BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250603T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250701T150000 DTSTAMP:20260513T043141 CREATED:20250113T050930Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250527T053004Z UID:61155-1748959200-1751382000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Series 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/day-tours-may-jun-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250601T094500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250601T150000 DTSTAMP:20260513T043141 CREATED:20250526T015210Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T003449Z UID:65124-1748771100-1748790000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballart Pride Market 2025 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/ballarat-pride-market-25/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Pride,Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ballarat-pride-month-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250531T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250531T214500 DTSTAMP:20260513T043141 CREATED:20250512T012032Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250520T005051Z UID:64934-1748718000-1748727900@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Sweet Mona's Choir | On Tour: Let the Good Times Roll CD Launch 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/sweet-monas-choir/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SMC-LTGTR-BMI-SquareImage.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250531T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250601T140000 DTSTAMP:20260513T043141 CREATED:20250409T000912Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250409T012549Z UID:64380-1748685600-1748786400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Winter Book Sale | Stockpile your winter reading 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/book-sale-june-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Fundraiser,Library,Members ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/book-sale-winter-sq-promo-pexels-clem-onojeghuo-375892-v2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250529T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250529T200000 DTSTAMP:20260513T043141 CREATED:20250506T005821Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250506T012923Z UID:64894-1748545200-1748548800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ivan Aristeguieta: All Bangers No Mash 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/ivan-aristeguieta/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BANG_BALL_SQUARE.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250528T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250528T200000 DTSTAMP:20260513T043141 CREATED:20250408T022323Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T022528Z UID:64331-1748458800-1748462400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Healthy Habits for A Happy Mind 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/kadampa-meditation-series-28-may/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Healthy-Habits-square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250528T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250528T193000 DTSTAMP:20260513T043141 CREATED:20250313T021402Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T013932Z UID:62648-1748455200-1748460600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Nicole Alexander 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/nicole-alexander/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/sq-promo-nicole-alexander.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250525T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250525T173000 DTSTAMP:20260513T043141 CREATED:20250422T011809Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250516T034922Z UID:64638-1748181600-1748194200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Sweet Sounds for the Otways 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/sweet-sounds-of-the-otways/ LOCATION:VIC CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/sq-promo-otways.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T210000 DTSTAMP:20260513T043141 CREATED:20250423T040828Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T060001Z UID:64663-1748116800-1748120400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Wizard Oil and Wonders: Frank Weston the Wizard Oil Prince 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/wizard-oil-and-wonders/ LOCATION:VIC CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T150000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T163000 DTSTAMP:20260513T043141 CREATED:20250424T001228Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T040455Z UID:64688-1748098800-1748104200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Open House Melbourne Presents\, Heritage Conversations: A Life in photos - John Gollings 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/a-life-in-photos-john-gollings/ LOCATION:VIC CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/john-gollings.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Open House Melbourne":MAILTO:info@ohm.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T122000 DTSTAMP:20260513T043141 CREATED:20250417T024436Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250507T035052Z UID:64583-1748080800-1748089200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Vegas 70 returns to Ballarat | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Mary Poppins 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/vegas-70-mary-poppins/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Film,Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promos-mary-poppins.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T110000 DTSTAMP:20260513T043141 CREATED:20250520T051053Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250522T034211Z UID:65020-1748080800-1748084400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Whispers from the Garden | In Partnership with Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens Inc. 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/whispers-from-the-garden/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250523T203000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250523T224500 DTSTAMP:20260513T043141 CREATED:20250417T020931Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250422T060211Z UID:64570-1748032200-1748040300@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Vegas 70 returns to Ballarat | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Chinatown 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/vegas-70-chinatown/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Film,Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promos-chinatown2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250523T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250523T201500 DTSTAMP:20260513T043141 CREATED:20250409T021703Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250422T060122Z UID:64409-1748025000-1748031300@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Vegas 70 returns to Ballarat | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Blazing Saddles 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/vegas-70-blazing-saddles/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Film,Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/blazing-saddles-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250521T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250521T200000 DTSTAMP:20260513T043141 CREATED:20250408T020418Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T022213Z UID:64321-1747854000-1747857600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Healthy Habits for A Happy Mind 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/kadampa-meditation-series-21-may/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Healthy-Habits-square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250521T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250521T120000 DTSTAMP:20260513T043141 CREATED:20250317T031650Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T070359Z UID:62934-1747825200-1747828800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Tour 3 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/day-tours-ballarat-heritage-fest-3/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250520T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250520T150000 DTSTAMP:20260513T043141 CREATED:20250113T050453Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T070422Z UID:61152-1747749600-1747753200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Tour 2 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/day-tours-ballarat-heritage-fest/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250520T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250520T120000 DTSTAMP:20260513T043141 CREATED:20250317T030244Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T070405Z UID:62929-1747738800-1747742400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Tour 1 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/day-tours-ballarat-heritage-fest-1/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T213000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T223000 DTSTAMP:20260513T043141 CREATED:20250210T012647Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T003042Z UID:61846-1747603800-1747607400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, 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-bhf-18-may-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T203000 DTSTAMP:20260513T043141 CREATED:20250210T002829Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T223444Z UID:61827-1747596600-1747600200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, 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-bhf-18-may-1/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T160000 DTSTAMP:20260513T043141 CREATED:20250114T215837Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T060728Z UID:61189-1747576800-1747584000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Dame Nellie Melba Celebration Performance 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/melba-opera-trust/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art programs,Australian Heritage Festival,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Classical Music,Important Dates,Live Music,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/mot-performance-promo-sq.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250517T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250517T230000 DTSTAMP:20260513T043141 CREATED:20250114T223422Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250508T064422Z UID:61199-1747506600-1747522800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Dinner - 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/melba-opera-trust-dinner/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Australian Heritage Festival,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Live Music,Theatre Production 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:20250516T213000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250516T223000 DTSTAMP:20260513T043141 CREATED:20250210T001340Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T222405Z UID:61817-1747431000-1747434600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Ballarat Heritage Festival - NOW FULLY BOOKED 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-bhf-16-may-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250516T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250516T203000 DTSTAMP:20260513T043142 CREATED:20250210T002600Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T222312Z UID:61825-1747423800-1747427400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Ballarat Heritage Festival - NOW FULLY BOOKED 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-bhf-16-may-1/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250514T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250514T200000 DTSTAMP:20260513T043142 CREATED:20250211T002910Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T022228Z UID:61905-1747249200-1747252800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Find Your Flow: A Buddhist Guide to an Effortless Life 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/kadampa-meditation-series-14-may-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo3.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250514T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250514T193000 DTSTAMP:20260513T043142 CREATED:20250304T015324Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T024750Z UID:62426-1747245600-1747251000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Darcy Tindale 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/darcy-tindale/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/darcy-tindale-sq-promp.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250510T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250510T210000 DTSTAMP:20260513T043142 CREATED:20250320T035214Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250430T042820Z UID:63032-1746905400-1746910800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Amazing Lucas Girls by acclaimed playwright Cate Whittaker - Session 3 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-amazing-lucas-girls-3/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/A-Hs-LG-hero320-promo-square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Lost Voices":MAILTO:lostvoicesnsw.au@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250510T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250510T160000 DTSTAMP:20260513T043142 CREATED:20250320T034846Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250430T042629Z UID:63030-1746887400-1746892800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Amazing Lucas Girls by acclaimed playwright Cate Whittaker - Session 2 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-amazing-lucas-girls-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/A-Hs-LG-hero320-promo-square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Lost Voices":MAILTO:lostvoicesnsw.au@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250510T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250510T150000 DTSTAMP:20260513T043142 CREATED:20250415T235811Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250417T041141Z UID:64553-1746885600-1746889200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Seedpod Ballarat 2025 | Gemma Cavoli - 'Oubliette' | Artist in Residence 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/seedpod-oubliette-session-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Artist in Residence,Australian Heritage Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/oubliette-sq-promo-v2.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Punctum":MAILTO:hq@punctum.com.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250509T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250509T210000 DTSTAMP:20260513T043142 CREATED:20250318T025201Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250430T042710Z UID:62953-1746819000-1746824400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Amazing Lucas Girls by acclaimed playwright Cate Whittaker 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-amazing-lucas-girls/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/A-Hs-LG-hero320-promo-square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Lost Voices":MAILTO:lostvoicesnsw.au@gmail.com END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR