BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.17.0//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:20260714T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260714T213000 DTSTAMP:20260504T055234Z CREATED:20260427T070837Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260504T055234Z UID:72579-1784057400-1784064600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Grigoryan Brothers - A Boy Called Sailboat 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/grigoryan-brothers-a-boy-called-sailboat/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-a-boy-called-steamboat-v4.png.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260711T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260711T205000 DTSTAMP:20260430T050650Z CREATED:20260430T044744Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T050650Z UID:72672-1783796400-1783803000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke\, a THEATRE 180 production 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/21-hearts-vivian-bullwinkel-and-the-nurses-of-the-vyner-brooke-a-theatre-180-production/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-21-hearts.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260711T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260711T125000 DTSTAMP:20260701T005953Z CREATED:20260212T045959Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T005953Z UID:70689-1783767600-1783774200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke\, a THEATRE 180 production 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/21-hearts-vivian-bulllwinkel-and-the-nurses-of-the-vyner-brooke-a-theatre-180-production-saturday/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-21-hearts.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T205000 DTSTAMP:20260708T045137Z CREATED:20251001T031523Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260708T045137Z UID:67817-1783710000-1783716600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke\, a THEATRE 180 production 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/21-hearts-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-21-hearts.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T125000 DTSTAMP:20260708T045157Z CREATED:20250930T001641Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260708T045157Z UID:67766-1783681200-1783687800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke\, a THEATRE 180 production 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/21-hearts/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-21-hearts.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260708T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260708T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T054612Z CREATED:20260509T054308Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T054612Z UID:72884-1783537200-1783540800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Full Heart: Gratitude and Contentment in Daily Life 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/kadampa-meditation-series-a-full-heart-gratitude-and-contentment-in-daily-life-8-july/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5-Gratitude_GP_Class_BMI-Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260705T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260705T210000 DTSTAMP:20260521T040050Z CREATED:20260521T034118Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T040050Z UID:73067-1783279800-1783285200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Alexandr Misko: International Guitar Sensation Live at BMI 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/alexandr-misko-international-guitar-sensation-live-at-bmi/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-alexandr-misko.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260703T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260703T211500 DTSTAMP:20260514T042336Z CREATED:20260505T235334Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T042336Z UID:72745-1783108800-1783113300@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Joscho Stephan Trio: Gypsy Jazz Virtuosos 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/joscho-stephan-trio-gypsy-jazz-virtuosos/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-joscho-final.png ORGANIZER;CN="Concerts Australia":MAILTO:michael@concertsaustralia.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260701T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260701T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T054226Z CREATED:20260509T054129Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T054226Z UID:72881-1782932400-1782936000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Full Heart: Gratitude and Contentment in Daily Life 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/kadampa-meditation-series-a-full-heart-gratitude-and-contentment-in-daily-life/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5-Gratitude_GP_Class_BMI-Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au 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:20260629T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260629T210000 DTSTAMP:20260514T040925Z CREATED:20260514T033415Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T040925Z UID:72963-1782761400-1782766800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | The Herald Sun Aria Semi-Final 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/royal-south-street-society-the-herald-sun-aria-semi-final/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Live Music,Royal South Street Society,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-arias.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260627T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260627T193000 DTSTAMP:20260514T034853Z CREATED:20260514T032920Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T034853Z UID:72959-1782585000-1782588600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Vocal Championship Challenge 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/royal-south-street-society-vocal-championship-challenge/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Live Music,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260624T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260624T200000 DTSTAMP:20260605T012745Z CREATED:20260509T053656Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260605T012745Z UID:72875-1782327600-1782331200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Transformative Power of Concentration 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/kadampa-meditation-series-from-aniety-to-action-tools-to-reclaim-your-life-24-june/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/6-Focus_Concentration_BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au 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:20260621T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260621T180000 DTSTAMP:20260514T041434Z CREATED:20260514T032237Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T041434Z UID:72955-1782052200-1782064800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Pianoforte Schedule - Celebrating Chopin 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/royal-south-street-society-pianoforte-schedule-celebrating-chopin-26/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Live Music,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-chopin.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260617T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260617T200000 DTSTAMP:20260605T012458Z CREATED:20260509T053624Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260605T012458Z UID:72873-1781722800-1781726400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Transformative Power of Concentration 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/kadampa-meditation-series-from-aniety-to-action-tools-to-reclaim-your-life-17-june/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/6-Focus_Concentration_BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au 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:20260612T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T220000 DTSTAMP:20260613T032649Z CREATED:20260310T010115Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260613T032649Z UID:71143-1781298000-1781301600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 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/minervas-secrets-night-tour-12-jun-26-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sq-promo-minerva-secrets.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T200000 DTSTAMP:20260527T015517Z CREATED:20260310T005733Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260527T015517Z UID:71141-1781290800-1781294400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 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/minervas-secrets-night-tour-12-jun-26/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sq-promo-minerva-secrets2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260611T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260611T210000 DTSTAMP:20260331T035120Z CREATED:20260129T043042Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035120Z UID:70415-1781206200-1781211600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Monster 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/ballarat-film-society-monster/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/monster-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260610T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260610T200000 DTSTAMP:20260605T012250Z CREATED:20260509T053553Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260605T012250Z UID:72871-1781118000-1781121600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Transformative Power of Concentration 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/kadampa-meditation-series-from-aniety-to-action-tools-to-reclaim-your-life-10-june/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/6-Focus_Concentration_BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260607T120000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260607T150000 DTSTAMP:20260514T045643Z CREATED:20260514T020854Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T045643Z UID:72943-1780833600-1780844400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Moco: 5 Senses of Drag Workshop 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/moco-5-senses-of-drag-workshop/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Pride,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-moco.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260606T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260606T213000 DTSTAMP:20260514T035755Z CREATED:20260511T011117Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T035755Z UID:72909-1780767000-1780781400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Queer Blak+ Deadly with Steven Oliver 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/queer-blak-deadly-with-steven-oliver/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Pride,Burlesque,Comedy,Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-queer.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260603T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260603T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T053950Z CREATED:20260509T053525Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T053950Z UID:72869-1780513200-1780516800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | From Aniety to Action: Tools to Reclaim Your Life 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/kadampa-meditation-series-from-aniety-to-action-tools-to-reclaim-your-life-3-june/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/4-From_Anxiety_to_Action_Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260530T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260530T110000 DTSTAMP:20260528T034920Z CREATED:20260528T041002Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260528T034920Z UID:73311-1780135200-1780138800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Lantern Vaults 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/lantern-vaults-reprised/ LOCATION:BMI – Multiple Spaces\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-events-lantern-vaults.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260527T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260527T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T054009Z CREATED:20260509T053422Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T054009Z UID:72867-1779908400-1779912000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | From Aniety to Action: Tools to Reclaim Your Life 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/kadampa-meditation-series-from-aniety-to-action-tools-to-reclaim-your-life-27-may/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/4-From_Anxiety_to_Action_Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au 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:20260523T113000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260524T121500 DTSTAMP:20260521T053103Z CREATED:20260421T025952Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T053103Z UID:72387-1779535800-1779624900@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Heritage Festival - Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 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/ballarat-heritage-festival-tours/ LOCATION:Meet in the Foyer\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-day-tours.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260522T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260522T203000 DTSTAMP:20260514T045854Z CREATED:20260318T041021Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T045854Z UID:71379-1779476400-1779481800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Panic from the Sky: A Call of Cthulhu Adventure 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/panic-in-the-sky/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sq-promo-events-tales-final.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260521T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260524T160000 DTSTAMP:20260522T063609Z CREATED:20260418T053218Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260522T063609Z UID:72320-1779357600-1779638400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Lantern Vaults 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/lantern-vaults/ LOCATION:BMI – Multiple Spaces\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-events-lantern-vaults.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR