Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Crystal McKay
Cat bites and scratches can lead to sepsis and death, GP warns
Nicky Stewart wasn't expecting to need surgery and a three-day hospital stay when she chose to rescue her beloved cat Frankie from a stray dog in the backyard nine years ago. During the commotion of carrying Frankie inside, her cat became scared and sank its teeth into her hands and scratched them multiple times. Nicky Stewart has scars from the incident nine years ago, but says she still loves her cat. (Supplied) She thought everything was fine initially, but something seemed off afterwards.
Areas of Tasmania facing elevated fire danger as spring temperatures set to soar
A combination of high temperatures, dry air and windy conditions are driving this weekend's high fire danger, as Tasmanians are warned to take extra caution outdoors. An elevated fire danger is also predicted for much of the state this Sunday.
Long before the fire, there was a town at Tasmania's Tungatinah Power Station
Unless you have a connection to Hydro Tasmania, there is a good chance that this week was the first time you had ever heard of Tungatinah Power Station. Nestled beside the Nive River in Tasmania's Central Highlands, the hydro-electric power station was destroyed by a fire on Wednesday night — with the cause of the blaze still unknown. Unlike the jaw-dropping site of the Gordon River Dam, which has become a major tourist drawcard, Tungatinah was a much humbler site.
Hobart Deputy Lord Mayor Zelinda Sherlock under fire over taking office snacks
Hobart's Deputy Mayor Zelinda Sherlock is under fire for her taking of council-supplied food and drink for personal use, including for her home office during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cr Sherlock apologised, and the state's integrity commission dismissed the case, but several councillors are now calling for her to resign. Cr Sherlock says the highlighting of the issue "appears to be a politically motivated attempt to create public distrust" in her ahead of the upcoming local government elections.
Tasmania looks to introduce tougher laws for image-based abuse such as 'revenge porn' and deepfakes
Stephanie Nolan knows firsthand the impact of image-based sexual abuse, after intimate photos and videos were uploaded online without her consent. She felt violated and sought help from the justice system, but it left her feeling "extremely deflated." "When reported to the police, they told me they didn't know what charge they could lay due to the outdated laws within Tasmania, informing me it may be a civil matter, not a criminal," Ms Nolan said.
Menopause and perimenopause support expands into nationwide clinics
Increased support for women experiencing menopause and perimenopause symptoms will be available from next month as the federal government expands existing services. From July 1, dedicated menopause and perimenopause support will roll out into all 33 of the nation's existing endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics.
Learner drivers facing year-long waits for free driver mentor program
On a quiet Hobart street, 27-year-old learner driver Taylor Allie is behind the wheel, preparing to take the test for a provisional licence this month. But without her volunteer mentor, retiree David Laskey, in the passenger seat she said she would be at "square one" with a near empty log book.
Tourism Australia Instagram post belies danger of Western Arthur Range Traverse
A glossy tourism post on social media can make a deadly bushwalk look like just another picturesque bucket list item. That's what happened this week on Tourism Australia's official Instagram account. The national agency uploaded a reel showcasing the Western Arthur Range Traverse in Tasmania, along with a caption encouraging viewers to visit it as a way to boost their "daily step count".
New research finds Tasmanians are 40 per cent more likely to die from MND
Kelli Skipper knows all too well the difficulty regional Australians face when it comes to getting diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). Mrs Skipper was last year diagnosed with a form of MND known as progressive bulbar palsy. It came after 18 months of tests, many of which required her to travel to Hobart, more than three hours' drive from her home in Shearwater.
The do and don'ts of fuel storage, as petrol and diesel prices surge amid Iran war
Despite repeated calls from authorities not to stockpile fuel, warning it will only push prices even higher as demand outpaces supply, some Australians are continuing to fill jerry cans and store petrol at home. In fact, stockpiling has surged to the point where major retailers like Bunnings are struggling to keep jerry cans in stock, with the item now the most searched on the hardware giant's website.
Statues of Amy Sherwin, Australia's first opera star, unveiled at Hobart's Hadley's Hotel in bid to cement legacy
An effort to bring new recognition to a Tasmanian opera star who became world famous, but who died poor, has culminated in the unveiling of two statues of her likeness. Amy Sherwin toured the world as the country's first opera celebrity, years before Dame Nellie Melba would eclipse her in the public's mind as Australia's premier opera star. Bob Brown, one of the drivers behind the effort to celebrate Sherwin, hopes her story of humble beginnings to world fame can inspire future generations.
Tasmanian government says illegal tobacco sales crackdown will deliver some of the 'toughest' laws in the country
As underground sales of illegal tobacco products and vapes continue to increase across the country, the Tasmanian government has released proposed laws aimed at cracking down on sellers. Under the proposed changes released today, those caught selling illegal cigarettes, vapes and other tobacco products will face harsher penalties.
Bruny Island to get childcare solution but too late for the Archers
Home to around 1,000 Tasmanians, Bruny Island has seen parents spend years advocating for local access to early childhood education, without success. Mother-of-four Teisha Archer is one of those. She described hearing the news this week that a breakthrough had been found as "wonderful" for the community. "We very much welcome the announcement," she said.
Removal of old Bridgewater Bridge marks 'sad point' for Tasmania's rail history, advocates say
The last time a train travelled across the River Derwent was more than a decade ago, and it was carrying freight rather than passengers. Hobart's rail corridor has sat unused since 2014, following the opening of the Brighton Transport Hub on the northern side of the river. It has also been more than 50 years since passenger rail rolled into Tasmania's capital, although heritage rides have recently commenced.
Sea trials begin in Hobart for Incat's Hull 096 China Zorilla, world's largest electric ferry
The world's largest battery-powered electric vessel has started sea trials on the River Derwent in Hobart. Built by Incat, the ferry is set to operate in South America, between Uruguay and Argentina. Further sea trials will be done, before a heavy lift ship is brought in to help move it to South America. When the world's largest battery electric vessel is moved from the Tasmanian shipyard where it was built to its new home in South America, it will need the help of a "gargantuan" heavy lift ship.
How to track Sydney to Hobart yacht race 2025 and other questions answered
The 80th running of the Sydney to Hobart race, which began as a friendly rivalry between a small group of yachties, begins today. The very first event in 1945 had just nine boats and was not even supposed to be a race until the challenge was issued by a British naval officer. Captain John Illingworth (right) and crew aboard 'Rani' in Hobart after being declared winners of the first edition in 1945.
Aging breast screening bus only pulled from Tasmanian service after staff get electric shocks
Tasmania's health department was aware breast cancer screening bus 'Luna' was unsafe for years, but continued operating it until two staff suffered electric shocks, documents reveal. The bus, which helps bring screening services to regional areas, has been off the road since April, risking delayed cancer diagnoses for dozens of Tasmanian women.
Tasmania's Lake St Clair confirmed as Australia's deepest with 3D mapping technology
Researchers have confirmed Lake St Clair's true depth at 163 metres at its deepest point after completing the first high-resolution 3D-map. The project used advanced multi-beam sonar and LIDAR technology, which revealed dramatic underwater features. CSIRO will share its findings to improve safe navigation and guide future scientific research.
Concern for Tasmanian mum as alleged drone strikes hit Gaza flotilla
A Hobart woman who said she could no longer "ignore the relentless images" of "endless horror" from Gaza has joined a flotilla of activists, which has allegedly come under attack from drone strikes. Julia Henry, a 47-year-old wife and mother of four children from Hobart, is taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla, which describes itself as "the largest civilian maritime mission organised to break Israel's illegal siege on Gaza".
Crime Stoppers warn of risk of vigilante reaction, other concerns on crimes posted to social media
Social media is littered with posts about crime. Facebook even has dedicated community-led groups for sharing information to warn others about local criminals. Perhaps you've joined one. But Australians are being urged to not only post about crime on social media, but to report it to authorities. Crime Stoppers Tasmania chair David Daniels said posting to social media provided a false sense of action.
Retirees buy mansion for affordable housing
When it comes to society's ills, most people have an opinion on what needs fixing, but fewer will actually set out to do something about it themselves. One retired couple in Tasmania is seeking to combat homelessness in their local area, after using their superannuation to buy a former student boarding house. It will be used to provide accommodation for older women struggling to put a roof over their head. Featured: Richard Gould, retiree Jan Gould, retiree Ewan Higgs, Hobart City Mission
Hobart couple buy former student boarding house for older women at risk of homelessness
A retired couple has purchased a Hobart boarding house to offer it as low-rent accommodation for older women at risk of homelessness. It's hoped the former university student accommodation will be able to house up to 10 women at a time in private living spaces with communal areas from October. Hobart City Mission says while it's admirable the couple has taken action, it questions whether providing essential services should fall to private citizens.
Tasmanian mobile breast cancer screening services halved after 30-year-old bus fails
Rachel has a family history of breast cancer, the most common cancer for Australian women. As a resident of the regional town of Coles Bay, on Tasmania's east coast, using services like the BreastScreen bus service is "very important" to her. "Because it will show the government that there is a need for these services in our area," she said. One of the two mobile BreastScreen Tasmania units, operated by the Department of Health, was pulled from service in April.
Tasmania's Legislative Council elections are on today. Here's what to know
Today is another election day for some Tasmanians. It's only been three weeks since the federal election, but for the Tasmanians living in the divisions of Montgomery, Nelson and Pembroke, it's time to vote in Legislative Council elections. The Legislative Council is the upper house of Tasmania's Parliament. Its primary responsibility is to approve or reject the legislation that has already passed through the parliament's lower house, which is the House of Assembly.
Meet the Carnarvon flapjack octopus, a newly-discovered species of rare and unusual octopus
A new species of flapjack octopus has been described, following a CSIRO voyage in 2022. The Carnarvon flapjack octopus joins a growing list of marine creatures that were discovered during the voyage, including the painted hornshark and the parallel spine scorpionfish. Scientists estimate there are still more than 1,000 species to be identified from those collected during CSIRO research voyages over the past decade.
RSV season ramps up as government examines whether to expand free vaccine access
As winter nears and the cold and flu season sets in, the highly infectious respiratory virus RSV has again begun its spread. So far this year, the National Disease Surveillance System (NDSS) has recorded more than 49,000 cases. More than half of those cases have occurred in New South Wales, but all states and territories have experienced a rise in RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, infections. The RSV season typically occurs from May to September.
Side hustles on the rise as Tasmanians lowest paid but working the most jobs
Bruno Cabral was a lawyer in Brazil before he moved to Australia in search of a fresh start. But when he arrived in Tasmania three years ago, finding a full-time job proved difficult. "It was really hard, because I arrived in here in June … and Tasmania is really seasonal, you know, and there weren't many job vacancies available," Mr Cabral said. Faced with a tough job market in Hobart, and a desperate need to pay the bills, he turned to an online job marketplace that outsources small jobs.
Artist Meg Murray has won the top solo sand sculpture prize at national championships
Tasmanian-born artist Meg Murray took out the solo category at the Australian Sand Sculpting Championships on Sunday. Murray says she prepared for the three gruelling days of sculpting by eating a high-protein diet. Murray says she would like to take her sculpting to the international stage, and plans to apply for some international competitions.
Tasmania's south-east coast 'glows' with bioluminescent algae, pointing to imbalance in marine ecosystem
A bioluminescent algae that appears pinkish-red in the day and glows blue when disturbed has appeared across Tasmania's south-eastern coastline. Dr Lisa-ann Gershwin, a biologist and world-leading expert on jellyfish, says the algae could be fatal for other sea life. Dr Gershwin predicts the algal bloom could lead to a spike in jellyfish populations across the state's south. Seemingly out of nowhere, patches of Tasmania's south-east coastline have become streaked with red trails.
Issues with council's faulty million-dollar bus stop raised before construction even started, emails reveal
New details have emerged surrounding the botched design of a bus interchange south of Hobart that remains unused almost a year after construction finished. Issues include features that do not comply with disability standards, safety risks, insufficient bay capacity and a site test by a bus driver with 20 years' experience that revealed problems. The local mayor says the council has made updated design documents and she hopes the rebuild will start in January.
Dark Mofo organisers prepare to 'bathe the city in red' with event's full return in Hobart in 2025
After winding back its program in 2024, Dark Mofo will make a full return in 2025. The iconic Tasmanian midwinter solstice festival was this year scaled back due to rising costs, but organisers on Friday announced next year would see the festival "roaring back to life". Loading... "This will be another classic Dark Mofo featuring a massive line-up of international, local and Tasmanian artists," artistic director Chris Twite said.
'Sad day for local publishing': 118-year-old Tasmanian newspaper announces closure
After 118 years reporting local news to residents from Marrawah to Rocky Cape in Tasmania's far north-west, the Circular Head Chronicle's presses will fall silent. The weekly newspaper based in Smithton has announced it will be shutting down, with the final edition to be published on Wednesday. The newspaper's manager, Janelle McGowan, said the paper was closing because it could no longer afford to stay in business.
