BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250509T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250509T190000 DTSTAMP:20260404T052640 CREATED:20250415T035815Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250417T041147Z UID:64500-1746813600-1746817200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Seedpod Ballarat 2025 | Gemma Cavoli - 'Oubliette' | Artist in Residence 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/seedpod-oubliette/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Artist in Residence,Australian Heritage Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/oubliette-sq-promo-v2.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Punctum":MAILTO:hq@punctum.com.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250509T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250509T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T052640 CREATED:20250318T025201Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250430T042710Z UID:62953-1746819000-1746824400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Amazing Lucas Girls by acclaimed playwright Cate Whittaker 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-amazing-lucas-girls/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/A-Hs-LG-hero320-promo-square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Lost Voices":MAILTO:lostvoicesnsw.au@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250510T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250510T150000 DTSTAMP:20260404T052640 CREATED:20250415T235811Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250417T041141Z UID:64553-1746885600-1746889200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Seedpod Ballarat 2025 | Gemma Cavoli - 'Oubliette' | Artist in Residence 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/seedpod-oubliette-session-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Artist in Residence,Australian Heritage Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/oubliette-sq-promo-v2.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Punctum":MAILTO:hq@punctum.com.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250510T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250510T160000 DTSTAMP:20260404T052640 CREATED:20250320T034846Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250430T042629Z UID:63030-1746887400-1746892800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Amazing Lucas Girls by acclaimed playwright Cate Whittaker - 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-amazing-lucas-girls-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/A-Hs-LG-hero320-promo-square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Lost Voices":MAILTO:lostvoicesnsw.au@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250510T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250510T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T052640 CREATED:20250320T035214Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250430T042820Z UID:63032-1746905400-1746910800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Amazing Lucas Girls by acclaimed playwright Cate Whittaker - 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-amazing-lucas-girls-3/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/A-Hs-LG-hero320-promo-square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Lost Voices":MAILTO:lostvoicesnsw.au@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250514T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250514T193000 DTSTAMP:20260404T052640 CREATED:20250304T015324Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T024750Z UID:62426-1747245600-1747251000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Darcy Tindale 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/darcy-tindale/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/darcy-tindale-sq-promp.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250514T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250514T200000 DTSTAMP:20260404T052640 CREATED:20250211T002910Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T022228Z UID:61905-1747249200-1747252800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Find Your Flow: A Buddhist Guide to an Effortless Life 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-14-may-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo3.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250516T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250516T203000 DTSTAMP:20260404T052640 CREATED:20250210T002600Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T222312Z UID:61825-1747423800-1747427400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Ballarat Heritage Festival - 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-bhf-16-may-1/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250516T213000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250516T223000 DTSTAMP:20260404T052640 CREATED:20250210T001340Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T222405Z UID:61817-1747431000-1747434600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Ballarat Heritage Festival - 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-bhf-16-may-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250517T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250517T230000 DTSTAMP:20260404T052640 CREATED:20250114T223422Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250508T064422Z UID:61199-1747506600-1747522800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Dinner - This event has now been 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/melba-opera-trust-dinner/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Australian Heritage Festival,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Live Music,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/about-dame-nellie-melba.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T160000 DTSTAMP:20260404T052640 CREATED:20250114T215837Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T060728Z UID:61189-1747576800-1747584000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Dame Nellie Melba Celebration Performance 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/melba-opera-trust/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art programs,Australian Heritage Festival,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Classical Music,Important Dates,Live Music,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/mot-performance-promo-sq.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T203000 DTSTAMP:20260404T052640 CREATED:20250210T002829Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T223444Z UID:61827-1747596600-1747600200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Ballarat Heritage Festival 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-bhf-18-may-1/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T213000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T223000 DTSTAMP:20260404T052640 CREATED:20250210T012647Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T003042Z UID:61846-1747603800-1747607400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Ballarat Heritage Festival 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-bhf-18-may-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250520T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250520T120000 DTSTAMP:20260404T052640 CREATED:20250317T030244Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T070405Z UID:62929-1747738800-1747742400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Tour 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-ballarat-heritage-fest-1/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250520T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250520T150000 DTSTAMP:20260404T052641 CREATED:20250113T050453Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T070422Z UID:61152-1747749600-1747753200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Tour 