Charlie McKillop

Queensland

Rural Reporter at ABC News (Australia)

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Articles

Early screening plea for children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

1 week ago | abc.net.au | Charlie McKillop

Vanessa Spiller considers herself to be one of the 'lucky ones'. When she and her partner took Dylan into foster care, the two-year-old had already been diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, or FASD. Dr Spiller, a clinical psychologist, says it was 'unusual' 20 years ago - and still is - for symptoms to be recognised in early childhood due to a lack of awareness, education and testing.
Descendant details Queensland family's tragic World War I sacrifice

2 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Brendan Mounter |Charlie McKillop

The tragedy and loss of the Keid family during World War I resembles that of an Oscar-winning Hollywood drama. When six brothers from a tiny, Far North Queensland farming town went off to war, only two made it home — one in circumstances not unlike the 1998 award-winning film Saving Private Ryan. In 1915, Bill, Guy, Ted, and Harry Keid had staggered arrivals at Gallipoli, while Walter and Len were posted to France.
Octogenarian to push wheelbarrow for Parkinsons disease awareness

1 month ago | abc.net.au | Charlie McKillop

Brian White never missed a day of riding his bicycle. Even after he was critically injured 15 years ago while commuting to work on his bike, it wasn't long before he was back in the saddle. But now Mr White is facing a battle of a different kind, one he believes is inextricably linked to the serious head injury he sustained all those years ago. Parkinson's disease.
Tonnes of organic waste to be diverted to landfill after catastrophic fire at Cairns dump

Jan 23, 2025 | abc.net.au | Conor Byrne |Charlie McKillop |Christien de Garis

A key component of Cairns' waste management system has been destroyed by fire. The Bedminster factory diverts about half of the kerbside waste collected into compost. All waste must be diverted to landfill until the factory can be rebuilt. Hundreds of tonnes of organic waste will be dumped in landfill after a massive fire ripped through a Cairns factory, throwing the city's green waste plans into disarray.
James Cook University considers closing Daintree Rainforest Observatory and canopy crane

Nov 12, 2024 | abc.net.au | Sharnie Kim |Holly Richardson |Charlie McKillop

A far north Queensland university is considering closing its Daintree Rainforest research station, including its rare 47-metre-high canopy crane, for financial reasons. Installed in the World Heritage-listed rainforest in 1998, "Lofty" the crane was the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and is one of only six canopy cranes in the tropics worldwide.
Catholic educator lauded for lifetime of children's learning - ABC listen

Aug 1, 2024 | abc.net.au | Charlie McKillop

Sandra Casey, or Mrs Casey as she's known to two generations of St Joseph's College students, has spent 30 years helping children to fulfil their potential. As an Outside School Hours Care educator, Mrs Casey believes she has a unique opportunity to get to know children, and focus on their social development. "Because we do have the relationship with the family, we get the little bits of information that make that child special," she says.
Insurance premiums coming down but not by much: ICA boss confirms - ABC listen

Jul 31, 2024 | abc.net.au | Charlie McKillop

Seven months on from Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the flood disaster that affected more than 1800 homes, insurance premiums are coming down. Insurance Council of Australia CEO Andrew Hall confirms Townsville and Cairns have experienced 'downward movement' on premiums because the cyclone reinsurance pool, which is backed by a $10 billion government guarantee, is working.
Atherton arboretum action needed: residents say - ABC listen

Jun 20, 2024 | abc.net.au | Charlie McKillop

Tableland residents have not given up hope of saving a living collection of trees and the home of the former CSIRO research station at Atherton. A 'stop work' notice was issued on Friday by the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation about a quarter of the block was cleared, despite the owner being made aware of an assessment of its heritage values. The department says it is 'deeply concerned' by the action, will monitor the site and take action if necessary.
Tiny Queensland town of 200 residents fights for tourism gong - ABC listen

May 14, 2024 | abc.net.au | Charlie McKillop

Croydon, population 215, is a tiny town with a lot of heart. Best known for its beef and gold deposits, it's now making its mark as a popular tourism hotspot. The town's made the shortlist in the Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards.
Community spirit rolls out in vivid colour as Great Wheelbarrow Race hits the road to Chillagoe - ABC listen

May 9, 2024 | abc.net.au | Charlie McKillop

Most people would be flat out running 140 kilometres, even in a team, let alone pushing a wheelbarrow as part of the deal. But that's the assignment ahead of competitors in the Great Wheelbarrow Race, and even ABC News breakfast presenter Joe O'Brien. O'Brien will try his hand at wielding a wheelbarrow while filming for a special episode for the 11th season of the popular ABC TV series, Back Roads.