Isabella Tolhurst

Jan 16, 2025 | abc.net.au | Isabella Tolhurst

For months, people across the Northern Territory's Top End have been sweltering through sauna-like conditions, going "troppo" as they wait eagerly for the monsoon to wash away the stifling heat. The monsoon typically arrives in the last week of December, but halfway through January, it is still remarkably dry in the territory's north. According to Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecasters, there's good news and bad news. The good news is the monsoon could develop by the end of the weekend.

Dec 20, 2024 | abc.net.au | Isabella Tolhurst

Volunteer programs targeted at seniors are working to prevent loneliness in the Northern Territory this Christmas period, one visit or gift at a time. One in four Australians report feeling lonely, according to a 2024 report from Relationships Australia. Relationships Australia encourages people to reach out to loved ones not just during the festive season, but year-round. For many the holiday period is the happiest time of the year, but for Sue Firth, it holds up a mirror to her loneliness.

Dec 9, 2024 | abc.net.au | Isabella Tolhurst

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains the name and image of a person who has died, used with the permission of her family. The family of a woman killed in a hit-and-run outside Darwin say they feel "disgusted" and "baffled" after the driver was released from prison on appeal after 30 months.

Nov 14, 2024 | abc.net.au | Isabella Tolhurst

An investigation into racism within the Northern Territory Police Force, which previously uncovered racist awards deemed too "offensive" for public release, has found no further evidence of racist behaviour in the force since 2015 and concluded the matter be closed. WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains the name of an Indigenous person who has died, used with the permission of their family.

Oct 26, 2024 | abc.net.au | Isabella Tolhurst

It's the quiet killer that lurks in northern Australian gardens. Melioidosis is a bacterial infection spread through contact with contaminated soil, water, or even air. The risk is heightened in tropical areas after heavy rains or cyclones, and in some cases, it can be deadly. In the past 12 months, 80 people contracted the disease in the Northern Territory, and five people have died. But researchers at the 10th World Melioidosis Congress, held in Darwin last week, say a vaccine may not be far off.