BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20230401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20230930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241023T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241023T183000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233134 CREATED:20240703T005239Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211930Z UID:56852-1729704600-1729708200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 3 | Life So Full of Promise: vivid\, compelling stories about Australia's lost generation. DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-life-so-full-of-promise/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Festival,Fundraiser,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/square-promo-life-so-full-of-promise.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241023T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241023T203000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233134 CREATED:20240815T030646Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T012400Z UID:58375-1729710000-1729715400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | 3 Ways to Improve Your Life DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-23-october-24/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Three-Ways-to-Improve-1080p-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241025T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241025T203000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233134 CREATED:20241006T222136Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T221156Z UID:59326-1729884600-1729888200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 1 DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-oct-25/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Night Tours,Tours,Victorian Seniors Festival 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:20241025T213000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241025T223000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233134 CREATED:20241006T223714Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T221153Z UID:59338-1729891800-1729895400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 2 DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-oct-25-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Night Tours,Tours,Victorian Seniors Festival 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:20241026T160000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241026T173000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233134 CREATED:20240925T023950Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T222206Z UID:59022-1729958400-1729963800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In conversation with John Safran | Now moved to The George Hotel DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/john-safran/ LOCATION:The George Hotel\, 27 Lydiard Street North\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/JOHN-SAFRAN.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Collins Booksellers on Lydiard":MAILTO:ballaratlydiard@collinsbooks.com.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241027T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241027T160000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233134 CREATED:20240627T234912Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T221158Z UID:56044-1730037600-1730044800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Fashion Parade Fundraiser | Vintage & Collectables DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/fashion-parade-fundraiser-vintage/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Vintage & Collectables ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/promotional-square-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241030T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241030T200000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233134 CREATED:20240723T055539Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T023001Z UID:57574-1730311200-1730318400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Benjamin Stevenson DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/benjamin-stevenson/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Comedy,Fundraiser,Library,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/benjamin-stevenson-promo-squre-1.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241030T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241030T203000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233134 CREATED:20240815T031312Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T012357Z UID:58383-1730314800-1730320200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | 3 Ways to Improve Your Life DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-30-october-24/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Three-Ways-to-Improve-1080p-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241101T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241101T220000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233134 CREATED:20240424T033006Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T022254Z UID:54249-1730491200-1730498400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Daniel Champagne | Ballarat DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/daniel-champagne-ballart/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/square-from-poster.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241102T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241102T200000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233134 CREATED:20240805T030018Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250324T051054Z UID:58054-1730574000-1730577600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Luke Heggie | Grogan | Ballarat DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/luke-heggie-grogan/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/heggie-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241106T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241106T183000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233134 CREATED:20240924T015619Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211928Z UID:58950-1730914200-1730917800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 4 | Uncovering the Past: The archaeology of a Goldrush city - identifying\, protecting and managing Ballarat’s buried relics and ruins. DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-uncovering-the-past-archaeology/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Festival,Fundraiser,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/jerremy-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241106T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241106T203000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233134 CREATED:20240815T031409Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T012354Z UID:58384-1730919600-1730925000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | 3 Ways to Improve Your Life DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-6-november-24/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Three-Ways-to-Improve-1080p-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241107T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241128T223000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233134 CREATED:20240121T232752Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240520T015142Z UID:50317-1731000600-1732833000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Chess Club DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-chess-club-nov-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:20241110T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241110T160000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233134 CREATED:20240917T235139Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211325Z UID:58801-1731247200-1731254400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Jackson Dahlenburg: Album Launch: With Love | Debut Solo Piano Album DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/jackson-dahlenburg/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/jackson-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241111T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241111T200000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233134 CREATED:20240723T042221Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211640Z UID:57552-1731348000-1731355200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Tea Cooper DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tea-cooper/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/tea-cooper-promo-squre-final.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241111T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241111T204500 DTSTAMP:20260508T233134 CREATED:20240923T022643Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211627Z UID:58911-1731353400-1731357900@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Jack Rutter | Live at the BMI DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/jack-rutter/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/square-promo-jack-rutter.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Concerts Australia":MAILTO:michael@concertsaustralia.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241113T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241113T203000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233134 CREATED:20240815T031557Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T015154Z UID:58387-1731524400-1731529800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Daily Rituals for Inner Peace DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-13-november-24/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Daily-Rituals-for-Inner-Peace-Class.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241114T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241114T210000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233134 CREATED:20240130T011936Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211643Z UID:50641-1731612600-1731618000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | EO DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-eo/ 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/eo-e1706577696477.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241116T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241116T160000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233135 CREATED:20240822T060115Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211634Z UID:58493-1731751200-1731772800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Open Garden & Devonshire Tea - BMI Fundraiser | Errard Hall DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/open-garden-fundraiser/ LOCATION:Errard Hall\, Errard Street North\, Ballarat Central\, City of Ballarat\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Urban Agriculture Month ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/square-promo-v2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241116T130000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241116T140000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233135 CREATED:20240801T232909Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211637Z UID:57891-1731762000-1731765600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Stella Day Out Ballarat: Writing about the Future | Kate Mildenhall in conversation with Van Badham DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/stella-day-out-1/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Important Dates,Library,Stella Day Out ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/stella-square-mildenhall.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241116T150000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241116T160000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233135 CREATED:20241002T020132Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211624Z UID:59146-1731769200-1731772800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Stella Day Out Ballarat: Travel Writing | Adriane Howell and Favel Parrett in conversation with Fiona Sweet. DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/stella-day-out-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Important Dates,Library,Stella Day Out ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/stella-square-travel2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241120T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241120T183000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233135 CREATED:20240924T024501Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211058Z UID:58970-1732123800-1732127400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 4 | Uncovering the Past: How James became King DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-uncovering-the-past-3/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Library,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/square-promo-brian-omalley.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241120T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241120T203000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233135 CREATED:20240815T032033Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240815T032134Z UID:58393-1732129200-1732134600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Daily Rituals for Inner Peace DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-20-november-24/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Daily-Rituals-for-Inner-Peace-Class.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241122T113000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241122T153000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233135 CREATED:20240815T010540Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T191545Z UID:58347-1732275000-1732289400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Golf Day Fundraiser | Join Us at Snake Valley Golf Club DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/golf-day-2024/ LOCATION:Snake Valley Golf Club\, 341 Chepstowe Road\, Snake Valley\, Victoria\, 3351\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/golf-day-square-promo-FINAL.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241122T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241122T220000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233135 CREATED:20240910T030313Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211629Z UID:58645-1732305600-1732312800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Get Rhythm: The Johnny Cash & June Carter Show | THIS EVENT HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/johnny-cash-june-carter-show/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/johnny-cash-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241123T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241123T203000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233135 CREATED:20241006T223241Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211621Z UID:59334-1732390200-1732393800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 3 DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-nov-23/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES: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:20241123T213000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241123T223000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233135 CREATED:20241006T223455Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211619Z UID:59336-1732397400-1732401000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 4 DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-nov-23-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES: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:20241127T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241127T183000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233135 CREATED:20240924T031552Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211055Z UID:58976-1732728600-1732732200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 4 | Uncovering the Past: Johnny Alloo... of Ballarat Notoriety DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-uncovering-the-past-4/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Library,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/square-promo-john-smyth.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241127T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241127T203000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233135 CREATED:20240815T032149Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240815T032253Z UID:58395-1732734000-1732739400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Daily Rituals for Inner Peace DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-27-november-24/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Daily-Rituals-for-Inner-Peace-Class.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241130T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241201T140000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233135 CREATED:20240827T045027Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T012154Z UID:58515-1732960800-1733061600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Summer Book Sale | Stockpile for the holidays DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/summer-book-sale-2024/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Fundraiser,Library,Members ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/book-sale-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR