BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.16.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART: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:20250820T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250820T193000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072502 CREATED:20250522T034400Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T001437Z UID:65063-1755712800-1755718200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Michael Robotham 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/michael-robotham/ 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/2025/05/sq-promo-robotham.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250816T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250816T220000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072503 CREATED:20250605T021537Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250801T031934Z UID:65518-1755372600-1755381600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Craig McLachlan Live & Intimate - Six String Stories 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/craig-mc-lachlan/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Live Music,Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CRAIG-MCLACHLAN-SixStringStories_CM_Hero_draft2-Liam-Mudge.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250815T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250815T193000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072503 CREATED:20250811T041345Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250811T045630Z UID:66767-1755280800-1755286200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Secret History of Sharks with Professor John Long | National Science Week 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-secret-history-of-sharks/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Festival,Fundraiser,Members,Science Week,Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/sq-promo-the-secret-history-of-sharks.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250813T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250813T200000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072503 CREATED:20250408T041113Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T041537Z UID:64373-1755111600-1755115200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to Love Yourself & Others 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-13-august/ 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/How-to-Love-Yourseld-Others-square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250810T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250810T160000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072503 CREATED:20250512T035956Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250805T061800Z UID:64945-1754834400-1754841600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Little Brass Band | BMI Fundraiser: Cheers\, Raise a Glass to Brass 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/little-brass-band/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/little-brass-band-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250806T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250806T200000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072503 CREATED:20250408T041052Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T041408Z UID:64372-1754506800-1754510400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to Love Yourself & Others 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-6-august/ 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/How-to-Love-Yourseld-Others-square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250806T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250806T193000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072503 CREATED:20250527T025831Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250616T021316Z UID:65197-1754503200-1754508600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair 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/chloe-adams-alli-sinclair/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Ballarat Winter Festival,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sq-promo-chloe-and-alli-v2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250804T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250804T213000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072503 CREATED:20250625T000219Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250722T042831Z UID:65888-1754335800-1754343000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Herald Sun Aria Semi Final 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/rsss-aria-semi-final/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Live Music,Royal South Street Society,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250803T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250803T203000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072503 CREATED:20250624T235217Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T062854Z UID:65881-1754231400-1754253000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Herald Sun Aria Heats 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/rsss-aria-heats/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250802T093000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250802T210000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072503 CREATED:20250625T043529Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T063828Z UID:65954-1754127000-1754168400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Freemasons Vocal Schedule & Championship Challenge 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/rsss-vocal-schedule-9-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Live Music,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250801T160000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250801T203000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072503 CREATED:20250624T063047Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T063002Z UID:65863-1754064000-1754080200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Freemasons Vocal Schedule 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/rsss-vocal-schedule-8/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250731T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250731T160000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072503 CREATED:20250624T062123Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T063012Z UID:65855-1753956000-1753977600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Freemasons Vocal Schedule 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/rsss-vocal-schedule-7/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250730T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250730T200000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072503 CREATED:20250408T040007Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T041032Z UID:64365-1753902000-1753905600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to Love Yourself & Others 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-30-july/ 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/How-to-Love-Yourseld-Others-square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250730T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250730T193000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072503 CREATED:20250715T014238Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250730T001534Z UID:66248-1753900200-1753903800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Rare Book Week Melbourne | Rare Books in Mechanics' Institutes: Uncover Hidden Treasures 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/rare-books-mechanics-institutes/ LOCATION:Prahran Mechanics’ Institute Victorian History Library\, 39 Saint Edmonds Road\, Prahran\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:About us,Important Dates,Rare Book Week,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG39-BMI-crop.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250730T093000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250730T190000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072503 CREATED:20250624T060939Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T063024Z UID:65852-1753867800-1753902000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Freemasons Vocal Schedule 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/rsss-vocal-schedule-6/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250729T093000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250729T163000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072503 CREATED:20250624T054647Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T063035Z UID:65841-1753781400-1753806600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Freemasons Vocal Schedule 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/rsss-vocal-schedule-5/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250728T093000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250728T173000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072503 CREATED:20250624T052537Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T063100Z UID:65835-1753695000-1753723800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Freemasons Vocal Schedule 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/rsss-vocal-schedule-4/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250727T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250727T180000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072503 CREATED:20250624T044813Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250625T050048Z UID:65825-1753624800-1753639200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Schimmel Pianoforte Schedule - Celebrating Chopin 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/rsss-pianoforte-schedule-7/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Live Music,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/chopin.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250726T091500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250726T183000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072503 CREATED:20250624T064136Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T062951Z UID:65868-1753521300-1753554600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Schimmel Pianoforte Schedule 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/rsss-vocal-schedule-9/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250725T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250725T163000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072503 CREATED:20250624T042305Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T063123Z UID:65813-1753441200-1753461000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Schimmel Pianoforte Schedule 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/rsss-pianoforte-schedule-5/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250724T091500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250724T163000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072503 CREATED:20250624T035700Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T063134Z UID:65807-1753348500-1753374600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Schimmel Pianoforte Schedule 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/rsss-pianoforte-schedule-4/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250723T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250723T200000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072503 CREATED:20250408T042521Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T042633Z UID:64378-1753297200-1753300800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Meditations for A Clear 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-23-july/ 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/Clear-Mind-Urban-Ballarat-square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250723T091500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250723T210000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072503 CREATED:20250624T035330Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T063153Z UID:65806-1753262100-1753304400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Schimmel Pianoforte Schedule 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/rsss-pianoforte-schedule-3/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250722T091500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250722T180000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072503 CREATED:20250624T034613Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T063205Z UID:65803-1753175700-1753207200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Schimmel Pianoforte Schedule 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/rsss-pianoforte-schedule-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250721T091500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250721T213000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072503 CREATED:20250624T032442Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T063213Z UID:65793-1753089300-1753133400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Schimmel Pianoforte Schedule 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/rsss-pianoforte-schedule-1/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250720T093000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250720T200000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072503 CREATED:20250624T050147Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T063107Z UID:65830-1753003800-1753041600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Freemasons Vocal Schedule 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/rsss-vocal-schedule-3/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250719T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250719T213000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072503 CREATED:20250624T031631Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T063216Z UID:65790-1752919200-1752960600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Freemasons Vocal Schedule 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/rsss-vocal-schedule-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250718T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250718T213000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072503 CREATED:20240717T012721Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250625T032911Z UID:57382-1752858000-1752874200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Freemasons Vocal Schedule 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/rsss-vocal-schedule/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250718T123000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250718T153000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072503 CREATED:20250625T032957Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250625T033649Z UID:65910-1752841800-1752852600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Freemasons Vocal Schedule 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/rsss-vocal-schedule-1/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250716T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250716T200000 DTSTAMP:20260513T072503 CREATED:20250408T035652Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T035944Z UID:64363-1752692400-1752696000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Meditations for A Clear 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-16-july/ 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/Clear-Mind-Urban-Ballarat-square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR