BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART: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:20220426T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220426T120000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20211217T020950Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010827Z UID:15064-1650969000-1650974400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | April 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-april-22/ 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:20220427T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220427T183000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20220309T235646Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T005951Z UID:16942-1651078800-1651084200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Yarrowee: Uncovering the secrets of the Ballarat River | Session 3 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/2022-twilight-talks-season-1-session-3/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/tt-banner-22-V2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220428T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220428T110000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20220322T044108Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010252Z UID:17267-1651143600-1651143600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BALLART ANZACS: How Ballarat Remembers it’s ANZACS | A Talk with Garry Snowden 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/ballarat-anzacs-how-ballarat-remembers-its-anzacs-garry-snowden/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Exhibition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/events-image-1600-1200-anzac-final.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220504T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220504T183000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20220310T000235Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010422Z UID:16949-1651683600-1651689000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Yarrowee: Uncovering the secrets of the Ballarat River | Sesson 4 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/2022-twilight-talks-season-1-session-4/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/tt-banner-22-V2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220511T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220511T183000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20220310T000624Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220411T005651Z UID:16956-1652288400-1652293800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Yarrowee: Uncovering the secrets of the Ballarat River | Session 5 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/2022-twilight-talks-season-1-session-5/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/tt-banner-22-V2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220512T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220512T213000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20220204T064213Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220204T064213Z UID:15925-1652382000-1652391000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - Lamb 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-lamb/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Screen-Shot-2021-07-26-at-8.23.27-AM-e1643956860937.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220517T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220704T110000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20220512T045918Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220617T010748Z UID:18783-1652785200-1656932400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Many Roles of Nellie Melba Exhibition 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-many-roles-of-nellie-melba-exhibition/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/ss-web-banner.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220517T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220704T110000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20220731T230312Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220731T230312Z UID:20941-1652785200-1656932400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Many Roles of Nellie Melba Exhibition Copy 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-many-roles-of-nellie-melba-exhibition-copy/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/ss-web-banner.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220531T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220531T120000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20220426T044236Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220603T035153Z UID:18548-1653993000-1653998400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | 31 May 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-31-may-22/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES: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:20220608T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220608T130000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20220405T005315Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T010528Z UID:17896-1654684200-1654693200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Painting with Geoff Roderick | 8 June 22 | Now fully booked 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/painting-with-geoff-roderick-8-june-22/ 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/2021/05/IMG_6524.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220608T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220608T190000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20220407T041019Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T011029Z UID:18088-1654709400-1654714800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Wendy McCarthy: Don’t Be Too Polite\, Girls 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/wendy-mccarthy/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/bb1f9cc7aa6a4b9ab0346a46dc81733d_content_medium.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220609T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220609T213000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20220204T070341Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220204T070341Z UID:15929-1654801200-1654810200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - Herself 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-herself/ 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/2022/02/3396.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220610T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220610T210000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20220518T012107Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220518T012107Z UID:18917-1654894800-1654894800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:LaNCE TV - Live in Concert 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/lance-tv-live/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy,Externally Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Lance-TV-events-image-v1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220615T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220615T130000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20220405T013513Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T011000Z UID:17903-1655289000-1655298000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Painting with Geoff Roderick | 15 June 22 | Now fully booked 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/painting-with-geoff-roderick-15-june-22/ 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/2021/05/IMG_6524.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220619T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220619T160000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20220527T005602Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220606T034930Z UID:19112-1655649000-1655654400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Toying With The Classics - Ballarat Symphony Orchestra 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/bsojune22/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art programs,Classical Music,Externally Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Toying-With-the-Classics-BMI-Events-alternative-graphic.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220622T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220622T130000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20220405T013548Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220525T055055Z UID:17905-1655893800-1655902800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Painting with Geoff Roderick | 22 June 22 | Now fully booked 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/painting-with-geoff-roderick-22-june-22/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_6524.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220628T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220628T120000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20220603T035206Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220615T035300Z UID:19243-1656412200-1656417600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | 28 June 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-28-june-22/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES: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:20220629T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220629T130000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20220405T013807Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220527T005259Z UID:17907-1656498600-1656507600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Painting with Geoff Roderick | 29 June 22 | Now fully booked 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/painting-with-geoff-roderick-29-june-22/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_6524.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220701T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220701T230000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20220606T034426Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220606T034426Z UID:19295-1656702000-1656716400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Fanny Lumsden's Deep in the Fallow Tour 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/fallow/ 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/2022/06/62822e0f1111f4204c192b1d-e1654487275688.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220704T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220728T160000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20220614T060046Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220617T012414Z UID:19529-1656928800-1659024000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Exhibition of works Lillipilli Beads\, Faye Heininger 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-lillipilli-beads/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Exhibition,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/IMG_2871-rotated-e1655427437685.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220714T184500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220714T200000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20220607T004435Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220615T232426Z UID:19301-1657824300-1657828800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Fundraiser | The Phantom of the Open 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-phantom-of-the-open/ LOCATION:Regent Cinemas Ballarat\, 49 Lydiard Street North\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/fun-the-phantom-of-the-open-banner-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220714T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220714T213000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20220623T024935Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220623T025812Z UID:19749-1657825200-1657834200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - High Ground 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-high-ground/ 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/2022/06/high-ground-image.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220719T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220719T150000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20220719T222213Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220719T223524Z UID:20401-1658239200-1658242800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 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/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-19-july-2022-copy/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220720T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220720T143000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20220418T233225Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220627T214254Z UID:18281-1658313000-1658327400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Paper bead-making with Faye Heininger | 20 July - Session 1 of 2 | Now fully booked 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/paper-bead-making-with-faye-heininger-20-july/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_1508-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220725T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220725T190000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20220609T043335Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220719T034816Z UID:19402-1658768400-1658775600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Fundraiser | Carols in Winter | Ballarat Singers & Little Brass Band 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/carols-in-winter/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Carols-banner-final-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220726T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220726T120000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20220629T051619Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220629T052138Z UID:19799-1658831400-1658836800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | 26 July 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-26-july/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES: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:20220726T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220726T150000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20220719T222414Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220719T223509Z UID:20403-1658844000-1658847600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 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/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-26-july-2022-copy/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220727T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220727T123000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20220419T014429Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220627T214102Z UID:18302-1658917800-1658925000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Paper bead-making with Faye Heininger | 27 July - Session 2 of 2 | Now fully booked 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/paper-bead-making-with-faye-heininger-27-july-session-2/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_1508-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220728T130000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220728T150000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20220629T045708Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220630T023250Z UID:19781-1659013200-1659020400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Current Affairs Dialogue | 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/current-affairs-dialogue-1/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Current-Affairs-logo-cropped.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220802T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221024T150000 DTSTAMP:20260415T085130 CREATED:20220801T223637Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221003T004102Z UID:20986-1659434400-1666623600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Invention\, innovation & environment display 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/innovation-environment/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/twilight-talks-2022-season-2-banner-e1664508717818.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR