Rachel Matthews

Dr Rachel Matthews’ debut, 'Vinyl Inside', explored shame in an '80s caravan park setting and was highly commended in the Australian Vogel Awards. 'Siren', her controversial second novel, was written as part of her PhD and explored sexual violence in Australian football. Rachel’s third novel, 'Never Look Desperate', was listed in The Australian and The Guardian's 'Best New Australian Fiction' lists for 2023 and was described as rich with 'delicious, witty and misty moments' by Kamela Harris in the Herald Sun Melbourne.

Rachel's publications span fiction and non-fiction, appearing in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, Herald Sun, Canberra Times and Women’s Agenda. She regularly contributes to ABC radio and other media, sharing her expertise in the craft.

Rachel loves fostering writing communities, leading the national initiative 'Readers Are Writers' workshops in urban and regional locations (and recently in Nepal). With over 20 years of award-winning teaching and lecturing at RMIT, ACU, and previous experience as a student welfare coordinator for disengaged youth, she enjoys challenging barriers to literary culture and encouraging everyone to tell their story.

'Rachel Matthews is a vibrant communicator whose engagement with the audience on ABC Radio has provided listeners with wonderful insights into writing and writers. We always have fun when she comes on the radio with us.'

— Michael Pavlich, ABC Radio Overnights