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:20230401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20230930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240521T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240521T203000 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20240226T032014Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T143005Z UID:51556-1716319800-1716323400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 3 | This session is now fully booked 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-bhf-copy-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240521T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240521T150000 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20240229T030728Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T142955Z UID:51861-1716300000-1716303600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the BMI | 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/day-tours-ballarat-heritage-festival/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BMI_upshot_evening-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240519T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240519T210000 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20240221T222932Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T143025Z UID:51296-1716145200-1716152400@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/comedy-festival-roadshow-ballarat/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy,Externally Produced Event,Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/comedy-festival-roadshow-24-e1708554779600.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240518T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240518T233000 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20240221T234347Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T143022Z UID:51318-1716058800-1716075000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Vegas 70 returns to Ballarat | 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/vegas-70/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Film,Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Vegas-70-Logo-Lined.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240517T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240517T220000 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20240226T025525Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T143020Z UID:51530-1715979600-1715983200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 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/minervas-secrets-night-tours-bhf-copy/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240517T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240517T203000 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20240226T023808Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240517T011235Z UID:51520-1715974200-1715977800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 1 | This session is now fully booked. 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-bhf/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240517T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240530T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20240305T031915Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T142937Z UID:52073-1715941800-1717084800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Exhibition | Not the Last Picture Show: From the Archives 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/exhibition-not-the-last-picture-show-archives/ LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:About us,Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Culture,Exhibition,Fundraiser,Twilight Talks,Twilight Talks Heritage Festivals ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/archives-16-9.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240517T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240530T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20240301T042355Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T142940Z UID:51968-1715941800-1717084800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Exhibition | Not the Last Picture Show 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/exhibition-not-the-last-picture-show/ LOCATION:Hugh Williamson Foyer\, Level 1 CATEGORIES:About us,Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Culture,Exhibition,Festival,Fundraiser,Twilight Talks,Twilight Talks Heritage Festivals ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/MH94-Coliseum-Grenville-St-Retouched-copy.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240515T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240515T190000 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20240320T035525Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T142907Z UID:52537-1715796000-1715799600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 4 | THIS EVENT HAS NOW BEEN 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/twilight-talks-australian-heritage-festival/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Twilight Talks,Twilight Talks Heritage Festivals ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/City-of-Chaos-and-Hope.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240512T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240512T230000 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20240509T021800Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T142652Z UID:54523-1715542200-1715554800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Rock 'n' Roll with our Stars (Dancing with our Stars 24): Featuring James Bookman 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/rock-n-roll-with-our-stars/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Externally Produced Event,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/436237221_122115281810263532_8541844015808598287_n.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240509T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240509T210000 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20240129T230207Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240130T061425Z UID:50577-1715283000-1715288400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballart Film Society | Shayda 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-shayda/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/shayda-new-e1706569634223.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240508T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240508T190000 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20240320T042937Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T162657Z UID:52570-1715191200-1715194800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 3 | Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI 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-not-the-last-picture-show-3/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Twilight Talks,Twilight Talks Heritage Festivals ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Mechanics-Institute-8.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240502T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240509T223000 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20240516T002034Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240516T002036Z UID:54710-1714671000-1715293800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Chess Club 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/ballarat-chess-club-may-24-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Chess Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ballarat-chess-club-square-with-boarder.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240501T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240501T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20240320T040939Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240502T012239Z UID:52555-1714586400-1714593600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 2 | Not the Last Picture Show: The Lost City of Melbourne 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-lost-city-of-melbourne/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Twilight Talks,Twilight Talks Heritage Festivals ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-04-08-113519-e1712542090741.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240428T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240428T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20240221T001116Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T014752Z UID:51252-1714312800-1714320000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Garry Disher 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/in-conversation-garry-disher/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/promo-squre-garry-disher.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240426T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240426T204000 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20240313T013004Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240414T220340Z UID:52346-1714159800-1714164000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Still Kickin' - Blake Pavey 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/still-kickin-blake-pavey/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/black-pavey-2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240424T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240424T190000 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20240320T042943Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240502T012343Z UID:52571-1713981600-1713985200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 1 | At Play in the Fields of the past: Roleplaying\, gaming and local heritage DESCRIPTION: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-not-the-last-picture-show-4/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Twilight Talks,Twilight Talks Heritage Festivals ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Cover-for-Lola-front.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240423T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240423T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20240226T044626Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240419T170719Z UID:51648-1713898800-1713902400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Dervla McTiernan: What Happened to Nina? 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/dervla-mctiernan-what-happened-to-nina/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Dervla-McTiernan-1-photo-julia-dunin-photography.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240421T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240421T161500 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20240403T012946Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240403T020926Z UID:53422-1713709800-1713716100@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:All Schubert Chamber Recital | Susan Pierotti\, Zoe Knighton & Brian Chapman 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/all-schubert-chamber-recital/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Classical Music,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/schubert-promo-square-FINAL.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240419T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240419T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20240403T022955Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240414T220359Z UID:53433-1713553200-1713556800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Troy Kinne | Made Wrong 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/troy-kinne-made-wrong/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/promo-square-troy-kinne.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240414T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240414T183000 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20240131T005717Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240131T232520Z UID:50783-1713114000-1713119400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Songs for Suzanne - The music and poetry of Leonard Cohen 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/music-poetry-leonard-cohen/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/songs-for-suzanne.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240413T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240413T220000 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20240227T032727Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240327T050136Z UID:51774-1713036600-1713045600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Fundraiser | Shindig 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/shindig/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Live Music,Members ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/shindig-thumbnail-event-promo5.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240412T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240412T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20240305T012726Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240306T191118Z UID:52033-1712944800-1712952000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Rita McInnes | Book Launch 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/in-conversation-rita-mcinnes/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/rita-promo-square.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240411T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240411T210000 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20240129T040125Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240130T055619Z UID:50532-1712863800-1712869200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballart Film Society | The Wild Goose Lake 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-the-wild-goose-lake/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/wild-goose-lake-2-e1706503321360.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240411T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240411T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20231004T031044Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240118T002449Z UID:45976-1712858400-1712865600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Leah Kaminsky & Kylie Ladd 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/in-conversation-kaminsky-ladd/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pomo-square-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240407T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240407T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20240131T003215Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240131T232049Z UID:50772-1712516400-1712520000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Heath Franklin's Chopper - Not Here To F*ck Spiders 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/heath-franklins-chopper/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/heath-franklin-e1706662452847.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240404T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240425T223000 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20240121T230923Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240121T231034Z UID:50298-1712251800-1714084200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Chess Club 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/ballarat-chess-club-copy-2-copy/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Chess Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ballarat-chess-club-square-with-boarder.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240403T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240424T203000 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20231213T040808Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231213T040951Z UID:49202-1712170800-1713990600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Dealing with Difficult People 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/kadampa-meditation-dealing-with-difficult-people/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/kadampa-Ballarat-sep-dec-2023-1-logo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240321T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240321T200000 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20230919T035313Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240307T005144Z UID:45400-1711044000-1711051200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Noel Braun 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/in-conversation-noel-braun/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/noel-braun-promotional-squre-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240317T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240317T173000 DTSTAMP:20260408T155043 CREATED:20240119T004829Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240122T010930Z UID:50287-1710684000-1710696600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva Social Sunday | St Patrick's Day Social | Scottish Country Dancing DESCRIPTION: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/scottish-country-dancing/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:external event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/minerva-from-behind-correct-crop-e1705625699773.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR