Hamish Cole
Orange, NSW
Hamish is a features and news reporter with ABC Central West. He has previously worked for the ABC in Wollongong and Bega. He has a Bachelor of Journalism (Politics major) from Wollongong University. He tweets at @Hamishcole4.
Latest by Hamish Cole
How do you cool a reactor and does Australia have enough water for nuclear power?
Nuclear power relies on millions of litres of cooling water. The federal opposition's plan to build reactors on seven sites raises questions about water use and the effect on the environment.
The coal mine near this tiny town is expanding, so why are houses being knocked down?
In the midst of a housing crisis, an explosion of renewable energy projects, and the expansion of nearby coal mines, residents in Wollar, population 52, say the community will cease to exist in the next decade.
Electronic monitoring devices will be mandatory in NSW under new bail laws inspired by Molly Ticehurst's death
New legislation in NSW will make it harder for people charged with serious domestic violence offences to get bail. The move has been welcomed by friends of Molly Ticehurst, who was allegedly murdered earlier this year.
'I was expecting a truck to come through the front door': Earthquake shakes southern NSW residents awake
Residents of the Southern Tablelands in NSW were woken by the tremors of a magnitude 3.9 earthquake that was felt as far away as Canberra.
Former citizen of the year charged with dozens of child sex offences
The charges relate to offences allegedly dating back more than 40 years.
Families face 'loss, guilt and anger' as they deal with a genetic disease that has no cure or treatment
For years now, Natalia Rossiter has provided 24-hour care for her husband who has Huntington's disease, but she wonders how she can continue without psychological support.
Flood victims tell inquiry the insurance industry 'exacerbated their trauma'
One business owner told the inquiry she was asked why her $20,000 photocopier had been on the floor when a 2m torrent of water inundated her shop. Others say they were pressured to accept low payouts after long delays.
Family and friends of Molly Ticehurst call for 'Molly's Law' to better protect people from domestic violence
About a week after 28-year-old Molly Ticehurst was allegedly killed by her former partner, her family want urgent law reforms that would include monitoring devices for alleged domestic violence offenders.
How the poems of Banjo Paterson's son kept the legend of the Rats of Tobruk alive
As the German artillery, infantry, and air force unleashed wave after wave of attacks on Tobruk, Hugh Paterson wrote poems to lift the morale of his fellow soldiers.
Helicopter drops food, supplies to NSW community isolated by landslide
Storms have washed away the only access road to the Megalong Valley in the Blue Mountains, leaving 200 people cut off and business facing huge losses.
Indigenous farmers facing racism, death threats hope to change attitudes in industry
Less than 1 per cent of Australia's farming workforce identifies as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, but a growing movement is trying to increase opportunities for Indigenous people in the sector.
Mining company finds its expansion plans would displace 'critical' koala population
One of Australia's largest coal mines wants to clear more than 100 hectares of koala habitat to expand operations, despite finding it would have significant negative impacts on the endangered species.
Residents say community will be 'destroyed' after a legal case against NSW mine is defeated in court
Residents near a proposed silver mine in the New South Wales central west say they are "devastated" and "disappointed" by the Land and Environment Court's decision to dismiss a legal challenge that would halt the project.
Almonds could be in short supply if varroa mite stops bee movements, growers warn
As almond growers and beekeepers prepare for the upcoming pollination season, industry experts warn ongoing restrictions on moving bees could cripple the harvest for another year.
Bob Katter tells Senator Ross Cadell to 'shut up' in fiery exchange at supermarket pricing inquiry hearings
The Queensland MP warned Senator Cadell to stop playing politics and spend his time "attacking" Woolworths and Coles instead.
Call to cancel inaugural Mardi Gras festival in regional town 'disgusting'
A NSW Central West councillor wants the event cancelled because 'council is not responsible for gender and sexuality'.
Bathurst 500 returns to Mount Panorama-Wahluu, but will it be back in 2025?
Record crowds have descended on Bathurst for the 500. Drivers are hoping the race becomes a permanent fixture on the calendar as part of plans to expand racing at Mount Panorama-Wahluu.
US back on the Moon for the first time in 52 years, and Australian scientists helped it get there
Scientists from the CSIRO and Parkes Observatory have helped the United States land a craft on the Moon, part of a plan to send humans there for the first time since the Apollo missions.
This year's vintage might produce 'super wines', but trade talks with China could be the key to the industry's future
Producers say ideal conditions have led to a 50 per cent increase in yields this season amid hopes the tariffs on Australian wine to China could be lifted as early as March.
Mass fish kill avoided thanks to conservationists and a ute
These glassfish were facing certain death in an almost dry lake before conservationists and government agencies whisked them to safety on the tray of a ute.
10,000 people are expected to flock to this renewables hub, but where will they live?
The population of the Mudgee region is expected to grow by 10,000 people in the next two years. With families already pushed towards homelessness, a lack of housing could limit its renewable energy transition.
Vigil held to support community impacted by 'horrific' crash that killed three people
Family, friends and local residents have paid tribute to the victims and first responders to a five-vehicle crash in the New South Wales Central Tablelands during December.
How case of mistaken identity led to serenading nursing home residents on 800km trip to Elvis festival
The population of Parkes has more than tripled for the annual Elvis Presley festival, with fans and impersonators arriving from across the world to shake, rattle and roll.
Five-vehicle collision kills two, injures 15 people, on NSW's Great Western Highway
Two people are dead and many more are injured following a multi-vehicle crash on the Great Western Highway near Lithgow.
From a cherry farm to 500 Test wickets, how Nathan Lyon became a great of the game
Nathan Lyon's rise from being a groundsman on $5 an hour to one of the most successful bowlers in Test cricket history is, according to brother Brendan, a "testament" to his dedication and love of the baggy green.
