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Articles by Bridget Herrmann
Men's netball growing in popularity but the sport faces barriers to growth
When Daniel Statton was plotting a move from Far North Queensland to Geelong, the prospect of playing more competitive netball was part of the attraction. The 19-year-old is one of a growing number of Australian men and boys taking up the sport. He has now been selected for Australia's national men's netball team, the Kelpies. "I'm just still hungry for more," he said.
Prosecutors quiz intent of school boy who 'took a knife to a fist fight'
Prosecutors have questioned the intent of a 15-year-old Cairns school boy who allegedly stabbed a fellow student six times during a pre-arranged fight at school. Another 15-year-old boy remains in a stable condition in hospital. The matter has been adjourned until Monday to allow police prosecutors more time get gather material. Prosecutors have questioned the intent of a teenager who allegedly stabbed a fellow student six times during a prearranged fight at a school in Cairns.
Tribunal told children had to use toilet in front of others in Cairns police watch house
A youth advocate says conditions for children in police watch houses have not improved several years after three teenage boys had their human rights breached while being held on remand in Cairns. The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) has published findings relating to three teenage boys, aged between 13 and 17 at the time, who were held at the Cairns watch house for periods of several days in 2021 and 2022.
New cancer care program empowers Yarrabah residents undergoing treatment
When Colin Costello was undergoing cancer treatment, he would leave his home community in Far North Queensland for seven months at a time. Yarrabah is about an hour from Cairns, where Mr Costello temporarily relocated to while receiving treatment. But the Aboriginal community of 2,500 people was the centre of his support network. Yarrabah (left), is a 50-minute drive from Cairns (right) but is one of Australia's most socio-economically disadvantaged communities.
Coroner questions parents on use of mobile phone, early morning laundry during infant death inquest
A coronial inquest has heard the parents of deceased twin boys could not explain mobile phone usage and why the father retrieved a sheet off the clothesline in the hours before the babies were found dead. The 18-week-old twins, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, died in their Far North Queensland home in late 2021. Born at 27 weeks' gestation, the twins had been at home on oxygen for about a month before they died.
First Nations man dies in custody at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre in Far North Queensland
Police are preparing a report for the coroner after the death of a First Nations in a Far North Queensland prison. The 27-year-old inmate at the Lotus Glen Correctional Centre died on May 1, according to Queensland Corrective Services.
Family of injured hit-run victim Eathan Henry pleads with driver to 'do the right thing'
An 18-year-old Far North Queensland man suffered serious injuries in a hit-and-run crash after leaving an outback rodeo on Saturday morning. Police are appealing for information as they look for the unknown driver responsible. The boy remains in hospital while the investigation continues. Police are combing through video footage from an outback Queensland rodeo as they investigate a hit-and-run crash that left an 18-year-old fighting for his life.
Police investigate death after woman's body found
Police are investigating the death of a woman in Mareeba in Far North Queensland. Emergency services were called to an address on Downs Street around 7:15am, where they located a woman's body. A crime scene has been declared as police investigate the circumstances surrounding her death. Anyone with relevant information or vision is urged to contact police. Loading
AI crocodile detection trials begin in north Queensland
Researchers are hoping a trial of artificial intelligence (AI) that automatically detects crocodiles could lead to an early alert system in north Queensland waters. The prototype — developed by the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) and James Cook University (JCU) — uses AI to scan waterway footage live streamed from a camera mounted on a movable trailer. Over the next year, there will be three week-long, proof-of-concept field trials to test its accuracy.
Central Queensland aviation operator accused of organising people-smuggling 'black flight'
The owner of a central Queensland aviation company has been charged after allegedly organising a "black flight" to smuggle two Australian fugitives to Indonesia. A new joint organised crime taskforce, led by the Australian Federal Police, charged the man yesterday. Investigators carried out searches in south-east Queensland and Rockhampton, the AFP said. Loading
Coral colony discovered by mother and daughter citizen scientists could be world's largest Original
By Conor Byrne and Bridget Herrmann, ABC Scientists have welcomed the "impressive" discovery of what is thought to be the largest coral colony on the Great Barrier Reef and possibly in the world. Sophie Kalkowski-Pope and her mum, Jan Pope, discovered the 111-metre-long Pavona clavus colony offshore from Cairns in Far North Queensland. They were diving for Citizens of the Reef's Great Reef Census when they realised they had found something special.
