BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20270403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20271002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260729T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260729T193000 DTSTAMP:20260727T034132Z CREATED:20260416T050939Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260727T034132Z UID:72260-1785348000-1785353400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Phillipa Nefri Clark - Now CANCELLED DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/phillipa-nefri-clark/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sp-promo-talks-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260720T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260720T193000 DTSTAMP:20260507T043115Z CREATED:20260420T042351Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T043115Z UID:72345-1784570400-1784575800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Petronella McGovern DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/petronella-mcgovern/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sp-promo-talks-petronella-mcgovern-v3.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260715T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260715T193000 DTSTAMP:20260713T065848Z CREATED:20260313T024204Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260713T065848Z UID:71265-1784138400-1784143800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Benita Bensch | Now CANCELLED DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/benita-bensch/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-benita-bensch-FINAL.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260701T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260701T193000 DTSTAMP:20260508T010257Z CREATED:20260506T041811Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260508T010257Z UID:72778-1782928800-1782934200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Sherryl Clark DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-sherryl-clark/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sp-promo-talks-sherryl-clark.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260623T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260623T193000 DTSTAMP:20260331T034824Z CREATED:20260313T005434Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034824Z UID:71257-1782237600-1782243000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Mark Smith DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/mark-smith-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-mark-smith.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260617T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260617T193000 DTSTAMP:20260507T043433Z CREATED:20260506T023026Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T043433Z UID:72763-1781719200-1781724600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Anthea Hodgson DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-anthea-hodgson/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sp-promo-talks-anthea-hodgson.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260527T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260527T200000 DTSTAMP:20260331T035212Z CREATED:20260313T002934Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035212Z UID:71249-1779906600-1779912000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Amanda Hampson DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/amanda-hampson/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-amanda-hampson.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260513T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260513T200000 DTSTAMP:20260331T041831Z CREATED:20260303T011741Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T041831Z UID:71063-1778697000-1778702400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Kerri Rogan DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-kerri-rogan/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-v3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260511T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260511T193000 DTSTAMP:20260331T043011Z CREATED:20260316T013945Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043011Z UID:71295-1778522400-1778527800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Victoria Purman DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/victoria-purman/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-victoria-purman.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260430T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260430T200000 DTSTAMP:20260420T014040Z CREATED:20260303T233837Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T014040Z UID:71100-1777573800-1777579200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Anna Johnston DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-anna-johnston/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-anna-johnston-v3.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260429T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260429T183000 DTSTAMP:20260331T044107Z CREATED:20260313T041015Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044107Z UID:71275-1777483800-1777487400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks: Focus on Ballarat - Nostalgic memories of Stawell & Ballarat - 1950s and 1960s DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-focus-on-ballarat-3/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Author Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/square-promo-2025-nostalgia-final-v2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260421T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260421T193000 DTSTAMP:20260331T044657Z CREATED:20260225T002934Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044657Z UID:70896-1776794400-1776799800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Fiona Lowe DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/fiona-lowe/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sp-promo-talks-fiona-lowe.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260414T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260414T193000 DTSTAMP:20260331T045131Z CREATED:20260303T223948Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T045131Z UID:71084-1776189600-1776195000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Gerardine Christou: The story of Peg Rankin DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-gerardine-christou/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-v4.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260324T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260324T193000 DTSTAMP:20260202T030026Z CREATED:20260201T232719Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T030026Z UID:70486-1774375200-1774380600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Chrissie Bellbrae DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-chrissie-bellbrae/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sp-promo-chrissie-bellbrae.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260310T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260310T193000 DTSTAMP:20260309T233337Z CREATED:20251110T032113Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T233337Z UID:68454-1773165600-1773171000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Kate Mildenhall & Josh Pomare DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-christian-white-josh-pomare/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/square-promo-kate-josh.