Chiara Bella

Available to hire

Chiara Bella Fankhauser is a writer and committee member at PEN Melbourne.

About

Chiara Bella Fankhauser is a writer and committee member at PEN Melbourne. She holds a Bachelor of Arts: Creative Writing (Distinction) from RMIT and is currently undertaking a Masters of Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing at the University of Melbourne. She works across fiction and cultural commentary, focusing on power, censorship, and silenced narratives. Her writing explores displacement, identity, and state control, shaped in part by her own cultural heritage and its relationship to language and belonging. Her work has been published in the likes of Australian Catholics Magazine, Bowen Street Press, and The Swanston Gazette.

  • 6 years' experience
  • Joined January 2026

Languages

  • EnglishFluent
  • ItalianIntermediate

Industry experience

  • Media & Entertainment
  • Education
  • Professional Services
  • Other

Work experience· 5 roles

Committee Member · PEN MelbourneApr 2025 – Present · 1 yr 8 mos

Supported strategic planning across events, budgets, and outreach, strengthening editorial project management. Contributed to annual publications: selecting writers, drafting proposals, and shaping design direction. Liaised with universities (e.g. RMIT) to enrich creative writing programs and foster industry partnerships. Assisted in social media and community outreach, applying creative communication and brand storytelling. Promoted diverse literary voices and ethical storytelling through global collaboration. Co-coordinator for Writers in Prison sector.

Freelance Writer · Swanston Gazette & Bowen Street PressJan 2023 – Present · 3 yrs 11 mos

Provided writing services, delivering diverse content through various modes. Collaborated with editors and project managers to develop content strategies and meet project deadlines. Conducted thorough research and adapted to tone and style to fit project needs and audience. Published works: 2 & A Half Sugars, The Terrace.

Senior Bartender · The Park WerribeeJan 2023 – Jan 2024 · 1 yr 1 mo

Delivered high-level client communication, developing strong narrative awareness and audience sensitivity. Led and delegated across a busy team, fostering collaboration, time management, and creative problem-solving. Designed seasonal menus, integrating user experience principles and visuals to storytelling. Coordinated and promoted events, applying project management, copywriting, and brand promotions skills. Maintained a cohesive venue identity, sharpening tone, atmosphere, and emotional impact.

Front of House · BoulevardJan 2021 – Jan 2023 · 2 yrs 1 mo
Writer · Australia CatholicsApr 2019 – Aug 2019 · 5 mos

Education

VCE Diploma · Saint Ignatius College2019 – 2021
Master of Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing · University of Melbourne2023 – 2025
Bachelor of Arts: Creative Writing (Distinction) · RMIT University2023 – 2025

Minor in Literary Studies

Certifications and awards

First Aid Certification2030 – 2026
Diageo Bar Academy Qualification2030 – 2026

Hire Chiara Bella today

Post a job and invite Chiara, or contact them directly. No hidden commission.

Post a job