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:20210403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20211002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20220402T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20221001T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20230401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20230930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220929T130000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220929T150000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065914 CREATED:20220930T060021Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221124T002915Z UID:22908-1664456400-1664463600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Current Affairs Dialogue | Discussion Group | NOW POSTPONED DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/current-affairs-dialogue/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Current-Affairs-logo-cropped.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220929T130000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220929T150000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065914 CREATED:20220915T231913Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220915T233104Z UID:21779-1664456400-1664463600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Current Affairs Dialogue | Discussion Group DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/current-affairs-dialogue-3/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Current-Affairs-logo-cropped.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220928T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220928T190000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065914 CREATED:20220602T003737Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220907T233638Z UID:19231-1664384400-1664391600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2022 | Season 2 | Session 4 DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-2022-season-2-session-4/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/tt-banner-22-2-e1654128079849.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220927T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220927T150000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065914 CREATED:20220804T055529Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220804T055733Z UID:21285-1664287200-1664290800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-september-4/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220927T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220927T120000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065914 CREATED:20220930T060631Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221124T033024Z UID:22917-1664274600-1664280000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | NOW CANCELLED DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-reading-room-2/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/the-reading-room-event-header-final-e1640069925423.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220927T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220927T120000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065914 CREATED:20220915T231915Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220915T233443Z UID:21780-1664274600-1664280000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | 27 September 2022 DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-reading-room-22-september-2022/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/the-reading-room-event-header-final-e1640069925423.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220921T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220921T190000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065914 CREATED:20220617T002729Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220907T232606Z UID:19228-1663779600-1663786800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2022 | Season 2 | Session 3 DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-2022-season-2-session-3/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/tt-banner-22-2-e1654128079849.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220920T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220920T150000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065914 CREATED:20220804T055319Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220804T055512Z UID:21283-1663682400-1663686000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-september-3/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220917T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220917T190000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065914 CREATED:20220913T033019Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220913T033156Z UID:21690-1663434000-1663441200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:'Mine-Field' Documentary Screening + QnA DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/mine-field/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Externally Produced Event,Film,Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Screen-Shot-2022-09-13-at-11.56.24-e1663039747360.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220914T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220914T190000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065914 CREATED:20220602T003246Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220907T232229Z UID:19225-1663174800-1663182000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2022 | Season 2 | Session 2 DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-2022-season-2-session-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/tt-banner-22-2-e1654128079849.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220913T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220913T150000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065914 CREATED:20220804T055128Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220804T055309Z UID:21280-1663077600-1663081200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-september-2/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220907T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220907T190000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065914 CREATED:20220601T234949Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220907T231755Z UID:19204-1662570000-1662577200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2022 | Season 2 | Session 1 DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-2022-season-2-session-1/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/tt-banner-22-2-e1654128079849.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220906T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220906T150000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065915 CREATED:20220804T054836Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220804T055052Z UID:21278-1662472800-1662476400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-september-1/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220830T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220830T150000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065915 CREATED:20220712T011044Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220719T223118Z UID:20271-1661868000-1661871600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-30-august-2022/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220830T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220830T120000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065915 CREATED:20220731T224848Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220731T225133Z UID:20934-1661855400-1661860800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | 30 August DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-reading-room-30-august/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/the-reading-room-event-header-final-e1640069925423.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220825T130000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220825T150000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065915 CREATED:20220731T224648Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220802T053154Z UID:20932-1661432400-1661439600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Current Affairs Dialogue | Discussion Group DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/current-affairs-dialogue-2/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Current-Affairs-logo-cropped.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220823T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220823T150000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065915 CREATED:20220719T223033Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220804T053930Z UID:20407-1661263200-1661266800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-23-august-2022-copy/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220818T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220818T193000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065915 CREATED:20221003T004324Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221003T004324Z UID:22950-1660847400-1660851000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ann Cleeves | In Conversation with Jock Serong | Now fully booked Copy DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/meet-ann-cleeves-copy/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Ann-Cleeves-Digital-Signage-slide.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220818T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220818T193000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065915 CREATED:20220711T011609Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220721T223736Z UID:20175-1660847400-1660851000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ann Cleeves | In Conversation with Jock Serong | Now fully booked DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/meet-ann-cleeves/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Ann-Cleeves-Digital-Signage-slide.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220816T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220816T150000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065915 CREATED:20220719T222923Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220804T054226Z UID:20406-1660658400-1660662000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-16-august-2022-copy/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220811T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220811T213000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065915 CREATED:20220803T063454Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220803T064057Z UID:21164-1660244400-1660253400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - Little Woods DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-little-woods/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/little-woods-image.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220809T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220809T150000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065915 CREATED:20220719T222830Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220804T053726Z UID:20405-1660053600-1660057200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-9-august-2022-copy/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220802T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220802T150000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065915 CREATED:20220719T222720Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220719T223449Z UID:20404-1659448800-1659452400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-2-august-2022-copy/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220802T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221024T150000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065915 CREATED:20220801T223637Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221003T004102Z UID:20986-1659434400-1666623600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Invention\, innovation & environment display DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/innovation-environment/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/twilight-talks-2022-season-2-banner-e1664508717818.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220728T130000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220728T150000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065915 CREATED:20220629T045708Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220630T023250Z UID:19781-1659013200-1659020400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Current Affairs Dialogue | Discussion Group DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/current-affairs-dialogue-1/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Current-Affairs-logo-cropped.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220727T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220727T123000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065915 CREATED:20220419T014429Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220627T214102Z UID:18302-1658917800-1658925000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Paper bead-making with Faye Heininger | 27 July - Session 2 of 2 | Now fully booked DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/paper-bead-making-with-faye-heininger-27-july-session-2/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_1508-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220726T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220726T150000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065915 CREATED:20220719T222414Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220719T223509Z UID:20403-1658844000-1658847600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tours-of-ballarat-mechanics-institute-26-july-2022-copy/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tours-banner-draft-cropped.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220726T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220726T120000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065915 CREATED:20220629T051619Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220629T052138Z UID:19799-1658831400-1658836800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | 26 July DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-reading-room-26-july/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/the-reading-room-event-header-final-e1640069925423.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220725T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220725T190000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065915 CREATED:20220609T043335Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220719T034816Z UID:19402-1658768400-1658775600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Fundraiser | Carols in Winter | Ballarat Singers & Little Brass Band DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/carols-in-winter/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Carols-banner-final-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220720T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220720T143000 DTSTAMP:20260412T065915 CREATED:20220418T233225Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220627T214254Z UID:18281-1658313000-1658327400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Paper bead-making with Faye Heininger | 20 July - Session 1 of 2 | Now fully booked DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Léonie Kelsall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n July 12\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 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$10 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Homestead in the Eucalypts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Léonie Kelsall. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sometimes finding the way forward means retracing your past. \n \n \n \n \n \n When student doctor Taylor Lawrence’s city life is turned upside down\, she seeks sanctuary on her grandparents’ farm in the South Australian countryside. During the lonely nights\, she fantasises of a time long-gone; of Anna\, who\, rising at dawn to milk the cows and fetch water from the well\, is caught in a bushfire that threatens to leave her reputation as blackened as the surrounding bushland. And of Anna’s rescuer\, fellow settler\, Luke Hartmann. Reality blurs as Taylor repeatedly escapes into Anna’s world\, and she realises she must discover whether her dreams are pure fantasy—or if they recount a story more familiar than she could ever imagine. Either way\, it seems she’ll end up with a broken mind or a broken heart. The problem is\, Taylor is no longer sure which she would prefer. An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of The Blue Gum Camp. ‘Léonie Kelsall is becoming the voice of the South Australian rural outback.’ Beauty and Lace on The Blue Gum Camp.Praise for Léonie Kelsall:‘A great summer read—romance\, drama and laughs . . . from one of Australia’s best rural romance writers.’ Woman’s Day on The Blue Gum Camp ‘With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away\, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.’ Karly Lane\, bestselling author of For Once In My Life ‘Léonie Kelsall is my go-to when I want a gutsy rural fiction read.’ Darry Fraser\, author of The Milliner of Bendigo ‘Warm\, witty and brimming with big-hearted country characters\, renovations and romance. A fabulous\, feel-good rural read!’ Maya Linnell\, bestselling author of Kookaburra Cottage ‘A welcome return that offers plenty of happiness\, fun and heartbreak…with a wonderful message about letting go\, seizing the day and embracing all experiences on offer…I highly recommend.’ Mrs B’s Book Reviews ‘Written with warmth\, humour and sincerity\, offering appealing characters and an engaging story…a lovely read\, sure to satisfy.’ Book’d Out \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Raised initially in a tiny\, no-horse town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast\, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana\, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television\, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school\, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page! Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well\, Adelaide)\, but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. A registered wildlife rescuer and carer\, she now divides her time between the lush Adelaide Hills\, the location of her professional counselling practice\, and the stark\, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana\, which provides both the setting for many of her stories and a refuge for the rescues that can’t be released. Follow her social media for an overload of the fluffy\, fleecy\, furred and feathered inhabitants of her home and heart.Léonie is the bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing\, The Wattle Seed Inn\, The River Gum Cottage\, The Willow Tree Wharf and The Blue Gum Camp. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Enquiries:  Any event specific enquires should be direct to library@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n \n \n \n \n $10 per person plus booking fee & gst includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. 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 Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Collins Booksellers\, Ballart on Lydiard will be handling book sales for the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/paper-bead-making-with-faye-heininger-20-july/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_1508-1.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR