Emily Smith

Sydney

Journalist at ABC News (Australia)

Journalist with @abcnews

Articles

Workers eye benefits, challenges in one of Australia's most remote communities

5 days ago | abc.net.au | Katrina Tap |Emily Smith

Rhonda Thorncroft's eyes start to fill with tears as she speaks to a remote school community for the last time. It is not every day most of the community's 200 residents can be found gathered at the school. But for principal Ms Thorncroft's last day, everyone has come to say goodbye. Inside the school's library, walls were adorned from floor to ceiling with photos of her time at the school.
Amid high cigarette prices Tjuntjuntjarra locals call for help for smokers to quit

2 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Emily Smith |Katrina Tap

Michael Stevens has gone a long time without a cigarette. The Spinifex man has worked as a health practitioner in the remote community of Tjuntjuntjara, 1,300 kilometres east of Perth, for a decade. Among the countless challenges he faces — from resourcing, to chronic illnesses, to his vehicles' broken windows — is the region's incredible rate of smoking. "I used to smoke. Not anymore," he says. "I don't know why people smoke."Across Australia, about 8.8 per cent of adults smoke every day.
Mobile coverage is an election issue in regional areas. What's been promised?

3 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Hayden Smith |Emily Smith

Eleven Mile Beach is as dangerous as it is spectacular. A short drive from Esperance on Western Australia's remote and rugged south coast, the sand dunes are popular among weekend adventurers. But veteran paramedic Paul Gaughan has seen things go pear-shaped here far too often.
Tjuntjuntjara's Spinifex People call for support amid extreme weather, rising costs

3 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Emily Smith |Katrina Tap

Lennard Walker's eyes widen as he recalls the roaring desert rain. Last year the Spinifex elder, who was born in the Great Victoria Desert, spent four days stranded on a dirt track in one of the most remote parts of the country. Alongside him was Noli Rictor, who lived a traditional nomadic life in the bush with his family until 1986, the last known Australians to do so.
Eyre Bird Observatory helps to heal wounds of bushfire and personal grief

1 month ago | abc.net.au | Hayden Smith |Emily Smith

Christina Sobey sat alone in her home. More than a year after losing her husband, the 79-year-old's days were heavy and repetitive. With another long, hot summer looming, she knew it was time to act. "I needed to cut the circuit of grieving … start afresh," Ms Sobey said. In the back of her mind was a destination, though it was some 2,500 kilometres away from her home in Albury-Wodonga, on the border of New South Wales and Victoria. "It's too far, I can't go, I can't go," she thought at first.
People with dementia can't access Voluntary Assisted Dying. Some want change

1 month ago | abc.net.au | Emily Smith

Sue Starr would rather end her life than spend years battling dementia. The former home care worker has even put that on record, asking for access to Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) should she be diagnosed. But it would currently be illegal for anyone to make good on that request. Adults with a terminal illness can apply for medicine to end their lives in all Australian states, with the Australian Capital Territory to start in November.
People with dementia can't access Voluntary Assisted Dying. Some want change

1 month ago | abc.net.au | Emily Smith

Sue Starr would rather end her life than spend years battling dementia. The former home care worker has even put that on record, asking for access to Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) should she be diagnosed. But it would currently be illegal for anyone to make good on that request. Adults with a terminal illness can apply for medicine to end their lives in all Australian states, with the Australian Capital Territory to start in November.
Outback farm helps locals find work and grow fresh food

2 months ago | abc.net.au | Emily Smith |Giulia Bertoglio

In a desert west of Uluru, Helmut Cooke tips a watering can over a row of baby pineapples. He moves to silverbeet, lettuces, carrots, potatoes and enormous green cabbages. All around him, red dirt sprouts green shoots. "This farm it has everything," he grins. "It's good to come work here."Mr Cooke and fellow Wanarn resident Lionel Fosterhave spent months transforming a dilapidated shed into a thriving outback garden.
Family of shark attack victim remember 'gentle giant' who wouldn't support cull

2 months ago | abc.net.au | Emily Smith

The family of a surfer killed on Western Australia's remote south coast says he would not have supported a shark cull and understood the ocean's risks. New Zealand-born Steven Jeffrey Payne was surfing at Wharton Beach, 90 kilometres east of Esperance, when he was bitten just after midday on Monday. He was five weeks into a six-month caravan trip with his partner of 12 years and their dog, Poppy.
Organ failure, neurodegenerative diseases in seabirds linked to plastic consumption say scientists

2 months ago | abc.net.au | Emily Smith

Australian researchers have linked plastic consumption to organ failure in tiny seabird chicks. The study, published today in Science Advances, investigated the impact of plastics on 80–90-day-old sable shearwater chicks, which otherwise appeared healthy. Lead researcher and PhD candidate Alix de Jersey said the results were horrifying, particularly as the birds were about to migrate thousands of kilometres to the Sea of Japan. "They should be robust and ready to take on the world," she said.

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Emily Smith @emilyjourno

16 Jul 24

RT @JohnBarronUSA: Good news Planeteers! We're back with a bumper 50 minute edition on Wednesday night at 9.10pm on @ABCTV right after Grue…

Emily Smith @emilyjourno

4 Mar 24

RT @mikejanda: #ICMYI The ABC's Business Team has a great job opportunity for a social, video & interview producer. This person will drive…

Emily Smith @emilyjourno

29 Sep 23

Happy retirement to my Uncle (Captain) Chris 👏👏👏👏 last flight with the family on board including my cousin as his First Officer ✈️✈️✈️

7NEWS Sydney @7NewsSydney

A @JetstarAirways flight has erupted with applause as a rare father-daughter flight crew took to the skies for the last time. The captain, Chris Smith, was given a special welcome home as he retires after more than four decades. https://t.co/lAhHNAOV2G @rachbaxter7 #7NEWS https://t.co/vvCLn3qkpa