Coral colony discovered by mother and daughter citizen scientists could be world's largest
Scientists have welcomed an "impressive" discovery of what is thought to be the largest coral colony on the Great Barrier Reef and possibly the world. Sophie Kalkowski-Pope and her mum, Jan Pope, discovered the 111-metre-long Pavona clavus colony offshore from Cairns in Far North Queensland. The mother and daughter knew they had found something special on the first dive.
An Open Letter to The Man Who Called Me Retarded
I have a unilateral hearing loss. You have a lot of learning to do. My hearing impairment has always been a part of my life. I have a physical disability. Often it is neither here nor there, simply a part of me. I wear a hearing aid and in everyday life I do not struggle; in fact I thrive. It is so irrelevant that friends simply forget about it, and sometimes, I do too. It has never made me lesser, and I have never really identified as disabled, despite that being the truth.
Invasive fish tilapia found in upper Mitchell River, north Queensland
Biosecurity efforts are ramping up in the Gulf of Carpentaria as the invasive pest tilapia weaves its way through Queensland's northern waterways, dodging eradication and putting the aquaculture industry on edge. After Cyclone Jasper barrelled through Far North Queensland in late 2023, subsequent flooding caused the invasive species to spread further into northern rivers.
Trainee GP numbers will increase by 20 per cent next year and rural communities are begging them to stay
A seven-year decline in new general practitioners is ending with a near 20 per cent rise in the number of junior doctors training at the peak college for general practice. Half of the junior doctors must spend at least one year working outside a major metropolitan area. Rural medical professionals worry this is a temporary fix, not a permanent solution.
Will more export markets be the solution to Australia's avocado oversupply?
Australian avocado farmers who have battled low prices and gluts in recent years are setting their sights on lucrative export markets. Despite the industry dealing with oversupply, some farmers are planting more trees as global demand for avocados continues to grow. Among them is Riverland avocado farmer Justin Loffler, who recently planted more than 600 new trees.
Growers defy avocado glut to plant more trees for lucrative foreign markets
While cheap avocado prices might be good news for consumers at the check-out, farmers are battling oversupply but have their sights set on new markets. Powered by the Echo RSS Plugin by CodeRevolution.
Better coffee on the cards as researchers crack arabica's genetic code
Your morning cup of coffee could soon get even better, thanks to scientists who have cracked the code for the perfect arabica brew. It's taken 10 years for researchers to create a genetic map of the Coffee arabica plant, in the pursuit of better-quality coffee varieties. And while there's excitement in the industry over the revelation, growers and roasters still face an uphill battle to convince Australians to make the switch to a locally grown brew.
Low export prices prompt seafood industry to push more tiger prawns into Aussie markets
Australians are being urged to eat more wild-caught tiger prawns, as fishers move away from sending their produce overseas. It's been a slow start to the season in the Gulf of Carpentaria in northern Queensland; catches are down but fishers are also facing challenging international markets amid tough economic conditions. Austral Fisheries is one of the largest commercial fishing companies in Australia.
Rally the jam makers! After record rain causes massive strawberry losses - ABC listen
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While some celebrated the record rain in Queensland this week it's caused massive losses in the state's strawberry industry during their peak of the season. The fruit has been downgraded to second grade and livestock feed. While this week, the strawberry industry has suffered these losses, there was actually an exciting announcement too. A new strawberry variety is now on offer named after a beloved Australian identity.
By Bridget Herrmann, Jennifer Nichols Verified
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Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Verified
3G coverage for a little bit longer... - ABC listen
Telstra and Optus have extended their 3G coverage until October 28. The move to shutdown 3G networks has been delayed due to concerns about public safety. Features: Susie Tegan, National Rural Health Alliance Graham Russell, Talius Channa Seneviratne, Telstra's executive for technology development Mobile Phones, Information Technology Industry, Telecommunications Services Industry Intro : ABC Listen, podcasts, radio, news, music and more.
Drones and DNA analysis could help Queensland communities better manage yellow crazy ants
Purpose-built drones and DNA analysis are emerging tools that could help Queensland communities manage an invasive pest known as yellow crazy ants. Infestations of the ants have been found in areas including the Cairns, Townsville, the Whitsundays and Brisbane regions. There are calls for more state and federal government funding to help manage the pest. Boots laced, protective gear on and drones in the sky; these soldiers are ready for battle.
Avocado prices forecast to stay low for five years as production breaks records
Australia is set to produce a record number of avocados this year, and that number is forecast keep growing. For this reason, prices are likely to stay low for consumers for the next five years. The industry is looking to India and China to soak up the extra supply. Once considered a luxury purchase, avocados have stayed relatively cheap throughout the cost-of-living crisis and are likely to stay that way.
Prawn fishermen focusing on quality over quantity in Gulf as suspension of support services hits bottom line
Prawns off Queensland’s northern coast will be tasty and fresh in supermarkets this season, but fishermen are still reeling from Sea Swift’s mothership suspension, forcing fuel and supply costs to rise. Powered by the Echo RSS Plugin by CodeRevolution.
Prawn fishermen focusing on quality over quantity in Gulf as suspension of support services hits bottom line
In short: Australian shipping company Sea Swift announced a suspension of its service supporting fishing trawlers last year, which means prawn fishermen in the Gulf of Carpentaria are bringing in less stock, particularly smaller trawlers. Fishermen are instead focusing on the quality of the product rather than quantity. What's next? Sea Swift is reviewing its position on the suspension.
Future of sugar growers in north Queensland uncertain - ABC listen
Sugar cane farmers in North Queensland say they've been forgotten by politicans... and are stopping work on a crop that might never be harvested. That's because the sugar mill in Mossman, north of Cairns is likely to close.
With mill closure looming, Mossman sugarcane farmers face a lost harvest and uncertain future
In her Mossman home surrounded by sugarcane fields, Kate Padovan is studying for her university degree in primary education. The fourth-generation cane farmer had planned for a life working on the farm. But with the town's sugar mill and major employer likely to close, she has to find an alternative. "It was just the uncertainty for so many years of what the mill was going to do that I'm really glad my family encouraged me to go and get a degree because now I have stability behind me," she says.
Sugarcane farmers in this ‘forgotten world’ are pleading for help to get their crop harvested
A Far North Queensland sugar town is losing its mill and growers are calling for government help to harvest what could be their last crop. Powered by the Echo RSS Plugin by CodeRevolution.
‘Geez, that’s a bit heavy!’ Jumbo jackfruit stuns farmer in Far North Queensland
Jackfruit usually weigh between 5 and 15 kilograms, but a grower south of Cairns has just harvested this “impressive” 45-kilogram monster fruit. Powered by the Echo RSS Plugin by CodeRevolution.
Jumbo jackfruit harvested at Feluga as demand the popular vegan, vegetarian meat alternative grows
In short: A Far North Queensland farmer has grown a 45 kilogram jackfruit. The farmer and a tropical fruit specialist say they have never seen a fruit this heavy in Australia before. What's next? A $2.7 million project is focused on improving jackfruit resilience as demand for the "meat alternative" grows. Peter Brighton could not believe his eyes when he discovered one of the jackfruit trees on his farm at Feluga, south of Cairns, had produced a 45-kilogram monster fruit.
Listen back to the Queensland Country Hour
Weather balloons, cyclones and 10,000 birds. This is life on Willis Island.
Mystery investor offers beleaguered Mossman sugar mill a last-minute lifeline
In short: An anonymous investor made a late bid to buy the Mossman sugar mill, after the State Government offered $12 million to attract a viable buyer The investor and government will do due diligence before any deal is struck to save the mill What's next? The investor has proposed spending the next four years building up sugar production before expanding into biofuel generation An 11th-hour bid from a mystery investor could save a historic Queensland sugar mill from closure.
Mossman sugar mill faces liquidation vote as government offers flood-affected town $12m lifeline to save it
In short: Around 50 Mossman residents held a demonstration demanding the government intervene to save the local sugar mill. Premier Steven Miles offered the community a $12 million lifeline as creditors prepare to put the mill into liquidation. What's next? Creditors will vote on liquidation at a meeting today. The Queensland government has offered a cyclone-affected community a $12 million lifeline as their town's major employer, a historic sugar mill, faces liquidation.
Farmers still toiling to fix infrastructure months after Cyclone Jasper flooded the Far North
Daintree farmers have been working for two months to fix infrastructure damaged by Tropical Cyclone Jasper flooding, but say there are many more months to go before they will get on top of repairs. Powered by the Echo RSS Plugin by CodeRevolution.
Daintree farmers still toiling to fix infrastructure months after Tropical Cyclone Jasper flood damage
In short: Farmers in and around the Daintree Rainforest are still attending to large landslips, debris, and fencing damage months after a cyclone. They are concerned that road and telecommunication infrastructure damage will impact their business What's next? Some will have to heavily destock, spend up to a year restoring pasture, and spend big on removing debris.
The cruel summer that nearly stopped Maddie and Madi from making it to Taylor Swift
In short: Ex-Tropical Cyclone Lincoln caused major disruptions for Swifties trying to get from remote cattle stations to Sydney. In both cases, R22 mustering helicopters came to fly them over swollen floodwaters. What's next? The Swifties face a long journey home, but they are sure the concert will be worth it. Dedicated Swifties from some of Australia's most remote outback locations have pulled out all the stops to to see pop star Taylor Swift perform after wet weather derailed their plans.
Six weeks after floods washed cattle into crocodile territory, locals work to rescue final cow
A rescue mission with a difference is underway in Far North Queensland to recover a hardy cow — the last left stranded in the Daintree Rainforest more than six weeks after devastating floods.
Six weeks after floods washed cattle into crocodile territory, locals work to rescue final cow
Despite an investigative nudge by a crocodile who decided the animal was too big to bother with, the displaced cattle have so far avoided being eaten by apex predators in the Daintree. Powered by the Echo RSS Plugin by CodeRevolution.
Highway detour after Cyclone Jasper puts ‘bums on seats’ for food tourism businesses
A boost in trade is welcomed as a silver lining for some Far North Queensland businesses as the region continues to rebuild. But the detours mean other parts of the area are missing out on visitors. Powered by the Echo RSS Plugin by CodeRevolution.
Atherton Tablelands businesses boosted as tourists re-routed by Cyclone Jasper highway damage
A boost in food tourism has been welcomed as a silver lining for some Far North Queensland businesses as the region continues to rebuild after Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
Queenslanders exhausted from storm clean-up brace for more heavy rain with concerns for local economies, stranded tourists
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A monsoon trough is set to bring heavy rain to vulnerable Far North Queensland towns over the next week, hampering clean-up operations after ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper. While a recent severe thunderstorm warning for the Peninsula and Gulf Country has been cancelled, the weather bureau recorded significant rainfall overnight including 152mm in six hours at Dunbar and 66mm in three hours at Kowanyama. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has also issued minor flood warnings across Queensland.
By Meghan Dansie, Bridget Herrmann, Christopher Testa Verified, Holly Richardson, Brendan Mounter Verified
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ABC News (Australia)
Verified
Re-opening dates set for Captain Cook, Palmerston highways in flood-ravaged Far North Queensland
Two major highways in Far North Queensland are set to re-open after damage from Tropical Cyclone Jasper, but the state government says they are still months away from being fully repaired.
Atherton Tablelands farmers hit with increased freight costs as Palmerston Highway flood damage bites
Some farmers in Far North Queensland's food bowl fear they will have to leave fruit on trees if they are unable to absorb increased freight costs, with the major road out of the area closed due to flood damage.
Guinea pigs are this biodynamic farmer's favourite weeders, but keeping them safe from predators is a challenge
When John Gargan set out to trial guinea pigs as weed controllers on his farm he had no idea how hard it would be to keep them alive.
Tropical fruit growers plead for help from consumers, PM Albanese as Cyclone Jasper flooding clean-up begins
Far North Queensland fruit producers facing a heartbreaking clean-up and long recovery from widespread flooding are pleading with Christmas shoppers to support them at the checkout.
'Sweeter, nuttier, fruitier' locally-grown bean gives coffee lovers a taste of Australia
Coffee lovers may tell you that Australian coffee tastes different, and they would be right.
Future of Mossman Sugar Mill in doubt despite $45m in taxpayer funding
The future of Australia's northernmost sugar mill is in doubt, despite a $45-million taxpayer-funded handout.
Queensland farmer taps a lucrative market in Japan for his niche melons and wants to expand
Japan cannot get enough of Shaun Jackson's melons, and that has opened a lucrative market for the Queensland grower. Mr Jackson has sent 250,000 melons to Japan this year He says focusing on unique melon varieties has helped him create a market The melon industry says it hopes to increase fruit exports The Lakeland farmer has cultivated a growing demand for his niche melon varieties in Japan, where they are now being sold in three supermarket chains.
Aboriginal communities voice their hopes and dreams, should the referendum fail or succeed
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Wanda Gibson sits in front of a canvas, her fingers stained with colour, as she paints a legendary local story from more than 250 years ago.
By Katrina Beavan Verified, Conor Byrne Verified, Bridget Herrmann, Tobi Loftus Verified, Rachel McGhee, Brendan Mounter Verified, Holly Richardson, Baz Ruddick
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ABC News (Australia)
Verified
Aussie athletes ready for global showdown that puts horse-riding, archery ...
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