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Articles by Freya Jetson
Line dancing emerges from 'shadows' as bootscooting becomes popular
Under the bright lights of a Brisbane country music bar, Chelsea Gillum is guiding a crowd through a night of line dancing. Her shiny cowgirl boots are leading each step on the stage, a stark contrast to four years ago, when she didn't really know what line dancing was. It was through a chance encounter that this community became something that would help her during a period of intense loss. "I lost my mum in 2021, and her best friend took me to Gympie Muster the next year," Ms Gillum said.
Crocodiles on the move in northern Australia as breeding season arrives
As the weather starts to warm up in Queensland, crocodiles are looking for love. In the wild, they're crossing rivers, coastlines and creeks to find new territory ahead of breeding season. But at the Koorana Crocodile Farm, in central Queensland, it's more reality television dating show than nature documentary, with keepers working out the best pairings — and emotions are running high. "We've got a saltwater croc here called Duke and he challenges every male," farm owner John Lever said.
Croc matchmaker's secret to reptile romance
Love is in the air in Queensland. But when you're an unofficial crocodile matchmaker, like John Lever, reptile romance doesn't always go to plan. Story by Freya Jetson with additional production by Josie Sargent.
QCOAL's Cook Colliery coal mine in central Queensland to close half of operation
A third Queensland coal miner has confirmed job cuts as it prepares to close one of its underground mine sites, with the company also putting the blame on rising costs and state government royalties. QCOAL announced on Friday that one of its two underground sites at the Cook Colliery mine, near Blackwater in central Queensland, would shut down in the coming weeks. The project employs about 170 people and is operated by contractor Core Crew.
Fire ant biosecurity zone expanded into central Queensland for first time
Biosecurity zones have been introduced to parts of central Queensland months after fire ants were detected outside the state's south-east. The National Fire Ant Eradication Program has included five sites in the Bowen Basin that have been impacted by the invasive species. Director of operations, Robbie Wilson, said the zones limited which materials businesses could transport as a "preventative measure". "Particularly things like soil, hay, mulch [and] turf products," he said.
Teenage girl taken to hospital in life-threatening condition after snake bite
A teenage girl has been taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition after being bitten by a snake in Queensland. A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesperson (QAS) said paramedics were called Sir Leslie Thiess Drive ferry terminal in Townsville about 8.30am on Sunday. They said the teenager had been bitten on the ankle and was taken to Townsville University Hospital in a life-threatening condition. The hospital said the girl was in a stable condition on Sunday afternoon.
Report into Callide C3 unit after April explosion reveals safety concerns
A report into an April explosion at Queensland's largest power station has delivered scathing findings, including inadequate risk controls, gaps in operator training, and flaws in the design of the unit. The report by CS Energy into the April 4 explosion at the state-owned Callide Power Station also raised major safety concerns and concluded the incident had the potential to cause serious injuries.
Clear skies for Queensland after hail, hotter temperatures for the Ekka
Spring is in the air for Queenslanders, with mostly dry and sunny conditions forecast for the weekend ahead. It comes after two days of thunderstorms and hail in the southern parts of the state. Meteorologist Helen Reid, from the Bureau of Meteorology, said the weather activity would move away from the south-east on Friday. "We're not going to be seeing much in the way of weather across the entirety of Queensland for several days," she said.
Rain forecast in central and southern Queensland during first weekend of Ekka
People planning a trip to the Ekka in Brisbane this weekend could be met with wet weather, according to the weather bureau. Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecaster Morgan Pumpa said showers could begin on Friday and continue through to Sunday for central and southern parts of the state, as a cloud band moved across the Channel Country. "There is a very high chance of showers during the day, while people are out and about or at weekend sports," Ms Pumpa said.
Federal government investigates Magnetic South's alleged illegal land clearing
The federal government is investigating alleged illegal land clearing at the proposed site of a new coal mine at Dingo in central Queensland. Drone footage taken by the Queensland Conservation Council shows about 200 hectares of land have been cleared since May at the site, 120 kilometres west of Rockhampton. The proposed Gemini Coal Mine would be operated by mining company Magnetic South and have a 25-year life span.
Regional Queensland town known for gem fossicking embraces its queer community
En route to the Queensland outback, the Gemfields region is known for its sparkle. One of the biggest sapphire-bearing areas in the world, it's a popular stop for tourists hoping to find their fortune. But the long dirt roads also lead to something more unlikely in the bush: a thriving queer community, headed up by a particularly bright gem, Willow.
Worker dies at Clarke Creek Wind Farm in central Queensland
A worker has died at the Clarke Creek Wind Farm in central Queensland. Squadron Energy said work on the site had been suspended. "Safety is our top priority across all our sites and the wellbeing of everyone on the Clarke Creek Wind Farm site is our immediate focus," it said. "The family has been notified and is being supported. "We would like to acknowledge and thank the colleagues and first responders who responded to this tragedy." Loading
Mums the word for AFL club
Sport is a big part of small country towns and as more women join AFL clubs, footy has become more than just a game for new mums. These women are finding a sense of community within the game. Story by Freya Jetson, additional production by Jessica Hinchliffe.
Mums turn to football after children to find community and support
Dramatic premiership wins reminisced about in the change rooms and rivalries that outlast playing careers, playing footy for your country town is a rite of passage. As more women join the game, new traditions and a new miniature support base have been born. Georgia Carroll had her first child nine months ago, but is back this season, playing for Brothers in Rockhampton.
Winter arrives with cold rainy weather in the sunshine state
The Bureau of Meteorology says some parts of the sunshine state could experience up to 100 millimetres of rain by the end of the week. The highest rainfall totals are expected to hit the Capricornia region. Scattered showers will be met with cooler temperatures, particularity for those in southern Queensland. Queenslanders are waking up to wintry conditions as temperatures in parts of the Granite Belt in the state's south-west drop below 10 degrees Celsius.
Fitness groups trade high-intensity workouts for more social outdoor activities
Shireen Rigby knows all too well the extreme work that goes into being a competitive bodybuilder and the toll it can take mentally. She saw the benefits of swapping out her high-intensity workouts for low-pressure social exercising, and she's not alone. Alternative low-pressure exercise groups are increasing in popularity with the appeal of socialising, without stress or excessive sweating, drawing in the crowds.
Queensland council abandons EV charger installation plan after 'dirty nickel' media report
A Queensland council has indefinitely suspended its plan to install public electric vehicle charging stations after its mayor watched a commercial media report highlighting environmental and human rights concerns in the industry. Livingstone Shire Council has been planning the installation of EV chargers for almost a decade and two weeks ago announced it had partnered with a supplier to install and maintain a charger in Yeppoon.
Rain forecast to ease in Queensland ahead of Easter weekend
Sunny weather is expected over the Easter weekend, with some showers predicted for coastal areas of Queensland. Residents of a remote community are cut off after significant rainfall damaged its airport. The Lockhart River Airport is expected to reopen on Tuesday after runway repairs are complete. Most of Queensland will get a break from rain over the Easter weekend, with just light showers expected in some parts of the state.
Queensland's Fitzroy River crocodile habitat to host 2032 Olympics and Paralympics rowing
By Freya Jetson and Aaron Kelly, ABC Central Queensland city Rockhampton will host rowing during the 2032 Olympics, despite concerns from the sport's peak body and a recommendation they be held interstate. But a local crocodile expert dismissed any risk to competitors on the Fitzroy River course, saying though it was a habitat for the reptiles, competitors were more likely to be "hit by a bus" on the way to events.
Queensland's Fitzroy River crocodile habitat to host 2032 Olympics and Paralympics rowing
Venues for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games have been unveiled across Queensland. Rockhampton's Fitzroy River — in crocodile country — will host the rowing events. Premier David Crisafulli says funding will be pumped into the regions to help support legacy venues. Central Queensland city Rockhampton will host rowing during the 2032 Olympics, despite concerns from the sport's peak body and a recommendation they be held interstate.
Showers expected in parts of Qld as clean-up continues after ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred
The Ingham region has received the biggest falls across parts of the state overnight with 123 millimetres at Abergowrie Bridge. Thunderstorm activity is expected today from the Whitsundays to the top of the Cape York Penisula and across to the Northern Territory border. Power supply will be connected by Sunday to the remaining 30,000 homes still without power across the state.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Alfred intensifies into category four system off Queensland coast
Severe Tropical Cyclone Alfred is now a category four system and continues to track south off the north Queensland coast. A strong wind warning has been issued from Townsville to the K'gari. The Bureau of Meteorology says it is confident Alfred will remain well away the mainland into next week. Severe Tropical Cyclone Alfred has intensified into a category four system but the latest tracking indicate the chances of it making landfall have decreased, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).
Tropical Cyclone Alfred intensifies into category two system
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is strengthening as it moves south over the Coral Sea. Alfred is expected to develop into a category three system on Tuesday. The BOM says its exact path over the coming week remains unclear. Tropical Cyclone Alfred has intensified into a category two system as the Bureau of Meteorology monitors its path towards the Queensland coast. The BOM says the storm is likely to strengthen into a category three storm tomorrow and that it is too early to predict its path.
New chimp settles into Rockhampton Zoo troupe in record time
Rockhampton Zoo staff watched anxiously as new chimpanzee Sile met her new troupe to see if she would be welcomed into the group. In a moment of connection, Sile was embraced by young chimp Gandali, who lost his adoptive mother Samantha, who died last year. Rockhampton Zoo team leader Blair Champman said Gandali went "straight up to Sile and just gave her a big hug". "They have a really close relationship now," he said.
Olympic medalist Natalya Diehm inspiring next generation of BMX stars
After 10 surgeries and breaking bones in almost every part of her body, BMX freestyle rider Natalya Diehm did not know if she would make it back on the BMX track — let alone onto the Olympic podium in Paris. Despite her injuries forcing her to move back in with her parents, and at times questioning if she wanted to continue in the sport, Diehm said the challenging years leading to up to her bronze medal in Paris were worth it. "My first surgery was on my elbow when I was about 12," Diehm said.
Calling LGBTQIA+ people 'mentally ill' will no longer be banned by Meta
Changes to Meta's hateful conduct policy could lead to increased hate speech and real world safety concerns, according to a Queensland social media expert. Social media giant Meta will now allow allegations of "mental illness" or "abnormality" based on gender or sexual orientation on Facebook, Instagram and Threads. It also will now allow women to be referred to as "household objects", and for content arguing in favour of "gender-based limitations of military, law enforcement, and teaching jobs".
Living with black lung disease
It scars your lungs and makes it hard to breathe. Black lung mostly effects coal miners, but other workers are also at risk.
Fatal shark attack off Queensland sparks warning as weather heats up
As Declan Hamilton swims through the balmy, crystal-blue waters of Australia's Cape York while spearfishing with friends, he is confronted by six sharks. Swimming for his life, he fends them off with his bare hands, but they are not deterred. As an aggressive bull shark lurches for his leg, he manages to scramble back into the group's boat just before it bites. "We went up to Cape York in November (2024) with a couple of friends spearfishing at a reef off the coast there," Mr Hamilton said.
Yakani Bayles helps honour his people and the 'town that water built'
The last rays of afternoon sun are flickering through the spear grass on the banks of the Dawson River in Central Queensland as Yakani Bayles jogs eagerly toward the water. The animated seven-year-old hopes to land a "big yellowbelly" for dinner. He fishes at the weir most afternoons with his grandfather Jimmy Bayles on the outskirts of the town of Theodore. "Come on wild old man," Yakani says to his grandad as he prepares to cast his line.
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.
Teenage boy and woman die after utes and semi-trailer collide on Queensland highway
A 13-year-old boy and a 40-year-old woman travelling in a ute have died following a multi-vehicle crash south of Rockhampton in Central Queensland. It is understood a semi-trailer travelling south on the Bruce Highway struck the back of two utes just after 11pm on Tuesday. The incident occurred near the intersection of Ragland Station Road. The boy and woman died at the scene.
Barbers brighten elderly patients' stays at Rockhampton's Mater Hospital with free haircuts
Dusting off his clippers, barber Evan Treacy has stepped out of his regular nine-five in his barber shop. The 31-year-old is preparing to provide free haircuts for elderly patients, who are eagerly waiting in their lounge area. Mr Treacy and his business partner Kara Morgan have only been coming to the Papaya Unit at Rockhampton's Mater Hospital for two months, but their impact is evident.
Queensland's extremely rare boggomoss snail halting government projects
A critically endangered species no bigger than a 50-cent coin is causing another infrastructure project in a small rural Queensland town to move at a snail's pace. The boggomoss snail (Adclarkia dawsonensis) is an exceptionally rare species with only two known populations found in the Dawson Valley in central Queensland.
When Nicole bought her first country pub she 'couldn't even pour a beer' — now she owns three
When Nicole Newman bought a country pub in 2016 she "couldn't even pour a beer". "That's how educated I was," the former fuel trucking industry worker said. But together with partner Rob Johnston, the pair have today opened their third pub in regional Queensland — and it's one that comes with a troubled history. The Dululu Hotel, about 130km west of Gladstone, was gutted by fire in 2015 and has been closed ever since.
Heidi was told her daughter would struggle to walk. Now she's a champion runner
When Heidi Shoecraft's daughter Maia was just a baby doctors told her she would have limited movement. But the now 12-year-old is a national running champion, a testament to the power of love, hard work and dedication. The pair, who live in the small rural town of Theodore in Central Queensland, have come a long way in Maia's short life. "It's been a journey and she's definitely reached a lot of goals," Heidi said.
Port and rail workers call for expansion of free black lung disease testing program
Ian Seeds has never worked in a coal mine but two years ago he was diagnosed with pneumoconiosis, an illness more commonly known as black lung disease. The disease is common among coal workers and is caused by exposure to coal dust. It scars the lungs and makes breathing difficult. Mr Seeds worked at the Gladstone Port for 25 years, handling coal as it was transported by rail from coal mines in central Queensland.
Murdered woman's parents speak out as small towns grapple with hidden violence problem
It was a regular evening for Glenn and Linda Watson, until police knocked on their door in 2008 to tell them their daughter had been murdered. WARNING: This story contains details readers may find distressing. "When you see the detective standing there, you know, something's not right," Ms Watson said. That detective told the parents their 23-year-old daughter, Joelean, had been stabbed and murdered by her ex-partner in the regional Queensland town of Calliope.
Tennis champion Malcolm Anderson gifts US Open trophy to tiny rural Theodore Tennis Club
In a second-hand antique cabinet tucked away in a corner of the Theodore Tennis Clubhouse, a large silver trophy sits proudly on the top shelf. Treasurer Kim Olsson is happy to show off the prized possession inside the modest rural clubhouse in the central Queensland town, population 451, about 200 kilometres south of Rockhampton. She puts on a pair of white gloves and carefully lifts the round trophy out of the glass cabinet. "We didn't actually keep it here at first," she says.
Banana splits and tomato relish, here's how this tiny town made the most of truck spills on 'fruit salad corner'
On a sleepy Sunday afternoon in the tiny central Queensland town of Theodore, a truck driver carrying fruit from farmers in the north to retailers in the south took a bend too quickly and tipped over. He wasn't the first, or the last, to misjudge this tricky stretch of the Leichhardt Highway. Theodore resident Keith Shoecraft recalls that after that spill, like all the others, most of the produce ended up strewn across the road or down in the ditch beside it.
Queensland government to challenge Aboriginal group's exclusive use claim of Great Keppel Island land
In short: The Queensland government will oppose a native title claim for exclusive use of parts of Great Keppel Island-Woppa. Premier Steven Miles says the government wants to ensure people can continue to access the island while balancing the interests of First Nations people. What's next? The region's peak tourism body says it's business as usual for operators on the island while waiting for more detail of the claim.
Nuclear power could put these tiny towns in the national spotlight, but residents' opinions are divided
Darren Jensen can stand on his back deck and see, across his fertile cropping land, the Callide power station. It's just a few kilometres away as the crow flies. The second-generation cropping farmer has been on the land his whole life. In winter, he grows wheat, chickpeas, and barley. In summer, it's sorghum and mung beans. It's a pretty good life in a lovely part of regional Queensland. Mr Jensen's father purchased the property when he was just 17, but Mr Jensen has since taken over.
Giant ringtail possums, marsupial lions, monster koalas: Fossils reveal creatures that once roamed central Queensland
In short: Scientists are discovering new megafauna and other unusual species at The Caves near Rockhampton. In recent months, they have discovered the presence of thylacoleo (marsupial lion). What's next? Scientists will continue to study the fossils to determine how the species coped with climate change. Nestled on the outskirts of a central Queensland city, a mammoth network of caves has created the perfect environment to preserve a treasure trove of ancient megafauna that once roamed the region.
Farmers’ markets booming as supermarket giants face parliamentary grilling
Farmers’ market organisers say an increasing number of Australians are cutting out the middleman and buying direct from producers. Powered by the Echo RSS Plugin by CodeRevolution.
Farmers' markets increasing in popularity as supermarkets accused of price gouging
In short: Organisers of farmers' markets say they've seen a big increase in customers as distrust in supermarkets grows. A parliamentary inquiry is investigating allegations of price gouging in supermarkets. What's next? A report on the inquiry is expected to be delivered by the end of the month. Farmers' market organisers say an increasing number of Australians are cutting out the middleman and buying direct from producers.
How an event every three years secured Rockhampton's place as Australia's beef capital
In short: Beef Australia 2024 kicks off in central Queensland next week. The international event attracts more than 115,000 people from around the country and globe. What's next? Since its inception, the expo has grown to become the premier showcase of the Australian beef industry. A giant bull, completely intact, is what meets your eye as you approach Rockhampton on the Bruce Highway in central Queensland.
Victorian family’s $350,000 ute allegedly stolen and dumped in Queensland croc river by teens
A Victorian family’s custom ute has been stolen and dumped in a croc-infested river — allegedly by teens — while they were on holiday in Queensland. Linda Gander and her family, from Benalla, were staying at a caravan park in Yeppoon on Saturday night when the ute was stolen while they slept. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Interstate holidaymakers’ expensive ute dumped in QLD river.
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