BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.20//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:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251015T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251015T200000 DTSTAMP:20260412T000943 CREATED:20250813T045048Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T045830Z UID:66955-1760554800-1760558400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Three Methods for Overcoming Bad Habits DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-15-october-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-bad-habits-v2.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251016T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251016T213000 DTSTAMP:20260412T000943 CREATED:20250709T002656Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251014T023644Z UID:66088-1760643000-1760650200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:'God of Carnage'\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production | This season NOW CANCELLED | BNT apologises. DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/god-of-carnage/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251019T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251019T160000 DTSTAMP:20260412T000943 CREATED:20250710T035225Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251014T023809Z UID:66112-1760882400-1760889600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:'God of Carnage'\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production | This season NOW CANCELLED | BNT apologises. DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/god-of-carnage-5/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251021T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251021T193000 DTSTAMP:20260412T000943 CREATED:20250919T003912Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251020T045545Z UID:67443-1761069600-1761075000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with J Mary Masters *This event has now been CANCELLED* DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/j-mary-masters/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-judith-final.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251022T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251022T140000 DTSTAMP:20260412T000943 CREATED:20250930T012758Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251021T061535Z UID:67775-1761127200-1761141600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Seniors Expo | BMI component now CANCELLED DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-seniors-festival-expo/ LOCATION:Ballarat Show Grounds\, Ballarat\, Australia CATEGORIES:Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/seniors-2025-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251022T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251022T200000 DTSTAMP:20260412T000943 CREATED:20250813T045930Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T050518Z UID:66964-1761159600-1761163200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to solve our human problems DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-22-october-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-human-poblems.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251024T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251024T201500 DTSTAMP:20260412T000943 CREATED:20251001T035625Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251002T045612Z UID:67819-1761332400-1761336900@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Opera's Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World's First Daringly Defiant Diva DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/operas-bad-girl/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Live Music,Theatre Production,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sq-promo-bad-girl.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251025T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251025T160000 DTSTAMP:20260412T000943 CREATED:20250805T043957Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T061603Z UID:66614-1761386400-1761408000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Linen and Lace: An exhibition through the decades DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/linen-and-lace-fundraiser/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art programs,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Urban Agriculture Month,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/linen-and-lace-sq-promo-v3-1.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251026T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251026T160000 DTSTAMP:20260412T000943 CREATED:20250903T045545Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T013159Z UID:67296-1761472800-1761494400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Linen and Lace: An exhibition through the decades DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/linen-and-lace-fundraiser-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art programs,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/linen-and-lace-sq-promo-v3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251029T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251029T183000 DTSTAMP:20260412T000943 CREATED:20250728T043616Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250905T043434Z UID:66385-1761759000-1761762600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 4\, Remembrance Day | A Surgeon Commander & A Leading Cook - Ballarat Connections to HMAS Sydney 2 in 1941 DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-surgeon-commander-leading-cook/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/hmas-sydney-2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251029T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251029T200000 DTSTAMP:20260412T000943 CREATED:20250813T050626Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T050736Z UID:66969-1761764400-1761768000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to solve our human problems DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-29-october-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-human-poblems.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251031T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251031T200000 DTSTAMP:20260412T000943 CREATED:20250923T045951Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T051016Z UID:67550-1761937200-1761940800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-31-oct-25/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251031T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251031T220000 DTSTAMP:20260412T000943 CREATED:20250923T044958Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T051126Z UID:67531-1761944400-1761948000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-31-oct-25-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T183000 DTSTAMP:20260412T000943 CREATED:20250728T053444Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T033437Z UID:66400-1762363800-1762367400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 4\, Remembrance Day | Recent War Memorabilia - from WW2 to Afghanistan\, Presented by David Wright. DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-war-memorabilia/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/square-promo-medals-v36.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T184500 DTSTAMP:20260412T000943 CREATED:20250812T005546Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251021T040122Z UID:66788-1762365600-1762368300@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel 'The Swift Dark Tide' in conversation with Kelly Gardiner DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/stella-day-out-katia-ariel/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Important Dates,Library,Stella Day Out ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-katia.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T200000 DTSTAMP:20260412T000943 CREATED:20250813T050815Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T050909Z UID:66971-1762369200-1762372800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to solve our human problems DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-5-november-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-human-poblems.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T191500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T200000 DTSTAMP:20260412T000944 CREATED:20250812T054350Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251021T035952Z UID:66822-1762370100-1762372800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Samah Sabawi 'Cactus Pear For My Beloved' in conversation with Fatima Measham DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/stella-day-out-samah-sabawi/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Important Dates,Library,Stella Day Out ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-samah.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251106T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251106T200000 DTSTAMP:20260412T000944 CREATED:20250711T034827Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T003339Z UID:66176-1762453800-1762459200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Rachael Johns DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/rachael-johns/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/sq-promo-rachael-johns.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251112T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251112T193000 DTSTAMP:20260412T000944 CREATED:20251017T014102Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251017T032148Z UID:68029-1762966800-1762975800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Crafting Conversation: The Artists Edition DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/crafting-conversation-artists/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-mgth.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Make Good Things Happen":MAILTO:angela@daltonbaker.com.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251112T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251112T200000 DTSTAMP:20260412T000944 CREATED:20250813T050947Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T051100Z UID:66973-1762974000-1762977600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to solve our human problems DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-12-november-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-human-poblems.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251113T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251113T210000 DTSTAMP:20260412T000944 CREATED:20250212T031341Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T110605Z UID:61989-1763062200-1763067600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | ​Hammarskjöld: The Fight for Peace DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-hammarskjold/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sqaure-promo-bfs3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251115T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251115T200000 DTSTAMP:20260412T000944 CREATED:20250923T040314Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T052823Z UID:67502-1763233200-1763236800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-15-nov-25/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251115T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251115T220000 DTSTAMP:20260412T000944 CREATED:20250923T051356Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T052637Z UID:67555-1763240400-1763244000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-15-nov-25-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251118T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251118T193000 DTSTAMP:20260412T000944 CREATED:20250917T050616Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T062718Z UID:67363-1763488800-1763494200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Margaret Hickey DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/margaret-hickey-25/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/margaret-hickey-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251119T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251119T183000 DTSTAMP:20260412T000944 CREATED:20250728T054722Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T232935Z UID:66407-1763573400-1763577000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 5\, Recent Years | Ballarat's Her Majesty's Reinvention\, Presented by Richard Nicholson DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/her-majestys-reinvention/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/square-promo-2025-her-majestys-final.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251119T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251119T200000 DTSTAMP:20260412T000944 CREATED:20250917T030336Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250917T031134Z UID:67346-1763578800-1763582400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Meditations on the Mind: How to Create Mental Space DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-19-nov-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Med_on_mind_Sq.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251120T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251120T200000 DTSTAMP:20260412T000944 CREATED:20251110T031233Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T031636Z UID:68444-1763663400-1763668800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:An Evening with Peter FitzSimons AM DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/an-evening-with-peter-fitzsimons-am/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/cover-peter-fitzsimonos-book-e1762145093105.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251121T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251121T210000 DTSTAMP:20260412T000944 CREATED:20250917T004106Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T233455Z UID:67335-1763753400-1763758800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ben Knight: The Parent Teacher Interview | Show now SOLD OUT DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ben-knight-parent-teacher/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ben-knight-sq-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="KEG Touring":MAILTO:Contact@kegtouring.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251122T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251123T160000 DTSTAMP:20260412T000944 CREATED:20240822T062240Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T012503Z UID:58498-1763805600-1763913600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Open Garden & Devonshire Tea - BMI Fundraiser | Errard Hall DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/open-garden-fundraiser-2025/ LOCATION:Errard Hall\, Errard Street North\, Ballarat Central\, City of Ballarat\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Urban Agriculture Month ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/square-promo-errard-hall.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251122T184500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251122T223000 DTSTAMP:20260412T000944 CREATED:20251017T035401Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T042444Z UID:68049-1763837100-1763850600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Small Things DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August 6\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n TBA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation \n \n \n \n \n \n A Woman’s Voice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Assured\, deft\, sophisticated\, Chloe Adams is the real deal’ – Emily Bitto \n \n \n \n \n \n A sweeping romantic adventure based on true events of the women’s liberation movement \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Occupation | Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In the autumn of 1949\, two women convene in the parlour of an upmarket Melbourne hotel. Tess is married and childless. Mary\, unwed and pregnant. Over thirty minutes\, Mary agrees to a life-altering pact: to hand over her child. One year earlier\, Mary had arrived in the ruined port of Kure\, where thousands of Australians had established an occupation of the Hiroshima prefecture. Among the rubble\, she finds a surreal expat world of picnics\, parties and uneasy privilege\, while the local population struggles to rebuild. There she meets Sullivan “Sully” Darling\, an Australian journalist. What begins as a weekend trip to the mountains turns into a love affair —one that forces Mary to confront her ideals about the war\, the Allies’ legacy and herself. Back in Australia\, the echoes of occupation linger\, as Mary fights to reclaim her place —and her child —in a society determined to possess her. For fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn\, Kristin Hannah and Sarah Winman\, The Occupation is a tender\, beautifully told novel about love\, legacy and the quiet aftershocks of history. \n \n \n \n \n \n When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen\, her celebrated European career collapses — and with it\, her rare gift of seeing music in colour. Fleeingto her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback\, Laura discovers anextraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music: a powerful symphony born fromthe revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced\, their voices risingabove the doomed decks of the Titanic. As she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece\, Laura uncovers a story of women who dared to fight for a world where every voice could be heard. And when scandal rocks the town of Gungderring\, she must decide: will she stay in thewings\, or step forward and fight? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the authors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alli Sinclair\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chloe Adams is the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize 2024. She is a journalist and fiction writer and has been published widely by Australian news mastheads and literary journals. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing and a Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. \n \n \n \n \n \n 2025 Bestselling\, multi-award-winning author Alli Sinclair uncovers little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations. A global adventurer\, she transports readers on journeys of discovery across continents and eras. When not writing\, Alli runs the annual Writers at Sea retreat and crafts narratives for screen as a film and TV producer and screenwriter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/small-things/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR