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Hannah Walsh
Hannah Walsh is a multi-platform journalist based in Mackay, Queensland. She joined the ABC in 2021 and covers everything from major state healthcare issues to the weird and wonderful stories of North Queensland.
Latest by Hannah Walsh
Loved ones of military personnel killed in Taipan chopper crash could wait another year for answers
A three-month recovery mission for a defence helicopter that crashed into the sea off Queensland's Whitsunday Coast has ended, but investigations into the incident are ongoing.
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No daycare? No worries. Meet the businesses letting parents bring their bubs to work
With families battling year-long childcare waitlists, some parents in North Queensland are being thrown a lifeline by their employers.
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Daughter in custody as police investigate death of 73-year-old Queensland woman
Police found the body in a residence on a quiet Mackay street earlier today and a 55-year-old woman was taken into custody. Shocked neighbours say the occupants of the house seemed "quite friendly".
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Luxury home with star-studded history burns down on Hamilton Island
A multi-million-dollar holiday home which once hosted movie star George Clooney has been destroyed by fire that took emergency services several hours to extinguish.
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Grandmother watches killer babysitter walk free a day before 18-month-old would have turned 10
Matthew James Ireland inflicted sickening injuries on Hemi Goodwin-Burke in 2015 and pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the day his murder trial was to begin. Today he's a free man, but Hemi's family say they've got a life sentence.
Queensland man accused of robbing two sex workers at gun and knifepoint in less than a day
The 30-year-old is expected to face court today over what police allege are "serious and traumatic" crimes.
Sugar cane milk may be the next plant-based milk to hit the market. And it might even be good for you
Consumers looking for plant-based options already have an abundance of choices, from oat, almond, soy, and rice, to even macadamia milk. So, what does sugar cane milk have to offer?
After 97 years, this famous beach motorcycle race now has a women's class
It started with a group of mates, their bikes and the beach. It's taken almost a century, but the Motorcycle Beach Races now has an all-women class — and they're revving to go.
12yo charged with arson after returning to watch a blaze that destroyed a vacant Whitsunday house
Police say one child was caught after he returned to watch the blaze he allegedly lit destroy a Whitsunday house.
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Coal ship banned after inspection uncovers wage theft, coercion and mistreatment of workers
Maritime authorities acting on a tip-off from a union find conditions aboard a bulk-carrier docked at a North Queensland port to be "disgraceful".
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'Agonising toll' in push for compensation as scandal-plagued maternity hospital regains accreditation
The Mackay Base Hospital wins back part of its training accreditation after a healthcare scandal that left dozens of women permanently injured and led to the entire board's sacking.
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Meet the people stepping up to care for our most vulnerable
The National Disability Insurance Scheme workforce needs to grow by 128,000 workers in the next couple of years, and support workers are in short supply.
Mining town facing demolition may be saved by 11th-hour government intervention
The future of a Queensland mining community that was on the brink of collapse has been guaranteed after the state government announced new legislation to save the town.
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Citizen scientists capture whale songs in the Whitsundays
The giants of the sea give up their secrets to citizen scientists as tiny microphones capture the songs of humpback whales in the Great Barrier Reef.
Fears of deadly disease outbreak like 'Russian roulette with your dog' as leptospirosis vaccine shortage bites
Vet clinics say they're running out of a vaccine that protects dogs against a lethal disease. Here's what pet and working dog owners need to know.
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Investigation finds pilot was unlicensed during fatal plane crash that killed young couple in poor weather
A transport safety investigation into a plane crash that killed a newlywed couple and their unborn child in North Queensland earlier this year finds that the pilot had completed the practical requirements to obtain a licence but not the flight or theory tests.
These artists experience 'social isolation' every day. They want others to know what it's like
Brenden Borellini and Georgia Cranko live without speech. But they have found a way to tell their stories.
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How to give yourself the best chance of finding a housemate online
At 55, Natalie Moore never thought she would be turning to social media to find a housemate to help cover rent, but as money became tighter she did.
'Like a loaded gun': Who is responsible for keeping kids safe from button batteries?
About 20 children end up in Australian hospitals each week suspected of having swallowed or inserted a button battery, despite new safety rules. So is it up to parents to be vigilant or should the product be boycotted altogether?
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How to protect yourself from midges at your next outdoor BBQ
Ten people go to a backyard party and only one wakes up the next day with red welts all over their legs from getting bitten by midges. Why?
How Victoria used burlesque to fall back in love with herself after feeling 'lost' and alone
At 45, Victoria Brooke was overweight, drinking heavily and without friends or hobbies. But a burlesque studio in Mackay helped her rediscover herself and reclaim her body.
Man electrocuted on private property in northern Queensland
Workplace Health and Safety says the incident is work-related and a joint investigation with the Electrical Safety Office is underway.
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Federal government gives provisional approval to first new coal mine in Bowen Basin
A metallurgical coal mine in Central Queensland has been flagged for approval by the federal government, but an environmental group says people who voted in favour of climate action have a right to feel betrayed.
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Where to start if a loved one goes missing overseas
Australians are known for their passion for travel, but when a loved one goes missing overseas, it sets off an uncharted course for those back home. This is what happens next.
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Man committed to trial for alleged murder of young football player
Birdsall Fa'apepele, 25, was allegedly stabbed multiple times near a Mackay caravan park on the night of December 14, 2021.