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-ballarat-heritage-fest/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250521T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250521T120000 DTSTAMP:20260404T052641 CREATED:20250317T031650Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T070359Z UID:62934-1747825200-1747828800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Tour 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-ballarat-heritage-fest-3/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250521T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250521T200000 DTSTAMP:20260404T052641 CREATED:20250408T020418Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T022213Z UID:64321-1747854000-1747857600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Healthy Habits for A Happy Mind 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-21-may/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Healthy-Habits-square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250523T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250523T201500 DTSTAMP:20260404T052641 CREATED:20250409T021703Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250422T060122Z UID:64409-1748025000-1748031300@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Vegas 70 returns to Ballarat | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Blazing Saddles 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/vegas-70-blazing-saddles/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Film,Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/blazing-saddles-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250523T203000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250523T224500 DTSTAMP:20260404T052641 CREATED:20250417T020931Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250422T060211Z UID:64570-1748032200-1748040300@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Vegas 70 returns to Ballarat | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Chinatown 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/vegas-70-chinatown/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Film,Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promos-chinatown2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T110000 DTSTAMP:20260404T052641 CREATED:20250520T051053Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250522T034211Z UID:65020-1748080800-1748084400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Whispers from the Garden | In Partnership with Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens Inc. 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/whispers-from-the-garden/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T122000 DTSTAMP:20260404T052641 CREATED:20250417T024436Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250507T035052Z UID:64583-1748080800-1748089200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Vegas 70 returns to Ballarat | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Mary Poppins 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/vegas-70-mary-poppins/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Film,Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promos-mary-poppins.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T150000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T163000 DTSTAMP:20260404T052641 CREATED:20250424T001228Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T040455Z UID:64688-1748098800-1748104200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Open House Melbourne Presents\, Heritage Conversations: A Life in photos - John Gollings 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/a-life-in-photos-john-gollings/ LOCATION:VIC CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/john-gollings.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Open House Melbourne":MAILTO:info@ohm.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T052641 CREATED:20250423T040828Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T060001Z UID:64663-1748116800-1748120400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Wizard Oil and Wonders: Frank Weston the Wizard Oil Prince 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/wizard-oil-and-wonders/ LOCATION:VIC CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250525T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250525T173000 DTSTAMP:20260404T052641 CREATED:20250422T011809Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250516T034922Z UID:64638-1748181600-1748194200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Sweet Sounds for the Otways 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/sweet-sounds-of-the-otways/ LOCATION:VIC CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/sq-promo-otways.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250528T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250528T193000 DTSTAMP:20260404T052641 CREATED:20250313T021402Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T013932Z UID:62648-1748455200-1748460600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Nicole Alexander 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/nicole-alexander/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/sq-promo-nicole-alexander.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250528T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250528T200000 DTSTAMP:20260404T052641 CREATED:20250408T022323Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T022528Z UID:64331-1748458800-1748462400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Healthy Habits for A Happy Mind 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-28-may/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Healthy-Habits-square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250529T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250529T200000 DTSTAMP:20260404T052641 CREATED:20250506T005821Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250506T012923Z UID:64894-1748545200-1748548800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ivan Aristeguieta: All Bangers No Mash 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ivan-aristeguieta/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BANG_BALL_SQUARE.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250531T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250601T140000 DTSTAMP:20260404T052641 CREATED:20250409T000912Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250409T012549Z UID:64380-1748685600-1748786400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Winter Book Sale | Stockpile your winter reading 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/book-sale-june-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Fundraiser,Library,Members ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/book-sale-winter-sq-promo-pexels-clem-onojeghuo-375892-v2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250531T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250531T214500 DTSTAMP:20260404T052641 CREATED:20250512T012032Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250520T005051Z UID:64934-1748718000-1748727900@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Sweet Mona's Choir | On Tour: Let the Good Times Roll CD Launch 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/sweet-monas-choir/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SMC-LTGTR-BMI-SquareImage.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250601T094500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250601T150000 DTSTAMP:20260404T052641 CREATED:20250526T015210Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T003449Z UID:65124-1748771100-1748790000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballart Pride Market 2025 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 Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-pride-market-25/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Pride,Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ballarat-pride-month-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR