BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.19//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 BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20270403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20271002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251207T090000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251207T140000 DTSTAMP:20260408T065007 CREATED:20251110T010546Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251203T043313Z UID:68424-1765098000-1765116000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Christmas Market DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/bmi-christmas-market/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art programs,Christmas,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Market ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/square-promo-christmas-market-calling-for-stallholders-v5-final-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251210T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251210T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T065008 CREATED:20250917T031528Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250917T031619Z UID:67361-1765393200-1765396800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Meditations on the Mind: How to Create Mental Space DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-10-dec-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Med_on_mind_Sq.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251211T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251211T210000 DTSTAMP:20260408T065008 CREATED:20250212T034546Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T110602Z UID:62004-1765481400-1765486800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | ​Little Richard: I am Everything DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-little-richard/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sqaure-promo-bfs5.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251212T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251212T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T065008 CREATED:20250923T045702Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T051149Z UID:67545-1765566000-1765569600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-12-dec-25/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251213T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251213T213000 DTSTAMP:20260408T065008 CREATED:20251021T225043Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251210T032321Z UID:68162-1765656000-1765661400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Christmas Comedy Gala at BMI DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/christmas-comedy-gala/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sq-promo-comedy-gala.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260110T130000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260110T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T065008 CREATED:20251209T021738Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T041541Z UID:69434-1768050000-1768060800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Artistanbul: Create your own Turkish Mosaic Lamp DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/art-istanbul-workshop/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Christmas,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Market ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sq-promo-art-instanbul.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260112T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260112T190000 DTSTAMP:20260408T065008 CREATED:20241217T012501Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T010209Z UID:60743-1768240800-1768244400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Festival of Organ and Fine Music | Darkness & Delight - Jerry Wong (solo piano) DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/jerry-wong/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Classical Music,Live Music,organs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/jerry-wong.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260123T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260123T213000 DTSTAMP:20260408T065008 CREATED:20251203T003308Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251203T010553Z UID:69281-1769196600-1769203800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Billy Hinde's Big Band presents: A Night of Big Band DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/a-night-of-big-band/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sq-promo-billy-hinde.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260128T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260128T193000 DTSTAMP:20260408T065008 CREATED:20251120T065224Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251215T040410Z UID:68764-1769623200-1769628600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Geoff Parkes and Susi Fox DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-geoff-parks-susi-fox/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/sq-promo-geoff.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260128T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260128T201500 DTSTAMP:20260408T065008 CREATED:20251124T043242Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251201T032638Z UID:68875-1769626800-1769631300@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Living From a Place of Inner Peace - Ballarat Public Talk DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/living-from-a-place-of-inner-peace/ LOCATION:VIC CATEGORIES:kadampa,Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/square-promo2-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="KMC Australia & Melbourne":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260204T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260204T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T065008 CREATED:20260119T040646Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T235306Z UID:70116-1770231600-1770235200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Fresh Start: Discover the Power of Meditation DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-4-feb-26/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Square-A_Fresh_Start.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260211T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260211T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T065008 CREATED:20260119T041205Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T235116Z UID:70121-1770836400-1770840000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Fresh Start: Discover the Power of Meditation DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-11-feb-26/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Square-A_Fresh_Start.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260212T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260212T210000 DTSTAMP:20260408T065008 CREATED:20260128T030546Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T033730Z UID:70313-1770924600-1770930000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Flow DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-film-society-flow/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/flow-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260214T120000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260214T140000 DTSTAMP:20260408T065008 CREATED:20260112T012814Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T060448Z UID:69779-1771070400-1771077600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In conversation with Tori Baxter | Book Launch DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-tori-baxter/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Untitled-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260215T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260215T183000 DTSTAMP:20260408T065008 CREATED:20260112T034344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260123T000304Z UID:69818-1771174800-1771180200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Joseph Tawadros | Solo Oud DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/joseph-tawadros-solo-oud/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/sq-promo-joseph-tawadros.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260218T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260218T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T065008 CREATED:20260119T041316Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T234924Z UID:70123-1771441200-1771444800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Fresh Start: Discover the Power of Meditation DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-18-feb-26/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Square-A_Fresh_Start.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260225T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260225T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T065008 CREATED:20251008T011020Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251008T030310Z UID:67900-1772044200-1772049600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Paula McLean DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/paula-mclean/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sp-promo-paula-mclean.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260225T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260225T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T065008 CREATED:20260119T041447Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T235607Z UID:70125-1772046000-1772049600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Fresh Start: Discover the Power of Meditation DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-25-feb-26/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Square-A_Fresh_Start.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260228T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260228T230000 DTSTAMP:20260408T065008 CREATED:20251202T061155Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T225623Z UID:69260-1772308800-1772319600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Whispers of Shadows DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/whispers-of-shadows/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/square-promo-wos.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260302T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260302T210000 DTSTAMP:20260408T065008 CREATED:20260112T025228Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T022511Z UID:69804-1772478000-1772485200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Pub Cinemas Presents: 'In The Shadow of the Gallows' & short film 'Vendetta 19' DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/pub-cinemas-in-the-shadow-of-the-gallows/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/sq-promo-shadow-of-the-gallows.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260304T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260304T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T065008 CREATED:20260226T225959Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T230259Z UID:70943-1772650800-1772654400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to Solve Our Human Problems: Managing Anger & Difficult Relationships DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-4mar/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1-HTSHP-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260310T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260310T193000 DTSTAMP:20260408T065008 CREATED:20251110T032113Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T233337Z UID:68454-1773165600-1773171000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Kate Mildenhall & Josh Pomare DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-christian-white-josh-pomare/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/square-promo-kate-josh.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260311T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260311T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T065008 CREATED:20260226T230339Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T230419Z UID:70950-1773255600-1773259200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to Solve Our Human Problems: Managing Anger & Difficult Relationships DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-11-mar/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1-HTSHP-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260312T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260312T210000 DTSTAMP:20260408T065008 CREATED:20260129T021756Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T033824Z UID:70390-1773343800-1773349200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | All We Imagine As Light DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-film-society-all-we-imagine-as-light/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/all-we-imagine-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260318T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260318T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T065008 CREATED:20260226T230513Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T230537Z UID:70952-1773860400-1773864000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to Solve Our Human Problems: Managing Anger & Difficult Relationships DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-18-mar/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1-HTSHP-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260322T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260322T173000 DTSTAMP:20260408T065008 CREATED:20260209T234433Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T004415Z UID:70649-1774188000-1774200600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Scottish Country Dance DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-scottish-country-dance/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:external event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ballarat-scottish-square-promo-26.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat Country Scottish Dancing":MAILTO:heathermross2021@outlook.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260324T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260324T193000 DTSTAMP:20260408T065008 CREATED:20260201T232719Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T030026Z UID:70486-1774375200-1774380600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Chrissie Bellbrae DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-chrissie-bellbrae/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sp-promo-chrissie-bellbrae.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260325T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260325T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T065008 CREATED:20260302T002708Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260302T005942Z UID:71005-1774465200-1774468800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Stillness in Motion: Living Spiritually in a Fast-Paced World DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-25-mar/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2-Stillness-in-motion-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260401T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260401T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T065008 CREATED:20260302T003106Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T045515Z UID:71009-1775070000-1775073600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Stillness in Motion: Living Spiritually in a Fast-Paced World DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-1-apr/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2-Stillness-in-motion-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260408T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260408T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T065008 CREATED:20260302T003212Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T045434Z UID:71011-1775674800-1775678400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Stillness in Motion: Living Spiritually in a Fast-Paced World DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-8-apr/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2-Stillness-in-motion-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR