Welcome To The Banksia Book Club - Low commitment, relaxed and designed to fit around real life.
july read - 100 years of betty
One ordinary extraordinary woman living through a century of massive change. Meet Betty: storyteller, feminist, eternally curious and phenomenally old. On the eve of her hundredth birthday party, Betty tells us her story.
Born into poverty in pre-war London, and growing up fast during the Blitz, Betty grabs the chance at a bigger life by migrating to Australia. On board the SSAsturiasshe meets three people who will influence the course of her life—Pearl, a good-hearted party girl; Athena, a Greek woman on her way to marry a man she has never met; and Leo, a German Jew who lost his family in the war.
In Sydney, Betty is making ends meet as a waitress at the famous Trocadero dance hall when she stumbles into a rushed courtship with Donald, a wealthy businessman, and dedicates herself to being the ideal 1950s suburban housewife. But life has other plans for Betty, and soon she must find a way to do more than survive.
Set against a century of world events and social upheavals, Betty takes us to the frontlines of the anti-war protests and the women's liberation movement of the 1970s, to the AIDS crisis during the 1980s, to Mexico and eventually becomes a TV screenwriter. Even in her nineties, Betty is still passionately engaged with the world, still surprising us.
From the creator of Offspring and bestselling author of The Family Doctor,One Hundred Years of Betty is the saga of a strong, intelligent woman born too early in time to make the most of her talents without having to fight for everything. It's about the defining force of motherhood, the family we make, and how the determination to live to the hilt, with all the joy and sorrow that entails, can lead to a life beyond one's wildest imaginings.
BOOK CLUB MEET UP: Rhea Food and Wine - Lennox Head - Sunday August 9th 2pm
BYRON WRITERS FESTIVAL: Sunday 16th August - ticket details to come.
Free Tickets will be available to purchase before each event to confirm numbers with the venue - check our instagram stories for more details.
A community book club for those who love reading - or want to read more - without the pressure. Join from near or far, dip in and out as it suits you, and enjoy thoughtful conversation, connection, and a shared love of books.
How it works
Our book club is designed to be flexible and easy to be part of:
• Read at your own pace - no pressure to finish every book
• Join discussions when it suits you, or simply follow along
• Come along to in-person meet-ups, or connect online
• A mix of regulars and new faces - always welcome
Meet-Ups
We’ll host regular, relaxed catch-ups in Ballina and surrounding areas.
If you’re based elsewhere, you’re always welcome to connect with others locally and organise smaller meet-ups.
Join the group chat or follow along for updates.
Community Guidelines
To keep this a welcoming and enjoyable space for everyone:
• Open to all - this is a community for near and far
• Be kind - no hate, discrimination, or aggressive behaviour
• Respect the chat - with a large group, please keep messages considered and avoid flooding
• No spoilers - we’re all reading at different paces
• Mute freely - check in when it suits you
Support Local
We encourage members to shop locally where possible.
We’ve partnered with The Book Warehouse in Ballina and Lismore - book club members receive 10% off when you show your membership pass in-store.
FAQs
Do I need to finish the book to attend?
Not at all - you’re welcome to come along even if you’re still reading or just want to listen.
Can I join if I’m not local?
Yes - our community is open to everyone. You’re welcome to join discussions online or connect with others near you.
What if I don’t like the book this month?
No problem at all. You’re always welcome to read something else and join us anyway - sharing different reads is part of the fun.
What kind of books will we read?
A mix of genres, chosen for their ability to spark conversation and enjoyment.
How often are meet-ups held?
We’re planning regular monthly catch-ups, with our first taking place in May. Date TBC
Do I need to book for meet-ups?
Details will be shared closer to each event. Some gatherings may require bookings depending on the venue.