Jessica Naunton

Dec 27, 2024 | abc.net.au | Baz Ruddick |Jessica Naunton |Lily Nothling

Contemporary dance has brought Chris Dyke a long way. It’s given the 33-year-old independence, a creative outlet and a deep artistic connection with those around him. As a shy kid with Down syndrome, Dyke started dance classes in Adelaide when he was 12. This year, he became the first Australian with Down syndrome to direct a mainstage work for a professional dance company.

Dec 13, 2024 | abc.net.au | Jessica Naunton

Three serving Australian soldiers have been arrested over their alleged involvement in a drug trafficking syndicate. An investigation by Queensland Police Service's (QPS) organised crime squad led to the arrests of three men, all aged 23 and living in Townsville. As part of the investigation, officers intercepted mail and seized cash. QPS alleges the money was intended to buy drugs that would then be resold for profit, but said no substances were found during the arrests.

Nov 1, 2024 | abc.net.au | Baz Ruddick |Jessica Naunton

For countless generations, a unique, body-shaped tool with holes for eyes has been keeping Indigenous communities warm on chilly nights in the rainforests of northern Queensland. Now the ancient fire-starter — known as Bagu — is generating heat of a different kind after being introduced to the international art world, and featuring prominently as an installation on the foreshore at Cardwell, north of Townsville.

Oct 19, 2024 | abc.net.au | Chloe Chomicki |Jessica Naunton

The Katter's Australian Party (KAP) is calling for a return to physical discipline such as the cane as the party seeks to increase its vote share in Queensland Parliament. The conservative-leaning party holds three seats in the north of the state and is campaigning on a tough-on-crime policy ahead of the October 26 election. In a video posted to Facebook, KAP candidate for Townsville Margie Ryder asked followers if they knew anyone whose parents had disciplined them with a jug cord.

Aug 5, 2024 | abc.net.au | Baz Ruddick |Jessica Naunton

It's arguably one of the most beautiful settings for a concert in Australia. On the foreshore of the Indigenous community of Palm Island, locals gathered for a sunset concert — the premiere performance of the Three Generations — Three Songs project. The project brought together three generations of the same family group to write and perform three songs about connection to country, creation and Palm Islander identity.