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260225T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260225T200000 DTSTAMP:20251008T030310Z CREATED:20251008T011020Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251008T030310Z UID:67900-1772044200-1772049600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Paula McLean DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/paula-mclean/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sp-promo-paula-mclean.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260214T120000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260214T140000 DTSTAMP:20260112T060448Z CREATED:20260112T012814Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T060448Z UID:69779-1771070400-1771077600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In conversation with Tori Baxter | Book Launch DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-tori-baxter/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Untitled-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260128T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260128T193000 DTSTAMP:20251215T040410Z CREATED:20251120T065224Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251215T040410Z UID:68764-1769623200-1769628600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Geoff Parkes and Susi Fox DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-geoff-parks-susi-fox/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/sq-promo-geoff.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251206T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251206T140000 DTSTAMP:20251128T005707Z CREATED:20251110T024632Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251128T005707Z UID:68436-1765015200-1765029600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Christmas Book Sale DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bmi-christmas-book-sale/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Library,Market ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/book-sale-square-promo-christmas-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251202T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251202T193000 DTSTAMP:20251113T003410Z CREATED:20251113T001614Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T003410Z UID:68682-1764698400-1764703800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with William McInnes DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/william-mcinnes/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/william-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251120T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251120T200000 DTSTAMP:20251110T031636Z CREATED:20251110T031233Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T031636Z UID:68444-1763663400-1763668800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:An Evening with Peter FitzSimons AM DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/an-evening-with-peter-fitzsimons-am/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/cover-peter-fitzsimonos-book-e1762145093105.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251118T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251118T193000 DTSTAMP:20250930T062718Z CREATED:20250917T050616Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T062718Z UID:67363-1763488800-1763494200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Margaret Hickey DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/margaret-hickey-25/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/margaret-hickey-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251106T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251106T200000 DTSTAMP:20250813T003339Z CREATED:20250711T034827Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T003339Z UID:66176-1762453800-1762459200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Rachael Johns DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/rachael-johns/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/sq-promo-rachael-johns.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T191500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T200000 DTSTAMP:20251021T035952Z CREATED:20250812T054350Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251021T035952Z UID:66822-1762370100-1762372800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Samah Sabawi 'Cactus Pear For My Beloved' in conversation with Fatima Measham DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/stella-day-out-samah-sabawi/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Important Dates,Library,Stella Day Out ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-samah.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T184500 DTSTAMP:20251021T040122Z CREATED:20250812T005546Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251021T040122Z UID:66788-1762365600-1762368300@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel 'The Swift Dark Tide' in conversation with Kelly Gardiner DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/stella-day-out-katia-ariel/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Important Dates,Library,Stella Day Out ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-katia.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251021T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251021T193000 DTSTAMP:20251020T045545Z CREATED:20250919T003912Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251020T045545Z UID:67443-1761069600-1761075000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with J Mary Masters *This event has now been CANCELLED* DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/j-mary-masters/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-judith-final.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251001T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251001T193000 DTSTAMP:20250905T043730Z CREATED:20250708T020553Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250905T043730Z UID:66044-1759341600-1759347000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Rozzi Bazzani DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/rozzi-bazzani/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/sq-promo-rozzi-final-1.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250925T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250925T200000 DTSTAMP:20250813T002121Z CREATED:20250611T003027Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T002121Z UID:65587-1758825000-1758830400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Paula Gleeson DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/paula-gleeson/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/sq-promo-paula-gleeson.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250918T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250918T193000 DTSTAMP:20250813T001953Z CREATED:20250611T030703Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T001953Z UID:65608-1758218400-1758223800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Chrissie Bellbrae DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/chrissie-bellbrae/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/sq-promo-chrissie-bellbrae.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250917T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250917T183000 DTSTAMP:20250826T032241Z CREATED:20250728T041859Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250826T032241Z UID:66377-1758130200-1758133800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 3\, Spring Season | Into the Dragon's Den\, The Chinese community in Bendigo DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-saving-dragons/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Library,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/square-promo-20252.webp END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR