refreshingly realistic guide to building personal style with confidence, clarity and ease.

Drawing on nearly two decades of one-to-one wardrobe consults, shopping sessions, styling transformations and media appearances, Sally translates insider fashion knowledge into genuinely useful tools women can apply to their everyday lives. But STYLED is about far more than clothes.

At its heart, the book explores why so many women feel disconnected from their wardrobes — and often from themselves. Between trend overload, body changes, motherhood, work, ageing, fast fashion and the pressure to constantly reinvent ourselves, getting dressed has quietly become overwhelming for many women.

Sally’s approach cuts through the noise. Rather than telling women what they “should” wear, STYLED helps readers understand their personal style, reconnect with confidence and build wardrobes that reflect who they actually are and how they really live.

Warm, inclusive and deeply practical, STYLED offers a smarter and more compassionate approach to fashion — one rooted in self-expression rather than perfection.

Through styling principles, wardrobe strategies, outfit formulas and honest advice, Sally helps women create wardrobes that work harder, mornings that feel easier and style that feels authentic.

Charlie Pickering and Friends - coming to Ballarat on Sunday 11 October at 2.15pm... Find out more go to our Live Comedy...
07/09/2026

Charlie Pickering and Friends - coming to Ballarat on Sunday 11 October at 2.15pm...

Find out more go to our Live Comedy Link in BIO.

Early Bird Tix close tomorrow at 6pm!

Early Bird Tix: $43 GA & $38 concession (from today to 6pm 8 September)
Full Price: $49 GA & $43 concession

Get tickets: go to our Box Office Link in BIO.

Charlie Pickering is a law graduate who decided the best use of his degree was to avoid it entirely. Political ju**ie, stand-up comedian, and reluctant TV host, his only real career requirement is that his name appear in the show title.

Before television, Charlie spent a decade touring internationally as a stand-up, picking up Best Newcomer nods at Edinburgh and Melbourne, plus a slot at Montreal's Just for Laughs.

He was a founding host of The Project in 2009, helping reshape how Australians consume the news.

In 2015 he launched The Weekly with Charlie Pickering on ABC, through his production company Thinkative Television, followed by The Yearly (since 2015) and the ABC's New Year's Eve coverage (since 2017).

He currently hosts ABC Drive in Melbourne and can also be heard talking (American) football on the podcast Any Given Sunday Australia.

Also featuring Tom Siegert (also The Surburban Footballer)
Tom Siegert burst onto the comedy scene in the mid 2000’s when, in only his second year performing, he represented Victoria in the national final of FHM’s Australia’s Funniest Man Competition.

Brad Oakes – The MC
Bradford Oakes (Brad, Oakesy) is a stand-up comedian of over 37 years professional experience. He has headlined and Emceed at every major stand-up venue in Australia.

Address

117-119 Sturt Street
Ballarat, VIC
3350

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 3pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 3pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 9:30am - 12pm

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