Mechanics’ Institutes Powers On After 186 Years In Vic
The Allan Labor Government is supporting Mechanics’ Institutes across Victoria with funding to upgrade their libraries and provide educational programs for their communities.
Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos today visited the Melbourne Athenaeum to announce $109,000 for the Mechanics’ Institutes Grants Program 2024-25.
This funding will allow the Institute’s libraries to renovate their facilities, pursue historical projects, purchase books, software and equipment, and digitise records.
Mechanics’ Institutes were formed in the early 19th century to provide free lectures and educational and community facilities in the UK. More than 500 Mechanics’ Institute buildings in Victoria are still used for community groups, exhibitions, talks, and events.
Eleven Victorian Mechanics’ Institutes continue to provide a library service and will each receive funding of $9,000 under the grants program. The peak body Mechanics’ Institutes of Victoria will also receive funding of $10,000.
Victoria’s first Mechanics’ Institute – the Melbourne Athenaeum in Collins Street which formed in 1839 – will use its grant on an oral history project, recording interviews with artists, performers, historians and others associated with the building.
The Prahran Mechanics’ Institute (PMI) will update the IT infrastructure that supports its various collections.
Footscray Mechanics’ Institute will spend its grant on new books and building refurbishment while Berwick Mechanics’ Institute will purchase new books and chairs.
The Mechanics’ Institutes of Victoria will use its grant to build, print and bind its collection, upgrade its website, update its accounting software, review its workshop and digitise its records.
The other Mechanics’ Institute libraries receiving funding include Ballarat, Bonnie Doon, Little River, Maldon, Stanley, Talbot and Toora.
As stated by Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos
“Mechanics’ Institutes have a proud record of being a space for learning and community globally for over 200 years – these grants will ensure that they can continue to serve Victorians.”
“Mechanics’ Institutes were one of the most important social innovations of the 19th century – these grants will help their invaluable library collections remain for future generations to enjoy.”
https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-05/250526-Mechanics%E2%80%99-Institutes-Powers-On-After-186-Years-In-Vic.pdf