Natalie J Heslop

12/09/2026

Ahead of Foster Care Week, I recently interviewed a 70-year-young foster carer in Horsham for, The Wimmera Mail Times. Her story truly embodies this year's theme: "Open Doors. Open Hearts. Open Opportunities."

The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare chief executive, Jamie Crosby, highlighted the need to celebrate and value foster carers, much like any other essential first responders.

10/08/2026

Here is a lil’ reporting I did in West Footscray recently, covering the data centre rally happening at Hansen Reserve. ✊

08/08/2026

Sunday morning 🌻

26/07/2026

PORT MELBOURNE DATA CENTRE: COMMUNITY PUSHES BACK

Yesterday I attended a community meeting on the proposed Port Melbourne data centre and the concerns are mounting.

Hosted by Greens candidate for Albert Park Sonya Semmens, with Greens Senator Steph Hodgins-May and City of Melbourne Cr Olivia Bell also in attendance, the meeting opened the floor to residents and local authorities directly impacted including firefighters.

In summary:
•No formal risk assessment has been conducted
•The proposed data centre would require a huge volume of lithium batteries for backup power
•Firefighters say they’re not equipped to contain a fire of that scale and there isn’t enough funding to change that
•Residents say they were not properly consulted
•Worries over both direct and flow-on environmental impacts

There’s hope: a Senate inquiry is underway, with submissions due September 1, this is seen as a possible lifeline to delay or reshape the project. Residents point to successful pushback against similar developments in NSW and WA as a blueprint for what could happen here.

With an election on the horizon, this is a story to watch.

📍 Port Melbourne
🎥 More on this story soon

14/07/2026

The perception of freedom needs to be challenged.

What does freedom mean to you?

Society sells freedom as escape, independence, distance, getting away. But, take away those expectations and you’re left with the essentials: what’s primal, what’s biological, what stirs us.

True freedom is to love. If you’re lucky enough to have family, and a friend or two by your side that’s your freedom. The freedom to love without abandon.

If I could turn back time, I would give anything to abandon the chase for freedom and only focus on my loved ones. Nothing else matters.

Take what resonates 🤍

Photo by Helen Quinn

13/06/2026

If you're interested in a little 'wild' reading, check out my film review of Wolf Cat Fever.

I had the privilege of watching the Melbourne premiere screening recently, at the Brunswick Picture House and I have to say it's quietly changed my life.

Let me know what you think - are you game to check this incredible Aussie film out?



https://open.substack.com/pub/natalieheslop/p/wolf-cat-fever

A boombastic film review by yours truly.

11/06/2026

Does anyone have a venue or connection to one for the purpose of putting on a social night for a Thursday evening?

It would be great if the venue was inner Melbourne metro.

More info to be revealed soon. 💫

11/06/2026

It was a delight to step into the world of light created by light artist, Meagan Streader at The Substation in Newport. The exhibition, A Residual Pulse, is open until 22 August and is free for all to experience.

Let me know what you think 💫

Discover the enchanting A Residual Pulse by Meagan Streader, transforming The Substation into a journey of light and history.

12/05/2026

At the cost of sounding very cliché: Not every role finds you, some choose you. 🥰

Nischay Kar Apni Jeet Karo is a Punjabi-language short film tackling addiction and its consequences within the Sikh community.

This short film by Redhill productions won an award and I also managed to receive a best actress award at the Sikh Short Film Festival…it seems my attempt at Punjabi landed well for some!

Rest in peace and beauty 🤍✨

30/04/2026

No person or instrument can weigh the purity of your heart 🤍⚖️

📷 Sanya
📅 Oct 24’