Kristy Reading

Nov 27, 2024 | abc.net.au | Kristy Reading

A sculpture by the late Australian artist Bronwyn Oliver has fetched a record price for an Australian sculpture at auction. Ms Oliver died at the age of 47, but her works continue to captivate and inspire art lovers from across the globe. Last night, her copper snake sculpture Tide, created in the year 2000, fetched $1.25 million at auction. That figure has toppled the previous record of $1.125 million, set a year ago by Joel Elenberg and his black marble sculpture of a mask.

Nov 25, 2024 | abc.net.au | Kristy Reading |Lara Webster

The decision to withdraw government funding for a rail trail project in northern New South Wales has been described as "heartless" by local community leaders. The New England Rail Trail project could be derailed after the state and federal governments withdrew their funding for the project. More than $14 million was granted to the Armidale and Glen Innes Severn councils as part of a program designed to rejuvenate communities affected by bushfires.

Nov 5, 2024 | abc.net.au | Kristy Reading |Haley Craig |Lara Webster

Every year the Melbourne Cup sees a fairy tale written, but the romance surrounding 2024 winner Knight's Choice is particularly heartwarming. The 80-1 outsider may have written his name into racing history books when he carried jockey Robbie Dolan to victory, but his beginnings were humble. The bay gelding was bred by Norm and Di Bazeley at Elswick Park, a thoroughbred stud at Walcha in northern New South Wales. His dam, Midnight Pearl, was bought for just $1,000.

Aug 5, 2024 | abc.net.au | Peter Sanders |Kristy Reading

Regional councils in NSW are offering large financial incentives in an attempt to recruit and keep doctors. Inverell Shire Council offered incentives of up to $90,000 to recruit a GP, while another council in the state's Riverina spent up to $300,000 a year for a local doctor. A NSW MP says financial support from all levels of government is needed to solve the regional doctor crisis. South African family physician Herman Kruger is the doctor Inverell has been waiting for, but he didn't come cheap.

Jun 20, 2024 | abc.net.au | Brigitte Murphy |Kristy Reading

In Short: Fiona Simson was elected vice president of the World Farmers' Organisation in Rome this week. She was previously the first female president of The National Farmers Federation. What's Next: Ms Simson says she anticipates many late-night Zoom calls working with farmers internationally. Former National Farmers Federation president Fiona Simson has become the first Australian elected as the vice president of the World Farmers' Organisation.