BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART: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:20250723T091500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250723T210000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20250624T035330Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T063153Z UID:65806-1753262100-1753304400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Schimmel Pianoforte Schedule DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/rsss-pianoforte-schedule-3/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250723T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250723T200000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20250408T042521Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T042633Z UID:64378-1753297200-1753300800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Meditations for A Clear Mind DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-23-july/ 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/Clear-Mind-Urban-Ballarat-square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250724T091500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250724T163000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20250624T035700Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T063134Z UID:65807-1753348500-1753374600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Schimmel Pianoforte Schedule DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/rsss-pianoforte-schedule-4/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250725T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250725T163000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20250624T042305Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T063123Z UID:65813-1753441200-1753461000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Schimmel Pianoforte Schedule DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/rsss-pianoforte-schedule-5/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250726T091500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250726T183000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20250624T064136Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T062951Z UID:65868-1753521300-1753554600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Schimmel Pianoforte Schedule DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/rsss-vocal-schedule-9/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250727T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250727T180000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20250624T044813Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250625T050048Z UID:65825-1753624800-1753639200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Schimmel Pianoforte Schedule - Celebrating Chopin DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/rsss-pianoforte-schedule-7/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Live Music,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/chopin.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250728T093000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250728T173000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20250624T052537Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T063100Z UID:65835-1753695000-1753723800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Freemasons Vocal Schedule DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/rsss-vocal-schedule-4/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250729T093000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250729T163000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20250624T054647Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T063035Z UID:65841-1753781400-1753806600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Freemasons Vocal Schedule DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/rsss-vocal-schedule-5/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250730T093000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250730T190000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20250624T060939Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T063024Z UID:65852-1753867800-1753902000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Freemasons Vocal Schedule DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/rsss-vocal-schedule-6/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250730T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250730T193000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20250715T014238Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250730T001534Z UID:66248-1753900200-1753903800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Rare Book Week Melbourne | Rare Books in Mechanics' Institutes: Uncover Hidden Treasures DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/rare-books-mechanics-institutes/ LOCATION:Prahran Mechanics’ Institute Victorian History Library\, 39 Saint Edmonds Road\, Prahran\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:About us,Important Dates,Rare Book Week,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG39-BMI-crop.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250730T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250730T200000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20250408T040007Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T041032Z UID:64365-1753902000-1753905600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to Love Yourself & Others DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-30-july/ 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/How-to-Love-Yourseld-Others-square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250731T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250731T160000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20250624T062123Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T063012Z UID:65855-1753956000-1753977600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Freemasons Vocal Schedule DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/rsss-vocal-schedule-7/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250801T160000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250801T203000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20250624T063047Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T063002Z UID:65863-1754064000-1754080200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Freemasons Vocal Schedule DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/rsss-vocal-schedule-8/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250802T093000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250802T210000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20250625T043529Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T063828Z UID:65954-1754127000-1754168400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Freemasons Vocal Schedule & Championship Challenge DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/rsss-vocal-schedule-9-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Live Music,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250803T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250803T203000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20250624T235217Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T062854Z UID:65881-1754231400-1754253000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Herald Sun Aria Heats DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/rsss-aria-heats/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250804T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250804T213000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20250625T000219Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250722T042831Z UID:65888-1754335800-1754343000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Herald Sun Aria Semi Final DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/rsss-aria-semi-final/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Live Music,Royal South Street Society,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250806T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250806T193000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20250527T025831Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250616T021316Z UID:65197-1754503200-1754508600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In conversation with Chloe Adams & Alli Sinclair DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/chloe-adams-alli-sinclair/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Ballarat Winter Festival,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sq-promo-chloe-and-alli-v2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250806T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250806T200000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20250408T041052Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T041408Z UID:64372-1754506800-1754510400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to Love Yourself & Others DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-6-august/ 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/How-to-Love-Yourseld-Others-square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250810T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250810T160000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20250512T035956Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250805T061800Z UID:64945-1754834400-1754841600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Little Brass Band | BMI Fundraiser: Cheers\, Raise a Glass to Brass DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/little-brass-band/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/little-brass-band-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250813T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250813T200000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20250408T041113Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T041537Z UID:64373-1755111600-1755115200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to Love Yourself & Others DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-13-august/ 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/How-to-Love-Yourseld-Others-square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250815T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250815T193000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20250811T041345Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250811T045630Z UID:66767-1755280800-1755286200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Secret History of Sharks with Professor John Long | National Science Week DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-secret-history-of-sharks/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Festival,Fundraiser,Members,Science Week,Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/sq-promo-the-secret-history-of-sharks.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250816T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250816T220000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20250605T021537Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250801T031934Z UID:65518-1755372600-1755381600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Craig McLachlan Live & Intimate - Six String Stories DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/craig-mc-lachlan/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Live Music,Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CRAIG-MCLACHLAN-SixStringStories_CM_Hero_draft2-Liam-Mudge.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250820T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250820T193000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20250522T034400Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T001437Z UID:65063-1755712800-1755718200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Michael Robotham DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/michael-robotham/ 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/2025/05/sq-promo-robotham.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250820T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250820T200000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20250814T001943Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250814T002105Z UID:66976-1755716400-1755720000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to Love Yourself & Others DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-20-august/ 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/How-to-Love-Yourseld-Others-square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250823T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250823T170000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20250714T045240Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250715T044101Z UID:66222-1755957600-1755968400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Laura J Fitzwilson\, Book Launch - The Fool DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/laura-j-fitzwilson/ LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/square-promo-laura-l-fitzwilson.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250823T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250823T230000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20241204T023112Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T025535Z UID:60476-1755979200-1755990000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Six String Blues - A Tribute To Blues Guitar DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/sex-string-blues/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Blues Festival,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/square-promo-six-string-blues.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Matt Arthur Music":MAILTO:matt@mattarthurmusic.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250827T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250827T200000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20250408T041557Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T042601Z UID:64376-1756321200-1756324800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Power of Concentration DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-27-august-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promo-1.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250830T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250830T203000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20250811T023940Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250812T005435Z UID:66742-1756582200-1756585800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Melbourne Guitar Quartet DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/melbourne-guitar-quartet/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Classical Music,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/square-promo.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Concerts Australia":MAILTO:michael@concertsaustralia.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250831T130000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250831T140000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20250722T023048Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T030553Z UID:66327-1756645200-1756648800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:A Poet's Guide to Love and Loss | A Ballarat Arts Foundation fundraiser featuring tenor Douglas Kelly DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/a-poets-guide-to-love-and-loss/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/victorian-opera-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250901T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250901T193000 DTSTAMP:20260411T025435 CREATED:20250711T023001Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T001637Z UID:66163-1756749600-1756755000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Gabriel Bergmoser DESCRIPTION:Wake the Dust \n \n \n \n \n \n by Rita McInnes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Harper (The Dry) meets Nick Cave in backroad noir and beyond. When burnt-out Aussie nurse and wannabe writer\, Ella\, flees her suffocating life in Melbourne for a housesitting assignment on a remote rural property\, she is thrust into a brutal and unfamiliar landscape. Her budding friendship with Tom from the neighbouring property reveals a more tender side to the land\, with a vast beauty that penetrates her defences\, and stirs neglected yearnings and unsayable questions. Yet this strange mix of brutality and tenderness also uncovers buried bones of her past\, and Ella’s stubborn curiosity draws her into a dangerous mystery that has her spinning blind. Has her presence here disturbed more than memories\, and will the swirling storm threaten to waken more than the land’s red dust? Rita McInnes in conversation with Chris Ashmore and Ruby Carter.  Chris Ashmore\, of Chris Ashmore Media. Ruby Carter is a dedicated student and lover of literature. \n \n \n Wake the Dust | Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Author \n \n Rita McInnes is a writer and psychologist living and writing in Ballarat\, Victoria. She writes from an indwelling curiosity for the many lost and forgotten\, hiding or vanishing things that we seek and yearn for\, and a deep abiding love for this vast continent she wanders and lives with-in. Her first book\, I-brainmap\, freeing your brain for happiness\, was published in 2014 (and recorded as a podcast in 2023). This is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rita McInnes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 is free\, book here for catering purposes\, light refreshment will be provided. 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 \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 Why Not become a member\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Brochure \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat National Theatre | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n Lots to dig about The Dog Logs by Evie Lamb\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Twilight Talks 2026 | Ballarat Times by Evie Lamb\n BMI’s Twilight Talks Return by Evie Lamb\, Ballarat Times The... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n Peg Rankin: A Journey of Faith and Resilience Peter Rankin... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/gabriel-bergmoser/ 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/2025/07/gabriel-bergmoser-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR