BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20270403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20271002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T220000 DTSTAMP:20260404T145910 CREATED:20260310T002124Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044437Z UID:71139-1779224400-1779228000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Natasha Lester \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 1\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Inspired by a True Story \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A remarkable Australian talent - The Age \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A master storyteller - Daily Telegraph \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How did a young Parisienne mother\, celebrated for her beauty and glamour\, come to lead the largest spy network in France? A powerful\, heartbreaking historical novel by the New York Times bestselling author.Morocco\, 1928. Eighteen-year-old Frenchwoman Marie-Madeleine is not the kind of woman who goes through life sitting down\, something her new husband can attest. Her unconventionalities – rally car driving\, flying planes and dabbling in intelligence work for the government – earn her a reputation\, but she knows who she is at heart: an adventurer.Paris\, 1938. As Europe teeters on the brink of war\, a chance encounter with a mysterious man codenamed Navarre turns Marie-Madeleine’s life upside down. Recruited to help build a resistance network known only as Alliance\, she conceals her identity – and gender – as she navigates a perilous double life away from her children and the man she loves. Capture and death are only a heartbeat away. \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance | Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bestselling Australian novelist Natasha Lester passionately brings to life the true story of one of history’s unsung heroes: Marie-Madeleine Fourcade\, the only woman to lead a resistance network in WWII France. Her story is one of epic love\, tragic loss and magnificent leadership. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Natasha Lester is the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress\, The French Photographer\, The Paris Secret and The Riviera House\, and a former marketing executive for L’Oreal. Her novels have been translated into many different languages and are published all around the world. When she’s not writing\, she loves collecting vintage fashion\, practicing the art of fashion illustration and reading about history. Natasha is a sought-after public speaker and lives with her husband and three children in Perth\, Western Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \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 More Author Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tour-18-may-26-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260522T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260522T203000 DTSTAMP:20260404T145910 CREATED:20260318T041021Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035338Z UID:71379-1779476400-1779481800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Panic from the Sky: A Call of Cthulhu Advenure DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Natasha Lester \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 1\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Inspired by a True Story \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A remarkable Australian talent - The Age \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A master storyteller - Daily Telegraph \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How did a young Parisienne mother\, celebrated for her beauty and glamour\, come to lead the largest spy network in France? A powerful\, heartbreaking historical novel by the New York Times bestselling author.Morocco\, 1928. Eighteen-year-old Frenchwoman Marie-Madeleine is not the kind of woman who goes through life sitting down\, something her new husband can attest. Her unconventionalities – rally car driving\, flying planes and dabbling in intelligence work for the government – earn her a reputation\, but she knows who she is at heart: an adventurer.Paris\, 1938. As Europe teeters on the brink of war\, a chance encounter with a mysterious man codenamed Navarre turns Marie-Madeleine’s life upside down. Recruited to help build a resistance network known only as Alliance\, she conceals her identity – and gender – as she navigates a perilous double life away from her children and the man she loves. Capture and death are only a heartbeat away. \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance | Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bestselling Australian novelist Natasha Lester passionately brings to life the true story of one of history’s unsung heroes: Marie-Madeleine Fourcade\, the only woman to lead a resistance network in WWII France. Her story is one of epic love\, tragic loss and magnificent leadership. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Natasha Lester is the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress\, The French Photographer\, The Paris Secret and The Riviera House\, and a former marketing executive for L’Oreal. Her novels have been translated into many different languages and are published all around the world. When she’s not writing\, she loves collecting vintage fashion\, practicing the art of fashion illustration and reading about history. Natasha is a sought-after public speaker and lives with her husband and three children in Perth\, Western Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \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 More Author Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/panic-in-the-sky/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Ufo-picture-only-for-ATDW-Tales-from-Rat-City-David-Waldron.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260527T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260527T200000 DTSTAMP:20260404T145910 CREATED:20260313T002934Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035212Z UID:71249-1779906600-1779912000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Amanda Hampson DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Natasha Lester \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 1\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Inspired by a True Story \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A remarkable Australian talent - The Age \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A master storyteller - Daily Telegraph \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How did a young Parisienne mother\, celebrated for her beauty and glamour\, come to lead the largest spy network in France? A powerful\, heartbreaking historical novel by the New York Times bestselling author.Morocco\, 1928. Eighteen-year-old Frenchwoman Marie-Madeleine is not the kind of woman who goes through life sitting down\, something her new husband can attest. Her unconventionalities – rally car driving\, flying planes and dabbling in intelligence work for the government – earn her a reputation\, but she knows who she is at heart: an adventurer.Paris\, 1938. As Europe teeters on the brink of war\, a chance encounter with a mysterious man codenamed Navarre turns Marie-Madeleine’s life upside down. Recruited to help build a resistance network known only as Alliance\, she conceals her identity – and gender – as she navigates a perilous double life away from her children and the man she loves. Capture and death are only a heartbeat away. \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance | Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bestselling Australian novelist Natasha Lester passionately brings to life the true story of one of history’s unsung heroes: Marie-Madeleine Fourcade\, the only woman to lead a resistance network in WWII France. Her story is one of epic love\, tragic loss and magnificent leadership. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Natasha Lester is the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress\, The French Photographer\, The Paris Secret and The Riviera House\, and a former marketing executive for L’Oreal. Her novels have been translated into many different languages and are published all around the world. When she’s not writing\, she loves collecting vintage fashion\, practicing the art of fashion illustration and reading about history. Natasha is a sought-after public speaker and lives with her husband and three children in Perth\, Western Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \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 More Author Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/amanda-hampson/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-amanda-hampson.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260611T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260611T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T145910 CREATED:20260129T043042Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035120Z UID:70415-1781206200-1781211600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Monster DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Natasha Lester \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 1\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Inspired by a True Story \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A remarkable Australian talent - The Age \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A master storyteller - Daily Telegraph \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How did a young Parisienne mother\, celebrated for her beauty and glamour\, come to lead the largest spy network in France? A powerful\, heartbreaking historical novel by the New York Times bestselling author.Morocco\, 1928. Eighteen-year-old Frenchwoman Marie-Madeleine is not the kind of woman who goes through life sitting down\, something her new husband can attest. Her unconventionalities – rally car driving\, flying planes and dabbling in intelligence work for the government – earn her a reputation\, but she knows who she is at heart: an adventurer.Paris\, 1938. As Europe teeters on the brink of war\, a chance encounter with a mysterious man codenamed Navarre turns Marie-Madeleine’s life upside down. Recruited to help build a resistance network known only as Alliance\, she conceals her identity – and gender – as she navigates a perilous double life away from her children and the man she loves. Capture and death are only a heartbeat away. \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance | Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bestselling Australian novelist Natasha Lester passionately brings to life the true story of one of history’s unsung heroes: Marie-Madeleine Fourcade\, the only woman to lead a resistance network in WWII France. Her story is one of epic love\, tragic loss and magnificent leadership. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Natasha Lester is the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress\, The French Photographer\, The Paris Secret and The Riviera House\, and a former marketing executive for L’Oreal. Her novels have been translated into many different languages and are published all around the world. When she’s not writing\, she loves collecting vintage fashion\, practicing the art of fashion illustration and reading about history. Natasha is a sought-after public speaker and lives with her husband and three children in Perth\, Western Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \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 More Author Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-film-society-monster/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/monster-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T200000 DTSTAMP:20260404T145910 CREATED:20260310T005733Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035038Z UID:71141-1781290800-1781294400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Natasha Lester \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 1\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Inspired by a True Story \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A remarkable Australian talent - The Age \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A master storyteller - Daily Telegraph \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How did a young Parisienne mother\, celebrated for her beauty and glamour\, come to lead the largest spy network in France? A powerful\, heartbreaking historical novel by the New York Times bestselling author.Morocco\, 1928. Eighteen-year-old Frenchwoman Marie-Madeleine is not the kind of woman who goes through life sitting down\, something her new husband can attest. Her unconventionalities – rally car driving\, flying planes and dabbling in intelligence work for the government – earn her a reputation\, but she knows who she is at heart: an adventurer.Paris\, 1938. As Europe teeters on the brink of war\, a chance encounter with a mysterious man codenamed Navarre turns Marie-Madeleine’s life upside down. Recruited to help build a resistance network known only as Alliance\, she conceals her identity – and gender – as she navigates a perilous double life away from her children and the man she loves. Capture and death are only a heartbeat away. \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance | Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bestselling Australian novelist Natasha Lester passionately brings to life the true story of one of history’s unsung heroes: Marie-Madeleine Fourcade\, the only woman to lead a resistance network in WWII France. Her story is one of epic love\, tragic loss and magnificent leadership. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Natasha Lester is the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress\, The French Photographer\, The Paris Secret and The Riviera House\, and a former marketing executive for L’Oreal. Her novels have been translated into many different languages and are published all around the world. When she’s not writing\, she loves collecting vintage fashion\, practicing the art of fashion illustration and reading about history. Natasha is a sought-after public speaker and lives with her husband and three children in Perth\, Western Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \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 More Author Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tour-12-jun-26/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T220000 DTSTAMP:20260404T145910 CREATED:20260310T010115Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035008Z UID:71143-1781298000-1781301600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Natasha Lester \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 1\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Inspired by a True Story \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A remarkable Australian talent - The Age \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A master storyteller - Daily Telegraph \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How did a young Parisienne mother\, celebrated for her beauty and glamour\, come to lead the largest spy network in France? A powerful\, heartbreaking historical novel by the New York Times bestselling author.Morocco\, 1928. Eighteen-year-old Frenchwoman Marie-Madeleine is not the kind of woman who goes through life sitting down\, something her new husband can attest. Her unconventionalities – rally car driving\, flying planes and dabbling in intelligence work for the government – earn her a reputation\, but she knows who she is at heart: an adventurer.Paris\, 1938. As Europe teeters on the brink of war\, a chance encounter with a mysterious man codenamed Navarre turns Marie-Madeleine’s life upside down. Recruited to help build a resistance network known only as Alliance\, she conceals her identity – and gender – as she navigates a perilous double life away from her children and the man she loves. Capture and death are only a heartbeat away. \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance | Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bestselling Australian novelist Natasha Lester passionately brings to life the true story of one of history’s unsung heroes: Marie-Madeleine Fourcade\, the only woman to lead a resistance network in WWII France. Her story is one of epic love\, tragic loss and magnificent leadership. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Natasha Lester is the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress\, The French Photographer\, The Paris Secret and The Riviera House\, and a former marketing executive for L’Oreal. Her novels have been translated into many different languages and are published all around the world. When she’s not writing\, she loves collecting vintage fashion\, practicing the art of fashion illustration and reading about history. Natasha is a sought-after public speaker and lives with her husband and three children in Perth\, Western Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \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 More Author Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tour-12-jun-26-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260623T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260623T193000 DTSTAMP:20260404T145910 CREATED:20260313T005434Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034824Z UID:71257-1782237600-1782243000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Mark Smith DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Natasha Lester \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 1\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Inspired by a True Story \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A remarkable Australian talent - The Age \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A master storyteller - Daily Telegraph \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How did a young Parisienne mother\, celebrated for her beauty and glamour\, come to lead the largest spy network in France? A powerful\, heartbreaking historical novel by the New York Times bestselling author.Morocco\, 1928. Eighteen-year-old Frenchwoman Marie-Madeleine is not the kind of woman who goes through life sitting down\, something her new husband can attest. Her unconventionalities – rally car driving\, flying planes and dabbling in intelligence work for the government – earn her a reputation\, but she knows who she is at heart: an adventurer.Paris\, 1938. As Europe teeters on the brink of war\, a chance encounter with a mysterious man codenamed Navarre turns Marie-Madeleine’s life upside down. Recruited to help build a resistance network known only as Alliance\, she conceals her identity – and gender – as she navigates a perilous double life away from her children and the man she loves. Capture and death are only a heartbeat away. \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance | Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bestselling Australian novelist Natasha Lester passionately brings to life the true story of one of history’s unsung heroes: Marie-Madeleine Fourcade\, the only woman to lead a resistance network in WWII France. Her story is one of epic love\, tragic loss and magnificent leadership. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Natasha Lester is the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress\, The French Photographer\, The Paris Secret and The Riviera House\, and a former marketing executive for L’Oreal. Her novels have been translated into many different languages and are published all around the world. When she’s not writing\, she loves collecting vintage fashion\, practicing the art of fashion illustration and reading about history. Natasha is a sought-after public speaker and lives with her husband and three children in Perth\, Western Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \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 More Author Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/mark-smith-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-mark-smith.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T125000 DTSTAMP:20260404T145910 CREATED:20250930T001641Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034727Z UID:67766-1783681200-1783687800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke\, a THEATRE 180 production | SOLD OUT DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Natasha Lester \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 1\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Inspired by a True Story \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A remarkable Australian talent - The Age \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A master storyteller - Daily Telegraph \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How did a young Parisienne mother\, celebrated for her beauty and glamour\, come to lead the largest spy network in France? A powerful\, heartbreaking historical novel by the New York Times bestselling author.Morocco\, 1928. Eighteen-year-old Frenchwoman Marie-Madeleine is not the kind of woman who goes through life sitting down\, something her new husband can attest. Her unconventionalities – rally car driving\, flying planes and dabbling in intelligence work for the government – earn her a reputation\, but she knows who she is at heart: an adventurer.Paris\, 1938. As Europe teeters on the brink of war\, a chance encounter with a mysterious man codenamed Navarre turns Marie-Madeleine’s life upside down. Recruited to help build a resistance network known only as Alliance\, she conceals her identity – and gender – as she navigates a perilous double life away from her children and the man she loves. Capture and death are only a heartbeat away. \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance | Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bestselling Australian novelist Natasha Lester passionately brings to life the true story of one of history’s unsung heroes: Marie-Madeleine Fourcade\, the only woman to lead a resistance network in WWII France. Her story is one of epic love\, tragic loss and magnificent leadership. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Natasha Lester is the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress\, The French Photographer\, The Paris Secret and The Riviera House\, and a former marketing executive for L’Oreal. Her novels have been translated into many different languages and are published all around the world. When she’s not writing\, she loves collecting vintage fashion\, practicing the art of fashion illustration and reading about history. Natasha is a sought-after public speaker and lives with her husband and three children in Perth\, Western Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \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 More Author Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/21-hearts/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-21-hearts.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T205000 DTSTAMP:20260404T145910 CREATED:20251001T031523Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034644Z UID:67817-1783710000-1783716600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke\, a THEATRE 180 production DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Natasha Lester \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 1\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Inspired by a True Story \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A remarkable Australian talent - The Age \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A master storyteller - Daily Telegraph \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How did a young Parisienne mother\, celebrated for her beauty and glamour\, come to lead the largest spy network in France? A powerful\, heartbreaking historical novel by the New York Times bestselling author.Morocco\, 1928. Eighteen-year-old Frenchwoman Marie-Madeleine is not the kind of woman who goes through life sitting down\, something her new husband can attest. Her unconventionalities – rally car driving\, flying planes and dabbling in intelligence work for the government – earn her a reputation\, but she knows who she is at heart: an adventurer.Paris\, 1938. As Europe teeters on the brink of war\, a chance encounter with a mysterious man codenamed Navarre turns Marie-Madeleine’s life upside down. Recruited to help build a resistance network known only as Alliance\, she conceals her identity – and gender – as she navigates a perilous double life away from her children and the man she loves. Capture and death are only a heartbeat away. \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance | Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bestselling Australian novelist Natasha Lester passionately brings to life the true story of one of history’s unsung heroes: Marie-Madeleine Fourcade\, the only woman to lead a resistance network in WWII France. Her story is one of epic love\, tragic loss and magnificent leadership. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Natasha Lester is the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress\, The French Photographer\, The Paris Secret and The Riviera House\, and a former marketing executive for L’Oreal. Her novels have been translated into many different languages and are published all around the world. When she’s not writing\, she loves collecting vintage fashion\, practicing the art of fashion illustration and reading about history. Natasha is a sought-after public speaker and lives with her husband and three children in Perth\, Western Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \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 More Author Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/21-hearts-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-21-hearts.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260711T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260711T125000 DTSTAMP:20260404T145910 CREATED:20260212T045959Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034613Z UID:70689-1783767600-1783774200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke\, a THEATRE 180 production DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Natasha Lester \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 1\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Inspired by a True Story \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A remarkable Australian talent - The Age \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A master storyteller - Daily Telegraph \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How did a young Parisienne mother\, celebrated for her beauty and glamour\, come to lead the largest spy network in France? A powerful\, heartbreaking historical novel by the New York Times bestselling author.Morocco\, 1928. Eighteen-year-old Frenchwoman Marie-Madeleine is not the kind of woman who goes through life sitting down\, something her new husband can attest. Her unconventionalities – rally car driving\, flying planes and dabbling in intelligence work for the government – earn her a reputation\, but she knows who she is at heart: an adventurer.Paris\, 1938. As Europe teeters on the brink of war\, a chance encounter with a mysterious man codenamed Navarre turns Marie-Madeleine’s life upside down. Recruited to help build a resistance network known only as Alliance\, she conceals her identity – and gender – as she navigates a perilous double life away from her children and the man she loves. Capture and death are only a heartbeat away. \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance | Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bestselling Australian novelist Natasha Lester passionately brings to life the true story of one of history’s unsung heroes: Marie-Madeleine Fourcade\, the only woman to lead a resistance network in WWII France. Her story is one of epic love\, tragic loss and magnificent leadership. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Natasha Lester is the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress\, The French Photographer\, The Paris Secret and The Riviera House\, and a former marketing executive for L’Oreal. Her novels have been translated into many different languages and are published all around the world. When she’s not writing\, she loves collecting vintage fashion\, practicing the art of fashion illustration and reading about history. Natasha is a sought-after public speaker and lives with her husband and three children in Perth\, Western Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \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 More Author Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/21-hearts-vivian-bulllwinkel-and-the-nurses-of-the-vyner-brooke-a-theatre-180-production-saturday/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-21-hearts.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260715T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260715T193000 DTSTAMP:20260404T145910 CREATED:20260313T024204Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034457Z UID:71265-1784138400-1784143800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Benita Bensch DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Natasha Lester \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 1\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Inspired by a True Story \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A remarkable Australian talent - The Age \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A master storyteller - Daily Telegraph \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How did a young Parisienne mother\, celebrated for her beauty and glamour\, come to lead the largest spy network in France? A powerful\, heartbreaking historical novel by the New York Times bestselling author.Morocco\, 1928. Eighteen-year-old Frenchwoman Marie-Madeleine is not the kind of woman who goes through life sitting down\, something her new husband can attest. Her unconventionalities – rally car driving\, flying planes and dabbling in intelligence work for the government – earn her a reputation\, but she knows who she is at heart: an adventurer.Paris\, 1938. As Europe teeters on the brink of war\, a chance encounter with a mysterious man codenamed Navarre turns Marie-Madeleine’s life upside down. Recruited to help build a resistance network known only as Alliance\, she conceals her identity – and gender – as she navigates a perilous double life away from her children and the man she loves. Capture and death are only a heartbeat away. \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance | Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bestselling Australian novelist Natasha Lester passionately brings to life the true story of one of history’s unsung heroes: Marie-Madeleine Fourcade\, the only woman to lead a resistance network in WWII France. Her story is one of epic love\, tragic loss and magnificent leadership. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Natasha Lester is the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress\, The French Photographer\, The Paris Secret and The Riviera House\, and a former marketing executive for L’Oreal. Her novels have been translated into many different languages and are published all around the world. When she’s not writing\, she loves collecting vintage fashion\, practicing the art of fashion illustration and reading about history. Natasha is a sought-after public speaker and lives with her husband and three children in Perth\, Western Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \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 More Author Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/benita-bensch/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-benita-bensch-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260716T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260716T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T145910 CREATED:20260129T044738Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034341Z UID:70423-1784230200-1784235600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Journey Home DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Natasha Lester \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 1\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Inspired by a True Story \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A remarkable Australian talent - The Age \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A master storyteller - Daily Telegraph \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How did a young Parisienne mother\, celebrated for her beauty and glamour\, come to lead the largest spy network in France? A powerful\, heartbreaking historical novel by the New York Times bestselling author.Morocco\, 1928. Eighteen-year-old Frenchwoman Marie-Madeleine is not the kind of woman who goes through life sitting down\, something her new husband can attest. Her unconventionalities – rally car driving\, flying planes and dabbling in intelligence work for the government – earn her a reputation\, but she knows who she is at heart: an adventurer.Paris\, 1938. As Europe teeters on the brink of war\, a chance encounter with a mysterious man codenamed Navarre turns Marie-Madeleine’s life upside down. Recruited to help build a resistance network known only as Alliance\, she conceals her identity – and gender – as she navigates a perilous double life away from her children and the man she loves. Capture and death are only a heartbeat away. \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance | Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bestselling Australian novelist Natasha Lester passionately brings to life the true story of one of history’s unsung heroes: Marie-Madeleine Fourcade\, the only woman to lead a resistance network in WWII France. Her story is one of epic love\, tragic loss and magnificent leadership. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Natasha Lester is the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress\, The French Photographer\, The Paris Secret and The Riviera House\, and a former marketing executive for L’Oreal. Her novels have been translated into many different languages and are published all around the world. When she’s not writing\, she loves collecting vintage fashion\, practicing the art of fashion illustration and reading about history. Natasha is a sought-after public speaker and lives with her husband and three children in Perth\, Western Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \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 More Author Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-film-society-journey-home/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/journey-home-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260723T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260723T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T145910 CREATED:20260223T045111Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034312Z UID:70806-1784833200-1784840400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Natasha Lester \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 1\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Inspired by a True Story \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A remarkable Australian talent - The Age \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A master storyteller - Daily Telegraph \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How did a young Parisienne mother\, celebrated for her beauty and glamour\, come to lead the largest spy network in France? A powerful\, heartbreaking historical novel by the New York Times bestselling author.Morocco\, 1928. Eighteen-year-old Frenchwoman Marie-Madeleine is not the kind of woman who goes through life sitting down\, something her new husband can attest. Her unconventionalities – rally car driving\, flying planes and dabbling in intelligence work for the government – earn her a reputation\, but she knows who she is at heart: an adventurer.Paris\, 1938. As Europe teeters on the brink of war\, a chance encounter with a mysterious man codenamed Navarre turns Marie-Madeleine’s life upside down. Recruited to help build a resistance network known only as Alliance\, she conceals her identity – and gender – as she navigates a perilous double life away from her children and the man she loves. Capture and death are only a heartbeat away. \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance | Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bestselling Australian novelist Natasha Lester passionately brings to life the true story of one of history’s unsung heroes: Marie-Madeleine Fourcade\, the only woman to lead a resistance network in WWII France. Her story is one of epic love\, tragic loss and magnificent leadership. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Natasha Lester is the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress\, The French Photographer\, The Paris Secret and The Riviera House\, and a former marketing executive for L’Oreal. Her novels have been translated into many different languages and are published all around the world. When she’s not writing\, she loves collecting vintage fashion\, practicing the art of fashion illustration and reading about history. Natasha is a sought-after public speaker and lives with her husband and three children in Perth\, Western Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \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 More Author Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/god-of-carnage-23-july/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260724T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260724T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T145910 CREATED:20260223T053244Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034253Z UID:70815-1784919600-1784926800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Natasha Lester \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 1\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Inspired by a True Story \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A remarkable Australian talent - The Age \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A master storyteller - Daily Telegraph \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How did a young Parisienne mother\, celebrated for her beauty and glamour\, come to lead the largest spy network in France? A powerful\, heartbreaking historical novel by the New York Times bestselling author.Morocco\, 1928. Eighteen-year-old Frenchwoman Marie-Madeleine is not the kind of woman who goes through life sitting down\, something her new husband can attest. Her unconventionalities – rally car driving\, flying planes and dabbling in intelligence work for the government – earn her a reputation\, but she knows who she is at heart: an adventurer.Paris\, 1938. As Europe teeters on the brink of war\, a chance encounter with a mysterious man codenamed Navarre turns Marie-Madeleine’s life upside down. Recruited to help build a resistance network known only as Alliance\, she conceals her identity – and gender – as she navigates a perilous double life away from her children and the man she loves. Capture and death are only a heartbeat away. \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance | Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bestselling Australian novelist Natasha Lester passionately brings to life the true story of one of history’s unsung heroes: Marie-Madeleine Fourcade\, the only woman to lead a resistance network in WWII France. Her story is one of epic love\, tragic loss and magnificent leadership. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Natasha Lester is the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress\, The French Photographer\, The Paris Secret and The Riviera House\, and a former marketing executive for L’Oreal. Her novels have been translated into many different languages and are published all around the world. When she’s not writing\, she loves collecting vintage fashion\, practicing the art of fashion illustration and reading about history. Natasha is a sought-after public speaker and lives with her husband and three children in Perth\, Western Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \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 More Author Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/god-of-carnage-24-july/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T160000 DTSTAMP:20260404T145910 CREATED:20260223T053557Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034233Z UID:70819-1784988000-1784995200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Natasha Lester \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 1\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Inspired by a True Story \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A remarkable Australian talent - The Age \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A master storyteller - Daily Telegraph \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How did a young Parisienne mother\, celebrated for her beauty and glamour\, come to lead the largest spy network in France? A powerful\, heartbreaking historical novel by the New York Times bestselling author.Morocco\, 1928. Eighteen-year-old Frenchwoman Marie-Madeleine is not the kind of woman who goes through life sitting down\, something her new husband can attest. Her unconventionalities – rally car driving\, flying planes and dabbling in intelligence work for the government – earn her a reputation\, but she knows who she is at heart: an adventurer.Paris\, 1938. As Europe teeters on the brink of war\, a chance encounter with a mysterious man codenamed Navarre turns Marie-Madeleine’s life upside down. Recruited to help build a resistance network known only as Alliance\, she conceals her identity – and gender – as she navigates a perilous double life away from her children and the man she loves. Capture and death are only a heartbeat away. \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance | Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bestselling Australian novelist Natasha Lester passionately brings to life the true story of one of history’s unsung heroes: Marie-Madeleine Fourcade\, the only woman to lead a resistance network in WWII France. Her story is one of epic love\, tragic loss and magnificent leadership. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Natasha Lester is the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress\, The French Photographer\, The Paris Secret and The Riviera House\, and a former marketing executive for L’Oreal. Her novels have been translated into many different languages and are published all around the world. When she’s not writing\, she loves collecting vintage fashion\, practicing the art of fashion illustration and reading about history. Natasha is a sought-after public speaker and lives with her husband and three children in Perth\, Western Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \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 More Author Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/god-of-carnage-25-july/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T145910 CREATED:20260223T053430Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034212Z UID:70817-1785006000-1785013200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Natasha Lester \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 1\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Inspired by a True Story \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A remarkable Australian talent - The Age \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A master storyteller - Daily Telegraph \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How did a young Parisienne mother\, celebrated for her beauty and glamour\, come to lead the largest spy network in France? A powerful\, heartbreaking historical novel by the New York Times bestselling author.Morocco\, 1928. Eighteen-year-old Frenchwoman Marie-Madeleine is not the kind of woman who goes through life sitting down\, something her new husband can attest. Her unconventionalities – rally car driving\, flying planes and dabbling in intelligence work for the government – earn her a reputation\, but she knows who she is at heart: an adventurer.Paris\, 1938. As Europe teeters on the brink of war\, a chance encounter with a mysterious man codenamed Navarre turns Marie-Madeleine’s life upside down. Recruited to help build a resistance network known only as Alliance\, she conceals her identity – and gender – as she navigates a perilous double life away from her children and the man she loves. Capture and death are only a heartbeat away. \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance | Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bestselling Australian novelist Natasha Lester passionately brings to life the true story of one of history’s unsung heroes: Marie-Madeleine Fourcade\, the only woman to lead a resistance network in WWII France. Her story is one of epic love\, tragic loss and magnificent leadership. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Natasha Lester is the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress\, The French Photographer\, The Paris Secret and The Riviera House\, and a former marketing executive for L’Oreal. Her novels have been translated into many different languages and are published all around the world. When she’s not writing\, she loves collecting vintage fashion\, practicing the art of fashion illustration and reading about history. Natasha is a sought-after public speaker and lives with her husband and three children in Perth\, Western Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \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 More Author Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/god-of-carnage-25-july-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260726T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260726T160000 DTSTAMP:20260404T145910 CREATED:20260223T053749Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034148Z UID:70821-1785074400-1785081600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Natasha Lester \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 1\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Inspired by a True Story \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A remarkable Australian talent - The Age \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A master storyteller - Daily Telegraph \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How did a young Parisienne mother\, celebrated for her beauty and glamour\, come to lead the largest spy network in France? A powerful\, heartbreaking historical novel by the New York Times bestselling author.Morocco\, 1928. Eighteen-year-old Frenchwoman Marie-Madeleine is not the kind of woman who goes through life sitting down\, something her new husband can attest. Her unconventionalities – rally car driving\, flying planes and dabbling in intelligence work for the government – earn her a reputation\, but she knows who she is at heart: an adventurer.Paris\, 1938. As Europe teeters on the brink of war\, a chance encounter with a mysterious man codenamed Navarre turns Marie-Madeleine’s life upside down. Recruited to help build a resistance network known only as Alliance\, she conceals her identity – and gender – as she navigates a perilous double life away from her children and the man she loves. Capture and death are only a heartbeat away. \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance | Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bestselling Australian novelist Natasha Lester passionately brings to life the true story of one of history’s unsung heroes: Marie-Madeleine Fourcade\, the only woman to lead a resistance network in WWII France. Her story is one of epic love\, tragic loss and magnificent leadership. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Natasha Lester is the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress\, The French Photographer\, The Paris Secret and The Riviera House\, and a former marketing executive for L’Oreal. Her novels have been translated into many different languages and are published all around the world. When she’s not writing\, she loves collecting vintage fashion\, practicing the art of fashion illustration and reading about history. Natasha is a sought-after public speaker and lives with her husband and three children in Perth\, Western Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \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 More Author Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/god-of-carnage-26-july/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260807T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260807T204000 DTSTAMP:20260404T145910 CREATED:20251205T035734Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034032Z UID:69366-1786131000-1786135200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Blake Pavey: A Bit Scared DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Natasha Lester \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 1\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Inspired by a True Story \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A remarkable Australian talent - The Age \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A master storyteller - Daily Telegraph \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How did a young Parisienne mother\, celebrated for her beauty and glamour\, come to lead the largest spy network in France? A powerful\, heartbreaking historical novel by the New York Times bestselling author.Morocco\, 1928. Eighteen-year-old Frenchwoman Marie-Madeleine is not the kind of woman who goes through life sitting down\, something her new husband can attest. Her unconventionalities – rally car driving\, flying planes and dabbling in intelligence work for the government – earn her a reputation\, but she knows who she is at heart: an adventurer.Paris\, 1938. As Europe teeters on the brink of war\, a chance encounter with a mysterious man codenamed Navarre turns Marie-Madeleine’s life upside down. Recruited to help build a resistance network known only as Alliance\, she conceals her identity – and gender – as she navigates a perilous double life away from her children and the man she loves. Capture and death are only a heartbeat away. \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance | Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bestselling Australian novelist Natasha Lester passionately brings to life the true story of one of history’s unsung heroes: Marie-Madeleine Fourcade\, the only woman to lead a resistance network in WWII France. Her story is one of epic love\, tragic loss and magnificent leadership. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Natasha Lester is the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress\, The French Photographer\, The Paris Secret and The Riviera House\, and a former marketing executive for L’Oreal. Her novels have been translated into many different languages and are published all around the world. When she’s not writing\, she loves collecting vintage fashion\, practicing the art of fashion illustration and reading about history. Natasha is a sought-after public speaker and lives with her husband and three children in Perth\, Western Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \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 More Author Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/blake-pavey-a-bit-scared/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sq-promo-blake-pavey.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="KEG Touring":MAILTO:Contact@kegtouring.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260812T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260812T193000 DTSTAMP:20260404T145910 CREATED:20260324T234500Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T033956Z UID:71535-1786557600-1786563000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Sophie Green DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Natasha Lester \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 1\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Inspired by a True Story \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A remarkable Australian talent - The Age \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A master storyteller - Daily Telegraph \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How did a young Parisienne mother\, celebrated for her beauty and glamour\, come to lead the largest spy network in France? A powerful\, heartbreaking historical novel by the New York Times bestselling author.Morocco\, 1928. Eighteen-year-old Frenchwoman Marie-Madeleine is not the kind of woman who goes through life sitting down\, something her new husband can attest. Her unconventionalities – rally car driving\, flying planes and dabbling in intelligence work for the government – earn her a reputation\, but she knows who she is at heart: an adventurer.Paris\, 1938. As Europe teeters on the brink of war\, a chance encounter with a mysterious man codenamed Navarre turns Marie-Madeleine’s life upside down. Recruited to help build a resistance network known only as Alliance\, she conceals her identity – and gender – as she navigates a perilous double life away from her children and the man she loves. Capture and death are only a heartbeat away. \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance | Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bestselling Australian novelist Natasha Lester passionately brings to life the true story of one of history’s unsung heroes: Marie-Madeleine Fourcade\, the only woman to lead a resistance network in WWII France. Her story is one of epic love\, tragic loss and magnificent leadership. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Natasha Lester is the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress\, The French Photographer\, The Paris Secret and The Riviera House\, and a former marketing executive for L’Oreal. Her novels have been translated into many different languages and are published all around the world. When she’s not writing\, she loves collecting vintage fashion\, practicing the art of fashion illustration and reading about history. Natasha is a sought-after public speaker and lives with her husband and three children in Perth\, Western Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \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 More Author Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/sophie-green/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-sophie-green.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260813T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260813T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T145910 CREATED:20260129T051107Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T033912Z UID:70430-1786649400-1786654800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | The Blue Trail DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Natasha Lester \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 1\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Inspired by a True Story \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A remarkable Australian talent - The Age \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A master storyteller - Daily Telegraph \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How did a young Parisienne mother\, celebrated for her beauty and glamour\, come to lead the largest spy network in France? A powerful\, heartbreaking historical novel by the New York Times bestselling author.Morocco\, 1928. Eighteen-year-old Frenchwoman Marie-Madeleine is not the kind of woman who goes through life sitting down\, something her new husband can attest. Her unconventionalities – rally car driving\, flying planes and dabbling in intelligence work for the government – earn her a reputation\, but she knows who she is at heart: an adventurer.Paris\, 1938. As Europe teeters on the brink of war\, a chance encounter with a mysterious man codenamed Navarre turns Marie-Madeleine’s life upside down. Recruited to help build a resistance network known only as Alliance\, she conceals her identity – and gender – as she navigates a perilous double life away from her children and the man she loves. Capture and death are only a heartbeat away. \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance | Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bestselling Australian novelist Natasha Lester passionately brings to life the true story of one of history’s unsung heroes: Marie-Madeleine Fourcade\, the only woman to lead a resistance network in WWII France. Her story is one of epic love\, tragic loss and magnificent leadership. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Natasha Lester is the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress\, The French Photographer\, The Paris Secret and The Riviera House\, and a former marketing executive for L’Oreal. Her novels have been translated into many different languages and are published all around the world. When she’s not writing\, she loves collecting vintage fashion\, practicing the art of fashion illustration and reading about history. Natasha is a sought-after public speaker and lives with her husband and three children in Perth\, Western Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \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 More Author Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-film-society-the-blue-trail/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/the-blue-trail-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260910T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260910T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T145910 CREATED:20260129T052341Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T033843Z UID:70438-1789068600-1789074000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Kōkā DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Natasha Lester \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 1\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Inspired by a True Story \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A remarkable Australian talent - The Age \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A master storyteller - Daily Telegraph \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How did a young Parisienne mother\, celebrated for her beauty and glamour\, come to lead the largest spy network in France? A powerful\, heartbreaking historical novel by the New York Times bestselling author.Morocco\, 1928. Eighteen-year-old Frenchwoman Marie-Madeleine is not the kind of woman who goes through life sitting down\, something her new husband can attest. Her unconventionalities – rally car driving\, flying planes and dabbling in intelligence work for the government – earn her a reputation\, but she knows who she is at heart: an adventurer.Paris\, 1938. As Europe teeters on the brink of war\, a chance encounter with a mysterious man codenamed Navarre turns Marie-Madeleine’s life upside down. Recruited to help build a resistance network known only as Alliance\, she conceals her identity – and gender – as she navigates a perilous double life away from her children and the man she loves. Capture and death are only a heartbeat away. \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance | Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bestselling Australian novelist Natasha Lester passionately brings to life the true story of one of history’s unsung heroes: Marie-Madeleine Fourcade\, the only woman to lead a resistance network in WWII France. Her story is one of epic love\, tragic loss and magnificent leadership. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Natasha Lester is the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress\, The French Photographer\, The Paris Secret and The Riviera House\, and a former marketing executive for L’Oreal. Her novels have been translated into many different languages and are published all around the world. When she’s not writing\, she loves collecting vintage fashion\, practicing the art of fashion illustration and reading about history. Natasha is a sought-after public speaker and lives with her husband and three children in Perth\, Western Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \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 More Author Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-film-society-koka/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/koka-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261008T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261008T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T145910 CREATED:20260129T054045Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T033815Z UID:70446-1791487800-1791493200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Bound for Glory DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Natasha Lester \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 1\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Inspired by a True Story \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A remarkable Australian talent - The Age \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A master storyteller - Daily Telegraph \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How did a young Parisienne mother\, celebrated for her beauty and glamour\, come to lead the largest spy network in France? A powerful\, heartbreaking historical novel by the New York Times bestselling author.Morocco\, 1928. Eighteen-year-old Frenchwoman Marie-Madeleine is not the kind of woman who goes through life sitting down\, something her new husband can attest. Her unconventionalities – rally car driving\, flying planes and dabbling in intelligence work for the government – earn her a reputation\, but she knows who she is at heart: an adventurer.Paris\, 1938. As Europe teeters on the brink of war\, a chance encounter with a mysterious man codenamed Navarre turns Marie-Madeleine’s life upside down. Recruited to help build a resistance network known only as Alliance\, she conceals her identity – and gender – as she navigates a perilous double life away from her children and the man she loves. Capture and death are only a heartbeat away. \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance | Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bestselling Australian novelist Natasha Lester passionately brings to life the true story of one of history’s unsung heroes: Marie-Madeleine Fourcade\, the only woman to lead a resistance network in WWII France. Her story is one of epic love\, tragic loss and magnificent leadership. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Natasha Lester is the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress\, The French Photographer\, The Paris Secret and The Riviera House\, and a former marketing executive for L’Oreal. Her novels have been translated into many different languages and are published all around the world. When she’s not writing\, she loves collecting vintage fashion\, practicing the art of fashion illustration and reading about history. Natasha is a sought-after public speaker and lives with her husband and three children in Perth\, Western Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \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 More Author Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-film-society-bound-for-glory/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/bound-for-glory-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261009T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261009T220000 DTSTAMP:20260404T145910 CREATED:20260203T013254Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T023230Z UID:70535-1791572400-1791583200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Telegraph Road - The Dire Straits Legacy: Matt Arthur and The Lazybones DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Natasha Lester \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 1\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Inspired by a True Story \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A remarkable Australian talent - The Age \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A master storyteller - Daily Telegraph \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How did a young Parisienne mother\, celebrated for her beauty and glamour\, come to lead the largest spy network in France? A powerful\, heartbreaking historical novel by the New York Times bestselling author.Morocco\, 1928. Eighteen-year-old Frenchwoman Marie-Madeleine is not the kind of woman who goes through life sitting down\, something her new husband can attest. Her unconventionalities – rally car driving\, flying planes and dabbling in intelligence work for the government – earn her a reputation\, but she knows who she is at heart: an adventurer.Paris\, 1938. As Europe teeters on the brink of war\, a chance encounter with a mysterious man codenamed Navarre turns Marie-Madeleine’s life upside down. Recruited to help build a resistance network known only as Alliance\, she conceals her identity – and gender – as she navigates a perilous double life away from her children and the man she loves. Capture and death are only a heartbeat away. \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance | Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bestselling Australian novelist Natasha Lester passionately brings to life the true story of one of history’s unsung heroes: Marie-Madeleine Fourcade\, the only woman to lead a resistance network in WWII France. Her story is one of epic love\, tragic loss and magnificent leadership. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Natasha Lester is the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress\, The French Photographer\, The Paris Secret and The Riviera House\, and a former marketing executive for L’Oreal. Her novels have been translated into many different languages and are published all around the world. When she’s not writing\, she loves collecting vintage fashion\, practicing the art of fashion illustration and reading about history. Natasha is a sought-after public speaker and lives with her husband and three children in Perth\, Western Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \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 More Author Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/telegraph-road-the-dire-straits-legacy/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/matt-arthur-sq-promo.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Matt Arthur Music":MAILTO:matt@mattarthurmusic.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261210T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261210T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T145910 CREATED:20260129T055545Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T020736Z UID:70454-1796931000-1796936400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Smiley Gets a Gun DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Natasha Lester \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 1\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Inspired by a True Story \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A remarkable Australian talent - The Age \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A master storyteller - Daily Telegraph \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How did a young Parisienne mother\, celebrated for her beauty and glamour\, come to lead the largest spy network in France? A powerful\, heartbreaking historical novel by the New York Times bestselling author.Morocco\, 1928. Eighteen-year-old Frenchwoman Marie-Madeleine is not the kind of woman who goes through life sitting down\, something her new husband can attest. Her unconventionalities – rally car driving\, flying planes and dabbling in intelligence work for the government – earn her a reputation\, but she knows who she is at heart: an adventurer.Paris\, 1938. As Europe teeters on the brink of war\, a chance encounter with a mysterious man codenamed Navarre turns Marie-Madeleine’s life upside down. Recruited to help build a resistance network known only as Alliance\, she conceals her identity – and gender – as she navigates a perilous double life away from her children and the man she loves. Capture and death are only a heartbeat away. \n \n \n The Mademoiselle Alliance | Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bestselling Australian novelist Natasha Lester passionately brings to life the true story of one of history’s unsung heroes: Marie-Madeleine Fourcade\, the only woman to lead a resistance network in WWII France. Her story is one of epic love\, tragic loss and magnificent leadership. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Natasha Lester\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Natasha Lester is the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress\, The French Photographer\, The Paris Secret and The Riviera House\, and a former marketing executive for L’Oreal. Her novels have been translated into many different languages and are published all around the world. When she’s not writing\, she loves collecting vintage fashion\, practicing the art of fashion illustration and reading about history. Natasha is a sought-after public speaker and lives with her husband and three children in Perth\, Western Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \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 More Author Talks\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is part of the Australian Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-film-society-smiley-gets-a-gun/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/smiley-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR