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:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20270403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20271002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251118T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251118T193000 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20250917T050616Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T062718Z UID:67363-1763488800-1763494200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Margaret Hickey 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/margaret-hickey-25/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/margaret-hickey-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251119T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251119T183000 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20250728T054722Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T232935Z UID:66407-1763573400-1763577000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 5\, Recent Years | Ballarat's Her Majesty's Reinvention\, Presented by Richard Nicholson DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with 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/her-majestys-reinvention/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/square-promo-2025-her-majestys-final.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251119T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251119T200000 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20250917T030336Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250917T031134Z UID:67346-1763578800-1763582400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Meditations on the Mind: How to Create Mental Space DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with 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-series-19-nov-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Med_on_mind_Sq.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251120T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251120T200000 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20251110T031233Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T031636Z UID:68444-1763663400-1763668800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:An Evening with Peter FitzSimons AM 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/an-evening-with-peter-fitzsimons-am/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/cover-peter-fitzsimonos-book-e1762145093105.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251121T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251121T210000 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20250917T004106Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T233455Z UID:67335-1763753400-1763758800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ben Knight: The Parent Teacher Interview | Show now SOLD OUT DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with 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/ben-knight-parent-teacher/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ben-knight-sq-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="KEG Touring":MAILTO:Contact@kegtouring.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251122T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251123T160000 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20240822T062240Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T012503Z UID:58498-1763805600-1763913600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Open Garden & Devonshire Tea - BMI Fundraiser | Errard Hall DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with 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/open-garden-fundraiser-2025/ LOCATION:Errard Hall\, Errard Street North\, Ballarat Central\, City of Ballarat\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Urban Agriculture Month ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/square-promo-errard-hall.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251122T184500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251122T223000 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20251017T035401Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T042444Z UID:68049-1763837100-1763850600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Small Things 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/small-things/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251126T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251126T183000 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20250728T055539Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T233614Z UID:66413-1764178200-1764181800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 5\, Recent Years | Ballarat Arts Foundation: 25 Years Old\, Presented by Paula Nicholson 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-arts-foundation/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/square-promo-2025-ballarat-arts-foundation.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251126T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251126T200000 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20250917T031231Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250917T031337Z UID:67356-1764183600-1764187200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Meditations on the Mind: How to Create Mental Space 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-series-26-nov-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Med_on_mind_Sq.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251128T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251128T213000 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20250408T004608Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T031528Z UID:64310-1764360000-1764365400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Akmal | Live Comedy 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/akmal/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/promo-square-akmal.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251129T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251129T213000 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20250714T024250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T025904Z UID:66208-1764446400-1764451800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Daniel Muggleton: You Might Be White\, I May Be Crazy 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/daniel-muggleton/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/square-promo-daniel-muggleton.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251202T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251202T193000 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20251113T001614Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T003410Z UID:68682-1764698400-1764703800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with William McInnes 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/william-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/2025/11/william-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251203T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251203T200000 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20250917T031355Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250917T031513Z UID:67359-1764788400-1764792000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Meditations on the Mind: How to Create Mental Space 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-series-3-dec-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Med_on_mind_Sq.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251206T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251206T140000 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20251110T024632Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251128T005707Z UID:68436-1765015200-1765029600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Christmas Book Sale 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/bmi-christmas-book-sale/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Library,Market ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/book-sale-square-promo-christmas-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251207T090000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251207T140000 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20251110T010546Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251203T043313Z UID:68424-1765098000-1765116000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Christmas Market 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/bmi-christmas-market/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art programs,Christmas,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Market ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/square-promo-christmas-market-calling-for-stallholders-v5-final-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251210T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251210T200000 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20250917T031528Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250917T031619Z UID:67361-1765393200-1765396800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Meditations on the Mind: How to Create Mental Space 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-series-10-dec-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Med_on_mind_Sq.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251211T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251211T210000 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20250212T034546Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T110602Z UID:62004-1765481400-1765486800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | ​Little Richard: I am Everything 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-little-richard/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sqaure-promo-bfs5.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251212T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251212T200000 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20250923T045702Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T051149Z UID:67545-1765566000-1765569600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 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-12-dec-25/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251213T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251213T213000 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20251021T225043Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251210T032321Z UID:68162-1765656000-1765661400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Christmas Comedy Gala at 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/christmas-comedy-gala/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sq-promo-comedy-gala.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260110T130000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260110T160000 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20251209T021738Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T041541Z UID:69434-1768050000-1768060800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Artistanbul: Create your own Turkish Mosaic Lamp 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/art-istanbul-workshop/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Christmas,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Market ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sq-promo-art-instanbul.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260112T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260112T190000 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20241217T012501Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T010209Z UID:60743-1768240800-1768244400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Festival of Organ and Fine Music | Darkness & Delight - Jerry Wong (solo piano) 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/jerry-wong/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Classical Music,Live Music,organs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/jerry-wong.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260123T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260123T213000 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20251203T003308Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251203T010553Z UID:69281-1769196600-1769203800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Billy Hinde's Big Band presents: A Night of Big Band 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/a-night-of-big-band/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sq-promo-billy-hinde.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260128T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260128T193000 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20251120T065224Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251215T040410Z UID:68764-1769623200-1769628600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Geoff Parkes and Susi Fox 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-with-geoff-parks-susi-fox/ 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/2025/11/sq-promo-geoff.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260128T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260128T201500 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20251124T043242Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251201T032638Z UID:68875-1769626800-1769631300@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Living From a Place of Inner Peace - Ballarat Public Talk DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/living-from-a-place-of-inner-peace/ LOCATION:VIC CATEGORIES:kadampa,Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/square-promo2-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="KMC Australia & Melbourne":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260204T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260204T200000 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20260119T040646Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T235306Z UID:70116-1770231600-1770235200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Fresh Start: Discover the Power of Meditation 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-series-4-feb-26/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Square-A_Fresh_Start.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260211T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260211T200000 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20260119T041205Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T235116Z UID:70121-1770836400-1770840000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Fresh Start: Discover the Power of Meditation 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-series-11-feb-26/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Square-A_Fresh_Start.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260212T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260212T210000 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20260128T030546Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T033730Z UID:70313-1770924600-1770930000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Flow 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-film-society-flow/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/flow-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260214T120000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260214T140000 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20260112T012814Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T060448Z UID:69779-1771070400-1771077600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In conversation with Tori Baxter | 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-with-tori-baxter/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Untitled-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260215T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260215T183000 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20260112T034344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260123T000304Z UID:69818-1771174800-1771180200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Joseph Tawadros | Solo Oud 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/joseph-tawadros-solo-oud/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/sq-promo-joseph-tawadros.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260218T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260218T200000 DTSTAMP:20260409T004057 CREATED:20260119T041316Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T234924Z UID:70123-1771441200-1771444800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Fresh Start: Discover the Power of Meditation 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-series-18-feb-26/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Square-A_Fresh_Start.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR