Tim Fookes
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ABC Central West NSW. Views are my own.
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Articles by Tim Fookes
'Surreal' feeling as snow falls in March across parts of New South Wales Original
By Lani Oataway and Tim Fookes, ABC The Southern Hemisphere is still in the first month of autumn, but snow is already falling in parts of New South Wales. Temperatures have dropped to single digits across much of south-eastern Australia, with some areas in the Central and Southern Tablelands and Snowy Mountains plunging below zero. Property owners in the regions of Orange and Millthorpe woke this morning to snow falling on their lawns.
Drugs with estimated street value of $1.45 million seized in traffic stop
Police say they have seized drugs with an estimated street value of almost $1.5 million from a vehicle during a traffic stop on a New South Wales highway. Police said the 22-year-old male driver was stopped by Highway Patrol officers at 12:40am on Saturday on the Pacific Highway at Nabiac, on the state's Mid North Coast. It is alleged the man tested positive for cocaine following a roadside drug test.
Two dead after separate road accidents in regional New South Wales
A man has died after the vehicle he was driving was hit by a detached trailer in central west New South Wales. NSW Police say the four-wheel drive the 33-year-old was driving was hit by the runaway trailer on the Newell Highway at Tomingley, south of Narromine, at 6:30pm on Friday. He was treated by paramedics but died at the scene. Police say the trailer had detached from a ute travelling in the opposite direction.
Molly Ticehurst's former partner pleads guilty to her murder
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Police officer allegedly tasered during arrest in Bathurst, NSW
A police officer has suffered minor injuries after allegedly being tasered while attempting to carry out an arrest in Bathurst, New South Wales. Police said officers from the Chifley Police District arrested a 39-year-old man on Friday on two warrants for property-related matters. The accused was taken to Bathurst Hospital for overnight observation after receiving minor injuries during the arrest.
Man taken to hospital after explosions during fire at scrap metal yard
Explosions during a trailer fire at a scrap metal yard in Lithgow have rattled nearby windows and left one person in hospital. Emergency services were alerted to the blaze on Inch Street just before 7:50am on Tuesday. Residents took to social media to say they felt the explosions, described as a big bang. As firefighters worked to contain the blaze, those living in the area were told to keep their windows and vents shut due to the amount of smoke.
Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council cleared of wrongdoing but will review its procedures
An Aboriginal Land Council in central New South Wales says an independent review has cleared it of any wrongdoing, but it has vowed to implement a raft of recommendations to improve transparency. Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council (OLALC) ordered the review after allegations of misconduct were raised by members, which included nepotism and financial mismanagement. In April, more than 40 people signed a petition of no confidence in executive staff and called for an investigation.
Officer allegedly stabbed while arresting man riding without helmet
Two police officers are recovering after allegedly being attacked while attempting to apprehend a man in southern New South Wales. The two officers tried to stop a man who was riding a bicycle without a helmet in the Wagga Wagga suburb of Kooringal on Friday afternoon. Police allege the 31-year-old man punched and stabbed a female officer in the arm with a screwdriver during the incident on Cutler Avenue. The officer suffered cuts, bruising, a small puncture wound and a fractured finger.
Pilot breached regulations with Bathurst 1000 flight in damaged plane, ATSB finds
A pilot who damaged a light aircraft during a Bathurst 1000 motorsport event and then flew over spectators breached safety restrictions, an investigation has found. The aerobatic Extra EA 300-LT aircraft touched down on the track on the morning of the race in December last year to deliver the trophy, but the tail hit a concrete barrier while the aircraft was reversing.
Australian wool industry slump will not deter these young growers
Australian wool production is forecast to drop to its lowest level in 100 years. The Australian Wool Production Forecasting Committee (AWPFC) has predicted a 12 per cent drop in production for the 2024–25 financial year to less than 280 million kilograms. Production has not been that low since 1920–21. The bleak forecast hasn't dampened the spirits of 23-year-old Miranda McGufficke, a fifth-generation wool grower on the Monaro.
Christmas cherry prices could be higher as growers count cost of storm damage
Cherry growers estimate crops in NSW and Victoria have been cut by a third thanks to prolonged storms over the past two weeks. Some NSW growers have abandoned between 30 to 50 per cent of their fruit due to weather damage.
Push to get more people in regional Australia into electric vehicles - ABC listen
Sales of electric vehicles are soaring in this country, with figures out showing that 85,000 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles were sold in Australia in the first three quarters of the year. That's a 17% increase on the same period last year with sales particularly strong in the cities. However, it's a lot harder to get those in regional areas into electric vehicles due to concerns over how far you can travel given the distances between towns, range anxiety and the costs involved.
Tullamore's Fiona Aveyard on farming and the changing face of our farming communities - ABC listen
Fiona Aveyard grew up on the family farm at Tullamore in centrla west New South Wales, and remembers spending her childhood in what was then a bustling farming community. After several years living overseas, Fiona found herself lured back to the farm where she's settled down with her family/ She's started her own lamb business and recently became a Nuffield Scholar.
Hazelnut growers use robotic dogs to scare birds and boost domestic production
A roboticdog that walks its way through orchards to scare off birds is one idea being used by Australia's hazelnut growers to boost production, and popularity, of the nut in Australia. Bird attacks on tree nuts cost growers millions of dollars in lost production every year. The hazelnut industry is working with experts at Charles Sturt University to introduce the four-legged robot dogs as part of a program to prevent birds attacking nuts in trees.
Fanny Lumsden touring the country’s halls - ABC listen
Since growing up on a farm at Tallimba, a community near West Wyalong, Fanny Lumsden has become a household name right across the country. She’s best known for her songs ‘Bravest of Hearts’, ‘Land of Gold’ and ‘Great Divide’, singing about life on the land, and her experience of growing up and living in Australia. Falling in love with the unique experience of playing music in country halls, Fanny has curated a tour around playing at the community centrepieces.
Laura’s unintentional safe space in the heart of Dubbo - ABC listen
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Laura Portelli has been a self-proclaimed nerd for all of her life. She lives with a range of neurodivergent conditions — including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression — and knows firsthand the isolation that often comes with these compounded in a regional setting. But Ms Portelli has come up with a way to keep that isolation at bay. She has owned Total Tabletop — a game store on the main street of Dubbo — for more than a year.
By Tim Fookes Verified, Emily Middleton Verified
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Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Verified
The Wiggles changed the way children listened to music - ABC listen
In the 1990s, the Australian music scene was introduced to a boy band of a different sort - The Wiggles. They transformed the way children listened to and got involved in music, and all these years later, those kids have turned into parents themselves and another generation is growing up with Hot Potato, Fruit Salad and Rock-a-bye Your Bear.
A paddock-to-plate dream for two mates
Serving customers paddock-to-plate meat in a rural community has become a way of life for two mates. But there was a slight hitch at first. One was a city lad.
William Wilson has the dream job - ABC listen
It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it. William Wilson has been in the wine industry for the past three decades, spending the latter half of his career as the International Convention and Exhibition Centre's resident sommelier. Hailing from Glasgow in Scotland, his journey to how he's become one of the best wine connoisseurs in the country has been quite remarkable. ABC’s Tim Fookes caught up with William and spoke about his journey in the world of wine.
Breathalysers move from the roadside to the paddock to measure cow burps and battle emissions
The agriculture industry is the third largest source of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions, however, new technology could help cattle farmers reduce their impact by "breathalysing" their herds. Livestock accounts for around 70 per cent of the agricultural greenhouse gas emissions in New South Wales. Most of it comes from the methane produced in digestion and burped out by cattle, sheep and goats.
Roving reporter and autism activist Justin Omrod - ABC listen
Justin Omrod is known as a roving reporter in the Central West. Justin lives with autism and has taken on a role with Live Better's marketing and communications team speaking to patients, clients, members of Live Better about what they do. You’ll often find him in a suit, with a microphone in hand, and he wants to hear more honest conversations about what it's like to live with autism. He's becoming quite the media star, especially after creating the podcast 'As We Speak'.
From dead animal to work of art
When you drive past dead wildlife on the side of the road, most of us wouldn't think about stopping to pick it up. But for Blue Mountains resident Robyn Austin, looking for dead birds and animals is all part of a day's work. Story by Tim Fookes with additional production by Jacob Round.
Intravenous fluid shortage forcing vets across Australia to ration supply, rethink surgeries
Vets around the country are rationing their use of IV fluids amid a regional shortage. The fluid is vital to the day-to-day operations of a vet clinic. Several companies are working to import unregistered IV fluids into the Australian market. Veterinary surgeons and clinics fear a supply shortage of essential intravenous fluids will lead to animal deaths. The shortage, also being felt in hospitals, is forcing vets to ration the product and limit their services.
The vinyl lover with 200,000 records in his collection
While many Australians were throwing out their record collections as CDs rose to prominence, some were doubling down on vinyl. A former record dealer has revealed his collection contains 200,000 albums. He says demand is up and prices are strong as a new generation discovers the format. Featured: Jon Ordon, record collector Rachel Mealey: While many Australians were throwing out their record collections as CDs rose to prominence, some were doubling down on vinyl.
Vanessa Vasquez on what drove her to create Birds in the Bush - ABC listen
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Vanessa Vazquez is a solicitor based in Orange and often witnesses the product of domestic violence cases. She has seen first hand the need for change in the Central West, which drove her to create Birds in the Bush. Birds in Bush seeks to empower the community with knowledge around domestic violence and what women can do to protect themselves. Vanessa is the driver behind the fundraising and advocacy movement, and she spoke to ABC's Tim Fookes on the Saturday profile.
By Tim Fookes Verified, Emily Middleton Verified
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Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Verified
She’s a story teller of history, life, and heartfelt children’s books - ABC listen
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From a children's picture book author to a podcastor, audiobook narrator, and even a radio presenter, Katrina Roe is the definition of multi-talented. Reigning from country New South Wales, Katrina has spent a bit of time in the central west. She is the creator of Australia's Invisible History podcast with her father-in-law, Dr Paul Roe, The Outback Historian.
By Tim Fookes Verified, Emily Middleton Verified
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Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Verified
Hobby beekeepers launch Varroa Warriors, work with scientists in battle against bee-killing mite
In short: Varroa mite has spread throughout NSW since it was first detected at the Port of Newcastle in 2022. A couple of amateur beekeepers in Orange have launched a support group called the Varroa Warriors to discuss organic ways of treating their hives. What's next? Federal and state authorities are working together with the expectation varroa mite will continue to spread across the country. Shelby Ashelford and Julia Hutabarat just might be a bee's best friends.
One half is from one of the biggest country music familes, and the other from a tiny Central West village - ABC listen
They’re both household names who have topped charts and become some of the most recognisable country music artists in Australia. Tania Kernaghan hails from one of the great Australian country music families, while Jason Owen hails from Albert - a tiny central west village. Tania and Jason have formed quite the duo in recent years and they're about to tour the central west with their Let Your Love Flow concert. The duo spoke to Tim Fookes for the Saturday Profile.
Two friends bought the only butcher shop left in Canowindra to realise their paddock-to-plate dream
Wal Stranger and Max Benaud never planned to own a butcher shop. Growing up on a property at Canowindra, in central-west New South Wales, Wal moved away for several years working on feedlots, stations and as a meat export trader in Sydney. It was there that he met fellow trader Max Benaud who also just happened to be a trained butcher.
The mates who unexpectedly found themselves owning the only butcher shop left in town
Corporate mates Wal Stranger and Max Benaud never planned to own a butcher shop. But it was a love of meat and livestock that led the 20-somethings into a world of retail that was new to them. Powered by the Echo RSS Plugin by CodeRevolution.
This self proclaimed bird nerd loves to look out for birds and butterflies in the bush - ABC listen
Tiffany Mason is a self proclaimed 'bird nerd'. Hailing from the UK, Tiffany is an ecologist who loves nothing better than getting out into the bush, into woodlands, looking for - and listening to - birds, butterflies and insects. Her love for nature has seen her take up a role with the Biodiversity Conservation Trust where she works with landholders.
From regional NSW to the world stage: How Gamilaraay man Mitch Tambo keeps his culture alive - ABC listen
Mitch Tambo first stunned the nation when he performed an incredible Gamilaraay version of the John Farnham classic 'You're the Voice'. Since then, his music, performance, and pride in his Indigenous culture has seen him become a real inspiration across Australia. From growing up in regional NSW to making it to the world stage, Mitch hopes to keep singing and to keep the Gamilaraay language alive.
Why this chef says our tastebuds are missing out if we don't cook with fresh native ingredients
Jack Brown loves walking through a garden to look for anything that is edible. The Indigenous chef is on a mission to get more native Australian ingredients used in everyday cooking. Mr Brown, who is trained in traditional French cuisine, believes Australians aren't making the most of the ingredients on offer. "We have all of this beautiful produce available to us," he said.
Childhood car accident fuels Orange-Cabonne road safety officer's fight to reduce driver fatigue
Andrea Hamilton-Vaughan was six years' old when her father fell asleep behind the wheel of the family car. In the crash that followed, Ms Hamilton-Vaughan and her sister Deborah were thrown through the windscreen. She remembers lying in the middle of the road metres away from her sister, and a truck driver arriving at the scene. "My father had a car on top of him. My mother was in dire straits, but I don't remember that part," Ms Hamilton-Vaughan said.
Looming 3G network shutdown raises questions for customers already experiencing drop outs, black spots
In short: The 3G mobile network will be shut down completely in Australia this year. Residents in rural and remote areas are worried about losing phone service. What's next? Telstra is confident its customers will still be able to make calls after the June 30 shut off as 3G towers are upgraded to 4G. Promises of the same, if not better service are failing to convince some rural landholders as Australia's 3G network is progressively shut down.
Near-death experience as a child leads into a lifelong passion to make our roads safer - ABC listen
Andrea Hamilton-Vaughan went from a life of travelling the world to becoming one of the country's strongest advocates for road safety. At the age of six, she was thrown through the windscreen of a car in a road accident that would lead to a lifetime of trying to improve driver behaviour. Now Road Safety Coordinator for Orange and Cabonne councils, in central western NSW, she is determined to bring down the road toll. Andrea Hamilton-Vaughan spoke with Saturday Breakfast presenter Tim Fookes.
Veteran snake catcher forced to retire after another eastern brown bite leaves him in intensive care
In short: Paul Newcombe was bitten by an eastern brown snake during a call out He was in intensive care after the venom spread rapidly through his body. What's next? As Mr Newcombe recovers, he has decided to retire as a snake catcher after thirty years. Paul Newcombe has spent the last four years wanting to retire as a snake catcher. But it was an incident with an eastern brown he was trying to catch that finally forced him to give up the job he loved.
Farmer says virtual fencing ‘appropriate’, but RSPCA says electric shock causes ‘acute stress’ to animals
Momentum is growing in one of Australia’s largest cattle-producing states to overturn a ban on virtual fencing technology. However, a peak animal welfare charity says using electric shocks to train animals raises significant ethical and animal welfare concerns. Powered by the Echo RSS Plugin by CodeRevolution.
Farmer says virtual fencing 'appropriate', but RSPCA says electric shock causes 'acute stress' to animals
Momentum is growing in one of Australia's largest cattle-producing states to overturn a ban on virtual fencing technology. The legislation restricts the use of virtual fencing in NSW, Victoria, SA, NT and ACT, with exceptions for research purposes RSPCA is opposed to using devices that provide an electric shock to animals CSIRO researcher says welfare impact of virtual fencing is minimal, but more research is needed Virtual fencing is the containment of animals without fixed fences.
Veteran snake catcher wants new generation to take over NSW job but there's not a lot of interest
After more than three decades of catching snakes, Paul Newcombe is ready to retire. But he can't due to the lack of younger people wanting to take over. After going to the rescue of countless residents and businesses in and around Forbes, in the New South Wales central west, for the past 30 years, it's a job he's unable to stop doing. "If someone rings to say there's a snake in their daughter's bedroom, I can't just say, 'No, I'm not coming'," Mr Newcombe said.
'Grave concerns' for endangered Macquarie Perch as deadly EHN virus confirmed in the NSW central west
A fish virus that causes organ failure has been confirmed as the culprit behind a string of fish deaths in the central west of New South Wales.
Candle-making hobby grows into fully fledged business for Quandialla farming mum Sarah Ryan
When Sarah Ryan moved back to Quandialla, in Central West New South Wales, she knew she didn't want to spend her days out with the sheep on the farm. Sarah grew up in the small community and — like many others — had moved away to the city. "I ended up back home and married a man from down the road," she said. "I didn't want to work on the land, I wasn't interested in the farm stuff when I was growing up.
Candle-making hobby grows into thriving business for farming mum
Sarah Ryan lives on a 1,200-hectare sheep farm, but she prefers being indoors, living out her dream of making candles. What started out as a hobby has grown into a fully fledged company. Powered by the Echo RSS Plugin by CodeRevolution.
Photographer captures beauty of tiny creatures that keep soil healthy
Soil ecologist Frank Ashwood starting taking macro photographs of the life in UK soil as a COVID project. He has since come to Australia to see what is here. Powered by the Echo RSS Plugin by CodeRevolution.
UK soil ecologist Frank Ashwood photographs tiny creatures on Australian farms
It seems incredible, but half the world's animals live in the soil, and ecologist Frank Ashwood has been photographing them.
Farmers warn pausing plans for Australia’s longest tunnel will affect food prices
The 11km tunnel would ease transport costs, saving trucks from traffic lights, congestion and frequent crashes, farmers say. Powered by the Echo RSS Plugin by CodeRevolution.
Farmers say shelving a road tunnel through the Blue Mountains could lead to higher food prices
Farmers have warned the decision to shelve what was to be Australia's longest tunnel through the Blue Mountains could lead to higher food prices.
Three people stabbed, two arrested after incident in central west NSW
A second person has been charged after three people were hospitalised with stab wounds during an incident at a house in central west New South Wales. Emergency services were called to Rankin Street in Forbes early on Sunday morning after reports of an argument. A 32-year-old woman was airlifted to Orange with critical injuries, while a 50-year-old man suffered serious injuries. Another victim, a 51-year-old man, is in a stable condition. A 22-year-old man was arrested on Monday.
Southern pygmy perch released into Oolong Creek at Dalton years after chance discovery
About 200 endangered southern pygmy perch have been relocated to a creek in NSW's Southern Tablelands, years after two teenagers made a surprise discovery in their local creek.
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