BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.16.4.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20270403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20271002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260807T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260807T190000 DTSTAMP:20260617T043625Z CREATED:20260615T050825Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260617T043625Z UID:73589-1786125600-1786129200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:150 Years of Botanical Communication DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 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/150-years-of-botanical-communication/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Talk,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-arresting.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260803T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260803T193000 DTSTAMP:20260520T232801Z CREATED:20260520T044923Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260520T232801Z UID:73049-1785780000-1785785400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-margaret-hickety/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sp-promo-talks-margaret-hickey.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260801T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260801T235000 DTSTAMP:20260613T032955Z CREATED:20260612T030356Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260613T032955Z UID:73553-1785610800-1785628200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Anything for a Mate: Charity Ball DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 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/anything-for-a-mate-charity-ball/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:external event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260729T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260729T193000 DTSTAMP:20260417T012750Z CREATED:20260416T050939Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T012750Z UID:72260-1785348000-1785353400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Phillipa Nefri Clark DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 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/phillipa-nefri-clark/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sp-promo-talks-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T210000 DTSTAMP:20260331T034212Z CREATED:20260223T053430Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034212Z UID:70817-1785006000-1785013200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 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-25-july-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production 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:20260725T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T160000 DTSTAMP:20260331T034233Z CREATED:20260223T053557Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034233Z UID:70819-1784988000-1784995200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 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-25-july/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production 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:20260724T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260724T210000 DTSTAMP:20260331T034253Z CREATED:20260223T053244Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034253Z UID:70815-1784919600-1784926800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 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-24-july/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production 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:20260724T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260724T123000 DTSTAMP:20260617T043709Z CREATED:20260520T015158Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260617T043709Z UID:73020-1784890800-1784896200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Arresting the Ephemeral: The Beautiful Usefulness of a Victorian Herbarium DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 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/arresting-the-ephemeral-the-beautiful-usefulness-of-a-victorian-herbarium/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Rare Book Week,Talk,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-arresting.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260723T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260723T210000 DTSTAMP:20260331T034312Z CREATED:20260223T045111Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034312Z UID:70806-1784833200-1784840400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 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-23-july/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production 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:20260722T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260722T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T054800Z CREATED:20260509T054745Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T054800Z UID:72889-1784746800-1784750400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Full Heart: Gratitude and Contentment in Daily Life DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 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-a-full-heart-gratitude-and-contentment-in-daily-life-22-july/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5-Gratitude_GP_Class_BMI-Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260720T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260720T193000 DTSTAMP:20260507T043115Z CREATED:20260420T042351Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T043115Z UID:72345-1784570400-1784575800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Petronella McGovern DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 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/petronella-mcgovern/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sp-promo-talks-petronella-mcgovern-v3.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260716T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260716T210000 DTSTAMP:20260331T034341Z CREATED:20260129T044738Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034341Z UID:70423-1784230200-1784235600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Journey Home DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-film-society-journey-home/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/journey-home-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260715T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260715T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T055023Z CREATED:20260509T054421Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T055023Z UID:72886-1784142000-1784145600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Full Heart: Gratitude and Contentment in Daily Life DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 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-a-full-heart-gratitude-and-contentment-in-daily-life-15-july/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5-Gratitude_GP_Class_BMI-Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260715T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260715T193000 DTSTAMP:20260511T072228Z CREATED:20260313T024204Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260511T072228Z UID:71265-1784138400-1784143800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Benita Bensch DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 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/benita-bensch/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-benita-bensch-FINAL.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260714T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260714T213000 DTSTAMP:20260504T055234Z CREATED:20260427T070837Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260504T055234Z UID:72579-1784057400-1784064600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Grigoryan Brothers - A Boy Called Sailboat DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 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/grigoryan-brothers-a-boy-called-sailboat/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-a-boy-called-steamboat-v4.png.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260711T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260711T205000 DTSTAMP:20260430T050650Z CREATED:20260430T044744Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T050650Z UID:72672-1783796400-1783803000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke\, a THEATRE 180 production DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 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/21-hearts-vivian-bullwinkel-and-the-nurses-of-the-vyner-brooke-a-theatre-180-production/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-21-hearts.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260711T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260711T125000 DTSTAMP:20260605T013835Z CREATED:20260212T045959Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260605T013835Z UID:70689-1783767600-1783774200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke\, a THEATRE 180 production DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 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/21-hearts-vivian-bulllwinkel-and-the-nurses-of-the-vyner-brooke-a-theatre-180-production-saturday/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-21-hearts.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T205000 DTSTAMP:20260430T051020Z CREATED:20251001T031523Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T051020Z UID:67817-1783710000-1783716600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke\, a THEATRE 180 production | SOLD OUT DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 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/21-hearts-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-21-hearts.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T125000 DTSTAMP:20260430T050116Z CREATED:20250930T001641Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T050116Z UID:67766-1783681200-1783687800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke\, a THEATRE 180 production | SOLD OUT DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 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/21-hearts/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-21-hearts.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260708T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260708T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T054612Z CREATED:20260509T054308Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T054612Z UID:72884-1783537200-1783540800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Full Heart: Gratitude and Contentment in Daily Life DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 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-a-full-heart-gratitude-and-contentment-in-daily-life-8-july/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5-Gratitude_GP_Class_BMI-Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260705T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260705T210000 DTSTAMP:20260521T040050Z CREATED:20260521T034118Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T040050Z UID:73067-1783279800-1783285200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Alexandr Misko: International Guitar Sensation Live at BMI DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 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/alexandr-misko-international-guitar-sensation-live-at-bmi/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-alexandr-misko.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260704T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260704T110000 DTSTAMP:20260514T042623Z CREATED:20260413T230016Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T042623Z UID:72002-1783159200-1783162800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Whistle and Trick DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 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/whistle-and-trick/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy,Live Music,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-events-whistle-and-trick.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260703T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260703T211500 DTSTAMP:20260514T042336Z CREATED:20260505T235334Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T042336Z UID:72745-1783108800-1783113300@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Joscho Stephan Trio: Gypsy Jazz Virtuosos DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 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/joscho-stephan-trio-gypsy-jazz-virtuosos/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-joscho-final.png ORGANIZER;CN="Concerts Australia":MAILTO:michael@concertsaustralia.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260701T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260701T200000 DTSTAMP:20260509T054226Z CREATED:20260509T054129Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T054226Z UID:72881-1782932400-1782936000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Full Heart: Gratitude and Contentment in Daily Life DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 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-a-full-heart-gratitude-and-contentment-in-daily-life/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5-Gratitude_GP_Class_BMI-Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260701T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260701T193000 DTSTAMP:20260508T010257Z CREATED:20260506T041811Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260508T010257Z UID:72778-1782928800-1782934200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Sherryl Clark DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-sherryl-clark/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sp-promo-talks-sherryl-clark.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260629T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260629T210000 DTSTAMP:20260514T040925Z CREATED:20260514T033415Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T040925Z UID:72963-1782761400-1782766800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | The Herald Sun Aria Semi-Final DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 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/royal-south-street-society-the-herald-sun-aria-semi-final/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Live Music,Royal South Street Society,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-arias.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260627T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260627T193000 DTSTAMP:20260514T034853Z CREATED:20260514T032920Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T034853Z UID:72959-1782585000-1782588600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Vocal Championship Challenge DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 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/royal-south-street-society-vocal-championship-challenge/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Live Music,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260624T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260624T200000 DTSTAMP:20260605T012745Z CREATED:20260509T053656Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260605T012745Z UID:72875-1782327600-1782331200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Transformative Power of Concentration DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 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-from-aniety-to-action-tools-to-reclaim-your-life-24-june/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/6-Focus_Concentration_BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260623T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260623T193000 DTSTAMP:20260331T034824Z CREATED:20260313T005434Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034824Z UID:71257-1782237600-1782243000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Mark Smith DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 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/mark-smith-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-mark-smith.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260621T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260621T180000 DTSTAMP:20260514T041434Z CREATED:20260514T032237Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T041434Z UID:72955-1782052200-1782064800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Pianoforte Schedule - Celebrating Chopin DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Margaret Hickety \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 3\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$11.00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Cold River \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey \n \n Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Deep in the mountains\, secrets grow deadly… \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor\, a young man lost up Mount Viking\, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist\, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before his hike has just met a gruesome end . . . But with no other leads\, and with the search winding down\, Sally is forced to accept the young man died in a tragic accident. Until she learns of another missing person case that bears striking similarities. Astrid Marlowe\, a young lawyer\, vanished in the same mountains two years before. Were Louis and Astrid simply unlucky hikers lost in the treacherous terrain? Or did they both stumble into something – or someone – they shouldn’t? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Margaret Hickey\, Author | Image: Colin Usher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Margaret Hickey Margaret Hickey was born in London to Australian parents and grew up in small country towns across Victoria. She studied in Melbourne and has travelled extensively through the Middle East\, South America\, Asia and Europe.Margaret has been shortlisted and has won prizes in awards including the Grace Marion Emerging Writer’s prize and the Victorian Regional Writing prize. Her plays have been performed in Melbourne (La Mama)\, Brisbane\, New York and regional Victoria. Margaret holds a PhD in Creative writing\, specialising in depictions of landscape in Australian literature. Her new novel\, Cutters End will be published by Penguin Random House in Sept\, 21. A La Trobe valedictorian\, Margaret’s PhD was nominated for the Nancy Millis award for excellence in thesis writing. She works as a lecturer\, teacher\, public presenter and is a regular guest on ABC regional radio.Margaret lives in the North East of Victoria with her husband and three sons in a house on the edge of a gorge. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the host \n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Flood Gregory Flood is a writer\, lawyer and musician based in Ballarat. For the past twenty-five years\, he has balanced his musical career with his work as a lawyer providing advice to authors\, publishers and musicians and has been a director of numerous companies in the music and arts sectors. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 per person plus booking fees\, 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 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/royal-south-street-society-pianoforte-schedule-celebrating-chopin-26/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Live Music,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-chopin.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR