BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20220402T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20221001T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20230401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20230930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240317T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240317T173000 DTSTAMP:20260506T174551 CREATED:20240119T004829Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240122T010930Z UID:50287-1710684000-1710696600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva Social Sunday | St Patrick's Day Social | Scottish Country Dancing DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/scottish-country-dancing/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:external event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/minerva-from-behind-correct-crop-e1705625699773.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240314T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240314T210000 DTSTAMP:20260506T174551 CREATED:20240129T050135Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240130T070808Z UID:50562-1710444600-1710450000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballart Film Society | Le bleu du caftan (The Blue Kaftan) DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-the-blue-kaftan/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/The_Blue_Caftan-519760920-large.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240307T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240328T223000 DTSTAMP:20260506T174551 CREATED:20231221T022427Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240110T013925Z UID:49652-1709832600-1711665000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Chess Club DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-chess-club-copy-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Chess Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ballarat-chess-club-square-with-boarder.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240306T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240327T203000 DTSTAMP:20260506T174551 CREATED:20231213T034626Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240325T225552Z UID:49180-1709751600-1711571400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Get Your Confidence Back DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-get-your-confidence-back/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/kadampa-Ballarat-sep-dec-2023-1-logo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240305T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240305T200000 DTSTAMP:20260506T174551 CREATED:20240109T042935Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240305T061154Z UID:49843-1709661600-1709668800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Imbi Neeme | This event has now been cancelled DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-imbi-neeme/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/imbi-neeme-promo-square.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240302T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240302T210000 DTSTAMP:20260506T174551 CREATED:20240202T231658Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240202T234613Z UID:50873-1709406000-1709413200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Women Just Want to Laugh DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/women-just-want-to-laugh/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/women-laugh.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240228T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240327T183000 DTSTAMP:20260506T174551 CREATED:20231109T032714Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240205T012554Z UID:47372-1709141400-1711564200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2024 | Season 1 DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-2024-season-1/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/tt-promo-2024-season-1-draft-v2-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240221T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240221T200000 DTSTAMP:20260506T174551 CREATED:20230919T035111Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240208T231637Z UID:45397-1708538400-1708545600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Lucas Jordan DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-lucas-jordan/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/lucas-jordan-promotional-squre-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240208T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240208T210000 DTSTAMP:20260506T174551 CREATED:20240124T000807Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240130T061639Z UID:50417-1707420600-1707426000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballart Film Society | Scrapper DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-scrapper/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/scrapper-square.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240207T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240228T203000 DTSTAMP:20260506T174551 CREATED:20231213T040534Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231213T040703Z UID:49199-1707332400-1709152200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Positive Psychology DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-positive-psychology/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/kadampa-Ballarat-sep-dec-2023-1-logo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240207T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240207T200000 DTSTAMP:20260506T174551 CREATED:20231207T003031Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231218T043742Z UID:49057-1707328800-1707336000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Elizabeth Coleman DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-elizabeth-coleman/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/square-promo-elizabeth-coleman.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240201T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240229T223000 DTSTAMP:20260506T174551 CREATED:20231221T015804Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240110T011205Z UID:49635-1706808600-1709245800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Chess Club DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-chess-club/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Chess Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ballarat-chess-club-square-with-boarder.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240131T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240131T190000 DTSTAMP:20260506T174551 CREATED:20231213T041518Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231213T232612Z UID:49208-1706727600-1706727600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Choose Happiness: A Public Talk with Kelsang Luma DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/choose-happiness/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/flower-square.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240118T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240125T223000 DTSTAMP:20260506T174552 CREATED:20231221T022307Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240110T010717Z UID:49650-1705599000-1706221800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Chess Club DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-chess-club-copy/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Chess Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ballarat-chess-club-square-with-boarder.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240113T150000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240113T150000 DTSTAMP:20260506T174552 CREATED:20240109T042935Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240110T005513Z UID:49842-1705158000-1705158000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Organs of the Ballarat Goldfields | Recital 3 | Haydn Baryton Trios DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/organs-of-the-goldfields/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Classical Music,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/organs-of-the-goldfields-square.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240109T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240514T150000 DTSTAMP:20260506T174552 CREATED:20231026T001524Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240229T030128Z UID:46767-1704808800-1715698800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Series DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-copy-2-2/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231216T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231216T220000 DTSTAMP:20260506T174552 CREATED:20231004T220653Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231023T010731Z UID:46008-1702755000-1702764000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Motown Mistletoe with Motor City Sounds DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/motor-city-sounds-motown/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mcs-bmi-2019_orig-adj.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231214T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231214T210000 DTSTAMP:20260506T174552 CREATED:20230202T033152Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230912T011328Z UID:33977-1702582200-1702587600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - Redemption of a Rogue DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-redemptionofarogue/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/4665.jpg.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231211T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231211T193000 DTSTAMP:20260506T174552 CREATED:20231109T024316Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231206T042434Z UID:47354-1702315800-1702323000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Members Christmas Party with the Ballarat Singers DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/members-christmas-party/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Library,Members ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/square-promo-christmas.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231203T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231203T140000 DTSTAMP:20260506T174552 CREATED:20231018T013445Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231102T212954Z UID:46392-1701597600-1701612000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Summer Maker Market DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bmi-summer-maker-market/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Market ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/maker_image-e1628392488945.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231202 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231205 DTSTAMP:20260506T174552 CREATED:20231013T022508Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231013T023541Z UID:46252-1701478800-1701651599@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Summer Book Sale DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/summer-book-sale/ LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/bios.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231201T093000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231201T153000 DTSTAMP:20260506T174552 CREATED:20230816T020026Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240815T053849Z UID:43742-1701423000-1701444600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Golf Day Fundraiser | Join Us at Snake Valley Golf Club DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/golf-day/ LOCATION:Snake Valley Golf Club\, 341 Chepstowe Road\, Snake Valley\, Victoria\, 3351\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Members ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/golf-day-square-promotional-image-v6.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231126T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231126T220000 DTSTAMP:20260506T174552 CREATED:20231019T064643Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231115T230832Z UID:46420-1701032400-1701036000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tours DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-november-9/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/costumes-night-tours-insta-facebook-special-offer-e1700018159487.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231126T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231126T200000 DTSTAMP:20260506T174552 CREATED:20231019T064332Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231115T230517Z UID:46417-1701025200-1701028800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tours DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-november/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/costumes-night-tours-insta-facebook-special-offer-e1700018159487.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231117T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231117T220000 DTSTAMP:20260506T174552 CREATED:20230928T040756Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231102T212012Z UID:45838-1700244000-1700258400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Melbourne Food & Wine Festival Regional | Once Upon a Time DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/melb-food-wine-regional/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Festival,Food & Wine ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/once-upon-a-time.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231116T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231116T200000 DTSTAMP:20260506T174552 CREATED:20230918T012948Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240430T011733Z UID:45333-1700157600-1700164800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Gabriel Bergmoser DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-gabriel-bergmoser/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/gabriel-bergmoser-promotional-squre.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231115T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231213T203000 DTSTAMP:20260506T174552 CREATED:20231025T224708Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231107T003558Z UID:46713-1700074800-1702499400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Anger Management DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-copy/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/kadampa-Ballarat-sep-dec-2023-1-logo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231114T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231219T150000 DTSTAMP:20260506T174552 CREATED:20231025T233616Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T001405Z UID:46734-1699970400-1702998000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballarat Mechanics' Institute | Series DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/BMI-facade.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231111T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231111T150000 DTSTAMP:20260506T174552 CREATED:20230830T010931Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231108T232036Z UID:44323-1699711200-1699714800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:From the Shadows by Gillian Gregory | Book Launch DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/from-the-shadows-gillian-gregory/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Book Launch,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/gillian-gregory-square-promotional.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231109T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231109T210000 DTSTAMP:20260506T174552 CREATED:20230202T033142Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230912T011335Z UID:33976-1699558200-1699563600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - The Good Boss (El buen patron) DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n February 18\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \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 Cleaved \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A story of loss\, legs and finding family \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s important that genuine stories such as this be published to show the extra-ordinary\, day-to-day courage of so-called ‘ordinary’ people - Highly recommended - Hazel Edwards OAM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Former journalist for The Age and critically acclaimed Australian playwright and cartoonist\,\nJane Cafarella has written her memoir with great compassion and good humour. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cleaved is a story of coping with difference; of identity\, family\, and belonging. It is Jane’s story of growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema\, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. It is honest\, moving and at times\, raw but at its core it is a beautifully crafted story of survival in a world of challenges and hard knocks. Jane Cafarella is\, and always has been\, a wonderful storyteller. Cleaved is her story. \n \n \n Cleaved | Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Cafarella\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Jane Cafarella is an Australian playwright and former journalist and cartoonist whose work has been widely published in Australia and overseas and whose plays have been performed nationally and internationally. Her cartoon archive is held at the State Library of Victoria. During her 10 years at Melbourne’s The Age newspaper\, Jane wrote and edited the popular Accent section\, which focused on women’s issues\, and for many years wrote the beloved columns A New Life Journal and Family Postcard. What she didn’t write about was growing up with Milroy’s disease\, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema – and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life. Written with compassion and humour\, Cleaved is an illuminating and moving story of coping with difference – and of two sisters\, foot soldiers in their parents marital war\, who lost and then found each other. Jane will be in conversation with Alisoun Downing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lymphedema \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The World Health Organization estimates that up to 250 million people worldwide live with the incurable\, disfiguring\, progressive\, and little-known disease called lymphedema. In Jane Cafarella’s new memoir\, Cleaved\, the veil of secrecy surrounding lymphedema is stripped away as we meet a young girl in Australia living with an undiagnosed deformity. Ms. Cafarella weaves a stirring and universal coming-of-age story where the audience gets a rare glimpse of the impact of living with a disability while traversing the many roads on life’s journey. Lymphatic Education and Research Network (NYC) CEO\, William Repicci. I just finished it. I’m in bits. Such a beautiful story. Forgiveness\, the connections\, devoid of sentimentality\, yet the humanity – the flawed humans – have touched me. Thank you for a great read!  Susie Penrice Tyrie\, Singapore. \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 $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 \n \n \n \n \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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoira who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – May 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Chapman & Friends\, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets\n New Releases\, Recommendations & Author Talks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-thegoodboss/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/LXME77JQC5AZTNLOORYLMY7JEI-e1675309297491.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR