Historic Hall
Why the Institute needs Volunteers
The Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute has always provided a range of social services to the City of Ballarat and its citizens. However it receives no external funding for its recurrent operation so, in order to continue 150 years of history in this endeavour, the Institute relies on the efforts and support of its volunteers in a range of areas including fund-raising, archiving, maintenance, cataloguing, tours etc.
The Friends of Minerva are a key group organising activities such as film-nights, concerts, dinners and other events with the dual aim of providing enjoyable functions and raising funds for the Institute.
The Friends provide an additional form of affiliation with the BMI for persons interested in and supportive of the Institute to meet with like-minded people in social and special event settings and assist in raising funds for Institute purposes.
A Charter is available which more fully explains the Friends.
Volunteers
The Institute has many historical resources, in fact, Heritage Victoria has registered the historical collection of books, journals, photographs, maps, plans etc as being a unique collection of nineteenth and early twentieth century literature which provides a window into the social values and culture of that period.
There is an urgent need to catalog, digitise and write descriptions of the items in that collection. Volunteers, whether or not they have prior experience or skills in these areas are much needed. If anyone has an interest in this area or in the Friends of Minerva please indicate your interest by filling out the form below.
Volunteer Application Form
Please fill out this form if you have an interest in becoming a volunteer. You do not need to be a current member to apply. Once we receive your application we will contact you within 48 hours. Thank you in anticipation.
