BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.19//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20220402T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20221001T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20230401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20230930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230525T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230525T120000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230403T064243Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230710T032706Z UID:37134-1685010600-1685016000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Photography of the BMI | Special Programs DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-photography-of-the-bmi-special-programs/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/looking-down-lydiard-street-north-showing-federal-hotel-mh1897.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230524T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230524T190000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230321T000642Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230505T003752Z UID:35642-1684949400-1684954800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2023 | Season 2\, Session 5 | Ballarat Heritage Festival DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-season-2-ballarat-heritage-festival-3/ LOCATION:Chinese Library\, 200 Sturt Street CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Culture,The Collection,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/twilight-talks-gold-black-2023.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230524T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230524T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230323T233445Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230404T050020Z UID:36189-1684926000-1684944000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Living Heritage Exhibition DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/living-heritage-ballaarat-mechanics-exhibition-3/ LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/6413133691792ea538a2c867.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230524T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230524T120000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230403T064213Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230420T045148Z UID:37133-1684924200-1684929600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Artwork of the BMI | Special Programs DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-artwork-of-the-bmi-special-programs/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/BMI-project-update-2-Mar-2022-4-pre-conservation.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230523T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230523T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230323T222238Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230516T011342Z UID:36146-1684868400-1684872000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tours | Ballarat Heritage Festival DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-ballarat-heritage-festival-3/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BMI_upshot_evening.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230516T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230516T150000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230515T053426Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230515T053446Z UID:39816-1684245600-1684249200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-heritage-2/ LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/BMI-facade.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230523T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230523T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230323T233214Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230404T043831Z UID:36186-1684839600-1684857600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Living Heritage Exhibition DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/living-heritage-ballaarat-mechanics-exhibitiion/ LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/6413133691792ea538a2c867.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230523T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230523T120000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230321T000449Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230517T050827Z UID:35640-1684837800-1684843200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2023 | Season 2\, Session 4 | Ballarat Heritage Festival DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-season-2-ballarat-heritage-festival-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Culture,The Collection,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/twilight-talks-gold-black-2023.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230522T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230522T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230323T232402Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230404T042634Z UID:36178-1684753200-1684771200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Living Heritage Exhibition DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/living-heritage-ballaarat-mechanics-exhibition-2/ LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/6413133691792ea538a2c867.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230522T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230522T143000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230328T020210Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230404T042439Z UID:36634-1684751400-1684765800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Cataloguing workshop | AMaGa | Geraldine Brault DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/cataloguing-workshop-amaga-geraldine-brault/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Culture,Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/managing-your-collection-vc-logo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230522T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230522T120000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230403T064019Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230420T045241Z UID:37131-1684751400-1684756800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Baron von Mueller Collection | Special Programs DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/baron-von-mueller-collection-special-programs/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/grimwade.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230521T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230521T210000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230322T052457Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230515T053759Z UID:35962-1684695600-1684702800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Life Drawing in the Basement (this event now cancelled) DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/life-drawing-in-the-basement-copy/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/641b9c63dce404b6288d524a.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230521T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230521T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230323T221945Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230516T011211Z UID:36143-1684695600-1684699200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tours | Ballarat Heritage Festival (Originally scheduled 9pm-10pm) DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-ballarat-heritage-festival-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BMI_upshot_evening.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230521T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230521T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230404T041607Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230404T041835Z UID:37396-1684677600-1684684800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Life Drawing in the Basement DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/life-drawing-in-the-basement-copy-copy-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/641b9c63dce404b6288d524a.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230521T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230521T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230403T233853Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230404T040910Z UID:37166-1684666800-1684684800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Living Heritage Exhibition DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/living-heritage-ballaarat-mechanics-exhibition-copy/ LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/6413133691792ea538a2c867.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230521T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230521T120000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230403T063758Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230420T045333Z UID:37129-1684665000-1684670400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Ballarat Courier Collection | Special Programs DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-ballarat-courier-collection-special-programs/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ballarat-courier-11-september-1915-page-5-heritage-reading-room-4.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230520T235500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230521T010000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230323T221229Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230516T010919Z UID:36126-1684626900-1684630800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tours | Ballarat Heritage Festival DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-ballarat-heritage-festival/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BMI_upshot_evening.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230520T120000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230520T210000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230411T234830Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230421T020449Z UID:37851-1684584000-1684616400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Victorian Pinup Pageant 2023 & Revue de Ballarat DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/victorian-pinup-pageant-2023-and-revue-de-ballarat-her-majestys/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Externally Produced Event,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pageant.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230520T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230520T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230323T232803Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230404T040203Z UID:36181-1684580400-1684598400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Living Heritage Exhibition DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/living-heritage-ballaarat-mechanics-exhibition/ LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/6413133691792ea538a2c867.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230519T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230519T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230323T224741Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230404T035806Z UID:36150-1684494000-1684512000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Living Heritage Exhibition DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/living-heritage-at-the-ballaarat-mechanics-institute-exhibition/ LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/6413133691792ea538a2c867.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230519T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230519T120000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230322T052316Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230426T002837Z UID:35957-1684492200-1684497600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Heritage Collection | Special Program DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-heritage-collection-special-program/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/641315e3602909f94cc8096a.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230518T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230518T210000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230202T030347Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230912T011423Z UID:33952-1684438200-1684443600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - A Hero (Ghahreman) DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-ahero/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/hero01-e1675307277220.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230516T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230516T150000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230515T053426Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230515T053446Z UID:39816-1684245600-1684249200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-heritage-2/ LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/BMI-facade.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230510T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230510T190000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230321T025736Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230505T002500Z UID:35687-1683739800-1683745200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2023 | Season 2\, Session 2 DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-season-2-ballarat-heritage-festival-4/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Culture,The Collection,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/twilight-talks-gold-black-2023.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230328T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230328T150000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230327T231124Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230328T222715Z UID:36550-1680012000-1680015600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-heritage/ LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230503T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230503T190000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230321T055028Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230425T230806Z UID:35753-1683135000-1683140400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2023 | Season 2\, Session 1 DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-season-2-ballarat-heritage-festival-3-may-2023-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Culture,The Collection,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/twilight-talks-gold-black-2023.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230328T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230328T150000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230327T231124Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230328T222715Z UID:36550-1680012000-1680015600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-heritage/ LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230502T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230502T113000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230327T230710Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230329T222016Z UID:36544-1683023400-1683027000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-reading-room-book-discussion-2/ LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Reading_room_adjusted-e1704770529709.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230501T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230501T143000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230328T024519Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230412T033854Z UID:36692-1682937000-1682951400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Digitisation Workshop | AMaGa | Geraldine Brault DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/digitisation-workshop-amaga-geraldine-brault-session-1/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Culture,Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/hands-on-digitisation-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230430T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230430T220000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201650 CREATED:20230221T003406Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230221T003522Z UID:34698-1682883000-1682892000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow | Ballarat DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \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 \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/micfroadshow2023/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy,Externally Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/FB_Header-01-e1676939589744.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR