BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART: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 END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251004T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251004T210000 DTSTAMP:20250925T043007Z CREATED:20250925T034907Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250925T043007Z UID:67630-1759604400-1759611600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Spaceballs - a FightMND fundraiser 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/spaceballs-fightmnd-fundraiser/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Externally Produced Event,Film,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-spaceballs.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251005T150000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251005T170000 DTSTAMP:20250905T044106Z CREATED:20250709T015027Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250905T044106Z UID:66091-1759676400-1759683600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Three Russian Piano Trios 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/russian-piano-trios/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Classical Music,Live Music,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/sq-promo-brian-champman.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251008T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251008T200000 DTSTAMP:20250813T045058Z CREATED:20250813T044851Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T045058Z UID:66952-1759950000-1759953600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Three Methods for Overcoming Bad Habits 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-8-october-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-bad-habits-v2.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251009T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251009T210000 DTSTAMP:20250321T110559Z CREATED:20250212T040547Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T110559Z UID:62016-1760038200-1760043600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | To Thank the Room DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-to-thank-the-room-oct/ 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-bfs-update2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251015T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251015T200000 DTSTAMP:20250813T045830Z CREATED:20250813T045048Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T045830Z UID:66955-1760554800-1760558400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Three Methods for Overcoming Bad Habits 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-15-october-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-bad-habits-v2.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251016T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251016T213000 DTSTAMP:20251014T023644Z CREATED:20250709T002656Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251014T023644Z UID:66088-1760643000-1760650200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:'God of Carnage'\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production | This season NOW CANCELLED | BNT apologises. 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/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production,Victorian Seniors Festival 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:20251019T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251019T160000 DTSTAMP:20251014T023809Z CREATED:20250710T035225Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251014T023809Z UID:66112-1760882400-1760889600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:'God of Carnage'\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production | This season NOW CANCELLED | BNT apologises. 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-5/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production,Victorian Seniors Festival 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:20251021T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251021T193000 DTSTAMP:20251020T045545Z CREATED:20250919T003912Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251020T045545Z UID:67443-1761069600-1761075000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with J Mary Masters *This event has now been CANCELLED* DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/j-mary-masters/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-judith-final.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251022T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251022T140000 DTSTAMP:20251021T061535Z CREATED:20250930T012758Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251021T061535Z UID:67775-1761127200-1761141600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Seniors Expo | BMI component now CANCELLED DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-seniors-festival-expo/ LOCATION:Ballarat Show Grounds\, Ballarat\, Australia CATEGORIES:Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/seniors-2025-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251022T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251022T200000 DTSTAMP:20250813T050518Z CREATED:20250813T045930Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T050518Z UID:66964-1761159600-1761163200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to solve our human problems 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-22-october-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-human-poblems.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251024T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251024T201500 DTSTAMP:20251002T045612Z CREATED:20251001T035625Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251002T045612Z UID:67819-1761332400-1761336900@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Opera's Bad Girl: Anna Bishop\, the World's First Daringly Defiant Diva 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/operas-bad-girl/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Live Music,Theatre Production,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sq-promo-bad-girl.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251025T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251025T160000 DTSTAMP:20250922T061603Z CREATED:20250805T043957Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T061603Z UID:66614-1761386400-1761408000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Linen and Lace: An exhibition through the decades 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/linen-and-lace-fundraiser/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art programs,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Urban Agriculture Month,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/linen-and-lace-sq-promo-v3-1.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251026T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251026T160000 DTSTAMP:20250930T013159Z CREATED:20250903T045545Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T013159Z UID:67296-1761472800-1761494400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Linen and Lace: An exhibition through the decades 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/linen-and-lace-fundraiser-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art programs,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/linen-and-lace-sq-promo-v3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251029T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251029T183000 DTSTAMP:20250905T043434Z CREATED:20250728T043616Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250905T043434Z UID:66385-1761759000-1761762600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 4\, Remembrance Day | A Surgeon Commander & A Leading Cook - Ballarat Connections to HMAS Sydney 2 in 1941 DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-surgeon-commander-leading-cook/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/hmas-sydney-2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251029T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251029T200000 DTSTAMP:20250813T050736Z CREATED:20250813T050626Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T050736Z UID:66969-1761764400-1761768000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to solve our human problems 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-29-october-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-human-poblems.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251031T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251031T200000 DTSTAMP:20250923T051016Z CREATED:20250923T045951Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T051016Z UID:67550-1761937200-1761940800@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-31-oct-25/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours,Victorian Seniors Festival 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:20251031T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251031T220000 DTSTAMP:20250923T051126Z CREATED:20250923T044958Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T051126Z UID:67531-1761944400-1761948000@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-31-oct-25-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T183000 DTSTAMP:20251110T033437Z CREATED:20250728T053444Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T033437Z UID:66400-1762363800-1762367400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 4\, Remembrance Day | Recent War Memorabilia - from WW2 to Afghanistan\, Presented by David Wright. DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 9\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n7:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island | The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe | Vanessa McCausland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Private Island \n \n Ali Lowe \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n New Year’s Eve\, Loloma Island\, Fiji. At one of the most exclusive island resorts in the Pacific ocean\, the champagne is poured\, the fireworks ready and the countdown to new year is just beginning. It’s set to be a night that no one will forget – especially when a body washes up on the shore. But it’s impossible to find answers when everyone has a motive.The billionaire’s daughter\, hungry for her inheritance.The start-up founder\, out of money\, and out of time.The young dive instructor\, in over his head and struggling to stay afloat.The husband\, blinded by desire\, in all the wrong ways.And the lover\, hidden in the shadows.One person’s holiday of a lifetime is about to be the last they’ll ever have. \n \n \n The Private Island | Ali Lowe\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Ali Lowe is the author of three acclaimed novels: The Trivia Night\, The Running Club and The School Run\, which was a WHSmith Book of the Month. Her latest novel\, The Private Island\, is a murder mystery set on a tropical island in Fiji. Ali is a journalist by profession: she was Features Editor at OK! in London and has written for bridal magazines\, parenting titles\, websites and newspapers. She has dual Australian and British citizenship and lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband and three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White \n \n Vanessa McCausland \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n Two women. A tragedy on the lake. And secrets beneath the surface. ‘How flawless my life appeared\, how romantic … But no. I’m being disingenuous\, seduced by my own story.’ Paige White kayaked across the lake each morning at dawn. Someone was watching her. Many someones watched her online. But was anyone with her the day she was found? Paige White’s beautiful life is documented closely for her thousands of followers: lakeside picnics with her daughter\, sunny afternoons in the family van\, and romantic dinners with her husband. So when she posts an ominous image\, and her body is shortly after discovered in the lake\, everyone wonders – suicide or foul play? Paige finds herself suspended in a strange\, idyllic place that resembles her most ‘liked’ Instagram post\, forced to watch as life continues without her. When Paige’s death makes national news\, Jane Masters\, a journalist who was close to Paige in childhood\, reluctantly travels home. Struggling with the morality of covering her friend’s death\, Jane will confront the town she left behind and the dark undercurrents that she’s always known run underneath.  ‘Compelling\, haunting and beautifully written\, The Last Illusion is a clever\, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship\, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page! ’ Liane Moriarty ‘An addictive read which nimbly combines a twisty small-town mystery with a thoughtful critique of influencer culture\, all set against the wild\, irresistible beauty of the Australian coastal landscape.’ Mikki Brammer\, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Last Illusion of Paige White | Vanessa McCausland\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Vanessa is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels with HarperCollins Australia. Her fifth\, The Last Illusion of Paige White\, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book\, The Beautiful Words\, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam. She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies.  She worked as a cadet and then a news\, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career. Vanessa lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-war-memorabilia/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/square-promo-medals-v36.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T184500 DTSTAMP:20251021T040122Z CREATED:20250812T005546Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251021T040122Z UID:66788-1762365600-1762368300@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Katia Ariel 'The Swift Dark Tide' in conversation with Kelly Gardiner 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/stella-day-out-katia-ariel/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Important Dates,Library,Stella Day Out ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-katia.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T200000 DTSTAMP:20250813T050909Z CREATED:20250813T050815Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T050909Z UID:66971-1762369200-1762372800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to solve our human problems 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-5-november-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-human-poblems.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T191500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251105T200000 DTSTAMP:20251021T035952Z CREATED:20250812T054350Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251021T035952Z UID:66822-1762370100-1762372800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Stella Day Out Ballarat | Samah Sabawi 'Cactus Pear For My Beloved' in conversation with Fatima Measham 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/stella-day-out-samah-sabawi/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Important Dates,Library,Stella Day Out ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-samah.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251106T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251106T200000 DTSTAMP:20250813T003339Z CREATED:20250711T034827Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T003339Z UID:66176-1762453800-1762459200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Rachael Johns 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/rachael-johns/ 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/2025/07/sq-promo-rachael-johns.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251112T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251112T193000 DTSTAMP:20251017T032148Z CREATED:20251017T014102Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251017T032148Z UID:68029-1762966800-1762975800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Crafting Conversation: The Artists Edition 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/crafting-conversation-artists/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-mgth.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Make Good Things Happen":MAILTO:angela@daltonbaker.com.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251112T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251112T200000 DTSTAMP:20250813T051100Z CREATED:20250813T050947Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T051100Z UID:66973-1762974000-1762977600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to solve our human problems 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-12-november-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo-human-poblems.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251113T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251113T210000 DTSTAMP:20250321T110605Z CREATED:20250212T031341Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T110605Z UID:61989-1763062200-1763067600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | ​Hammarskjöld: The Fight for Peace 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-hammarskjold/ 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-bfs3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251115T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251115T200000 DTSTAMP:20250923T052823Z CREATED:20250923T040314Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T052823Z UID:67502-1763233200-1763236800@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-15-nov-25/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,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:20251115T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251115T220000 DTSTAMP:20250923T052637Z CREATED:20250923T051356Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T052637Z UID:67555-1763240400-1763244000@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-15-nov-25-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251118T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251118T193000 DTSTAMP:20250930T062718Z 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:20251110T232935Z 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:20250917T031134Z 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 END:VCALENDAR