BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.16.3//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART: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 BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241204T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241204T203000 DTSTAMP:20260608T232041 CREATED:20240815T032259Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240815T032446Z UID:58397-1733338800-1733344200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Daily Rituals for Inner Peace DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-4-december-24/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Daily-Rituals-for-Inner-Peace-Class.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241205T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241212T223000 DTSTAMP:20260608T232041 CREATED:20240121T233015Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240520T015210Z UID:50320-1733419800-1734042600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Chess Club DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-chess-club-dec-24/ 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:20241211T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241211T203000 DTSTAMP:20260608T232041 CREATED:20240815T032420Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240815T032555Z UID:58398-1733943600-1733949000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Daily Rituals for Inner Peace DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-11-december-24/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Daily-Rituals-for-Inner-Peace-Class.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241211T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241211T211500 DTSTAMP:20260608T232041 CREATED:20241111T035654Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T192738Z UID:59851-1733943600-1733951700@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Medieval to Metal Rockumentary Film Series: 'Don't Look Back' 1967 DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/dont-look-back-1967/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art Gallery of Ballarat,BMI Produced Event,Film,Important Dates ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/humanitix-dob-e1731297748218.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241212T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241212T223000 DTSTAMP:20260608T232041 CREATED:20241126T013229Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241126T030544Z UID:60175-1734024600-1734042600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Chess Club DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-chess-club-dec-24-12-dec/ 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:20241212T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241212T210000 DTSTAMP:20260608T232041 CREATED:20240130T012706Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T121224Z UID:50650-1734031800-1734037200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Smiley DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-smiley/ 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/smiley-2-e1706578579617.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241214T093000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241214T160000 DTSTAMP:20260608T232041 CREATED:20241204T221030Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T151210Z UID:60511-1734168600-1734192000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Vintage Christmas Festival at the BMI DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/vintage-christmas/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Christmas,Film,Important Dates ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image-square-promo-v6.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241215T093000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241215T160000 DTSTAMP:20260608T232041 CREATED:20241205T032559Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T151204Z UID:60546-1734255000-1734278400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Vintage Christmas Festival at the BMI DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/vintage-christmas-15/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Christmas,Film,Important Dates ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image-square-promo-v6.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241219T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241219T150000 DTSTAMP:20260608T232041 CREATED:20241205T032921Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T151201Z UID:60549-1734602400-1734620400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Vintage Christmas Festival at the BMI DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/vintage-christmas-19/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Christmas,Film,Important Dates ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image-square-promo-v6.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241220T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241220T160000 DTSTAMP:20260608T232041 CREATED:20241205T040517Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T151158Z UID:60566-1734688800-1734710400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Vintage Christmas Festival at the BMI DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/vintage-christmas-20/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Christmas,Film,Important Dates ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image-square-promo-v6.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241221T093000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241221T160000 DTSTAMP:20260608T232041 CREATED:20241205T040653Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T151154Z UID:60568-1734773400-1734796800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Vintage Christmas Festival at the BMI DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/vintage-christmas-21/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Christmas,Film,Important Dates ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image-square-promo-v6.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250115T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250115T204500 DTSTAMP:20260608T232042 CREATED:20241113T003024Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T192558Z UID:59922-1736967600-1736973900@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Medieval to Metal Rockumentary Film Series: 'This is Spinal Tap' 1984 DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/this-is-spinal-tap-1984/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art Gallery of Ballarat,BMI Produced Event,Film,Important Dates ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/spinal-tap-square.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250116T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250626T223000 DTSTAMP:20260608T232042 CREATED:20250107T014921Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250313T030852Z UID:60938-1737048600-1750977000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Chess Club DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-chess-club-2025/ 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:20250122T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250122T204000 DTSTAMP:20260608T232042 CREATED:20241113T005429Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T192735Z UID:59934-1737572400-1737578400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:'Gimme Shelter' 1970 | THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO TECH ISSUES DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/gimme-shelter-1970/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art Gallery of Ballarat,BMI Produced Event,Film,Important Dates ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/mich-jagger-square.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250124T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250124T230000 DTSTAMP:20260608T232042 CREATED:20250110T013352Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T163216Z UID:61048-1737747000-1737759600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:HIP HOP ELEMENTS DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/hip-hop-elements-bmi/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/sqaure-promo-hip-hop.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250129T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250129T203000 DTSTAMP:20260608T232042 CREATED:20241216T233250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T151012Z UID:60722-1738177200-1738182600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Finding Joy: Meditation in a Busy Life - Public Talk with Gen Kelsang Rabten DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/finding-joy/ LOCATION:VIC CATEGORIES:kadampa,Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Finding-Joy-Ballarat.webp ORGANIZER;CN="KMC Australia & Melbourne":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250205T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250205T203000 DTSTAMP:20260608T232042 CREATED:20250106T012015Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T161202Z UID:60892-1738782000-1738787400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | New Beginnings: How to Start Meditating DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-new-beginnings-1/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/new-beginnings-squre-v2.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250207T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250207T203000 DTSTAMP:20260608T232042 CREATED:20250110T034631Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T163211Z UID:61064-1738953000-1738960200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Live: Olybird and the Milla Williams Duo DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/olybird-milla-williams-duo/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Live,Important Dates,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_0066A.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250209T150000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250209T173000 DTSTAMP:20260608T232042 CREATED:20241113T233828Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T163224Z UID:59974-1739113200-1739122200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Adam Harvey | Live at the BMI DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/adam-harvey/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/rdKZB_7g-socials.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250212T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250212T203000 DTSTAMP:20260608T232042 CREATED:20250106T014304Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T161159Z UID:60901-1739386800-1739392200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | New Beginnings: How to Start Meditating DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-new-beginnings-2/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/new-beginnings-squre-v2.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250213T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250213T210000 DTSTAMP:20260608T232042 CREATED:20250203T001511Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T113214Z UID:61630-1739475000-1739480400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | KNEECAP DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-kneecap/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/kneecap-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250218T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250218T193000 DTSTAMP:20260608T232042 CREATED:20241202T031650Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T160628Z UID:60438-1739901600-1739907000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Jane Cafarella DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/jane-cafarella/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/jane-cafarella-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250219T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250219T203000 DTSTAMP:20260608T232042 CREATED:20250106T014520Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T161156Z UID:60903-1739991600-1739997000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | New Beginnings: How to Start Meditating DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-new-beginnings-3/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/new-beginnings-squre-v2.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250221T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250221T210000 DTSTAMP:20260608T232042 CREATED:20250121T235526Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T163205Z UID:61399-1740166200-1740171600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Live: Hot Club Swing & Amie Brûlée DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/hot-club-swing-amie-brulee/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Live,Important Dates,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/udwcV2RW-e1738021755508.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250225T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250225T200000 DTSTAMP:20260608T232042 CREATED:20250109T010836Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T160554Z UID:61027-1740506400-1740513600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Megan Brown & Lucy Sussex DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/megan-brown-lucy-sussex/ LOCATION:VIC CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo-megan-brown.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250226T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250226T183000 DTSTAMP:20260608T232042 CREATED:20250108T015354Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113129Z UID:60976-1740591000-1740594600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-atauro-timor-leste/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo-dancers-on-the-sea.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250226T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250226T203000 DTSTAMP:20260608T232042 CREATED:20250106T014730Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T113222Z UID:60905-1740596400-1740601800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | The Path of Peace: Three Ways to a Simpler Life DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-26-feb-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo-path-to-peace.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250305T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250305T190000 DTSTAMP:20260608T232042 CREATED:20250108T035746Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T121648Z UID:61006-1741197600-1741201200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:A BMI Fundraising Public Talk | The world in 2025 and beyond with Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-world-in-2025-geoffrey-blainey/ LOCATION:VIC CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/geoffrey-blainey-book-cover-before-i-forget-promo-square.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250305T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250305T203000 DTSTAMP:20260608T232042 CREATED:20250210T054914Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T113211Z UID:61868-1741201200-1741206600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | The Path of Peace: Three Ways to a Simpler Life DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-5-mar-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo-path-to-peace.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250312T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250312T183000 DTSTAMP:20260608T232043 CREATED:20241107T052354Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113149Z UID:59773-1741800600-1741804200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1 | Ballarat's Changing Scene - Ballarat's Growth: Infrastructure Pressures DESCRIPTION:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 1\, Special Event | Dancers on the Sea by Gabrielle Samson \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 26\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n5:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Bar open at 5pm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$9 – $13 \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 Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea: Stories from Atauro Island\, Timor-Leste \n1994-2002 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speaker: Gabrielle Samson\, Author \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson Gabrielle\, a writer of fiction and memoir\, has won national prizes for her short stories and has co-written a radio play produced by the ABC. She has lived and worked in education and community development in Australia\, Indonesia\, PNG\, Vanuatu and Timor Leste. Gabrielle now lives on a community nature refuge in southern Queensland where she writes\, reads\, gardens\, listens to music and attempts playing it. She teaches Indonesian language\, is a U3A tutor of a Warwick writing group and is a member of the Carindale Writers Group (Brisbane). Gabrielle has a degree in Anthropology and English Literature and post graduate diplomas in Education and Special Needs Education. Gabrielle lived and worked on Atauro from 1996 – 2008 and beyond. Her memoir ‘Dancers On The Sea’ – Stories from Ataúro Island Timor Leste (1994 – 2002) – was published in October\, 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabrielle Samson\n \n \n \n \n Elizeo (Azyu) | Book Art\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dancers on the Sea This story tells of a woman’s life on Atauro Island\, learning its history and culture as she worked with the community to improve living conditions through education. The memoir shares the stories of some of the people with whom she lived in a time of great change…During the period of East Timor’s occupation by an Indonesian military regime which was challenged by a fierce resistance movement\, Gabrielle – an Australian woman working at an Indonesian university – was asked by a Timorese village leader to help establish a kindergarten for his community.Supported by the university\, Gabrielle agreed to spend six months on the remote and poor island of Atauro\, to live in the community as the only Westerner in its harsh and often cruel conditions. It doesn’t take long for Gabrielle to fall in love with the island\, its people and an Indonesian co-worker\, resulting in the following twelve years of her life being spent living on the island. Dancers on the Sea is Gabrielle’s experience through six of those years as the little country of East Timor struggled for\, and achieved\, its independence and became Timor-Leste. “A moving and insightful book of reality and compassion…beautifully told and deeply shared…” Lisa\, Readalot Reviewer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reviews and comments about Dancers On The Sea Christine Perkins (ex AVI Timor)‘Oh Gabrielle\, I have just finished reading Dancers On The Sea\, thank you. Your writing is evocative and engaging. So many of my own memories of Atauro and the people there have resurfaced. I have laughed and often read with tears on my cheeks.. The telling of the love between you and Anton was beautiful and the honest way which you have described Timor-Leste and Timorese is powerful. I have read many books about Timor and they are mostly descriptive but your ability to be reflective and to also lead the reader to see\, hear\, and feel the environment is amazing. Thank you again\, Christine’ Christopher Dureau‘I’m reading it at the moment sitting in Broome. And loving it all. Congratulations’. Lansell Taudevin (ex-AusAid Timor)‘Gabrielle was one who lived and worked with the people of Atauro. She spent over a decade there\, quietly and unassumingly going about her daily tasks without fanfare or accolades. She was a true advocate of empathetic humanity. She based her life and work on the most noble of human virtues: love for and understanding of\, the people with whom she worked. She worked out of love – for and from them.Her book reflects these qualities. They have nothing to do with ‘look at me\, look at me!’ Her contribution arises from a perspective that can only arise from love.These qualities underpin her writing. The book flows like dancers on the sea. The love story is intertwined with a real love story with her Anton. You can sense the character she has and be overwhelmed by her sincerity.Of all the books I have read about Timor Leste\, this is by far the most moving and genuine as it evolves from a deep understanding of the people amongst whom she lived and loved.When I lived in Timor\, I used to refer to her as the Angel Gabriel. I was right.’ Jenny Toisuta (ex Satya Wacana University UKSW\, Salatiga)‘I received my copy of your book two days ago and couldn’t put it down – I finished it last night. It is truly beautiful. . . .beautiful descriptions of the sea\, of the moon and the sunrises and of the Atauro people of all ages working together and singing as they pulled the boats out of the water for repairs\,or the Bikeli fishermen singing as they passed\, catching the lobster with Pak Vasco. It was very useful to have a brief introduction to the history of East Timor under the Portuguese and the divvying up of parts of the Archipelago between the Dutch and the Portuguese. The more nuanced picture you painted of East Timor under Indonesia will\, I hope\, lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of people like Anton and the Indonesian teachers and public servants who were really committed to making a difference.’ Klaas Vandersluis‘Just reading your book\, moving and beautiful\, lots of heart . . . it is a fully embodied love and adventure story!!! You bare who you are from page to page!’ Sarah Moon‘Thank you for promoting the documentation of this corner of history!’ Felix Nahak (Satya Wacana University\, Java)‘Selamat Bu\, semoga bermanfaat khususnya buat masyarakat Atauro dan teman-teman yang pernah bersama Ibu dalam kurung waktu tersebut. God BLESS You. (Congratulations Ibu\, I hope this is useful for the Atauro community and the friends that were with you during that time. God Bless You)’ Mane Bonito Feto Bonita‘You are their hero. People from Atauro Island want to say thank you.’ Sieneke Martin (ex Oxfam and Caritas Timor)‘What a beautiful book ! Fantastic. I read it in one go and have now lent it to our friend\, Jose Simsa.’ Bibi Ahmed (ex-community worker\, Timor)‘Gabrielle\,I want to write to you about how much I loved your book. But I feel like I don’t even have the words to start to describe the effect it had on me. Seriously. It’s too big. But I really want to tell you how much I loved it. It’s the most moving book I have ever read in my entire life. It’s affected me in a way that no other book has. Like a punch in the guts that I can’t let go of. It could be partly because I share your deep love\, and connection to the people of East Timor (also through a previous connection to Indonesia). So your words\, your stories\, your observations and experiences hit me deep in the core of my guts\, with a deep black umbilical cord connection. You put words to the complexities\, mysteries and paradoxes of the East Timorese /Indonesian relationship\, the challenges of navigating cross cultural relationships and experiences and the inexpressible beauty of indigenous connection to nature\, ancestors\, knowledge\, and truth that I too have witnessed. I have never been affected so strongly by a book before. It really did grab me deep inside and hold me like I was actually there with you\, as if I was actually living the experiences you described so beautifully.I had to put it away for a while sometimes\, just to stave off the despair of the thought of it finishing.’ Christine Stark (U3A Reviewer\, Warwick)‘Dancers on the Sea is a page-turner that’s strangely soothing at the same time. The switching of topics and the information and descriptions that are included\, kept me wanting to read more\, right to the end. This was due to my curiosity about what comes next\, rather than the dread that fast-paced books often have. The book is loosely in chronological order\, allowing you to develop a sense of time and understanding of the changes and the people Gabrielle comes to know very well. Set within this over-arching story are rich and varied vignettes that provide vividly detailed snapshots of cultural and human-interest topics; revealing a fascinating and complex tapestry of lives on what first appears to be a tropical island with a small population living simple lifestyles.’ Sally Walvin (Brisbane)‘I recently read ‘Dancers on the Sea’\, a memoir by Gabrielle Samson. The book is set in East Timor before that country became independent.  It explores the extraordinary years Gabrielle spent on the remote Atauro Island during the last years of the resistance against Indonesia. I didn’t have a great knowledge on the history or politics of the Indonesian military regime.  However through the storytelling I found a balance of history and was inspired by the island life stories and intrigued by the cultural rituals that were so sensitively captured by Gabrielle. I really enjoyed this captivating story and was delighted by the moving love story that was entwined throughout.’ A wonderful read.  Elise Schuster (Australian Embassy\, Dili)‘I thoroughly enjoyed your book…any book written about Timor Leste is a treasure because of its rarity\, yours was so lush and poetic and human\, refreshing and enchanting\, but also illuminating for other malae for whom so many aspects of Timorese culture\, history and community remain mysteries. Thanks you for sharing your story and how it is entwined with the story of the hard-won restoration of Timorese independence. Dancers On The Sea should be essential reading for all Malae.’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is proudly supported by Community Bank Buninyong \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Bank Buninyong & District not only gives you access to award-winning financial products and services\, we’re also committed to returning profits to our local communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets and Bookings \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $9 BMI members & $13 general admittance\, plus bkg fee | These prices include gst. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More Talks \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Palace of Lost Virture by Anthea Hodgson\n The Palace of Lost Virtue Anthea Hodgson Don’t miss Anthea... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PRE-SALE | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week – A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker\n A Murder in Springtime Martin Walker Bruno\, chief of police... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – June 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-ballarats-growth/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/square-promo-individuals-infrastructure.webp END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR