Elly Bradfield
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ABC journo, @withmeaa delegate, psychology student, Mum to small people.
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Articles by Elly Bradfield
Toowoomba Hospital maternity review fails to answer mother's concerns
For Ashleigh Hills, the joy of the first few weeks with her newborn baby boy were diminished by a traumatic birth. "It's something I'm still dealing with every day," she said. "I feel like it really probably took away a lot of the joy of having a newborn and those first early weeks and what that should be like." Ms Hills is one of the mothers who participated in an assurance review of the Toowoomba Hospital's maternity unit, following years of complaints about its services.
Maternity unit problems persist at Toowoomba Hospital, review finds
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Maternity unit problems persist at Toowoomba Hospital, review finds
Longstanding issues at Toowoomba Hospital's troubled maternity unit remain unresolved, an independent review of the ward says. The assurance review of the unit, released today, found that while some changes were underway, several areas, including complaint processes, still needed fixing. Queensland Health commissioned the review in February after years of complaints from mothers and families about maternity services at the major regional hospital.
Teachers call to be classified as public officers amid surge in classroom violence
Elly Bradfield and Grace Nakamura Allan Zirbel was a soldier, worked in security and was an ambulance officer who responded to serious traffic crashes. But the 58-year-old said the stressor that nearly broke him was teaching high school students. "In the end it cost me my marriage, [and] cost me my health," he said. Mr Zirbel, a teacher for a decade, said he suffered an angina attack after an incident where a student smashed equipment in his manual arts classroom.
Teachers call to be classified as public officers amid surge in classroom violence
One dead after three cyclists hit by car on Gungahlin Drive A person has died and two others have been seriously injured after a crash in Canberra's north this morning. ACT Policing said a car hit three …
Texas community pushes to build much-needed Queensland aged care facility
Joan White and her husband Alan, affectionately known as Stumpy, did everything together. They were side-by-side for 58 years of marriage, raising three sons and navigating the highs and lows of being primary producers on their Texas property on Queensland's southern border. The former country mayor said she thinks euthanising 62 head of cattle rather than having them starve to death due to drought in 2015 was the beginning of the end for her husband.
International equestrian delegation visit proposed Olympic venue, Toowoomba Showgrounds
An international delegation has toured the proposed venue of the 2032 Olympic equestrian event. No decision has been made on whether the event will be held at the Toowoomba Showgrounds, but locals are confident the visit is a positive step in securing the site. The delegation continues to tour Australia this week.
Police officer says rescuing dog from burning South Burnett home all in a day's work
A Queensland police officer says saving a "snarky" Chihuahua from a house fire that claimed the home and belongings of the 91-year-old owner was all in a day's work. Constable Kieren Trannore climbed over a railing onto the verandah of the Blackbutt North home in the South Burnett, 170 kilometres north-west of Brisbane, and retrieved the dog while the building was still alight.
Doctor fined $30k for self-publishing unauthorised pictures of patients
In 2023 Lachlan Rathie self-published a picture book depicted his day-to-day life as an anaesthetist at Towoomba Hospital. The anaesthetist's actions were reported to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) by the Helath Ombudsman. QCAT has fined Dr Rathie $30,000 for professional misconduct. An anaesthetist who worked at Toowoomba Hospital has been fined $30,000 for professional misconduct after he included confidential patient information in a self-published book.
Motor neurone disease research to begin in Toowoomba after community fundraising effort
Toowoomba woman Natalie Verdouw was an executive with an important job and sat on the board of a not-for-profit. She describes herself as active, independent and adventurous. "I used to ride a motorbike, look after my house and garden, travel, live overseas, work overseas, and I had a number of hobbies that I enjoyed," she said. But since her diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND) in January last year, her life has dramatically changed.
Three people die in separate incidents in Toowoomba
Three people have died in unrelated incidents in a tragic 24 hours in Toowoomba, west of Brisbane. Police are investigating a fatal crash on the Toowoomba bypass where two trucks travelling eastbound collided just after midnight. One of the vehicles caught fire. A man in his 40s suffered critical injuries and died at the scene. The other driver, a 50-year-old Ravenshoe man, wasn't injured.
Childcare crisis hurts families facing two-year wait in Goondiwindi region
Samantha Muddle bottles up her tears to let out at night when her two-and-a-half-year-old son is in bed. She is grieving the death of her husband, a drought drying up their income, and a childcare crisis that limits her ability to provide for her family. "We've been through hell, basically," she said. Since January last year, Ms Muddle, a nurse, has been searching for a nanny for her son. Funding for in-home care has been approved, but there is no-one to provide the service.
Fuel shortages hit rural Queensland businesses
Brandon Long, Elly Bradfield, Kristina Harazim and Janel Shorthouse Rising fuel uncertainty linked to the Middle East conflict is hitting family-run businesses across regional Queensland, with one farmer already facing a potential $250,000 loss. In the small border town of Texas, both service stations ran out of petrol and diesel on Monday, while a bulk supplier reported dwindling stocks.
Ex-cop granted bail over alleged stalking following neighbour dispute
A former Queensland police officer, accused of allegedly wearing a balaclava and Easter bonnet to harass and intimidate a neighbouring family and spraying a fire extinguisher at their vehicles, has been granted bail. Ben Alexander Ephraim Dyball, 58, represented himself when he appeared in the Warwick Magistrates Court today after being extradited from New South Wales. He is charged with stalking, intimidation, harassment, and perverting the course of justice.
Mother shares concerns about treatment at Toowoomba Hospital amid culture review
It is a Friday night in Toowoomba Base Hospital's busy maternity unit, and Laura Davies is in the shower, giving birth to her second baby. Body-worn security vision, obtained by Ms Davies under the right to information law and shared with the ABC, shows a confrontation unfolding in the lilac corridors outside the birth suite where she is in labour in February 2025. It records a loud, primal scream. Moments later, a newborn cries.
Workplace culture reviewed at Toowoomba Hospital amid maternity leadership turnover
A Queensland woman says her past experiences, recent resignations and a workplace culture review at a maternity unit have her concerned as she and her husband add to their family. Grace, who did not want to reveal her real name, said she was concerned about the quality of care she would receive at Toowoomba Base Hospital. "It increases the uncertainty I'm feeling, or the apprehension I'm feeling towards the birth," she said.
Darling Downs 'inundated' with reports of snakes, bites and near misses
Gunter Glasser has been catching snakes for almost 30 years across Southern Queensland, and October has been a busy month. Some days, he receives up to six calls to catch and relocate snakes from all manner of peculiar places. Emergency services have also received an uptick in snakebite presentations since August, and vets have been "inundated" with pets encountering the venomous reptiles. "This October has been busier than last October," Mr Glasser said.
Man guilty of manslaughter of local rugby league star on Christmas Day
A Darling Downs man has been found guilty of the manslaughter of a local rugby league personality on Christmas Day in 2022. Callum Anthony Padaric Cook, 33, was initially charged with the murder of Russell Klein, 55, following his death at Millmerran in 2022. Following two full days of deliberation, a Toowoomba Supreme Court jury found Cook not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter.
Cricket star Georgia Voll always looks like she is having fun, and that's because she is
Women's cricket was not even televised when rising Australian star Georgia Voll was a little girl. But after a cracking summer season, Voll is providing plenty of inspiration for the next generation of players. It is a responsibility the 21-year-old, who is from Toowoomba in regional Queensland, takes seriously. "I think that's the main thing for me, inspiring the next generation in the way that I sort of carry myself on the field, but also off the field as well," she said.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Alfred causes erosion as it lashes Queensland coast
By Elly Bradfield and staff, ABC Tropical Cyclone Alfred is lashing the Queensland coast with damaging winds and causing significant coastal erosion. But forecasters are warning it will move slowly south on Sunday and is now likely to move back towards south-east Queensland on Tuesday. Early on Sunday morning, the cyclone was 510 kilometres east of Rockhampton and 400km northeast of Bundaberg.
Warning system overhauled to save lives but some confusion lingers
Some regional communities say there is still "a long way to go" until the public understands a system designed to provide clear and consistent warnings across the country. The Australian Warning System includes standard and consistent warnings for bushfires, floods, storms, cyclones, extreme heat and severe weather. National Emergency Management Agency deputy coordinator general Joe Buffone said that had not always been the case.
Legendary patriarch of iconic country department store dies
Ever since it opened in 1956, you could find John Hanna behind the counter of his family store, which became part of the fabric of regional Queensland. The patriarch of the well-known country department store, named after his family, died earlier this month at the age of 84. His son, Paul Hanna, described him as much more than a figurehead for the famous Toowoomba store, saying "he was a legend to all of us, a person who was deeply family-oriented".
Horror weekend on southern Queensland roads with three fatal crashes
Police are pleading with motorists to take care after three people died during a horror weekend on southern Queensland roads, taking the state's road toll to 35. Regional Operations Inspector David Campbell said eight people had died on the roads in the southern region this year, compared to six over the same period last year.
No reprieve from wet weather in North Queensland with more heavy rainfall expected
Heavy rain that could lead to flash flooding is expected in North Queensland today. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 100-180mm are possible and severe storm warnings are in place from Tully to Proserpine. The rain is forecast to ease from early Wednesday morning. Parts of northern Queensland are bracing for more heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding.
Springvale farmers fight 'uphill battle' against coal seam gas on agricultural land
Doug Browne was just 16 years old when his father died, his formal school years ended, and he took over the family farm at Springvale on Queensland's Western Downs. Decades later at almost 79 years of age, he is among the "Springvale Four" — a group of farmers fighting a coal seam gas development affecting that land. "Very personal. It's been my life's work," Mr Browne said.
Queensland weather to be mild, sunny before more heatwave conditions
Queenslanders can expect a brief reprieve from wild weather, but the weather bureau has warned it will not last long with the state forecast to heat up later this week. The state has seen powerful storms, large hailstones, thousands of properties without power, trees down, and damage to homes in the south, while severe heatwave conditions persisted in North Queensland last week.
Queensland's South Burnett lashed with 'unprecedented' wild weather
Severe storms have damaged properties and brought down trees and power lines in Kingaroy, in Queensland's South Burnett. Residents say this year's frequent storms are out of the ordinary for the region. The Bureau of Meteorology says there is a chance of severe thunderstorms in the area over the next two days. Rowan Matthews-Frederick poured "thousands of hours" into the renovation of his Queensland house.
Oakey Coal Action Alliance ends New Acland mine expansion legal battle
After more than a decade in and out of court, a group of farmers has ended its fight against a controversial coal mine expansion on Queensland's Darling Downs. The Oakey Coal Action Alliance (OCAA) has withdrawn its appeal against the state government's 2022decision to grant an Associated Water Licence (AWL) to New Hope Group's New Acland Stage 3 mine. The group's secretary Paul King said withdrawing the appeal was a difficult decision after years of "complex, expensive and risky" work.
Residents feel unsafe in their homes as crime triples in Queensland town of Wondai
Crime has tripled in Wondai from 13 offences in July to 41 in December 2024, the highest recorded in the past two years. Residents say they are scared in their own homes and want a local police presence to return. The state government says arrests have been made and it will continue cracking down on crime. In the early hours of Christmas Eve, five boys are rummaging through a car parked on a driveway in Wondai in Queensland's South Burnett.
Venue for Gold Coast Magic Millions' main race day unclear as activists deny track damage
Investigations continue after damage to part of the Gold Coast racetrack where the city's Magic Millions usually takes place. Horse rights activist says protesters are not responsible, while the carnival's first meet was moved to the Sunshine Coast yesterday. It remains unclear where the main day of the Magic Millions carnival, on January 11, will be held.
Gold Coast Magic Millions race meeting moved to Sunshine Coast as police investigate racetrack damage
Detectives are investigating damage to the Bundall racetrack, which has forced the relocation of the first day of racing in the highly anticipated Gold Coast Magic Millions carnival. Police said they received a report about 7pm Friday that a large area of the racetrack had "sustained damage". Due to safety concerns, tonight's start of the Magic Millions carnival — a twilight race meeting — will be moved to the Sunshine Coast Turf Club, a two-hour drive away.
Stanthorpe cricket team donates thousands to Vanuatu earthquake victims
A cricket team made up of workers from Vanuatu has played through their grief after a devastating earthquake in their homeland to raise money for their communities. At least 14 people were killed when the island nation was rocked by a magnitude-7.3 earthquake on Tuesday and further earthquakes continue to affect the region. Valerie Kalkoa, who had been working in Queensland's Burdekin and Stanthorpe regions returned home just days before the tragedy, died in the earthquake.
Truck driver green dot safety initiative 'needs more government investment'
It is a simple and cheap idea that could reduce the road toll, but advocates say the Queensland government has failed to maintain and expand the road safety initiative that helps truck drivers find a safe place to stop. Truck driver Rod Hannifey came up with the idea 15 years ago after a trip to Sydney in a fuel tanker. He was carrying almost 1,000 litres of petrol through the Blue Mountains, driving 100 kilometres an hour. He was tired but did not know the road or where the rest areas were.
The Matilda who became a farmer
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Kerry Hetherington was still playing school soccer when she made the Matildas team in 1981. Not only were they not paid, they had to fund their travel.
By Elly Bradfield Verified, Dominic Cansdale Verified
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Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Verified
An ambitious quest to supply Australians with locally grown garlic year-round is paying off
Garlic lovers can now buy Australian-grown all year round, thanks to decades of work by persistent farmers who refused to give up on the difficult crop. Powered by the Echo RSS Plugin by CodeRevolution.
Locally grown garlic can be bought by Australian consumers all year round after decades of work
Garlic lovers can now buy Australian-grown all year round, thanks to decades of work by persistent farmers who refused to give up on the difficult crop. "I was a young man with black hair and now I'm an old man with white hair so it's taken literally a lifetime," Australian Garlic Producers chief executive Nick Diamantopolous said. When he began growing garlic in the 1990s, most Australians were eating imported bulbs, predominantly from China.
From trailblazer to sheep grazier, this Matilda-turned-farmer is loving the ...
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From trailblazer to sheep grazier, this Matilda-turned-farmer is loving the rise of women's soccer
Former Matildas player Kerry Hetherington may have traded the soccer pitch for an outback paddock, but her love for the women's game has never wavered. As the now beloved national team gear up for their second friendly game against Canada in Vancouver, she will be cheering them along from her farm in St George, south west Queensland. Not so long ago she was strapping on the boots herself, but back in a time when players funded their own travel and no one watched on TV.
Listen back to the Queensland Country Hour
Summer seafood season is here. But could new fishing regulations affect your Christmas spread?
Freak hailstorm delivers $50 million blow to already struggling Lockyer Valley farming region
Farmers are cleaning up after a freak hailstorm ripped through south-east Queensland's rich Lockyer Valley, destroying an estimated $30 million of crops and resulting in a further $20 million of infrastructure damage. Lockyer Valley Growers president Michael Sippel said the storm cell, estimated to be about five kilometres wide, dropped hail and wind "like a tornado," leaving a trail of destruction on Friday afternoon. "It was just intense. It left nothing in its path.
Since 1960, Australia has lost 23 native animals in an extinction wave
While Australia has lost many unique species in living memory to bulldozers, climate change and bushfires, nothing has killed off living wonders quite like invasive pests and diseases. Powered by the Echo RSS Plugin by CodeRevolution.
Abattoirs and exports 'collateral damage' as meat inspectors and vets strike over public service pay
The meat industry says it will take days to recover after hundreds of workers walk off the job around Australia today.
Bush foods application improves traceability, benefiting Indigenous communities and consumers
Just like Indigenous art, for a long time, those benefiting from the sale of bush foods were not always Indigenous people. As more Australians seek out native foods, plant and products, their origins and the ability to verify their authenticity is becoming increasingly important. Now, Indigenous communities are playing a leading role in developing the technology that will allow consumers to be confident in their purchases.
How Cobram Estate's Rob McGavin went from outback boy to Australian olive oil baron
Australians' love of home-grown olive oil is booming and the industry credits much of its success to one man. But chances are you've never heard of him. From humble beginnings in Queensland's outback, Rob McGavin and his wife have become the majority shareholders in Australia's biggest olive oil company, Cobram Estate.
In a horrible drought, Allie turned to flower growing and now her blooms sell out within the hour
After putting their "beautiful" merino ewes on a truck, Allie Hill's husband sat her down to ask for ideas on how they could diversify. "We were in a pretty awful drought in 2019," she said.
Could artificial intelligence help solve the world’s hunger problem?
Queensland scientists say artificial intelligence can play a role in feeding the world by helping farmers produce more sustainable and profitable plants. Powered by the Echo RSS Plugin by CodeRevolution.
UQ researchers using artificial intelligence to breed plants resistant to climate change, pests
While some fear artificial intelligence could lead to human extinction, two Queensland agricultural scientists say it could hold the key to feeding the planet's growing population, which is expected to balloon to 10 billion people by 2050.
Will your Sunday roast really be carbon neutral by 2030?
The red meat industry concedes it could fall short of its ambitious target, but insists it still has seven years and a solid plan to get there. Powered by the Echo RSS Plugin by CodeRevolution.
CSIRO says red meat industry short of target to be carbon neutral by 2030
A CSIRO report claims Australia's red meat industry will miss its much-publicised target to be carbon neutral by 2030.
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