BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.20//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: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:20260128T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260128T193000 DTSTAMP:20260424T102223 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 Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 21\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$11.78 \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 The Drowning \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Authentically Australian\, Fiona Lowe’s stories are often triggered by a secret or a mystery\, and they explore the themes of family\, community and second chances. Described as gripping\, thought-provoking\, heart-warming and ultimately uplifting\, Lowe’s books have been praised for their emotional depth. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A body on the beach. An inheritance. A family pulled apart.  \n \n CC Cilento’s best memories are of spending every summer holiday running wild in and out of the Friend family beach house with her cousins\, James\, Ollie\, Felix and Lily. It’s the next best thing to having brothers and sisters. They’ve continued the summer tradition into adulthood\, getting together at the shack with its absolute beach frontage. But now a bombshell has dropped: the four sibling cousins have officially inherited the property – along with an unexpected fifth share to CC. What starts out as the perfect gift\, and a way of keeping the family connected forever\, quickly devolves into an emotional power struggle. Half of them want to keep the legacy intact\, while the others want to sell – and each side will do anything to make it happen. Soon\, CC can’t tell friend from foe. When a body is found on the shack’s beach\, has this family dispute turned deadly? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Fiona Lowe\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe has been a midwife\, a sexual health counsellor and a family support workeer; an ideal career for an author who writes novels about family and relationships. She spent her early years in Papua New Guinea where\, without television\, reading was the entertainment and it set up a lifelong love of books. She is the recipient of the prestigioous USA RITA award and two Australian RuBY AWARDS. When she’s not writing stories\, she’s a distracted wife\, a sage to two adult sons\, a rail trail cyclist\, a volunteer in her community\, and a newly addicted homecrafts ‘show’ entrant. She is often found collapsed on the couch with wine\, knitting and her latest love\, an audio book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, 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 \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:20260214T120000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260214T140000 DTSTAMP:20260424T102223 CREATED:20260112T012814Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T060448Z UID:69779-1771070400-1771077600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In conversation with Tori Baxter | Book Launch DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 21\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$11.78 \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 The Drowning \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Authentically Australian\, Fiona Lowe’s stories are often triggered by a secret or a mystery\, and they explore the themes of family\, community and second chances. Described as gripping\, thought-provoking\, heart-warming and ultimately uplifting\, Lowe’s books have been praised for their emotional depth. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A body on the beach. An inheritance. A family pulled apart.  \n \n CC Cilento’s best memories are of spending every summer holiday running wild in and out of the Friend family beach house with her cousins\, James\, Ollie\, Felix and Lily. It’s the next best thing to having brothers and sisters. They’ve continued the summer tradition into adulthood\, getting together at the shack with its absolute beach frontage. But now a bombshell has dropped: the four sibling cousins have officially inherited the property – along with an unexpected fifth share to CC. What starts out as the perfect gift\, and a way of keeping the family connected forever\, quickly devolves into an emotional power struggle. Half of them want to keep the legacy intact\, while the others want to sell – and each side will do anything to make it happen. Soon\, CC can’t tell friend from foe. When a body is found on the shack’s beach\, has this family dispute turned deadly? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Fiona Lowe\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe has been a midwife\, a sexual health counsellor and a family support workeer; an ideal career for an author who writes novels about family and relationships. She spent her early years in Papua New Guinea where\, without television\, reading was the entertainment and it set up a lifelong love of books. She is the recipient of the prestigioous USA RITA award and two Australian RuBY AWARDS. When she’s not writing stories\, she’s a distracted wife\, a sage to two adult sons\, a rail trail cyclist\, a volunteer in her community\, and a newly addicted homecrafts ‘show’ entrant. She is often found collapsed on the couch with wine\, knitting and her latest love\, an audio book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, 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 \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:20260225T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260225T200000 DTSTAMP:20260424T102223 CREATED:20251008T011020Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251008T030310Z UID:67900-1772044200-1772049600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Paula McLean DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 21\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$11.78 \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 The Drowning \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Authentically Australian\, Fiona Lowe’s stories are often triggered by a secret or a mystery\, and they explore the themes of family\, community and second chances. Described as gripping\, thought-provoking\, heart-warming and ultimately uplifting\, Lowe’s books have been praised for their emotional depth. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A body on the beach. An inheritance. A family pulled apart.  \n \n CC Cilento’s best memories are of spending every summer holiday running wild in and out of the Friend family beach house with her cousins\, James\, Ollie\, Felix and Lily. It’s the next best thing to having brothers and sisters. They’ve continued the summer tradition into adulthood\, getting together at the shack with its absolute beach frontage. But now a bombshell has dropped: the four sibling cousins have officially inherited the property – along with an unexpected fifth share to CC. What starts out as the perfect gift\, and a way of keeping the family connected forever\, quickly devolves into an emotional power struggle. Half of them want to keep the legacy intact\, while the others want to sell – and each side will do anything to make it happen. Soon\, CC can’t tell friend from foe. When a body is found on the shack’s beach\, has this family dispute turned deadly? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Fiona Lowe\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe has been a midwife\, a sexual health counsellor and a family support workeer; an ideal career for an author who writes novels about family and relationships. She spent her early years in Papua New Guinea where\, without television\, reading was the entertainment and it set up a lifelong love of books. She is the recipient of the prestigioous USA RITA award and two Australian RuBY AWARDS. When she’s not writing stories\, she’s a distracted wife\, a sage to two adult sons\, a rail trail cyclist\, a volunteer in her community\, and a newly addicted homecrafts ‘show’ entrant. She is often found collapsed on the couch with wine\, knitting and her latest love\, an audio book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, 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 \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:20260310T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260310T193000 DTSTAMP:20260424T102223 CREATED:20251110T032113Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T233337Z UID:68454-1773165600-1773171000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Kate Mildenhall & Josh Pomare DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 21\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$11.78 \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 The Drowning \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Authentically Australian\, Fiona Lowe’s stories are often triggered by a secret or a mystery\, and they explore the themes of family\, community and second chances. Described as gripping\, thought-provoking\, heart-warming and ultimately uplifting\, Lowe’s books have been praised for their emotional depth. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A body on the beach. An inheritance. A family pulled apart.  \n \n CC Cilento’s best memories are of spending every summer holiday running wild in and out of the Friend family beach house with her cousins\, James\, Ollie\, Felix and Lily. It’s the next best thing to having brothers and sisters. They’ve continued the summer tradition into adulthood\, getting together at the shack with its absolute beach frontage. But now a bombshell has dropped: the four sibling cousins have officially inherited the property – along with an unexpected fifth share to CC. What starts out as the perfect gift\, and a way of keeping the family connected forever\, quickly devolves into an emotional power struggle. Half of them want to keep the legacy intact\, while the others want to sell – and each side will do anything to make it happen. Soon\, CC can’t tell friend from foe. When a body is found on the shack’s beach\, has this family dispute turned deadly? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Fiona Lowe\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe has been a midwife\, a sexual health counsellor and a family support workeer; an ideal career for an author who writes novels about family and relationships. She spent her early years in Papua New Guinea where\, without television\, reading was the entertainment and it set up a lifelong love of books. She is the recipient of the prestigioous USA RITA award and two Australian RuBY AWARDS. When she’s not writing stories\, she’s a distracted wife\, a sage to two adult sons\, a rail trail cyclist\, a volunteer in her community\, and a newly addicted homecrafts ‘show’ entrant. She is often found collapsed on the couch with wine\, knitting and her latest love\, an audio book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, 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 \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:20260324T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260324T193000 DTSTAMP:20260424T102223 CREATED:20260201T232719Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T030026Z UID:70486-1774375200-1774380600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Chrissie Bellbrae DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 21\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$11.78 \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 The Drowning \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Authentically Australian\, Fiona Lowe’s stories are often triggered by a secret or a mystery\, and they explore the themes of family\, community and second chances. Described as gripping\, thought-provoking\, heart-warming and ultimately uplifting\, Lowe’s books have been praised for their emotional depth. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A body on the beach. An inheritance. A family pulled apart.  \n \n CC Cilento’s best memories are of spending every summer holiday running wild in and out of the Friend family beach house with her cousins\, James\, Ollie\, Felix and Lily. It’s the next best thing to having brothers and sisters. They’ve continued the summer tradition into adulthood\, getting together at the shack with its absolute beach frontage. But now a bombshell has dropped: the four sibling cousins have officially inherited the property – along with an unexpected fifth share to CC. What starts out as the perfect gift\, and a way of keeping the family connected forever\, quickly devolves into an emotional power struggle. Half of them want to keep the legacy intact\, while the others want to sell – and each side will do anything to make it happen. Soon\, CC can’t tell friend from foe. When a body is found on the shack’s beach\, has this family dispute turned deadly? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Fiona Lowe\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe has been a midwife\, a sexual health counsellor and a family support workeer; an ideal career for an author who writes novels about family and relationships. She spent her early years in Papua New Guinea where\, without television\, reading was the entertainment and it set up a lifelong love of books. She is the recipient of the prestigioous USA RITA award and two Australian RuBY AWARDS. When she’s not writing stories\, she’s a distracted wife\, a sage to two adult sons\, a rail trail cyclist\, a volunteer in her community\, and a newly addicted homecrafts ‘show’ entrant. She is often found collapsed on the couch with wine\, knitting and her latest love\, an audio book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, 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 \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:20260414T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260414T193000 DTSTAMP:20260424T102223 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 Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 21\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$11.78 \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 The Drowning \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Authentically Australian\, Fiona Lowe’s stories are often triggered by a secret or a mystery\, and they explore the themes of family\, community and second chances. Described as gripping\, thought-provoking\, heart-warming and ultimately uplifting\, Lowe’s books have been praised for their emotional depth. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A body on the beach. An inheritance. A family pulled apart.  \n \n CC Cilento’s best memories are of spending every summer holiday running wild in and out of the Friend family beach house with her cousins\, James\, Ollie\, Felix and Lily. It’s the next best thing to having brothers and sisters. They’ve continued the summer tradition into adulthood\, getting together at the shack with its absolute beach frontage. But now a bombshell has dropped: the four sibling cousins have officially inherited the property – along with an unexpected fifth share to CC. What starts out as the perfect gift\, and a way of keeping the family connected forever\, quickly devolves into an emotional power struggle. Half of them want to keep the legacy intact\, while the others want to sell – and each side will do anything to make it happen. Soon\, CC can’t tell friend from foe. When a body is found on the shack’s beach\, has this family dispute turned deadly? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Fiona Lowe\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe has been a midwife\, a sexual health counsellor and a family support workeer; an ideal career for an author who writes novels about family and relationships. She spent her early years in Papua New Guinea where\, without television\, reading was the entertainment and it set up a lifelong love of books. She is the recipient of the prestigioous USA RITA award and two Australian RuBY AWARDS. When she’s not writing stories\, she’s a distracted wife\, a sage to two adult sons\, a rail trail cyclist\, a volunteer in her community\, and a newly addicted homecrafts ‘show’ entrant. She is often found collapsed on the couch with wine\, knitting and her latest love\, an audio book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, 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 \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:20260421T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260421T193000 DTSTAMP:20260424T102223 CREATED:20260225T002934Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044657Z UID:70896-1776794400-1776799800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Fiona Lowe DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 21\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$11.78 \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 The Drowning \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Authentically Australian\, Fiona Lowe’s stories are often triggered by a secret or a mystery\, and they explore the themes of family\, community and second chances. Described as gripping\, thought-provoking\, heart-warming and ultimately uplifting\, Lowe’s books have been praised for their emotional depth. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A body on the beach. An inheritance. A family pulled apart.  \n \n CC Cilento’s best memories are of spending every summer holiday running wild in and out of the Friend family beach house with her cousins\, James\, Ollie\, Felix and Lily. It’s the next best thing to having brothers and sisters. They’ve continued the summer tradition into adulthood\, getting together at the shack with its absolute beach frontage. But now a bombshell has dropped: the four sibling cousins have officially inherited the property – along with an unexpected fifth share to CC. What starts out as the perfect gift\, and a way of keeping the family connected forever\, quickly devolves into an emotional power struggle. Half of them want to keep the legacy intact\, while the others want to sell – and each side will do anything to make it happen. Soon\, CC can’t tell friend from foe. When a body is found on the shack’s beach\, has this family dispute turned deadly? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Fiona Lowe\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe has been a midwife\, a sexual health counsellor and a family support workeer; an ideal career for an author who writes novels about family and relationships. She spent her early years in Papua New Guinea where\, without television\, reading was the entertainment and it set up a lifelong love of books. She is the recipient of the prestigioous USA RITA award and two Australian RuBY AWARDS. When she’s not writing stories\, she’s a distracted wife\, a sage to two adult sons\, a rail trail cyclist\, a volunteer in her community\, and a newly addicted homecrafts ‘show’ entrant. She is often found collapsed on the couch with wine\, knitting and her latest love\, an audio book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, 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 \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:20260429T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260429T183000 DTSTAMP:20260424T102223 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 Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 21\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$11.78 \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 The Drowning \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Authentically Australian\, Fiona Lowe’s stories are often triggered by a secret or a mystery\, and they explore the themes of family\, community and second chances. Described as gripping\, thought-provoking\, heart-warming and ultimately uplifting\, Lowe’s books have been praised for their emotional depth. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A body on the beach. An inheritance. A family pulled apart.  \n \n CC Cilento’s best memories are of spending every summer holiday running wild in and out of the Friend family beach house with her cousins\, James\, Ollie\, Felix and Lily. It’s the next best thing to having brothers and sisters. They’ve continued the summer tradition into adulthood\, getting together at the shack with its absolute beach frontage. But now a bombshell has dropped: the four sibling cousins have officially inherited the property – along with an unexpected fifth share to CC. What starts out as the perfect gift\, and a way of keeping the family connected forever\, quickly devolves into an emotional power struggle. Half of them want to keep the legacy intact\, while the others want to sell – and each side will do anything to make it happen. Soon\, CC can’t tell friend from foe. When a body is found on the shack’s beach\, has this family dispute turned deadly? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Fiona Lowe\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe has been a midwife\, a sexual health counsellor and a family support workeer; an ideal career for an author who writes novels about family and relationships. She spent her early years in Papua New Guinea where\, without television\, reading was the entertainment and it set up a lifelong love of books. She is the recipient of the prestigioous USA RITA award and two Australian RuBY AWARDS. When she’s not writing stories\, she’s a distracted wife\, a sage to two adult sons\, a rail trail cyclist\, a volunteer in her community\, and a newly addicted homecrafts ‘show’ entrant. She is often found collapsed on the couch with wine\, knitting and her latest love\, an audio book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, 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 \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:20260430T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260430T200000 DTSTAMP:20260424T102223 CREATED:20260303T233837Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T014040Z UID:71100-1777573800-1777579200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Anna Johnston DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 21\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$11.78 \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 The Drowning \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Authentically Australian\, Fiona Lowe’s stories are often triggered by a secret or a mystery\, and they explore the themes of family\, community and second chances. Described as gripping\, thought-provoking\, heart-warming and ultimately uplifting\, Lowe’s books have been praised for their emotional depth. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A body on the beach. An inheritance. A family pulled apart.  \n \n CC Cilento’s best memories are of spending every summer holiday running wild in and out of the Friend family beach house with her cousins\, James\, Ollie\, Felix and Lily. It’s the next best thing to having brothers and sisters. They’ve continued the summer tradition into adulthood\, getting together at the shack with its absolute beach frontage. But now a bombshell has dropped: the four sibling cousins have officially inherited the property – along with an unexpected fifth share to CC. What starts out as the perfect gift\, and a way of keeping the family connected forever\, quickly devolves into an emotional power struggle. Half of them want to keep the legacy intact\, while the others want to sell – and each side will do anything to make it happen. Soon\, CC can’t tell friend from foe. When a body is found on the shack’s beach\, has this family dispute turned deadly? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Fiona Lowe\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe has been a midwife\, a sexual health counsellor and a family support workeer; an ideal career for an author who writes novels about family and relationships. She spent her early years in Papua New Guinea where\, without television\, reading was the entertainment and it set up a lifelong love of books. She is the recipient of the prestigioous USA RITA award and two Australian RuBY AWARDS. When she’s not writing stories\, she’s a distracted wife\, a sage to two adult sons\, a rail trail cyclist\, a volunteer in her community\, and a newly addicted homecrafts ‘show’ entrant. She is often found collapsed on the couch with wine\, knitting and her latest love\, an audio book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, 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 \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:20260511T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260511T193000 DTSTAMP:20260424T102223 CREATED:20260316T013945Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043011Z UID:71295-1778522400-1778527800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Victoria Purman DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 21\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$11.78 \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 The Drowning \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Authentically Australian\, Fiona Lowe’s stories are often triggered by a secret or a mystery\, and they explore the themes of family\, community and second chances. Described as gripping\, thought-provoking\, heart-warming and ultimately uplifting\, Lowe’s books have been praised for their emotional depth. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A body on the beach. An inheritance. A family pulled apart.  \n \n CC Cilento’s best memories are of spending every summer holiday running wild in and out of the Friend family beach house with her cousins\, James\, Ollie\, Felix and Lily. It’s the next best thing to having brothers and sisters. They’ve continued the summer tradition into adulthood\, getting together at the shack with its absolute beach frontage. But now a bombshell has dropped: the four sibling cousins have officially inherited the property – along with an unexpected fifth share to CC. What starts out as the perfect gift\, and a way of keeping the family connected forever\, quickly devolves into an emotional power struggle. Half of them want to keep the legacy intact\, while the others want to sell – and each side will do anything to make it happen. Soon\, CC can’t tell friend from foe. When a body is found on the shack’s beach\, has this family dispute turned deadly? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Fiona Lowe\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe has been a midwife\, a sexual health counsellor and a family support workeer; an ideal career for an author who writes novels about family and relationships. She spent her early years in Papua New Guinea where\, without television\, reading was the entertainment and it set up a lifelong love of books. She is the recipient of the prestigioous USA RITA award and two Australian RuBY AWARDS. When she’s not writing stories\, she’s a distracted wife\, a sage to two adult sons\, a rail trail cyclist\, a volunteer in her community\, and a newly addicted homecrafts ‘show’ entrant. She is often found collapsed on the couch with wine\, knitting and her latest love\, an audio book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, 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 \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:20260513T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260513T200000 DTSTAMP:20260424T102223 CREATED:20260303T011741Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T041831Z UID:71063-1778697000-1778702400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Kerri Rogan DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 21\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$11.78 \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 The Drowning \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Authentically Australian\, Fiona Lowe’s stories are often triggered by a secret or a mystery\, and they explore the themes of family\, community and second chances. Described as gripping\, thought-provoking\, heart-warming and ultimately uplifting\, Lowe’s books have been praised for their emotional depth. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A body on the beach. An inheritance. A family pulled apart.  \n \n CC Cilento’s best memories are of spending every summer holiday running wild in and out of the Friend family beach house with her cousins\, James\, Ollie\, Felix and Lily. It’s the next best thing to having brothers and sisters. They’ve continued the summer tradition into adulthood\, getting together at the shack with its absolute beach frontage. But now a bombshell has dropped: the four sibling cousins have officially inherited the property – along with an unexpected fifth share to CC. What starts out as the perfect gift\, and a way of keeping the family connected forever\, quickly devolves into an emotional power struggle. Half of them want to keep the legacy intact\, while the others want to sell – and each side will do anything to make it happen. Soon\, CC can’t tell friend from foe. When a body is found on the shack’s beach\, has this family dispute turned deadly? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Fiona Lowe\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe has been a midwife\, a sexual health counsellor and a family support workeer; an ideal career for an author who writes novels about family and relationships. She spent her early years in Papua New Guinea where\, without television\, reading was the entertainment and it set up a lifelong love of books. She is the recipient of the prestigioous USA RITA award and two Australian RuBY AWARDS. When she’s not writing stories\, she’s a distracted wife\, a sage to two adult sons\, a rail trail cyclist\, a volunteer in her community\, and a newly addicted homecrafts ‘show’ entrant. She is often found collapsed on the couch with wine\, knitting and her latest love\, an audio book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, 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 \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:20260527T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260527T200000 DTSTAMP:20260424T102223 CREATED:20260313T002934Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035212Z UID:71249-1779906600-1779912000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Amanda Hampson DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 21\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$11.78 \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 The Drowning \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Authentically Australian\, Fiona Lowe’s stories are often triggered by a secret or a mystery\, and they explore the themes of family\, community and second chances. Described as gripping\, thought-provoking\, heart-warming and ultimately uplifting\, Lowe’s books have been praised for their emotional depth. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A body on the beach. An inheritance. A family pulled apart.  \n \n CC Cilento’s best memories are of spending every summer holiday running wild in and out of the Friend family beach house with her cousins\, James\, Ollie\, Felix and Lily. It’s the next best thing to having brothers and sisters. They’ve continued the summer tradition into adulthood\, getting together at the shack with its absolute beach frontage. But now a bombshell has dropped: the four sibling cousins have officially inherited the property – along with an unexpected fifth share to CC. What starts out as the perfect gift\, and a way of keeping the family connected forever\, quickly devolves into an emotional power struggle. Half of them want to keep the legacy intact\, while the others want to sell – and each side will do anything to make it happen. Soon\, CC can’t tell friend from foe. When a body is found on the shack’s beach\, has this family dispute turned deadly? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Fiona Lowe\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe has been a midwife\, a sexual health counsellor and a family support workeer; an ideal career for an author who writes novels about family and relationships. She spent her early years in Papua New Guinea where\, without television\, reading was the entertainment and it set up a lifelong love of books. She is the recipient of the prestigioous USA RITA award and two Australian RuBY AWARDS. When she’s not writing stories\, she’s a distracted wife\, a sage to two adult sons\, a rail trail cyclist\, a volunteer in her community\, and a newly addicted homecrafts ‘show’ entrant. She is often found collapsed on the couch with wine\, knitting and her latest love\, an audio book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, 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 \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:20260623T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260623T193000 DTSTAMP:20260424T102223 CREATED:20260313T005434Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034824Z UID:71257-1782237600-1782243000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Mark Smith DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 21\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$11.78 \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 The Drowning \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Authentically Australian\, Fiona Lowe’s stories are often triggered by a secret or a mystery\, and they explore the themes of family\, community and second chances. Described as gripping\, thought-provoking\, heart-warming and ultimately uplifting\, Lowe’s books have been praised for their emotional depth. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A body on the beach. An inheritance. A family pulled apart.  \n \n CC Cilento’s best memories are of spending every summer holiday running wild in and out of the Friend family beach house with her cousins\, James\, Ollie\, Felix and Lily. It’s the next best thing to having brothers and sisters. They’ve continued the summer tradition into adulthood\, getting together at the shack with its absolute beach frontage. But now a bombshell has dropped: the four sibling cousins have officially inherited the property – along with an unexpected fifth share to CC. What starts out as the perfect gift\, and a way of keeping the family connected forever\, quickly devolves into an emotional power struggle. Half of them want to keep the legacy intact\, while the others want to sell – and each side will do anything to make it happen. Soon\, CC can’t tell friend from foe. When a body is found on the shack’s beach\, has this family dispute turned deadly? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Fiona Lowe\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe has been a midwife\, a sexual health counsellor and a family support workeer; an ideal career for an author who writes novels about family and relationships. She spent her early years in Papua New Guinea where\, without television\, reading was the entertainment and it set up a lifelong love of books. She is the recipient of the prestigioous USA RITA award and two Australian RuBY AWARDS. When she’s not writing stories\, she’s a distracted wife\, a sage to two adult sons\, a rail trail cyclist\, a volunteer in her community\, and a newly addicted homecrafts ‘show’ entrant. She is often found collapsed on the couch with wine\, knitting and her latest love\, an audio book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, 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 \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:20260715T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260715T193000 DTSTAMP:20260424T102224 CREATED:20260313T024204Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034457Z UID:71265-1784138400-1784143800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Benita Bensch DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 21\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$11.78 \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 The Drowning \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Authentically Australian\, Fiona Lowe’s stories are often triggered by a secret or a mystery\, and they explore the themes of family\, community and second chances. Described as gripping\, thought-provoking\, heart-warming and ultimately uplifting\, Lowe’s books have been praised for their emotional depth. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A body on the beach. An inheritance. A family pulled apart.  \n \n CC Cilento’s best memories are of spending every summer holiday running wild in and out of the Friend family beach house with her cousins\, James\, Ollie\, Felix and Lily. It’s the next best thing to having brothers and sisters. They’ve continued the summer tradition into adulthood\, getting together at the shack with its absolute beach frontage. But now a bombshell has dropped: the four sibling cousins have officially inherited the property – along with an unexpected fifth share to CC. What starts out as the perfect gift\, and a way of keeping the family connected forever\, quickly devolves into an emotional power struggle. Half of them want to keep the legacy intact\, while the others want to sell – and each side will do anything to make it happen. Soon\, CC can’t tell friend from foe. When a body is found on the shack’s beach\, has this family dispute turned deadly? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Fiona Lowe\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe has been a midwife\, a sexual health counsellor and a family support workeer; an ideal career for an author who writes novels about family and relationships. She spent her early years in Papua New Guinea where\, without television\, reading was the entertainment and it set up a lifelong love of books. She is the recipient of the prestigioous USA RITA award and two Australian RuBY AWARDS. When she’s not writing stories\, she’s a distracted wife\, a sage to two adult sons\, a rail trail cyclist\, a volunteer in her community\, and a newly addicted homecrafts ‘show’ entrant. She is often found collapsed on the couch with wine\, knitting and her latest love\, an audio book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, 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 \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-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260729T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260729T193000 DTSTAMP:20260424T102224 CREATED:20260416T050939Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T012750Z UID:72260-1785348000-1785353400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Phillipa Nefri Clark DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 21\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$11.78 \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 The Drowning \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Authentically Australian\, Fiona Lowe’s stories are often triggered by a secret or a mystery\, and they explore the themes of family\, community and second chances. Described as gripping\, thought-provoking\, heart-warming and ultimately uplifting\, Lowe’s books have been praised for their emotional depth. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A body on the beach. An inheritance. A family pulled apart.  \n \n CC Cilento’s best memories are of spending every summer holiday running wild in and out of the Friend family beach house with her cousins\, James\, Ollie\, Felix and Lily. It’s the next best thing to having brothers and sisters. They’ve continued the summer tradition into adulthood\, getting together at the shack with its absolute beach frontage. But now a bombshell has dropped: the four sibling cousins have officially inherited the property – along with an unexpected fifth share to CC. What starts out as the perfect gift\, and a way of keeping the family connected forever\, quickly devolves into an emotional power struggle. Half of them want to keep the legacy intact\, while the others want to sell – and each side will do anything to make it happen. Soon\, CC can’t tell friend from foe. When a body is found on the shack’s beach\, has this family dispute turned deadly? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Fiona Lowe\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe has been a midwife\, a sexual health counsellor and a family support workeer; an ideal career for an author who writes novels about family and relationships. She spent her early years in Papua New Guinea where\, without television\, reading was the entertainment and it set up a lifelong love of books. She is the recipient of the prestigioous USA RITA award and two Australian RuBY AWARDS. When she’s not writing stories\, she’s a distracted wife\, a sage to two adult sons\, a rail trail cyclist\, a volunteer in her community\, and a newly addicted homecrafts ‘show’ entrant. She is often found collapsed on the couch with wine\, knitting and her latest love\, an audio book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, 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 \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:20260812T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260812T193000 DTSTAMP:20260424T102224 CREATED:20260324T234500Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T033956Z UID:71535-1786557600-1786563000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Sophie Green DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 21\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$11.78 \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 The Drowning \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Authentically Australian\, Fiona Lowe’s stories are often triggered by a secret or a mystery\, and they explore the themes of family\, community and second chances. Described as gripping\, thought-provoking\, heart-warming and ultimately uplifting\, Lowe’s books have been praised for their emotional depth. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A body on the beach. An inheritance. A family pulled apart.  \n \n CC Cilento’s best memories are of spending every summer holiday running wild in and out of the Friend family beach house with her cousins\, James\, Ollie\, Felix and Lily. It’s the next best thing to having brothers and sisters. They’ve continued the summer tradition into adulthood\, getting together at the shack with its absolute beach frontage. But now a bombshell has dropped: the four sibling cousins have officially inherited the property – along with an unexpected fifth share to CC. What starts out as the perfect gift\, and a way of keeping the family connected forever\, quickly devolves into an emotional power struggle. Half of them want to keep the legacy intact\, while the others want to sell – and each side will do anything to make it happen. Soon\, CC can’t tell friend from foe. When a body is found on the shack’s beach\, has this family dispute turned deadly? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Fiona Lowe\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fiona Lowe has been a midwife\, a sexual health counsellor and a family support workeer; an ideal career for an author who writes novels about family and relationships. She spent her early years in Papua New Guinea where\, without television\, reading was the entertainment and it set up a lifelong love of books. She is the recipient of the prestigioous USA RITA award and two Australian RuBY AWARDS. When she’s not writing stories\, she’s a distracted wife\, a sage to two adult sons\, a rail trail cyclist\, a volunteer in her community\, and a newly addicted homecrafts ‘show’ entrant. She is often found collapsed on the couch with wine\, knitting and her latest love\, an audio book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, 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 \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/sophie-green/ 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-sophie-green.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR