BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.19//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH 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: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 BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230523T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230523T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230323T233214Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230404T043831Z UID:36186-1684839600-1684857600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Living Heritage Exhibition DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/living-heritage-ballaarat-mechanics-exhibitiion/ LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/6413133691792ea538a2c867.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230516T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230516T150000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230515T053426Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230515T053446Z UID:39816-1684245600-1684249200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-heritage-2/ LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/BMI-facade.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230523T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230523T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230323T222238Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230516T011342Z UID:36146-1684868400-1684872000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tours | Ballarat Heritage Festival DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-ballarat-heritage-festival-3/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BMI_upshot_evening.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230524T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230524T120000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230403T064213Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230420T045148Z UID:37133-1684924200-1684929600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Artwork of the BMI | Special Programs DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-artwork-of-the-bmi-special-programs/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/BMI-project-update-2-Mar-2022-4-pre-conservation.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230524T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230524T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230323T233445Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230404T050020Z UID:36189-1684926000-1684944000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Living Heritage Exhibition DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/living-heritage-ballaarat-mechanics-exhibition-3/ LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/6413133691792ea538a2c867.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230524T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230524T190000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230321T000642Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230505T003752Z UID:35642-1684949400-1684954800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2023 | Season 2\, Session 5 | Ballarat Heritage Festival DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-season-2-ballarat-heritage-festival-3/ LOCATION:Chinese Library\, 200 Sturt Street CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Culture,The Collection,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/twilight-talks-gold-black-2023.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230525T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230525T120000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230403T064243Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230710T032706Z UID:37134-1685010600-1685016000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Photography of the BMI | Special Programs DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-photography-of-the-bmi-special-programs/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/looking-down-lydiard-street-north-showing-federal-hotel-mh1897.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230525T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230525T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230323T233604Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230404T051119Z UID:36191-1685012400-1685030400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Living Heritage Exhibition DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/living-heritage-ballaarat-mechanics-exhibition-4/ LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/6413133691792ea538a2c867.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230526T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230526T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230323T233725Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230404T051509Z UID:36193-1685098800-1685116800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Living Heritage Exhibition DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/living-heritage-ballaarat-mechanics-exhibition-5/ LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/6413133691792ea538a2c867.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230527T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230527T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230323T233037Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230404T052035Z UID:36184-1685185200-1685203200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Living Heritage Exhibition DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/living-heritage-ballaarat-mechanics-exhibition-6/ LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/6413133691792ea538a2c867.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230528T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230528T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230403T234034Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230404T052243Z UID:37168-1685271600-1685289600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Living Heritage Exhibition DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/living-heritage-ballaarat-mechanics-exhibition-copy-copy/ LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/6413133691792ea538a2c867.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230528T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230528T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230322T052852Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230404T052627Z UID:35966-1685282400-1685289600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Life Drawing in the Basement DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/life-drawing-in-the-basement-copy-copy-copy/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/641b9c63dce404b6288d524a.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230528T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230528T190000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230321T005544Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230404T052938Z UID:35656-1685296800-1685300400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Silent Film with Live Band | Buster Keaton in 'The General' DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/silent-film-with-live-band-buster-keaton-in-the-general/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Comedy,Culture,Film,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/6407e4ff7a5635e16634984b.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230528T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230528T210000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230322T052741Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230404T053247Z UID:35964-1685300400-1685307600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Life Drawing in the Basement DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/life-drawing-in-the-basement-copy-copy/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/641b9c63dce404b6288d524a.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230516T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230516T150000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230515T053426Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230515T053446Z UID:39816-1684245600-1684249200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-heritage-2/ LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/BMI-facade.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230604T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230604T153000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230317T004223Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230530T233702Z UID:35294-1685887200-1685892600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Salon Sessions: Melba Opera Trust | This event has now been CANCELLED. DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/salon-sessions-the-bmi-in-partnership-with-melba-opera-trust-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Classical Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/about-dame-nellie-melba.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230605T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230605T143000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230328T021851Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230328T023447Z UID:36665-1685961000-1685975400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Digitisation Workshop | AMaGa | Geraldine Brault DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/digitisation-workshop-amaga-geraldine-brault-3/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Culture,Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/hands-on-digitisation-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230516T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230516T150000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230515T053426Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230515T053446Z UID:39816-1684245600-1684249200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-heritage-2/ LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/BMI-facade.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230608T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230608T210000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230202T031300Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230912T011417Z UID:33956-1686252600-1686258000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - Pig DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-pig/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/ezgif-7-0434c06698f1-compressed-1-e1675307564693.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230516T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230516T150000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230515T053426Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230515T053446Z UID:39816-1684245600-1684249200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-heritage-2/ LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/BMI-facade.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230614T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230614T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230530T000254Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230602T020702Z UID:40168-1686767400-1686772800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Jock Serong | In Conversation DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/jock-serong-in-conversation/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/jock-serong-e1685671609469.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230516T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230516T150000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230515T053426Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230515T053446Z UID:39816-1684245600-1684249200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-heritage-2/ LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/BMI-facade.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230621T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230621T190000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230411T035700Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230605T034811Z UID:37790-1687370400-1687374000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Exploring the Path to Clean Energy with Alan Finkel (Ballarat) DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-wheeler-centre-powering-up-alan-finkel-in-ballarat/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Powering-Up-with-Alan-Finkel-square.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230516T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230516T150000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230515T053426Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230515T053446Z UID:39816-1684245600-1684249200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-heritage-2/ LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/BMI-facade.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230630T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230630T150000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230406T032945Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230508T025730Z UID:37636-1688133600-1688137200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Meet the Author | Maya Linnell DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/meet-the-author-maya-linnell/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/unnamed1-e1680747452966.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230702T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230702T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230620T054655Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230630T053237Z UID:40743-1688320800-1688328000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Be_ Hear/Now Live Music Festival | Cassells and Band: Folk & Verse DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/be_-hear-now-live-music-festival-cassells-and-band-folk-verse/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Externally Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Cassells-eventpromo-BHN23-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230516T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230516T150000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230515T053426Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230515T053446Z UID:39816-1684245600-1684249200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-heritage-2/ LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/BMI-facade.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230704T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230704T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230404T025826Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230501T043505Z UID:37295-1688497200-1688500800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Meet the Author | A. J. Lyndon DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/meet-the-author-aj-lyndon/ LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cannon-ballarat-2019-e1680574946680.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230707T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230707T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230626T052415Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230706T042322Z UID:41071-1688756400-1688760000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Six Strings\, One Heart | Australian Concert Tour: Spanish Guitar DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/six-strings-one-heart-spanish-guitar/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/andrea-gonzalez-caballero.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230516T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230516T150000 DTSTAMP:20260408T164826 CREATED:20230515T053426Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230515T053446Z UID:39816-1684245600-1684249200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 5\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:45 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nFree \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stella Day Out is a free one-day literary festival that celebrates and promotes the outstanding contributions of women and non-binary writers to Australian literature. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel \n \n In conversation \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation about her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss\, memory and myth\, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide \n \n What happens when\, in the middle of a happy heterosexual marriage\, a woman falls in love with another woman? The Swift Dark Tide is a story of selfhood and desire\, of careful listening to an ungovernable heart. Part memoir\, part love letter\, The Swift Dark Tide is also a chronicle of life by the sea\, journeying between Melbourne’s St Kilda and the Black Sea town of Odessa. Katia Ariel introduces us to a lineage of soulful\, strident women and beautifully nuanced men. She invites us into home and heart to witness love\, loss and joy\, motherhood\, daughterhood and the urgent wildness of the body. \n \n \n Ferryman: the life and death of Ephraim Finch | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Swift Dark Tide | Katia Ariel\n \n \n \n Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch \n \n Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch is a profoundly moving exploration of life\, loss\, and legacy. Blending biography\, memoir\, and cultural history\, Katia Ariel brings to life the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM—a deathworker\, community builder\, and guardian of cultural memory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Katia Ariel \n \n Katia (she/her) is an award-winning author\, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa\, Ukraine. Her memoir\, The Swift Dark Tide\, shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2024 and won the 2024 Society of Women Writers NSW Non-fiction Prize. Katia’s work has appeared in journals such as Womankind\, Antithesis and Archer. Katia teaches creative writing and editing\, and lives with her family by the sea. Her second book\, Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch\, was published by Wild Dingo Press in June 2025. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia Ariel\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katia will be in conversation with Kelly Gardiner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Gardiner\, Author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Author Kelly Gardiner \n \n Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction\, fantasy\, and crime fiction for all ages. Her new crime novel\, Miss Caroline Bingley\, Private Detective\, is inspired by Jane Austen and co-authored with Sharmini Kumar. Kelly’s recent series is The Firewatcher Chronicles and her other books include 1917\, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize; Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes\, both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards; and The Swashbuckler Triology. Goddess\, her novel based on the life of the seventeenth-century sword-fighting\, cross-dressing opera star\, Mademoiselle de Maupin\, is being adapted for the screen.  Kelly is a former journalist and community worker\, taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years\, and is now writing full-time and running writing retreats and masterclasses.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are proud to be hosting this series at the BMI. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow Stella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost Free – Tickets can also be reserved at the Library Box Office. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-heritage-2/ LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/BMI-facade.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR