BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.19//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20230401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20230930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240113T150000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240113T150000 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20240109T042935Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240110T005513Z UID:49842-1705158000-1705158000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Organs of the Ballarat Goldfields | Recital 3 | Haydn Baryton Trios DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/organs-of-the-goldfields/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Classical Music,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/organs-of-the-goldfields-square.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240118T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240125T223000 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20231221T022307Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240110T010717Z UID:49650-1705599000-1706221800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Chess Club DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-chess-club-copy/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Chess Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ballarat-chess-club-square-with-boarder.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240131T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240131T190000 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20231213T041518Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231213T232612Z UID:49208-1706727600-1706727600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Choose Happiness: A Public Talk with Kelsang Luma DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/choose-happiness/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/flower-square.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240201T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240229T223000 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20231221T015804Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240110T011205Z UID:49635-1706808600-1709245800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Chess Club DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-chess-club/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Chess Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ballarat-chess-club-square-with-boarder.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240207T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240207T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20231207T003031Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231218T043742Z UID:49057-1707328800-1707336000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Elizabeth Coleman DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-elizabeth-coleman/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/square-promo-elizabeth-coleman.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240207T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240228T203000 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20231213T040534Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231213T040703Z UID:49199-1707332400-1709152200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Positive Psychology DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-positive-psychology/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/kadampa-Ballarat-sep-dec-2023-1-logo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240208T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240208T210000 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20240124T000807Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240130T061639Z UID:50417-1707420600-1707426000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballart Film Society | Scrapper DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-scrapper/ 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/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/scrapper-square.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240221T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240221T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20230919T035111Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240208T231637Z UID:45397-1708538400-1708545600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Lucas Jordan DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-lucas-jordan/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/lucas-jordan-promotional-squre-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240228T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240327T183000 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20231109T032714Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240205T012554Z UID:47372-1709141400-1711564200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2024 | Season 1 DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-2024-season-1/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/tt-promo-2024-season-1-draft-v2-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240302T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240302T210000 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20240202T231658Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240202T234613Z UID:50873-1709406000-1709413200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Women Just Want to Laugh DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/women-just-want-to-laugh/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/women-laugh.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240305T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240305T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20240109T042935Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240305T061154Z UID:49843-1709661600-1709668800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Imbi Neeme | This event has now been cancelled DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-imbi-neeme/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/imbi-neeme-promo-square.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240306T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240327T203000 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20231213T034626Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240325T225552Z UID:49180-1709751600-1711571400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Get Your Confidence Back DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-get-your-confidence-back/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/kadampa-Ballarat-sep-dec-2023-1-logo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240307T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240328T223000 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20231221T022427Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240110T013925Z UID:49652-1709832600-1711665000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Chess Club DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-chess-club-copy-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Chess Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ballarat-chess-club-square-with-boarder.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240314T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240314T210000 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20240129T050135Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240130T070808Z UID:50562-1710444600-1710450000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballart Film Society | Le bleu du caftan (The Blue Kaftan) DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-the-blue-kaftan/ 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/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/The_Blue_Caftan-519760920-large.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240317T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240317T173000 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20240119T004829Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240122T010930Z UID:50287-1710684000-1710696600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva Social Sunday | St Patrick's Day Social | Scottish Country Dancing DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/scottish-country-dancing/ 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/2024/01/minerva-from-behind-correct-crop-e1705625699773.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240321T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240321T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20230919T035313Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240307T005144Z UID:45400-1711044000-1711051200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Noel Braun DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-noel-braun/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/noel-braun-promotional-squre-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240403T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240424T203000 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20231213T040808Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231213T040951Z UID:49202-1712170800-1713990600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Dealing with Difficult People DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-dealing-with-difficult-people/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/kadampa-Ballarat-sep-dec-2023-1-logo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240404T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240425T223000 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20240121T230923Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240121T231034Z UID:50298-1712251800-1714084200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Chess Club DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-chess-club-copy-2-copy/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Chess Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ballarat-chess-club-square-with-boarder.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240407T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240407T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20240131T003215Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240131T232049Z UID:50772-1712516400-1712520000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Heath Franklin's Chopper - Not Here To F*ck Spiders DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/heath-franklins-chopper/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/heath-franklin-e1706662452847.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240411T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240411T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20231004T031044Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240118T002449Z UID:45976-1712858400-1712865600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Leah Kaminsky & Kylie Ladd DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-kaminsky-ladd/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pomo-square-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240411T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240411T210000 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20240129T040125Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240130T055619Z UID:50532-1712863800-1712869200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballart Film Society | The Wild Goose Lake DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-the-wild-goose-lake/ 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/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/wild-goose-lake-2-e1706503321360.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240412T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240412T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20240305T012726Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240306T191118Z UID:52033-1712944800-1712952000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Rita McInnes | Book Launch DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-rita-mcinnes/ 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/2024/03/rita-promo-square.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240413T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240413T220000 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20240227T032727Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240327T050136Z UID:51774-1713036600-1713045600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Fundraiser | Shindig DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/shindig/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Live Music,Members ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/shindig-thumbnail-event-promo5.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240414T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240414T183000 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20240131T005717Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240131T232520Z UID:50783-1713114000-1713119400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Songs for Suzanne - The music and poetry of Leonard Cohen DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/music-poetry-leonard-cohen/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/songs-for-suzanne.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240419T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240419T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20240403T022955Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240414T220359Z UID:53433-1713553200-1713556800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Troy Kinne | Made Wrong DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/troy-kinne-made-wrong/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/promo-square-troy-kinne.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240421T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240421T161500 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20240403T012946Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240403T020926Z UID:53422-1713709800-1713716100@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:All Schubert Chamber Recital | Susan Pierotti\, Zoe Knighton & Brian Chapman DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/all-schubert-chamber-recital/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Classical Music,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/schubert-promo-square-FINAL.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240423T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240423T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20240226T044626Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240419T170719Z UID:51648-1713898800-1713902400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Dervla McTiernan: What Happened to Nina? DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/dervla-mctiernan-what-happened-to-nina/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Dervla-McTiernan-1-photo-julia-dunin-photography.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240424T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240424T190000 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20240320T042943Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240502T012343Z UID:52571-1713981600-1713985200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 1 | At Play in the Fields of the past: Roleplaying\, gaming and local heritage DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-not-the-last-picture-show-4/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Twilight Talks,Twilight Talks Heritage Festivals ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Cover-for-Lola-front.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240426T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240426T204000 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20240313T013004Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240414T220340Z UID:52346-1714159800-1714164000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Still Kickin' - Blake Pavey DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/still-kickin-blake-pavey/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/black-pavey-2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240428T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240428T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T173047 CREATED:20240221T001116Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T014752Z UID:51252-1714312800-1714320000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Garry Disher DESCRIPTION:Author Talk | Ella Stone – ‘Breakfast With You’ | Now CANCELLED \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 8\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 Ella Stone \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast With You \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Breakfast WIth You | Ella Stone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The plan is simple. Nicole will return to her hometown of Riverbanks for the funeral and provide a eulogy for a father she no longer knows.Afterwards\, she will slip back to Sydney where she’ll wear the infamous Diamond Dress to the most prestigious fashion event of the year\, and she and Eddie—her life-long partner—will live happily ever after. Simple. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: Cameron Barrinson\, her ex from long ago. And\, of course\, there is that pesky little secret she swore to never tell another soul about. But\, other than that—all will be easy\, right? Will her arrival be as straightforward as she hopes\, or will it shake loose old friendships and rekindle a love that should never have ended? ** Ella Stone is a pen name of J.S. Davidson and is used for all her drama / romance books. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n \n Ballarat-based author Jan Davidson\, 37\, is no stranger to challenges. Born with physical deformities\, Jan spent much of her childhood at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Yet\, from those early struggles emerged a remarkable talent and voice that now speaks to readers through stories that span magical realms and the rich tapestry of everyday Australian life.“It was really boring as a kid\,” Jan laughs\, reflecting on her years in the hospital. “Netflix didn’t exist back then — so I only had my imagination to entertain me.”What began as a way to escape the sterile hospital walls became the foundation for a writing career that bridges two very different\, yet equally compelling\, genres.Jan is the creative force behind the gripping Urban Fantasy series ‘The Aztec Saga’\, Hunted and Tethered\, published under the pen name J.S. Davidson\, and the deeply human Australian Drama series ‘With You’\, Breakfast With You and the soon-to-be-released Finding Me With You\, written under the name Ella Stone. When asked why she writes across such different genres\, her answer is simple: “I’d get bored sticking to just one.”She likens the contrast between the two styles to the shift from adventure to comfort. “Urban fantasy is a challenge\, an adventure\,” she explains. “Whereas Australian drama is like slipping cozy slippers on after a freezing day of being outside.” It’s that balance — between escapism and realism\, challenge and comfort — that gives Jan’s work a unique and captivating voice.At home in Ballarat\, Jan shares her life with her husband John and their two teenage children\, Samuel and Phoebe. Her writing life is closely woven into her family’s world\, one that’s grounded in care\, creativity\, and community. The Davidsons have long been active in local volunteer groups\, committed to giving back to the community that has supported them over the years.Jan’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected places — and how resilience\, imagination\, and heart can turn adversity into art. With more stories on the horizon and her latest drama ready to launch\, readers can expect to hear much more from this talented and deeply grounded writer.Whether she’s crafting tales of magic and danger or exploring the quiet heroism of everyday life\, Jan Davidson — as J.S. Davidson or Ella Stone — writes with authenticity and heart. And the world is better for it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 This event is part of Ballarat Winter Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-garry-disher/ 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/2024/02/promo-squre-garry-disher.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR