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 BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240617T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240726T150000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020953 CREATED:20240530T040409Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T071412Z UID:55716-1718618400-1722006000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Human Designs | Zlatko Balazic & John McKee (aka Jack Morph): Featuring the art of Melinda Muscat 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/human-designs-melinda-muscat/ LOCATION:Hugh Williamson Foyer\, Level 1 CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Winter Festival,BMI Produced Event,Exhibition,Festival,Projection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/baroque-wonderland-adjusted-2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240613T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240613T210000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020953 CREATED:20240129T233757Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T143052Z UID:50586-1718307000-1718312400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Alcarràs 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-alcarras/ 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/alcarras-e1706571998967.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240612T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240612T203000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020953 CREATED:20240520T003854Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T142553Z UID:55271-1718218800-1718224200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Anger Management 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-series-12-jun-24/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Meditation-Class-Ballarat-Q2-24-Flyer-1-event-image.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240606T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240627T223000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020953 CREATED:20240520T020515Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240520T020650Z UID:55318-1717695000-1719527400@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-jun-24/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Chess Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ballarat-chess-club-square-with-boarder.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240605T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240605T203000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020953 CREATED:20240520T002250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240520T002702Z UID:55266-1717614000-1717619400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to Love Yourself & Others 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-series-5-june-24/ 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:20240604T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240604T200000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020953 CREATED:20240223T021113Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T121220Z UID:51430-1717524000-1717531200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Paula Gleeson 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-paula-gleeson/ 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/2024/02/square-promo-paula-gleeson.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240602T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240602T150000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020954 CREATED:20240529T053135Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T122255Z UID:55625-1717322400-1717340400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballart Pride Market 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-pride-market/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/qtq_70.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240601T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240602T140000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020954 CREATED:20240517T033112Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T132922Z UID:55204-1717236000-1717336800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Winter Book Sale | Stockpile your reading pleasure 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/winter-book-sale/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Winter Festival,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/book-sale-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240601T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240601T110000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020954 CREATED:20240529T033111Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T122032Z UID:55591-1717236000-1717239600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballart Pride Month Launch Morning Tea 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-pride-month/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/438301586_122105900390074158_15024554087572215_n.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240529T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240529T203000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020954 CREATED:20240520T002223Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240520T003222Z UID:55265-1717009200-1717014600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to Love Yourself & Others 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-series-29-may-24/ 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:20240529T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240529T190000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020954 CREATED:20240407T224201Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T142902Z UID:53601-1717005600-1717009200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 6: History of Hoyts 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-copy/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:About us,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Twilight Talks,Twilight Talks Heritage Festivals ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/hoyts-melboure.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240528T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240528T200000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020954 CREATED:20240411T094329Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T142859Z UID:53823-1716919200-1716926400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Pam Swanborough 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-pam-swanborough/ 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/2024/04/promo-squre-pam-swanborough.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240528T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241029T150000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020954 CREATED:20240229T025811Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240229T032043Z UID:51849-1716904800-1730214000@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-copy/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240527T133000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250331T150000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020954 CREATED:20240109T023009Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250313T025648Z UID:49814-1716816600-1743433200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room 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/the-reading-room-3/ LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:The Reading Room ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Reading_room_adjusted-e1704770529709.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240526T150000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240526T163000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020954 CREATED:20240305T053624Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T142919Z UID:52084-1716735600-1716741000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI165th Birthday Devonshire Tea Party 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/bmi165-birthday-devonshire-tea/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:About us,Ballarat Heritage Festival,BMI Produced Event,Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/claire-adams-square.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240523T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240530T223000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020954 CREATED:20240520T020745Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240520T020942Z UID:55320-1716485400-1717108200@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-may-24/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Chess Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ballarat-chess-club-square-with-boarder.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240522T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240522T203000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020954 CREATED:20240520T001555Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T142557Z UID:55244-1716404400-1716409800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to Love Yourself & Others 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-series-22-may-24/ 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:20240522T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240522T213000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020954 CREATED:20240506T012052Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T142856Z UID:54458-1716400800-1716413400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Drinks That Made Ballarat 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/drinks-that-made-ballarat-itinerant/ LOCATION:Itinerant Spirits\, Lydiard Street North\, Soldiers Hill\, City of Ballarat\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/https___cdn.evbuc_.com_images_733269959_1986386447793_1_original.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240522T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240522T190000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020954 CREATED:20240301T031503Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T142952Z UID:51926-1716400800-1716404400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City 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/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:About us,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Twilight Talks,Twilight Talks Heritage Festivals ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/American-Graffiti-19.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240521T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240521T220000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020954 CREATED:20240226T031716Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T143017Z UID:51554-1716325200-1716328800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 4 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/minervas-secrets-night-tours-bhf-copy-copy/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240521T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240521T203000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020954 CREATED:20240226T032014Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T143005Z UID:51556-1716319800-1716323400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 3 | This session is now fully booked 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/minervas-secrets-night-tours-bhf-copy-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240521T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240521T150000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020954 CREATED:20240229T030728Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T142955Z UID:51861-1716300000-1716303600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the BMI | Ballarat Heritage Festival 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-ballarat-heritage-festival/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BMI_upshot_evening-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240519T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240519T210000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020954 CREATED:20240221T222932Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T143025Z UID:51296-1716145200-1716152400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow | Ballarat 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/comedy-festival-roadshow-ballarat/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy,Externally Produced Event,Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/comedy-festival-roadshow-24-e1708554779600.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240518T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240518T233000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020954 CREATED:20240221T234347Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T143022Z UID:51318-1716058800-1716075000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Vegas 70 returns to Ballarat | Ballarat Heritage Festival 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/vegas-70/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Film,Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Vegas-70-Logo-Lined.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240517T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240517T220000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020954 CREATED:20240226T025525Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T143020Z UID:51530-1715979600-1715983200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 2 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/minervas-secrets-night-tours-bhf-copy/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240517T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240517T203000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020954 CREATED:20240226T023808Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240517T011235Z UID:51520-1715974200-1715977800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 1 | This session is now fully booked. 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/minervas-secrets-night-tours-bhf/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240517T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240530T160000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020954 CREATED:20240305T031915Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T142937Z UID:52073-1715941800-1717084800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Exhibition | Not the Last Picture Show: From the Archives 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/exhibition-not-the-last-picture-show-archives/ LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:About us,Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Culture,Exhibition,Fundraiser,Twilight Talks,Twilight Talks Heritage Festivals ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/archives-16-9.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240517T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240530T160000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020954 CREATED:20240301T042355Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T142940Z UID:51968-1715941800-1717084800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Exhibition | Not the Last Picture Show 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/exhibition-not-the-last-picture-show/ LOCATION:Hugh Williamson Foyer\, Level 1 CATEGORIES:About us,Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Culture,Exhibition,Festival,Fundraiser,Twilight Talks,Twilight Talks Heritage Festivals ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/MH94-Coliseum-Grenville-St-Retouched-copy.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240515T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240515T190000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020954 CREATED:20240320T035525Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T142907Z UID:52537-1715796000-1715799600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 2\, Session 4 | 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/twilight-talks-australian-heritage-festival/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Twilight Talks,Twilight Talks Heritage Festivals ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/City-of-Chaos-and-Hope.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240512T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240512T230000 DTSTAMP:20260514T020954 CREATED:20240509T021800Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T142652Z UID:54523-1715542200-1715554800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Rock 'n' Roll with our Stars (Dancing with our Stars 24): Featuring James Bookman 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/rock-n-roll-with-our-stars/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Externally Produced Event,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/436237221_122115281810263532_8541844015808598287_n.webp END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR