BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.20//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:20200404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20201003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20210403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20211002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20220402T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20221001T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20230401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20230930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220312T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220312T190000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092704 CREATED:20220302T073238Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T005806Z UID:16323-1647108000-1647111600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Melbourne International Comedy Festival Class Clowns | Ballarat Heat DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \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/classclowns2022/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy,Externally Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Class-Clowns-BMI.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220310T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220310T213000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092704 CREATED:20220204T062829Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220307T015928Z UID:15917-1646938800-1646947800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - De Gaulle DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \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-de-gaulle/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/MV5BZjE5YmMwMWMtM2FkNy00NzkzLWJlNDItMmI1YTdhZTgxZmI1XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTAwMzM3NDI3._V1_-e1643956050262.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220302T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220320T140000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092704 CREATED:20220302T004804Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010339Z UID:16266-1646215200-1647784800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Exhibition of Works | Oaky and Ginger Upcycled DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/exhibition-of-works-oaky-and-ginger-upcycled/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/175099587_191865189262286_8462354857318695019_n-e1646206149256.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220226T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220226T220000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092704 CREATED:20220204T030314Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220215T060230Z UID:15893-1645905600-1645912800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Melbourne International Comedy Festival | Outta Town - Ballarat DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \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/outtatown2022/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Comedy,Externally Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Outta-Town-800x600-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220222T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220222T120000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092704 CREATED:20211029T002157Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010835Z UID:13619-1645525800-1645531200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | February DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-reading-room-february/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/the-reading-room-event-header-final-e1640069925423.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220218T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220218T193000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092704 CREATED:20220202T003951Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T011042Z UID:15776-1645205400-1645212600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Ballarat Imaginarium - Opening Event DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-ballarat-imaginarium-opening-event/ LOCATION:The Ballarat Imaginarium\, 119A Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Culture,Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/TBI-square-2-e1643944035184.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220213T130000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220213T153000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092704 CREATED:20210808T040000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211221T071857Z UID:11138-1644757200-1644766200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Push All-Ages Tour | Mallrat + Ninajirachi | Ballarat DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-push/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Externally Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/AllAgesLogo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220210T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220210T213000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092704 CREATED:20220204T061805Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220204T061931Z UID:15912-1644519600-1644528600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - Heroic Losers DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \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-heroic-losers/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/heroiclosers800x538-e1643955657401.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220130T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220130T170000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092704 CREATED:20211221T065511Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211221T065511Z UID:15176-1643551200-1643562000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Three Tenors - Ballarat Italian Association DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-three-tenors/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Externally Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/the-three-tenors-e1640069815683.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220125T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220125T160000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092704 CREATED:20211027T002244Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010844Z UID:13552-1643121000-1643126400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | January DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-reading-room-january/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/the-reading-room-event-header-final-e1640069925423.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220122T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220122T220000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092704 CREATED:20211221T063037Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211221T063754Z UID:15170-1642879800-1642888800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Charlie Wilde 'Allihies' Tour - Ballarat DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \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/charliewilde-allihies/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Externally Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CHARLIE-WILDE-tour-cover-e1640068623114.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220122T090000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220122T140000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092704 CREATED:20211130T045553Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211130T050242Z UID:14667-1642842000-1642860000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Book Sale Fundraiser DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bmi-book-sale-fundraiser/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/book_sale_10_1_square-e1640068474344.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211218T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211218T230000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092704 CREATED:20211101T024622Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211101T024626Z UID:13718-1639854000-1639868400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:A Very Motown Christmas with Motor City Sounds DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \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/motown-christmas/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Website_Image-01.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211211T123000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211211T223000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092704 CREATED:20211201T051643Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211208T024509Z UID:14716-1639225800-1639261800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:SoundCheck Studios - Summer Sounds 2021 DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \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/soundcheck-2021/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Externally Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/245917318_438458011243533_1293259393769842968_n.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="SoundCheck Studios":MAILTO:hello@soundcheckstudios.com.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211205T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211205T160000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092704 CREATED:20211201T050904Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211201T050904Z UID:14705-1638712800-1638720000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Gather - Podcast Party DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \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/gather/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Externally Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/261700737_1311501322652197_6658001133272834236_n.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Minerva's Books & Ideas":MAILTO:minervasbooksballarat@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211130T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211130T160000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092704 CREATED:20211027T013848Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211104T234011Z UID:13579-1638282600-1638288000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | November DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-reading-room-november/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/the-reading-room-event-header-final-e1640069925423.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211120T090000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211120T140000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092704 CREATED:20210621T014337Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010809Z UID:8354-1637398800-1637416800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Maker & Community Market | Spring DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bmi-maker-community-market-spring/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Market ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/maker_image-e1628392488945.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211119T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211119T190000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092704 CREATED:20211101T024250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211101T024250Z UID:13714-1637343000-1637348400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Sparkling Wine Tasting Workshop with Dr Amie Brûlée DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \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/sparkling-workshop/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Wine_Pour.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211026T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211026T160000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092705 CREATED:20211008T235001Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010852Z UID:13020-1635258600-1635264000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | A book reading & discussion group DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-reading-room/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/linda-olsson-let-me-sing-you-gentle-songs-e1633914060658.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211022T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211022T190000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092705 CREATED:20211007T005311Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211007T005315Z UID:12942-1634923800-1634929200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Champagne Tasting Workshop @ BMI DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \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/champagne-day-2021/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Externally Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/cbad3a6926d348a1e3bea5e2e0013741-copy.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211020T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211020T130000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092705 CREATED:20210816T062718Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T011012Z UID:11408-1634724000-1634734800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Tin Art Workshop | Melinda Muscat DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \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/tin-art-workshop-melinda-muscat-2/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/burst-of-sunshine-2020-melinda-muscat-tin-art_adjusted_1600_1200-v3.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211009T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211009T130000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092705 CREATED:20210816T031559Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010537Z UID:11326-1633773600-1633784400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Tin Art Workshop | Melinda Muscat DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \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/tin-art-workshop-melinda-muscat/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/burst-of-sunshine-2020-melinda-muscat-tin-art_adjusted_1600_1200-v3.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211002T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20211119T160000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092705 CREATED:20210817T052952Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010400Z UID:11533-1633168800-1637337600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Exhibition of Works | Melinda Muscat DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/exhibition-of-works-melinda-muscat/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/be-my-valentine-2-2020-melinda-muscat-tin-art-adjusted-1600-1200.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210915T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220109T170000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092705 CREATED:20210701T020119Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T005846Z UID:9041-1631700000-1641747600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat International Foto Biennale | Number One | Gudinski DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \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/bifb-gudinski/ LOCATION:The Ballarat Imaginarium\, 119A Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Exhibition,Externally Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/tiff:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/MichaelGudinski_Portraits_Credits-to-Brian-Purnell-of-Mushroom-Creative-House-2017-6423_BandW-e1628392289624.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210710T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210710T223000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092705 CREATED:20210630T035325Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210902T231249Z UID:8861-1625943600-1625956200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Leah Senior with Chimpanzee DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \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/leah-senior-with-chimpanzee/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Chimpleah-banner.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210707T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210728T160000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092705 CREATED:20210703T030150Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010736Z UID:9203-1625652000-1627488000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Exhibition of Works | Geoff Roderick DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/exhibition-of-works-geoff-roderick/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/view_of_clunes_towards_lookout_2021.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210626T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210626T210000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092705 CREATED:20210609T030630Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210902T231350Z UID:7840-1624734000-1624741200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The River Moorabool | Ballarat DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-river-moorabool-ballarat/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/74d5b9cd69230017e7329c3ddf9b0b71.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210508T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210508T193000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092705 CREATED:20210420T070704Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210808T032122Z UID:2975-1620496800-1620502200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Murder Mystery | The Peculiar Demise of William Bailey DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/william-bailey-mystery/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/186456208_1883618885121481_3037375389238591407_n.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210515T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210515T220000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092705 CREATED:20210422T033137Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210902T231755Z UID:3181-1621108800-1621116000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Red Mill Revue! DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \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/red-mill-revue-bmi/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Externally Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/97829b69f439fbbd7b03e06407a84938.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210522T120000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210522T140000 DTSTAMP:20260417T092705 CREATED:20210422T052409Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210902T231740Z UID:3272-1621684800-1621692000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:2021 Victorian Pinup Pageant DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 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 When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \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/2021-victorian-pinup-pageant/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Externally Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/EHI728790-d50820af050940b3a5459a47e8f817ec.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR