BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.19//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART: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:20260716T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260716T210000 DTSTAMP:20260408T190809 CREATED:20260129T044738Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034341Z UID:70423-1784230200-1784235600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Journey Home 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-journey-home/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/journey-home-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260723T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260723T210000 DTSTAMP:20260408T190809 CREATED:20260223T045111Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034312Z UID:70806-1784833200-1784840400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with 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/god-of-carnage-23-july/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260724T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260724T210000 DTSTAMP:20260408T190809 CREATED:20260223T053244Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034253Z UID:70815-1784919600-1784926800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with 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/god-of-carnage-24-july/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T190809 CREATED:20260223T053557Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034233Z UID:70819-1784988000-1784995200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with 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/god-of-carnage-25-july/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T210000 DTSTAMP:20260408T190809 CREATED:20260223T053430Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034212Z UID:70817-1785006000-1785013200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with 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/god-of-carnage-25-july-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260726T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260726T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T190809 CREATED:20260223T053749Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034148Z UID:70821-1785074400-1785081600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production 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/god-of-carnage-26-july/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260807T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260807T204000 DTSTAMP:20260408T190809 CREATED:20251205T035734Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034032Z UID:69366-1786131000-1786135200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Blake Pavey: A Bit Scared 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/blake-pavey-a-bit-scared/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sq-promo-blake-pavey.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="KEG Touring":MAILTO:Contact@kegtouring.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260812T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260812T193000 DTSTAMP:20260408T190809 CREATED:20260324T234500Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T033956Z UID:71535-1786557600-1786563000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Sophie Green 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/sophie-green/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-sophie-green.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260813T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260813T210000 DTSTAMP:20260408T190809 CREATED:20260129T051107Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T033912Z UID:70430-1786649400-1786654800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | The Blue Trail 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-the-blue-trail/ 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/the-blue-trail-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260910T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260910T210000 DTSTAMP:20260408T190809 CREATED:20260129T052341Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T033843Z UID:70438-1789068600-1789074000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Kōkā 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-koka/ 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/koka-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261008T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261008T210000 DTSTAMP:20260408T190809 CREATED:20260129T054045Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T033815Z UID:70446-1791487800-1791493200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Bound for Glory 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-bound-for-glory/ 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/bound-for-glory-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261009T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261009T220000 DTSTAMP:20260408T190809 CREATED:20260203T013254Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T023230Z UID:70535-1791572400-1791583200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Telegraph Road - The Dire Straits Legacy: Matt Arthur and The Lazybones 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/telegraph-road-the-dire-straits-legacy/ 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/2026/01/matt-arthur-sq-promo.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Matt Arthur Music":MAILTO:matt@mattarthurmusic.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261210T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261210T210000 DTSTAMP:20260408T190809 CREATED:20260129T055545Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T045246Z UID:70454-1796931000-1796936400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Smiley Gets a Gun 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-smiley-gets-a-gun/ 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/smiley-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR