Michael Crooks, Freelance Journalist Profile

Articles

Catherine McDougall reflects on losing her daughter to a cult

2 weeks ago | nowtolove.co.nz | Michael Crooks

When Catherine McDougall visited her daughter for the last time, she knew something was wrong. In 2007, Chantelle McDougall, 27, and her six-year-old daughter Leela were living in an isolated farmhouse in Nannup, a three-hour drive south of Perth, with self-styled spiritual leader Simon Kadwell. During her visit, Catherine sensed that the couple was planning something because a passport arrived in the mail for Leela, although Chantelle hadn’t mentioned travel plans.
How Terry Vo prevented his accident from defining his life

3 weeks ago | nowtolove.co.nz | Michael Crooks

Twenty years ago, Terry Vo made international headlines after a freak accident at a friend’s home. His positive outlook, despite the horrific injuries, captured hearts and since then, Terry’s chased all his dreams. “Nothing has stopped me from living a normal life,” he tells Woman’s Day. Terry was just 10 when his life changed forever at a friend’s birthday party in 2005. He was playing basketball in the driveway when he went for a slam dunk.
ANZAC DAY: 110 Years Since Gallipoli

1 month ago | 96five.com | Michael Crooks

This year marks 110 years since Gallipoli. Key points:Australians and New Zealanders will pause to remember soldiers this coming Anzac Day on April 25. Anzac Day “is one of Australia’s most important national occasions.” – Australian War MemorialThe official QLD Anzac Day Dawn Service is held at 4.28am sharp at Brisbane City’s Shrine of Remembrance, Anzac Square, located between Ann and Adelaide Streets.
ANZAC DAY: 110 Years Since Gallipoli

2 months ago | juice1073.com.au | Michael Crooks
Budget 25/26: “A Fairer Go”

2 months ago | 96five.com | Michael Crooks
Pope Francis: “No Imminent Danger”

2 months ago | 96five.com | Michael Crooks

The Vatican said that the Pope had shown a “good response” to his treatment. The Holy See Press Office released a statement reporting that the Holy Father’s condition was “stable”. The Vatican previously reported that Francis would remotely participate “in spiritual communion” with the rest of the Vatican hierarchy. A Vatican source told the US ABC network, that the pontiff is no longer in “imminent danger”. But his condition remains “complex”.
Pope Francis: “No Imminent Danger”

2 months ago | juice1073.com.au | Michael Crooks

The Vatican said that the Pope had shown a “good response” to his treatment. The Holy See Press Office released a statement reporting that the Holy Father’s condition was “stable”. The Vatican previously reported that Francis would remotely participate “in spiritual communion” with the rest of the Vatican hierarchy. A Vatican source told the US ABC network, that the pontiff is no longer in “imminent danger”. But his condition remains “complex”.
After Alfred: Risk and Recovery

2 months ago | 96five.com | Michael Crooks

One financial expert estimated that the ongoing effects of Alfred are costing the Queensland economy $1billion per day. As of late Monday evening, there were still nearly 200,000 homes without electricity. Special “hardship” payments will be available to those directly impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Flooding in the wake of the tropical low is still widespread, and on Monday evening, thousands of homes and businesses were still without power.
After Alfred: Risk and Recovery

2 months ago | juice1073.com.au | Michael Crooks
Cyclone Alfred: We’re All Bunkered Down

Mar 5, 2025 | juice1073.com.au | Michael Crooks