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Articles by Sandra Moon
Young voters in Indi share how Helen Haines has inspired them
Sarah Krieg and Sandra Moon Helen Haines is more than just a local politician to Indi resident Frankie Carroll. In the wake of the tragic attack on their local MP, Carroll put pen to paper. In a series of comics that are gaining traction on social media, the young queer artist shares a powerful, personal account of their experience with Ms Haines.
Young voters in Indi share how Helen Haines has inspired them
Helen Haines is more than just a local politician to Indi resident Frankie Carroll. In the wake of the tragic attack on their local MP, Carroll put pen to paper. In a series of comics that are gaining traction on social media, the young queer artist shares a powerful, personal account of their experience with Ms Haines. "Helen Haines has not only made me feel heard, valued and safe, but hopeful in a political climate of fearmongering and useless culture wars," they write.
Program: Victorian firefighters hit the ground running in US deployment
Coming off the back of a dangerous and destructive fire season in Victoria, you could understand if our local firefighters wanted to have a break. But as parts of Spain, France, the US and Canada burn in horrific fire conditions, our emergency services personnel are putting their hands up to help out. Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV) has deployed 24 staff to the United States to assist, as part of reciprocal firefighting arrangements.
Dashcam footage shows fires flaring up on north-east Victorian roadsides
Firefighters are cautioning drivers to be wary of mechanical faults in their vehicles after dashcam vision showed fires starting by a roadside in north-east Victoria. A passing truck has been blamed for the fire that quickly spread to a series of blazes along Yackandandah-Myrtleford Road in Mudgegonga, south of Wodonga on Wednesday. Glen Turner, who was driving along the road, captured dashcam footage and said he initially saw small smoke spots on the road, not long after a truck passed him.
Almost six years since his first fence-building mission to the Upper Murray, Jamie Wolf is working on another huge recovery effort
As the Upper Murray smouldered in the wake of the 2019-20 Black Summer fires, a group of volunteers headed into the hills to help farmers rebuild. Supported by generous donations from the community, an army of volunteers rebuilt kilometres of fences for those who'd been burnt out. Just over six years later, Wodonga army veteran, Jamie Wolf, has found himself re-booting group's website and social media, as the clean-up from devastating blazes in Victoria's north-east gets underway.
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Daytime clubbing grows in popularity as dance venues cater to older patrons
Daytime clubbing for over-30s is taking hold across regional Australia. Night venues are opening during the day to allow clubbers to get to bed by 9pm. Venue operators say there are benefits to thinking outside the box. On a Saturday afternoon at a pub in Albury, people are lining up for a more unique clubbing experience than what is typically offered in regional Australia. They're hitting the dance floor in daylight hours so they can be back home and in bed at a reasonable time.
"Try to forgive each other's reactions", trauma expert says as Porepunkah manhunt continues
It's been a confronting couple of weeks for locals in the north east of Victoria, whether you're in and around the search area, or listening in from afar. Alleged police-killer Dezi Freeman remains on the run in the High Country, with hundreds of police still in the area, and a million-dollar reward on offer for information leading to his arrest.
Quilter Yvonne Line's work honoured by her brother in exhibition Threads of Life
After 60 years of quilting, Yvonne Line has closed her sewing kit for the last time. Alzheimer's disease has taken crucial parts of her memory, including large parts of her quilting skill set. Determined to make sure her work isn't forgotten, Line's brother has transformed her quilts into an art installation. Internationally renowned Victorian quilter Yvonne Line is known for her cutting-edge and sometimes rule-bending works.
10 more regional Victorian courts to shut doors on non-sitting days
Courts across Victoria are closing to the public on days without scheduled hearings, prompting concerns about access to justice in regional communities. This week another 10 courthouses switched to remote registry services on non-sitting days as part of the third phase of a Magistrates' Court of Victoria (MCV) pilot, which began last year.
Could you lift twice your body weight? This powerlifter can - and he's got the medals to prove it - ABC listen
Could you lift twice your own body weight? Jack Carroll can - and does - on a regular basis. The border local has just returned from the IPF Worlds Classic Open Powerlifting Championships in Germany with a swag of gold medals. Jack, and his dad Phil, spoke with the ABC's Sandra Moon about the recent trip, and how the Special Olympics competitor made it to the top of his sport.
Glee at big snow dump as Victorian alpine resorts report best start to ski season in years
Victoria's alpine resorts are reporting their best start to the ski season in years. Overnight, Falls Creek received 37 centimetres of fresh snow, while Mount Hotham welcomed a 28cm dump. "It's still coming down heavily today," Falls Creek's field marketing manager Betony Pitcher said on Wednesday. "The top-up has the resort looking amazing for the school holidays.
Proposal to build $1.3m giant pear in Shepparton to celebrate history
Victoria's Goulburn Valley is known as the food bowl of Australia, but it could soon be known as the home of the giant pear. A group of business leaders is advocating for a three-storey-high giant pear to be built in Shepparton to celebrate the region's proud horticultural history. Steering group chairperson and former fruit grower Rocky Varapodio said the giant pear would recognise the industry that helped shape the area in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Police investigate after vandals target Paradise Falls in north-east Victoria
Vandals have damaged a culturally significant waterfall in north-east Victoria. Local residents say they discovered the graffiti at Paradise Falls in the Alpine National Park on Sunday. Victoria Police is investigating and appealing for witnesses to come forward. Vandals have damaged a culturally significant waterfall in north-east Victoria, spraying it with graffiti. Paradise Falls in the Alpine National Park is about three and a half hours north of Melbourne.
GPs warn of earlier than usual 'severe' flu season in Australia
Doctors say now is the best time to get a flu shot amid a surge in influenza cases across Australia. The number of lab-confirmed flu cases recorded nationally between January and March this year was 59 per cent higher than the same time last year, according to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). RACGP president Michael Wright said the increase indicated an early start to the flu season.
Anger over disposal of Euroa bird flu waste in outbreak-free Victorian town
Dead birds, eggs and soil from the bird flu outbreak at Euroa are being buried at Agriculture Victoria's Rutherglen Research Facility. The local mayor has raised concern over Agriculture Victoria's decision to move the contaminated materials outside the controlled area. Indigo Shire Council has request better communication from Agriculture Victoria going forward.
Triple-0 calls spike in hot weather and latest heatwave has Vic, NSW and SA authorities on alert
Health services already affected by hot weather are warning residents about the dangers of heat-related illness as scorching conditions move across south-east Australia. The Bureau of Metrology (BOM) has issued severe heatwave warnings for South Australia, Victoria and NSW border regions. The BOM is forecasting above-average temperatures well into next week, with maximums in the high 30s to low 40s.
Colin didn't think twice before he ran to save his neighbour from her burning home. - ABC listen
If you saw a house on fire - would you run towards it? Rutherglen man Colin Foster would - and did - to save his neighbour from her burning home. When Colin's wife, Lorraine, noticed smoke coming from next door last October, the pair sprang into action. Lorraine called 000, while Colin ran to the house to make sure his neighbours were safe. One of them had made it out - the other was trapped in the bedroom, blinded by smoke.
Karen is retracing her ancestors' footsteps - without the bitter arguments and lifelong grudges - ABC listen
In November 1824, Hamilton Hume and William Hovell were resting on the banks of the Murray. They were on their way south, trying to be the first colonials to travel overland to Port Phillip Bay. It was a journey of bitter arguments and tough terrain, and the pair overshot their destination, ending up in Corio. 200 years later, one of the explorers' own descendants is retracing their steps. The ABC's Sandra Moon spoke with William Hovell's descendant, Karen Schmidt.
Compost, recycling and lots of worms: the perfect mix for sustainability - ABC listen
Corowa Public School has plenty of gardens, and plenty of volunteers to tend them. They're growing fresh produce and flowers all year round, and there's even a banana tree that's borne fruit. Students and staff have been working hard to get it all going, and their efforts have just been recognised with a national award. They've won the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation's Sustainable Solutions Award - and they're pleased as punch.
Peking Duk to play at Wangaratta school formal afterparty after student's 'lovely' cold call email
Kai McPhan never expected a response when he emailed DJ duo Peking Duk, asking them to play his school formal afterparty. The 15-year-old from Wangaratta in Victoria's north-east wrote to the pair to see if they would be available for next week's event. "I've got to host my formal afterparty … and was wondering if you guys could DJ!" the 15-year-old wrote.
New homes in this Victorian alpine region might not be approved until 2028
When Tom Courtice and Julliette Begg bought a block of land in the heart of Victoria's popular Alpine region two years ago, they had big plans to expand their small business. Their parcel of land sits on the established retail strip in Tawonga South, next door to a brewery, and on existing zoned land. Despite this, their development application to build a bakery and townhouses has been stalled, because the local water authority can't supply the water or sewerage services.
The most detailed plans to date for Albury's hospital redevelopment released by NSW Health Infrastructure
The redevelopment of Albury Hospital is in the spotlight again, with some new and more detailed plans for the site released earlier this week. A multi-storey carpark, a new mental health inpatient unit, and the layout of the clinical services building has been decided. But there are still some parts missing in action - with a helipad only featuring in the long term plans, and no certainty around how many carparks will be available on the completed site.
Milli watched trees 'surf' past her house in a 600,000-tonne landslide — then turned some of the dirt into souvenirs
When Milli Gunner saw dirt and trees "surf" down the mountain above her house, she didn't know just how much her life was about to change. It was October 2022, and a landslide was making its way down the mountain at Bogong Village in Victoria's Alpine region. "I find dirt really fascinating, just the colours of it and textures," she said. "So watching it just trickle down like a waterfall was quite mesmerising, but also scary because we didn't know the extent of it. Loading...
'If you shoot him, I'll shoot you': The hostage who made sure Ned Kelly survived his last stand
In short: A descendant of the Kelly gang is pushing for recognition for a police officer who helped to end the outlaws' time on the run. The Greta and Wallan cemetery trusts are working with the Police Historical Graves Committee to honour Constable Hugh Bracken. What's next? The groups hope to unveil a memorial plaque on the 125th anniversary of Constable Bracken's death.
Rotary volunteers stranded after Air Vanuatu collapse offered luxury cruise home as P&O comes to the rescue
In short: A group of young Australian volunteers stranded on Tanna Island following the collapse of Air Vanuatu have been offered a way home. Earlier this month, Air Vanuatu grounded its fleet and was put into voluntary liquidation, with the company facing debts totalling $110 million. What's next? The volunteers, from Hive Rotary Club, will now catch a charter flight back to Port Vila and a cruiseliner back to Australia.
Private Ben Whitehouse was just 16 when he died in France - but his descendants have only just discovered the full story of how he ended up there
On April 25th, we remember the soldiers who went to war, and the futures they were robbed of – but what about those who hadn’t even made it to adulthood? Hundreds of “boy soldiers” lied about their ages to join up, and never made it home. The only photo that remains of Ben Whitehouse is the size of a fingernail. He’s wearing his freshly pressed army uniform, looking as serious as a teenager can, not knowing the horrors he would soon face on the battlefields of World War 1.
Giving everyone a chance to get a hot meal, no matter the circumstances - ABC listen
Picture this: it's midday at St Stephens Uniting Church in Wodonga... the tables are set with tablecloths and crockery... the smell of a Mongolian stew is wafting around the room... and there's plenty of chatter bubbling out of the kitchen. That's the situation each Tuesday - when Uniting and Fernbank collaborate to put on Food Without Barriers. It's an open invitation for the community - with a pay-what-you-can system ensuring everyone can access a hot meal.
Stigma, lack of resources stopping regional patients from accessing eating disorder support
Did you know that only one in three people suffering from an eating disorder actually reach out for support? It's a big issue in your part of the world... and local health services have addressed the issue at a roundtable discussion. Their focus is on raising awareness, and improving access - to support and resources for people battling these mental illnesses, and their loved ones.
What do you do if you find a toad-ally unwelcome guest? - ABC listen
We all know there's nothing worse than an unwanted guest, but what if that guest could harm your pet, native wildlife or even you? A recent hitchhiker to Albury had the capacity to do just that - a juvenile cane toad! Luckily it was found before escaping into the region. The ABC's Sandra Moon spoke with Cam Odewahn from Murray Local Land Services about the surprise discovery.
After more than 50 swift-water rescues in Victoria this week, why do people keep driving into floods?
As part of Victoria mops up from another flood event, the State Emergency Service is again warning people not to drive through floodwaters, with volunteers performing more than 50 swift-water rescues during last week's floods.
Calls for tourism support as floodwaters recede in parts of Victoria and Shepparton residents await peak river level
As some communities across Victoria continue to mop up after recent flooding, people in Shepparton are still waiting to see when the Goulburn River will peak.
Phoenix Gothard was watching his best mate shake Geelong Cats legend Joel Selwood's hand - and he wasn't expecting what would happen next
An Albury football player's gone viral after a delightful shock on Monday night. Albury Tigers' Phoenix Gothard was picked at number 12 in the AFL Draft by Greater Western Sydney - straight after his good friend Connor O'Sullivan was picked up by the Geelong Cats at pick 11. Gothard had only attended night one of the draft to support O'Sullivan, but by chance, Phoenix's mum and sister decided to head along with him - and got to witness the life-changing moment.
How Harold Holt's successor overcame tragedy to carve out a political legacy
Did you know that Chiltern was home to a former Prime Minister? Sir John McEwen was born and raised there - his parents emigrated from Northern Ireland, living in the still-standing Mortimer's Lodge, and running a local business. Sir John went on to represent the north east of Victoria in federal parliament. He was prime minister for a short period too - following the disappearance of Harold Holt.
Why did the turtle cross the road - and how could you help if you saw one? - ABC listen
Why did the turtle cross the road? To get to the other side... to lay her eggs. November is Turtle Month, coinciding with the fact that turtles are on the move at the moment, heading onto dry land to lay their eggs. It's a pretty perilous journey - avoiding cars, predators and other risks posed by urban development. But you can help them make it safely. The ABC's Sandra Moon spoke to Sharleen Sharp from Turtles Albury Wodonga, and Associate Professor James Van Dyke from La Trobe University.
A girls-only trip to Antarctica for some of the world's brightest scientific minds - ABC listen
Dr Elizabeth Znidersic can usually be found in nature - and she's about to get a taste of the most extreme climate the world has to offer. The environmental researcher and ecologist is off to Antarctica as part of the Homeward Bound leadership program, where she'll work with dozens of other scientists to solve some of the biggest threats the earth is currently facing.
Chinese government tariff review giving winemakers hope for export future
It seems like millennia ago now that China slapped massive increases on tariffs for Australian wine sold in the country. November 2020 was when the Chinese government suddenly decided to put a tax of up to 200% on Australian wines in their domestic market - in a move to try and stop Chinese-made wines being dumped. The move was pretty devastating for winemakers - when all this went down, the Australian wine market was exporting around $1.2 billion of wine a year to China.
Alarm over unstable foundations at Albury hospital drives cracks in new $558m master plan
The organisation representing doctors and surgeons in Albury-Wodonga said it has "serious concerns" for patient safety after it emerged that parts of Albury hospital have been damaged by shifting foundations.
Harini grew up without her mum. She's one of 22 asylum seeker women walking 600km to Canberra with a message
Twenty-two women are walking more than 600 kilometres from Canberra to Melbourne to push for permanent protection visas for all asylum seekers living in limbo in Australia.
Bee careful - varroa mite will have big consequences if it spreads further
You've been hearing a lot about varroa mite in the news - but what does it mean for our everyday lives? Dr Jody Gerdts knows all about it - and she's been travelling the world to learn - including spending a month at France's National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment. Dr Gerdts spoke with the ABC's Sandra Moon to explain what varroa mite is, what it does, and what impact it could have in the long run.
Leaving the lights and sirens after four decades - ABC listen
Ambulance Victoria's Wodonga branch team leader Mike Fuery says some callouts will always stay with him. The paramedic has revealed he's retiring after 40 years of service, finishing up at the local branch in September. He says the goal - and the challenge - remains providing the rapidly expanding community with high level care. He spoke with the ABC's Sandra Moon about the highlights and difficulties of being a first responder.
States battle it out for hockey title - ABC Goulburn Murray
Some of the country's best hockey players will descend on Shepparton this weekend - for the national Country Championships. It all kicks off tomorrow morning, with the states doing battle over the next week. It's the second time the championships have been played in Shepparton, and the hockey community's excitement is palpable. The ABC's Sandra Moon spoke with Michael Van Dorsser from the Goulburn Valley Hockey Association. Credits Sandra Moon, Presenter Sarah Krieg, Producer Broadcast 6 hours ago
Honouring those who didn't make it home - ABC Goulburn Murray
Veterans have gathered at ceremonies across the country, to remember those who died, and to honour soldiers who weren't always welcomed with open arms when they returned home. 523 Australians died in the Vietnam War, with their bodies repatriated for burial in their home towns. ABC Goulburn Murray's Sandra Moon spoke with Kiewa RSL Secretary, Damien Lee - about some of the north east's fallen soldiers, including Tallangatta's James Duff, who was killed in action in 1971.
The unsung heroes of our inland waterways - ABC Goulburn Murray
If you live in a riverside town, you'll very well know the sight of river red gums standing tall by the water. But how much do you know about them? A new exhibition in Albury's planning to teach you a bit more about the gums, and how we can look after them - on some pretty small canvasses. The ABC's Sandra Moon spoke with Julie-Anne Harty from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment about why the quiet giants are a pillar of the river ecosystem.
The fight is real for Daniel Hately - and he's making sure nobody else has to go through it alone - ABC Goulburn Murray
Daniel Hately has fired up the BBQ in Corowa every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday for the last two months, all in the name of smashing the stigma around mental illness. After his own struggles with mental ill-health, Daniel founded charity "The Fight Is Real", and he's on a mission to spread the word, to men in particular, that they're not alone. Along the way, he's raised thousands of dollars for the Black Dog Institute, with support from the community and local businesses.
Murders most foul: the true crime stories of the Riverina Murray - ABC Goulburn Murray
Does the mention of the Pyjama Girl Mystery ring any bells? What about the story of the human glove? Author Michael Adams has put on his historical hat to pen a new book about some pretty grisly murders in the 1930s - including two well-known local crimes. "Murder Squad: How Australia's toughest cops hunted the monsters of the Great Depression" tells plenty of true crime stories, including two high-profile cases from the Riverina Murray region.
Harrietville's unique connection to nuclear disaster - ABC Goulburn Murray
A small town in the north east, and its connection to the Cold War, is the focal point of a new exhibition in town. In 1993, Harrietville opened its heart to 28 children suffering radiation sickness from exposure to the fallout of the Chernobyl nuclear power accident in 1986. A Harrietville local, and PhD student studying US nuclear policy, is keen to highlight this rare bit of history.
Getting into rehab on the front foot - ABC Goulburn Murray
Wangaratta residents struggling with addiction can now access better support - when it comes to getting help. Northeast Health Wangaratta's got a new inpatient bed dedicated to patients undertaking a planned and supervised detox from drugs and alcohol, to help them get back on track. It's got potential to improve long-term outcomes for those accessing rehabilitation services, by starting their treatment on the front foot.
Albury's Riverside Precinct opens after flood delays
You can get a whole new view of the Murray River in Albury, with the completion of the new Riverside Precinct at Hovell Tree Park. It's transformed more than a kilometre of river-front paths, making it more accessible, and opening up a world of possibilities. The ABC's Sarah Krieg spoke with David Costello, AlburyCity's Service Leader for City Landscapes and Kylie King, Mayor of Albury.
Numurkah community groups bringing showers to those in need
Rising cost of living is a well-worn phrase now, and when it comes to it, simple dignities like a shower can make all the difference. The Numurkah Community Learning Centre is partnering with the local Lions club, the aquatic centre and Moira Shire Council to offer essential facilities to those in need. The centre's manager, Deb Fowler, spoke with the ABC's Sandra Moon.
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