A bus interchange was built with a corner too sharp for buses to turn. It's sat unused for 10 months
A bus interchange at Kingston was designed with corners too tight for buses, but a retrofitted solution could be just weeks away. The infrastructure has sat unused since January, creating accessibility issues in the fast-growing area of Hobart. The Department of State Growth says it will soon provide Kingborough Council with feedback on new designs. A new bus interchange south of Hobart has sat unused for 10 months because of a major design flaw — the corner is too tight for the buses.
The trees lining Salamanca Market were heritage listed 30 years ago. Now, there's a push to have them removed
Stallholders in one of Tasmania's busiest tourist areas are urging Hobart City Council to remove more than a dozen heritage-listed trees due to "horrendous" health concerns. Hobart's Salamanca Market is touted as one of Tasmania's most visited tourist attractions, with a lush boulevard of London plane trees opposite the site. But the trees are known to cause physical irritations and allergic reactions in some people.
Are you ready for this bushfire season? This fire fighter has tips on how to get prepared
Suzie Gifford lives among thousands of trees in Lucaston, a semi-rural area half an hour's drive south of Hobart. But her secluded home is especially vulnerable to the destructive power of bushfires, something she has witnessed firsthand as a volunteer firefighter. In 2013, Ms Gifford helped fight the Dunalley bushfire that decimated the Tasmanian coastal community and left more than half the town's buildings burnt. "Seeing all the destruction, that was definitely an eye opener for me," she said.
'Ticking all the boxes from RSPCA's perspective': New Spirit of Tasmania ferries to have pet-friendly cabins after welfare concerns
Pets travelling on the new Spirit of Tasmania ferries will be allowed to bunk with their owners in designated cabins or stay in climate-controlled kennels when the new ships begin sailing from next year. Ferry operator TT-Line chief executive Bernard Dwyer said the ships' pet-friendly facilities come after listening to passenger feedback. "We know that pets are cherished members of the family," he said.
Push to allow pets into Australian workplaces, as report shows human benefits to office companion animals
A program promoting pets in the workplace says having dogs and cats in the office improves staff productivity, increases collaboration and alleviates stress and anxiety. The Companion Animal Network says businesses must first be set up for pets and provide secure indoor areas, as well as have access to the outdoors for exercise and toileting needs. The network is calling for more employers to adopt pet programs and recommends trials of a day a week.
It's been 45 years since Tasmania's last passenger train service ran. Could it make a comeback?
Hobart was once a leader in providing public transport, but it is now arguably Australia's worst-performing capital city. A 2024 report by the McKell Institute found the current system failed to adequately service areas of most need and recommended transport infrastructure be prioritised — such as additional bus lanes, rapid buses and/or light rail.
Marine safety authority delays Sam McLennan's plan to sail a raft built of rubbish from Hobart to Sydney
In short: A handmade raft built from marine debris has had its registration cancelled by Tasmania's marine safety authority. It's skipper had planned to sail it from Hobart to Sydney, but that voyage has been put on hold. What's next? Marine and Safety Tasmania says it will consider re-registering the vessel if certain conditions are met. Plans to sail a vessel made of rubbish has been put on hold after its registration was cancelled by Tasmania's marine safety authority.
Swift parrots still in peril, despite revised numbers of surviving birds due to new counting method
In short: Population levels for the swift parrot remain critically endangered, despite estimates increasing from 300 to 500 wild birds. Deforestation of native trees is a major contributor to the species' potential extinction, as swift parrots like to breed in the same place each year. What's next? Politicians are being called on to halt native logging in Tasmania to help preserve the species.
What's going on with Tasmania's long-awaited container refund scheme?
It has a name, a logo, and even a nifty YouTube video explaining how it works — but there is still no confirmed launch date for Tasmania's container refund scheme (CRS). A CRS allows people to exchange their eligible drink containers for cash at designated refund points, with the aim of reducing litter and promoting recycling. Australia is on the cusp of becoming the first continent in the world to have a CRS in every jurisdiction, but Tasmania — the "green state" — has yet to do so.
Crystal McKay - ABC News
After fighting for years for a childcare solution for her community, Teisha Archer says the news it will be happening is "wonderful" — but will come too late to help her and others in her situation.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Crystal
Contact Crystal, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack