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Articles by Isla Evans
Sydney's Opal Tower officially declared defect-free eight years after mass evacuations
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Sydney's Opal Tower officially declared defect-free eight years after mass evacuations
A ribbon-cutting ceremony has taken place at the once-plagued Opal Tower in Sydney's west to mark the building officially being declared defect-free. The celebration brings an end to a saga, spanning close to eight years, that involved a class action, two legal cases, ongoing rectification work and relocations after cracks appeared on level 10 of the complex on Christmas Eve in 2018.
Former police officer Jonathan Beard avoids conviction for assaulting two men
A court has heard a former senior Sydney police officer's "absolutely impaired" judgement was behind his assault of two men who had played a game of "knock and run" at his home. Jonathan Andrew Beard has avoided conviction after assaulting two men who had drunkenly knocked at his inner Sydney home and then hid, on September 21, 2024.
Are jurors prepared for the mental health risks of serving on trials?
Some of the most important people in our legal system enter the court with no specific training and are legally prevented from talking about the sometimes gruesome evidence they are forced to see and hear. The fate of those accused of the most serious crimes usually rests in the hands of a jury, but absorbing weeks or even months of evidence can take a toll. Mark Farrant didn't consider the potential mental health impacts when he was called for jury duty in Canada in 2014.
Program: Are jurors prepared for the mental health risks of serving on trials?
If you get called up for jury duty... you might think it could be a bit of an inconvenience. You may have a job to contend with... kids to pick up from school... a bit of a logistical nightmare. But there's the other side too. Jury duty can be quite stressful... or in some cases... traumatic. A jury decides the fate of people accused of some of the most serious crimes... But... they're ordinary people... with no formal training...
Publican jailed for setting fire to Snowy Mountains's historical Globe Hotel
A former publican has been sentenced to more than four years behind bars after deliberately burning down a Snowy Monaro pub in order to pocket the insurance payout. David Culican, 42, was found guilty of intentionally burning down the historical Globe Hotel in Bombala in June 2022. In Sydney's Downing Centre District Court on Friday, Judge David Scully said Culican destroyed the 1857 building because "the business was in financial stress".
Man charged over alleged social media threat against Tanya Plibersek
A NSW Snowy Mountains man has faced court over allegations he threatened federal government minister Tanya Plibersek in a social media post. Shannon Bennett is facing a charge of using a carriage service to make a threat to kill or cause serious harm, after he was arrested by Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers on Wednesday.
Snowy Mountains man jailed after admitting to abusing daughter and granddaughter
A Snowy Mountains man has been sentenced to 22 years behind bars after admitting to sexually abusing his daughter and his granddaughter. Warning: This story includes references to sexual abuse. The man, who is aged in his 70s and cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced on 10 child abuse charges, including four counts of sexual intercourse with a child. In Queanbeyan District Court on Friday, Judge Thomas Jones said the man's abuse of children in his care was a "pernicious abuse of trust".
Hazard reduction burns accelerated as NSW faces higher fire risk
The NSW Rural Fire Service says it has been able to "accelerate" hazard reduction burns this year, as the state prepares for a looming season of elevated fire danger. Authorities have warned this summer is likely to bring challenging fire conditions, with above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall expected. It comes after the Bureau of Meteorology confirmed El Niño conditions earlier this year.
Body in suitcase at Oallen remains a mystery as police investigation continues
Police are still working to determine how long a body found in a suitcase by the side of a road in southern NSW had gone undiscovered. Two members of the public alerted authorities just before 1pm on Sunday after making the grim discovery on Wolgon Road at Oallen, about 60 kilometres south-east of Goulburn. Commander of the Hume Police District, Superintendent Linda Bradbury, told ABC 702 Sydney they believed the body is that of a female.
Man denies sexual abuse of woman over two decades in southern NSW
A southern NSW man is set to stand trial accused of filming himself raping and assaulting a woman over two decades. The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is facing allegations he sexually assaulted the woman at various properties in the Snowy Mountains and the Riverina between 2007 and 2025. The man, aged in his 60s, appeared before Sydney's Downing Centre District Court via audio-visual link on Wednesday, where he pleaded not guilty to 45 charges.
Snowy 2.0 workers told to use broken drill before tunnel incident, court hears
A Snowy 2.0 worker has told the NSW Industrial Court of the moment he was struck by a broken drill during a tunnelling operation in 2022. Webuild, the major contractor on the project, is accused of exposing workers to a risk of serious injury or death. More than a dozen witnesses are expected to give evidence at the trial. A Snowy 2.0 worker has told the New South Wales Industrial Court of the "shock" he felt when he was struck on the hip by a broken drill during a tunnelling operation.
Body found after house fire at Kiama
Police are investigating a house fire at Kiama on the NSW south coast, after a person was found dead in the home on Saturday night. Authorities were called to the property on Manning Street just before 9:30pm, finding a house engulfed in flames. Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) responded with eight fire trucks and about 28 firefighters, and were assisted by the NSW Rural Fire Service and police.
NSW coroner acknowledges powerful presence of Clare Nowland's family at inquest
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NSW coroner acknowledges "powerful presence" of Clare Nowland's family at inquest
One of Clare Nowland's daughters has appeared before the inquest into the death of the 95-year-old great-grandmother, sharing the distress the family has felt as they process the tragedy. Ms Nowland was a resident at Cooma's Yallambee Lodge aged care home in May 2023, when a staff member called Triple Zero (000) to report that she was wandering the property initially with two knives and entering other residents' rooms.
NSW Ambulance experts quizzed at Clare Nowland taser-death inquest
A senior NSW Ambulance officer has told an inquest into the death of Clare Nowland that emergency services could have taken more time when responding to the 95-year-old's dementia-related aggression. The great-grandmother was tasered by then-NSW Police senior constable Kristian White on May 17, 2023 and died a week later from associated injuries. White deployed his taser within a three-minute exchange with Mrs Nowland at the Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma, where she was a resident.
Inquest into 2023 tasering death of 95-year-old Clare Nowland begins Original
By Isla Evans, ABC News A coronial inquest into the death of Clare Nowland is underway three years after the 95-year-old was tasered by a serving NSW Police officer in her Snowy Mountains aged care home. The great-grandmother was a resident at Cooma's Yallambee Lodge in May 2023, when a staff member called Triple Zero (000) to report that she was wandering the property and entering other residents' rooms.
Publican stands trial accused of setting fire to pub for financial gain
A jury has heard a former publican allegedly set fire to a historic hotel after increasing the contents insurance premium months earlier. David Robert Culican has pleaded not guilty to a charge of dishonestly damaging property by fire or explosive for gain, and an alternative charge of damaging property to the value of more than $15,000, relating to the incident at the Globe Hotel in Bombala on June 25, 2022. Mr Culican faced the first day of a jury trial at Queanbeyan District Court on Tuesday.
Program: Making skis from Aussie wood
We're used to seeing Australian timber in housing, furniture and fencing. But it's being put to another, more unusual use in the Snowy Mountains. It's being used to craft skis and with winter around the corner, it's been all hands on deck.
Former police officer loses appeal over conviction for assaulting teens during arrest in Batemans Bay
A former Senior Constable has lost his appeal against assault charges relating to a 2023 arrest in Batemans Bay. Brett Lindsay was found to have used unreasonable force when he forced two teenagers to the ground, and punched one in the collarbone. Lindsay, who is no longer employed as a police officer, has been convicted and sentenced to a two-year community correction order.
Couple makes handmade skis out of Australian-grown timber in NSW Snowy Mountains
Jonathan and Steph Paige didn't quite know what they were embarking upon when they decided to make handmade skis out of Australian-grown timber. "You could probably get a job at a big company in Europe or the US and have somebody show you the ropes," Jonathan Paige said.
Motorcyclist dies following crash on Monaro Highway in southern NSW
A motorcyclist has died in a crash in southern NSW, marking the state's first road fatality of the Easter long weekend. The Monaro Highway was closed in both directions for hours on Friday afternoon, resulting in detours that could add five hours onto some motorists' travels. NSW Police say the male rider was travelling with a group of other motorcyclists around 1:20pm when he crashed onto the road at Rock Flat, 20 kilometres south of Cooma.
Program: Legacy of Southern Cloud aviation disaster remains
The mystery of the Southern Cloud, a small plane that went missing in 19-31 with eight people on board, gripped the nation for nearly three-decades, until the wreck was found by chance. And as the country's first major aviation disaster, it changed aviation in ways we take for granted to this day.
The Snowy Mountains mystery of the Southern Cloud aviation disaster
The mystery of the Southern Cloud gripped the nation for almost three decades. The small plane took flight for a scheduled trip between Sydney and Melbourne on March 21, 1931, before seemingly vanishing into thin air. The eight people on board were never heard from again, and initial search efforts involving 20 aircraft failed to find any trace of the plane. The Southern Cloud was among a fleet of 20 planes operated by Kingsford and Smith in the early 1930s.
Former student torched Eden school over claims of historical child sexual abuse
Steele Wilson has been sentenced to more than four years behind bars over the 2024 Eden Marine High School firebombing Judge Nicole Noman told the Bega District Court Wilson planned the attack after disclosing he had been "exposed to childhood sexual abuse at the premises". Wilson will be eligible for parole in November 2027.
Search underway for swimmer missing at Werri Beach on NSW south coast
A search is underway for a man who has gone missing while swimming off the New South Wales south coast. Authorities were called to Werri Beach, near Kiama, about 3:20pm on Sunday after reports a man had failed to return after a swim at the beach. The man is believed to be aged in his 20s. NSW Police officers and water police crews are on the scene, alongside ambulance paramedics and Surf Life Saving NSW (SLS). A helicopter has been deployed to assist with the search.
Hikers found after 24-hour rescue mission in Snowy Mountains in Australia Original
By Isla Evans, ABC Two hikers have been rescued during a complex 24-hour mission in remote terrain in the Snowy Mountains, which involved crews navigating 350-metre cliffs. The two young women were hiking in the New South Wales back country at Watsons Crags when they became stranded on a ledge on Tuesday evening and called for help.
Rescuers abseil down 350-metre cliff to reach hikers stranded in alps
Two hikers have been rescued during a complex 24-hour mission in remote terrain in the Snowy Mountains that involved crews taking on 350-metre cliffs. The two young women were hiking in New South Wales back country at Watsons Crags when they found themselves stranded on a ledge on Tuesday evening, and subsequently called for help.
Snowy 2.0 defends timeline as it launches new $75 million machine amid cost blowout review
Snowy Hydro says the Snowy 2.0 renewable energy project is on track to deliver power by the end of 2028, but is remaining tight-lipped about how much additional money it needs. The project announced further cost blowouts beyond its $12 billion budget last year, and is undergoing a review before the company is set to ask the federal government for more money. Snowy 2.0's costs have already blown out by $10 billion, and the start date has been repeatedly pushed back.
Simple advice by off-duty ambo saved life of mountain biker in NSW Snowy Mountains
John Lohmann considers himself "the luckiest man alive". The 64-year-old was on a mountain biking trip in the New South Wales Snowy Mountains on New Year's Eve, when he fell over the handlebars and crashed headfirst into a large rock. "I heard an almighty crack," Brisbane resident Mr Lohmann said. "And then there was a lot of pain … I just laid there. I didn't want to move." John Lohmann (right) with his family in Kosciuszko National Park.
Campers told to reconsider travel as severe wet weather lashes NSW south coast
Campers and travellers have begun to leave or change travel plans for the NSW south coast with severe weather forecast to continue battering the region across the weekend. A severe weather warning of heavy rain and damaging wind is in place for the state's south coast and parts of the Illawarra, Southern Tablelands and Snowy Mountains. The town of Eden on the NSW far south coast was badly hit on Thursday night, when the first of the storms made landfall.
Teenager rescued in NSW Snowy Mountains after going missing on running camp Original
By Isla Evans and Floss Adams, ABC News Bohdi Jackson was meant to run a simple 8 kilometres on Tuesday morning. Instead, he took a wrong turn and ended up travelling nearly 50km through the rugged terrain of the NSW Snowy Mountains. It sparked a seven-hour search effort, unbeknown to the 17-year-old. "I just wanted to go home and have a choccy milk," he said.
Nudists bare all - ABC listen
Millions of Australians head to the beach over summer kitted out in board shorts, bikinis or budgie smugglers. But a smaller group will swim wearing nothing at all. 50 years on from the opening of Australia's first nude beach, naturists say they're still fighting to keep misconceptions at bay.
The nudists baring it all to address misconceptions about naked beach culture
Shazz Weaver loves to get her kit off. "It's about being me, in my body, free and being able to experience the world around me with nothing blocking anything," the Australian Naturist Federation (ANF) president said. "I don't wear designer clothing, I wear my birthday suit, and I'm very proud of that." Readers are advised this story contains images of nudity. As a naturist, or nudist, Ms Weaver is part of a community of people who prefer to go without clothing.
Budding musicians on NSW far south coast create songs about First Nations culture
The vocals are recorded in a cupboard, there is a drum kit in the bedroom and the lounge room is a makeshift studio. A house at Merimbula on the NSW far south coast has been turned into a music studio for three days so a group of First Nations teenagers could create songs about cultural connection. For high school student Peter Longbottom, the experience of writing, recording and producing music for a week in has been a first. "I think it's pretty cool.
Budding musicians on NSW far south coast create songs about First Nations culture
'Now it's almost embarrassing': Americans on living in Australia under Trump 2.0 Lauren (not her real name) used to speak with an American accent. It would constantly start conversations about United States politics — far from her …
NAUb_ssIndigenousRap_1412 - ABC listen
A house at Merimbula on the NSW far south coast has been turned into a music studio for three days so a group of First Nations teenagers could create songs about cultural connection.
Barnaby Joyce's defection to One Nation gets mixed reviews from his electorate
His political career is as colourful as they come in Australian politics: from an affair with a staffer that inspired the Coalition's infamous "bonk ban" to a clash with Hollywood heavyweight Johnny Depp. But Barnaby Joyce has retained the affection of voters in his home electorate of New England, which he holds with a very safe margin of 17 per cent.
No summer break for Aussie athletes with sights set on 2026 Winter Olympics
At a time when many Australians are flocking to the beach to start their summer holidays, Tess Coady is dreaming of snow. "I probably haven't had a full summer since I was 13, which is kind of crazy," the Olympic bronze medallist said. The snowboarder is aiming for athletic greatness again at the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in Italy, which are just two months away.
Snowy Mountains farmers call for support in managing spread of invasive weed African lovegrass
Landholders in the NSW Snowy Mountains are calling for more support to help manage the weed African lovegrass. The invasive species has been taking over pastures and choking out native grasslands since it started spreading in the region half a century ago. A local action group wants farmers to be able to develop individual farm management plans, arguing current laws incentivise landholders to let the weed spread.
'Brumby Bill' recognising heritage value of wild horses to be scrapped in NSW
A bill to repeal controversial laws recognising the heritage value of wild horses in Kosciuszko National Park has been passed by the NSW parliament overnight. The Invasive Species Council says the move, which removes protections for the horses, is an "incredible victory for nature". The existing management plan to retain 3,000 wild horses in the park will remain in force until mid-2027. A NSW law recognising the heritage value of wild horses in Kosciuszko National Park will be scrapped.
Landholders demand support to eliminate invasive weed
There's little to love about African lovegrass.The invasive weed chokes out native pasture and burns so fiercely that it is a major concern for firefighters. It's particularly bad in the Monaro region of New South Wales, where landholders are calling for more support.
Fifth person charged with murder over fatal Bega stabbing denied bail
A fifth person has been charged with murder over the stabbing death of a Nowra man on the NSW far south coast in October. Serkan Hosoglu, 48, was arrested on Sunday afternoon at the South East Regional Hospital. He was charged with murder and causing grievous bodily harm to a person with intent to murder, and has been refused bail. Gordon Kessey was found fatally stabbed in a Bega park on October 6, following what police described as a "violent altercation" between two groups known to each other.
Court hears accused said 'I'm going to kill you' during alleged backyard murder
Four people have been charged with murder over the stabbing death of Gordon Kessey on the NSW south coast in October. Warning: This story contains details that some readers may find confronting. Kody Lloyd, 29, 32-year-old Dion Lloyd, 34-year-old Benjamin Keith Robinson, and 19-year-old Litisha Mundy faced a bail court via audio-visual link on Friday charged with murder.
Police search Bega wetlands for knife used in fatal stabbing of Gordon Kessey
Police are searching for a knife believed to have been discarded after a fatal stabbing in Bega nearly six weeks ago. Investigations are continuing into the death of Gordon Kessey, who was stabbed during a violent group altercation on October 6. Authorities have re-appealed for public information as investigations into the death continue.
Snowy Monaro councillor Andrew Thaler disqualified after third misconduct suspension
A Snowy Monaro councillor is set to be disqualified from holding civic office for five-years, after being handed a third consecutive period of suspension from local government. The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure handed Andrew Thaler his third three-month ban from his Snowy Monaro Regional Council role on Wednesday, over breaches of conduct.
Suspected arson attack on Bega home, weeks after fatal stabbing on same street
An investigation is underway after house was destroyed by a suspicious fire in Bega overnight. A man was fatally stabbed during a '"violent altercation" metres away from the home earlier this month. No-one has been arrested over the stabbing death, as police investigations into both matters continue. A suspicious fire has destroyed a home on the NSW far south coast, just metres away from where a man was fatally stabbed two weeks ago.
Skiers prepare for Winter Paralympics
Just like the hunt for the perfect wave drives many surfers to travel the world, the search for an ideal winter slope does the same for those who chase their thrills on skis and snowboards. And while the Australian snow season may have wrapped up for another year – training is ramping up for those aspiring to represent this country at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games to be held in Italy next March. Featured: Georgia Gunew, alpine skier Ethan Jackson, guide Ali Bombardier, head coach
Alpine skier has limited vision, endless determination in Games quest
Georgia Gunew is all too familiar with the combination of adrenaline, excitement and nerves that come with skiing at high speeds down mountains. The fact she has a blind spot in the centre of her vision and sees in "low resolution" makes it all the more challenging. "Sometimes I do feel apprehensive, you can be a little bit nervous," the professional slalom skier said.
Suspects involved in Bega stabbing death still at large, as police say chainsaw did not wound anyone
Police say the suspects involved in a "violent confrontation" which resulted in the death of a man on the NSW far south coast are still at large. A second man was hospitalised following the fight between a number of people, one of whom was carrying a chainsaw. However, South Coast Police District Chief Inspector Shane Jessep said the 43-year-old man whose body was found in a park at East Street in Bega about 2am on Monday is believed to have been stabbed.
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