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:20210403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20211002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20220402T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20221001T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20230401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20230930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220517T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220704T110000 DTSTAMP:20220617T010748Z CREATED:20220512T045918Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220617T010748Z UID:18783-1652785200-1656932400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Many Roles of Nellie Melba Exhibition 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/the-many-roles-of-nellie-melba-exhibition/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/ss-web-banner.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220517T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220704T110000 DTSTAMP:20220731T230312Z CREATED:20220731T230312Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220731T230312Z UID:20941-1652785200-1656932400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Many Roles of Nellie Melba Exhibition Copy 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/the-many-roles-of-nellie-melba-exhibition-copy/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/ss-web-banner.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220628T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220628T120000 DTSTAMP:20220615T035300Z CREATED:20220603T035206Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220615T035300Z UID:19243-1656412200-1656417600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | 28 June 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/the-reading-room-28-june-22/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/the-reading-room-event-header-final-e1640069925423.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220629T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220629T130000 DTSTAMP:20220527T005259Z CREATED:20220405T013807Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T005259Z UID:17907-1656498600-1656507600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Painting with Geoff Roderick | 29 June 22 | Now fully booked 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/painting-with-geoff-roderick-29-june-22/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_6524.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220701T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220701T230000 DTSTAMP:20220606T034426Z CREATED:20220606T034426Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220606T034426Z UID:19295-1656702000-1656716400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Fanny Lumsden's Deep in the Fallow 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/fallow/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Externally Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/62822e0f1111f4204c192b1d-e1654487275688.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220704T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220728T160000 DTSTAMP:20220617T012414Z CREATED:20220614T060046Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220617T012414Z UID:19529-1656928800-1659024000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Exhibition of works Lillipilli Beads\, Faye Heininger 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/exhibition-of-lillipilli-beads/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Exhibition,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/IMG_2871-rotated-e1655427437685.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220714T184500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220714T200000 DTSTAMP:20220615T232426Z CREATED:20220607T004435Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220615T232426Z UID:19301-1657824300-1657828800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Fundraiser | The Phantom of the Open 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/the-phantom-of-the-open/ LOCATION:Regent Cinemas Ballarat\, 49 Lydiard Street North\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/fun-the-phantom-of-the-open-banner-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220714T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220714T213000 DTSTAMP:20220623T025812Z CREATED:20220623T024935Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220623T025812Z UID:19749-1657825200-1657834200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - High Ground 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/bfs-high-ground/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/high-ground-image.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220719T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220719T150000 DTSTAMP:20220719T223524Z CREATED:20220719T222213Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220719T223524Z UID:20401-1658239200-1658242800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour 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/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-19-july-2022-copy/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220720T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220720T143000 DTSTAMP:20220627T214254Z CREATED:20220418T233225Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220627T214254Z UID:18281-1658313000-1658327400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Paper bead-making with Faye Heininger | 20 July - Session 1 of 2 | Now fully booked 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/paper-bead-making-with-faye-heininger-20-july/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_1508-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220725T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220725T190000 DTSTAMP:20220719T034816Z CREATED:20220609T043335Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220719T034816Z UID:19402-1658768400-1658775600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Fundraiser | Carols in Winter | Ballarat Singers & Little Brass Band 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/carols-in-winter/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Carols-banner-final-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220726T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220726T120000 DTSTAMP:20220629T052138Z CREATED:20220629T051619Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220629T052138Z UID:19799-1658831400-1658836800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | 26 July 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/the-reading-room-26-july/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/the-reading-room-event-header-final-e1640069925423.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220726T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220726T150000 DTSTAMP:20220719T223509Z CREATED:20220719T222414Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220719T223509Z UID:20403-1658844000-1658847600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour 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/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-26-july-2022-copy/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220727T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220727T123000 DTSTAMP:20220627T214102Z CREATED:20220419T014429Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220627T214102Z UID:18302-1658917800-1658925000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Paper bead-making with Faye Heininger | 27 July - Session 2 of 2 | Now fully booked 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/paper-bead-making-with-faye-heininger-27-july-session-2/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_1508-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220728T130000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220728T150000 DTSTAMP:20220630T023250Z CREATED:20220629T045708Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220630T023250Z UID:19781-1659013200-1659020400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Current Affairs Dialogue | Discussion Group 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/current-affairs-dialogue-1/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Current-Affairs-logo-cropped.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220802T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221024T150000 DTSTAMP:20221003T004102Z CREATED:20220801T223637Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221003T004102Z UID:20986-1659434400-1666623600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Invention\, innovation & environment display 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/innovation-environment/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/twilight-talks-2022-season-2-banner-e1664508717818.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220802T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220802T150000 DTSTAMP:20220719T223449Z CREATED:20220719T222720Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220719T223449Z UID:20404-1659448800-1659452400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour 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/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-2-august-2022-copy/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220809T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220809T150000 DTSTAMP:20220804T053726Z CREATED:20220719T222830Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220804T053726Z UID:20405-1660053600-1660057200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour 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/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-9-august-2022-copy/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220811T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220811T213000 DTSTAMP:20220803T064057Z CREATED:20220803T063454Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220803T064057Z UID:21164-1660244400-1660253400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - Little Woods 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/bfs-little-woods/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/little-woods-image.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220816T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220816T150000 DTSTAMP:20220804T054226Z CREATED:20220719T222923Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220804T054226Z UID:20406-1660658400-1660662000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour 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/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-16-august-2022-copy/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220818T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220818T193000 DTSTAMP:20220721T223736Z CREATED:20220711T011609Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220721T223736Z UID:20175-1660847400-1660851000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ann Cleeves | In Conversation with Jock Serong | Now fully booked 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/meet-ann-cleeves/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Ann-Cleeves-Digital-Signage-slide.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220818T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220818T193000 DTSTAMP:20221003T004324Z CREATED:20221003T004324Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221003T004324Z UID:22950-1660847400-1660851000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ann Cleeves | In Conversation with Jock Serong | Now fully booked Copy 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/meet-ann-cleeves-copy/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Ann-Cleeves-Digital-Signage-slide.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220823T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220823T150000 DTSTAMP:20220804T053930Z CREATED:20220719T223033Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220804T053930Z UID:20407-1661263200-1661266800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour 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/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-23-august-2022-copy/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220825T130000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220825T150000 DTSTAMP:20220802T053154Z CREATED:20220731T224648Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220802T053154Z UID:20932-1661432400-1661439600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Current Affairs Dialogue | Discussion Group 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/current-affairs-dialogue-2/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Current-Affairs-logo-cropped.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220830T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220830T120000 DTSTAMP:20220731T225133Z CREATED:20220731T224848Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220731T225133Z UID:20934-1661855400-1661860800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | 30 August 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/the-reading-room-30-august/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/the-reading-room-event-header-final-e1640069925423.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220830T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220830T150000 DTSTAMP:20220719T223118Z CREATED:20220712T011044Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220719T223118Z UID:20271-1661868000-1661871600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour 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/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-30-august-2022/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220906T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220906T150000 DTSTAMP:20220804T055052Z CREATED:20220804T054836Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220804T055052Z UID:21278-1662472800-1662476400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour 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/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-september-1/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220907T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220907T190000 DTSTAMP:20220907T231755Z CREATED:20220601T234949Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220907T231755Z UID:19204-1662570000-1662577200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2022 | Season 2 | Session 1 DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-2022-season-2-session-1/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/tt-banner-22-2-e1654128079849.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220913T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220913T150000 DTSTAMP:20220804T055309Z CREATED:20220804T055128Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220804T055309Z UID:21280-1663077600-1663081200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour 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/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-september-2/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220914T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220914T190000 DTSTAMP:20220907T232229Z CREATED:20220602T003246Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220907T232229Z UID:19225-1663174800-1663182000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2022 | Season 2 | Session 2 DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n September 2\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tangey \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Neighbourhood Watch \n \n ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp\, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook\, a generous dose of dark humour\, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back\, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody\, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge\, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton\, is dead.Priyanka Pal\, a former psychologist turned homicide detective\, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters. Emma Bloom is sophisticated\, intelligent\, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly\, estranged sister\, Margot\, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband\, The Pope.As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home\, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left\, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.P.S. Mind the cat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Rhymes With Murder? \n \n Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder\, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY\, author of The Housemate.When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library\, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious\, apartment-bound\, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard\, followed by the thump of a body\, and the library becomes a crime scene.Before long\, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe\, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .‘Sharp\, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS\, author of The Unbelieved‘Murder\, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood\, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh\, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER\, author of Black River. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lauren Williams Before turning to fiction\, Lauren worked as a lawyer\, diplomat\, actor\, arts journalist and museum communications manager (not all at once). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Penny Tengey Penny is a librarian\, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP\, one of which\, As Fast As I Can (2020)\, won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book\, Music Camp\, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11 per person plus booking fees\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-2022-season-2-session-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/tt-banner-22-2-e1654128079849.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR