Natalie Vella
Writer & Audio Producer
Natalie Vella is an award-winning writer and audio producer from Melbourne. She works as a Communications Manager and Podcaster and is currently working on a novel-in-stories.
What I do
My work
Writer
Natalie Vella’s writing explores memories, family ties and alienation. Her Sri Lankan/Maltese background often surfaces in her work, exploring themes of multiculturism, the migrant experience and her family’s connection to mental illness and dementia.
Natalie studied Professional Writing and Editing at RMIT University and works as a Communication Professional.
Audio producer
Natalie Vella has a decade of experience working as an Audio Producer. She is the founder, producer and editor of Memoria podcast, launched in 2017. The podcast was a finalist in the 2019 Australian Podcast Awards.
Natalie has also been the co-producer and editor of the AUScelerate podcast since 2022, featuring interviews with the people behind Australia’s medical and biotechnology innovations.
Awards
Furphy Literary Award
Longlisted 2026Porcelain White Girls
Grieve project
Winner Palliative Care NSW Award 2024It Started with a Crimper
Wyndham Writing Award
Shortlisted 2023Where Idle Weeds Grow
Furphy Literary Award
Third prize 2023The Lucky Country
Mansfield Short Story
Longlisted 2023Papamosque
Newcastle Short Story
Second prize 2023Papamosque
Mansfield Short Story
Longlisted 2022Where Idle Weeds Grow
Furphy Literary Award
Third prize 2022Winter is for Regret
Untitled Short Story Award
Longlisted 2021James Bond Goes Fly-fishing
My Brother Jack Award
Runner up 2021Paper Trail
Apollo Bay WordFest
Winner 2020The Last Days of Franklin
Australian Podcast Awards
Finalist 2019Memoria Podcast
Reviews
"Second place goes to ‘Paper Trail’, a story about dementia that has the inspired choice of second-person narration. This choice allows the reader to be inside the mind of the protagonist with dementia. The inner voice of the main character is fully realised, and the story is a true act of empathy and compassion."
Angela Meyer
Judges feedback, Paper Trail, My Brother Jack Short Story Award
