BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.16.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20230401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20230930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240426T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240426T204000 DTSTAMP:20260513T234109 CREATED:20240313T013004Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240414T220340Z UID:52346-1714159800-1714164000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Still Kickin' - Blake Pavey DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/still-kickin-blake-pavey/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/black-pavey-2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240424T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240424T190000 DTSTAMP:20260513T234109 CREATED:20240320T042943Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240502T012343Z UID:52571-1713981600-1713985200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 1 | At Play in the Fields of the past: Roleplaying\, gaming and local heritage DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-not-the-last-picture-show-4/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Twilight Talks,Twilight Talks Heritage Festivals ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Cover-for-Lola-front.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240423T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240423T200000 DTSTAMP:20260513T234109 CREATED:20240226T044626Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240419T170719Z UID:51648-1713898800-1713902400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Dervla McTiernan: What Happened to Nina? DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/dervla-mctiernan-what-happened-to-nina/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Dervla-McTiernan-1-photo-julia-dunin-photography.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240421T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240421T161500 DTSTAMP:20260513T234109 CREATED:20240403T012946Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240403T020926Z UID:53422-1713709800-1713716100@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:All Schubert Chamber Recital | Susan Pierotti\, Zoe Knighton & Brian Chapman DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/all-schubert-chamber-recital/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Classical Music,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/schubert-promo-square-FINAL.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240419T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240419T200000 DTSTAMP:20260513T234109 CREATED:20240403T022955Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240414T220359Z UID:53433-1713553200-1713556800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Troy Kinne | Made Wrong DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/troy-kinne-made-wrong/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/promo-square-troy-kinne.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240414T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240414T183000 DTSTAMP:20260513T234109 CREATED:20240131T005717Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240131T232520Z UID:50783-1713114000-1713119400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Songs for Suzanne - The music and poetry of Leonard Cohen DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/music-poetry-leonard-cohen/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/songs-for-suzanne.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240413T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240413T220000 DTSTAMP:20260513T234109 CREATED:20240227T032727Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240327T050136Z UID:51774-1713036600-1713045600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Fundraiser | Shindig DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/shindig/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Live Music,Members ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/shindig-thumbnail-event-promo5.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240412T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240412T200000 DTSTAMP:20260513T234109 CREATED:20240305T012726Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240306T191118Z UID:52033-1712944800-1712952000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Rita McInnes | Book Launch DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-rita-mcinnes/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/rita-promo-square.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240411T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240411T210000 DTSTAMP:20260513T234109 CREATED:20240129T040125Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240130T055619Z UID:50532-1712863800-1712869200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballart Film Society | The Wild Goose Lake DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-the-wild-goose-lake/ 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/wild-goose-lake-2-e1706503321360.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240411T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240411T200000 DTSTAMP:20260513T234109 CREATED:20231004T031044Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240118T002449Z UID:45976-1712858400-1712865600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Leah Kaminsky & Kylie Ladd DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-kaminsky-ladd/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pomo-square-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240407T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240407T200000 DTSTAMP:20260513T234110 CREATED:20240131T003215Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240131T232049Z UID:50772-1712516400-1712520000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Heath Franklin's Chopper - Not Here To F*ck Spiders DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/heath-franklins-chopper/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/heath-franklin-e1706662452847.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240404T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240425T223000 DTSTAMP:20260513T234110 CREATED:20240121T230923Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240121T231034Z UID:50298-1712251800-1714084200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Chess Club DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-chess-club-copy-2-copy/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Chess Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ballarat-chess-club-square-with-boarder.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240403T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240424T203000 DTSTAMP:20260513T234110 CREATED:20231213T040808Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231213T040951Z UID:49202-1712170800-1713990600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Dealing with Difficult People DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-dealing-with-difficult-people/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/kadampa-Ballarat-sep-dec-2023-1-logo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240321T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240321T200000 DTSTAMP:20260513T234110 CREATED:20230919T035313Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240307T005144Z UID:45400-1711044000-1711051200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Noel Braun DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-noel-braun/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/noel-braun-promotional-squre-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240317T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240317T173000 DTSTAMP:20260513T234110 CREATED:20240119T004829Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240122T010930Z UID:50287-1710684000-1710696600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva Social Sunday | St Patrick's Day Social | Scottish Country Dancing DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/scottish-country-dancing/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:external event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/minerva-from-behind-correct-crop-e1705625699773.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240314T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240314T210000 DTSTAMP:20260513T234110 CREATED:20240129T050135Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240130T070808Z UID:50562-1710444600-1710450000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballart Film Society | Le bleu du caftan (The Blue Kaftan) DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-the-blue-kaftan/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/The_Blue_Caftan-519760920-large.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240307T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240328T223000 DTSTAMP:20260513T234110 CREATED:20231221T022427Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240110T013925Z UID:49652-1709832600-1711665000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Chess Club DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-chess-club-copy-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Chess Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ballarat-chess-club-square-with-boarder.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240306T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240327T203000 DTSTAMP:20260513T234110 CREATED:20231213T034626Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240325T225552Z UID:49180-1709751600-1711571400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Get Your Confidence Back DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-get-your-confidence-back/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/kadampa-Ballarat-sep-dec-2023-1-logo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240305T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240305T200000 DTSTAMP:20260513T234110 CREATED:20240109T042935Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240305T061154Z UID:49843-1709661600-1709668800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Imbi Neeme | This event has now been cancelled DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-imbi-neeme/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/imbi-neeme-promo-square.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240302T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240302T210000 DTSTAMP:20260513T234110 CREATED:20240202T231658Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240202T234613Z UID:50873-1709406000-1709413200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Women Just Want to Laugh DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/women-just-want-to-laugh/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/women-laugh.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240228T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240327T183000 DTSTAMP:20260513T234110 CREATED:20231109T032714Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240205T012554Z UID:47372-1709141400-1711564200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2024 | Season 1 DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-2024-season-1/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/tt-promo-2024-season-1-draft-v2-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240221T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240221T200000 DTSTAMP:20260513T234110 CREATED:20230919T035111Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240208T231637Z UID:45397-1708538400-1708545600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Lucas Jordan DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-lucas-jordan/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/lucas-jordan-promotional-squre-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240208T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240208T210000 DTSTAMP:20260513T234110 CREATED:20240124T000807Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240130T061639Z UID:50417-1707420600-1707426000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballart Film Society | Scrapper DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-scrapper/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/scrapper-square.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240207T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240228T203000 DTSTAMP:20260513T234110 CREATED:20231213T040534Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231213T040703Z UID:49199-1707332400-1709152200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Positive Psychology DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-positive-psychology/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/kadampa-Ballarat-sep-dec-2023-1-logo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240207T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240207T200000 DTSTAMP:20260513T234110 CREATED:20231207T003031Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231218T043742Z UID:49057-1707328800-1707336000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Elizabeth Coleman DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-elizabeth-coleman/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/square-promo-elizabeth-coleman.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240201T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240229T223000 DTSTAMP:20260513T234110 CREATED:20231221T015804Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240110T011205Z UID:49635-1706808600-1709245800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Chess Club DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-chess-club/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Chess Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ballarat-chess-club-square-with-boarder.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240131T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240131T190000 DTSTAMP:20260513T234110 CREATED:20231213T041518Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231213T232612Z UID:49208-1706727600-1706727600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Choose Happiness: A Public Talk with Kelsang Luma DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/choose-happiness/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/flower-square.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240118T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240125T223000 DTSTAMP:20260513T234110 CREATED:20231221T022307Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240110T010717Z UID:49650-1705599000-1706221800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Chess Club DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-chess-club-copy/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Chess Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ballarat-chess-club-square-with-boarder.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240113T150000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240113T150000 DTSTAMP:20260513T234110 CREATED:20240109T042935Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240110T005513Z UID:49842-1705158000-1705158000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Organs of the Ballarat Goldfields | Recital 3 | Haydn Baryton Trios DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/organs-of-the-goldfields/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Classical Music,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/organs-of-the-goldfields-square.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240109T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240514T150000 DTSTAMP:20260513T234110 CREATED:20231026T001524Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240229T030128Z UID:46767-1704808800-1715698800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Series DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Chris Hammer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n1:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n3:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Valley \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Hammer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. \n \n The international bestselling author of: \n \n Scrublands & The Seven \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven.Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. A controversial entrepreneur is murdered in a remote mountain valley\, but this is no ordinary case. Ivan and Nell are soon contending with cowboy lawyers\, conmen\, bullion thieves and grave robbers. But it’s when Nell discovers the victim is a close blood relative that the past begins to take on a looming significance. What did take place in The Valley all those years ago? What was Nell’s mother doing there\, and what was her connection to troubled young police officer Simmons Burnside? And why do the police hierarchy insist Ivan and Nell stay with the case despite an obvious conflict of interest? The Valley features a page-turning plot\, intriguing characters and an evocative sense of place—where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Chris Hammer\, the acclaimed author of the international bestsellers Scrublands\, Treasure & Dirt\, The Tilt and The Seven\, presents another immersive and emotionally rewarding thriller. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist\, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands\, Silver and Trust. Chris’s current award-winning series features homicide detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic: Treasure & Dirt/ Opal Country; The Tilt/Dead Man’s Creek; The Seven/Cover The Bones; and now The Valley/The Broken River. Scrublands was an instant bestseller upon publication in 2018\, topping the Australian fiction charts. It was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia\, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. Scrublands\, Silver and Trust all feature troubled journalist Martin Scarsden and his partner Mandalay Blonde\, while the next four novels follow homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Chris’s books are well known for their atmospheric Australian settings\, a range of colourful characters\, intricate plots\, descriptive language and emotional depth. Before turning to fiction\, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra\, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin\, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Chris has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) – winner of the ACT Book of the Year – and The Coast (2012)\, published by Melbourne University Press. He has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra\, Australia. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bookings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI Fundraiser | Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | Vintage & Collectables\n Save the date for this year’s Vintage Fashion Parade The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n After the Noise Kerri Rogan Don’t miss Kerri who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n The Marriage Trap Victoria Purman Don’t miss Victoria who will... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarta Writers – write it your way\n Stella Day Out\, Ballarat 5 November 2025 | As events... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-copy-2-2/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR