Aneeka Simonis | Contributor
Aneeka’s penchant for writing began at a young age. Writing her own books or even re-writing some of the classics (Aladdin, duh), she knew that she was a platform from which creativity would flow. Following this childhood dream, Aneeka is now studying journalism and an active radio broadcaster. Aneeka’s favourite delights are sampling macaroons, tea parties and wine time. In this new hipster age, Aneeka is sheepish to confess that she is a foodie and not one meal will be touched before it is photographed and Instagramed. Follow her blog: http://aneekasimonis.wordpress.com or Twitter: https://twitter.com/aneekasimonis
Ilona Nicola | Contributor
After an initial career as a physiotherapist, practicing far and wide, and treating both a Thai baby elephant and a Bhuddhist monk (but not at the same time), Ilona is now a policy wonk, working to improve health outcomes. Ranting is her favourite past time. Ask her about any health related issue and she will have an opinion.
In her spare time, you will find Ilona writing, working as an occasional contortionist (not really, but have you tried to put on a pair of skinny jeans straight out of the dryer?) and imbibing copious amounts of coffee while trawling through her colossal ‘to read’ pile of books, but mostly just reading the newspaper.
One day Ilona hopes read her own name on the Contributors page of The Monthly, alongside the likes of Helen Garner, Anna Krien, Anna Funder and all the other wonderful Anna’s out there, writing up a storm.
Read more about Ilona and her rants on her personal blog.
Katherine Collette | Contributor
Katherine Collette is a Melbourne based writer, blogger and social researcher. She is interested in Australian identity and the way in which Australians define themselves. She has a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Australian history and has completed Honours in Sociology. She works in social policy development for government.
Katherine is an aspirational vegan/yoga-type and hopes to one day impress others with her ability to recycle things and be kempt/spell. She likes eating meat, shower caps, her kindle, organic health food shops (for the lollies), trashy tv, perfecting daydreams, haggling over words and some other stuff. She dislikes capital letters, small mugs and war.
Read more on her blog here.
Kendall Munns | Contributor
After a giant London comedown Kendall decided Melbourne might be the next best thing and it hasn’t disappointed. One little bit. In fact, she might just be a true Melburnian at heart. But she promises not to claim this title just yet and knows she’ll need to earn these stripes. Hailing from Queensland though, she promises to stay true to her northern roots.
When she’s not discovering Australia’s most liveable city one tram line, laneway, restaurant and cafe at a time, she can be found at a music festival somewhere in the country or a gig anywhere in Melbourne. She loves British comedy, snow domes and being outdoors; whether it’s the mountains, beach or in between. With a Journalism degree up her sleeve and working in PR/Communications during the day, Kendall is delighted to start sharing her thoughts and passions, and the unique happenings of this wonderful city.
Lisa Johnston | Contributor
Lisa has an infectious enthusiasm for all things vinous. She is a wine educator, writer and wine business consultant who has a fascination for the ever changing nature of wine and the wine experience – in the vineyard, in the bottle and in the glass. An avid wine traveller, her plan is to visit every wine region in the world and at the top of her bucket list is a 5th trip to Champagne and getting over to the Margaret River. When not writing her blog Wine Muse, Lisa also contributes to other wine related website such as Wine Diva and Sip Your Style.
Her favourite wine: Champagne, Champagne, Champagne! Although closely followed by Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sherry, Pinot Noir, Marsanne, Grenache, Chardonnay, Shiraz…
Morgan Stewart | Contributor
Morgan is a twenty one year old soon-to-be graduate of Professional Writing and Editing. She likes to think she spends most of her time studying or writing, but in reality she has procrastination down to a fine art. You can generally find Morgan at the MCG, either barracking for Collingwood or giggling at James Pattinson’s facial expressions, having a cider somewhere on Sydney Road, or cowering in a corner pretending her uni assignments don’t exist. If you had’ve asked a ten year old Morgan what she wanted be when she grew up, the answer would have been a Forensic Scientist, but thankfully that never came true. If you ask twenty one year old Morgan what she wants to be when she grows up, the answer is a writer.
Shannon Crane | Contributor
Shannon Crane is a freelance journalist who is rediscovering Australian life after two years in London. Given she spent much of those two years with her backpack firmly attached, coming home has been somewhat of an adjustment. Fortunately Melbourne’s rooftop bars, hidden restaurants, boutique shops and vibrant live music scene are filling the London void quite nicely. Just don’t expect her to choose an AFL team. You can follow all her adventures on her blog, Sultanas and Vegemite, at www.shannoncrane.wordpress.com.
Victoria Nicolitsi | Contributor
Victoria is a Writing and Creative Communications grad currently in mental health (administration — though her boyfriend sometimes wonders) and moonlights in freelance writing. She loves reading; hard cover. And shopping; no limits — no, really. She’s a feminist when the mood calls for it, feels most comfortable when taking risks in the way she presents herself — hair not included — and loves listening to indie, rock, and offensive rap. With hopes and dreams to be an Editor and have her very own book sitting on its shelf (prime position — see: ‘its shelf’) she’ll love every minute it takes to get there. Because she will — there’s a post-it on her mirror that says so. Oh yeah, and Adelaide rocks — more so than anywhere else in the world — trust her, she’s been around.
Zoë Winograd | Vegemite on Toast with the Queen
Zoë has worked in the field of education for many years. She writes to be a part of a world that prioritises learning, a discussion of ideas and creative story telling. Growing up in Melbourne, Zoë and her family always made sure that their home was full of humour, love, food and loud conversations. This is how Zoë continues to live as she spends time in three cities of the world – Melbourne, London and Tel Aviv.
