Oliver Brown
Broken Hill, NSW
Oliver Brown is a news reporter based out of Broken Hill covering stories across far west New South Wales for radio, digital and online. Oliver came to the ABC after a few years working in independent newspapers in South Australia and regional New South Wales. Follow Oliver on Twitter @opsbrown_
Latest by Oliver Brown
Outback high school may need to be demolished because of severe mould outbreak
As its new school year is set to begin, plans are being drawn up to cater for students and staff who cannot enter grounds which may be beyond salvation.
Mould outbreak at high school forces indefinite closure days before start of new school year
Hundreds of students and staff from a regional public high school will be relocated for the beginning of Term 1 next week due to mould detection in multiple buildings.
Police arrest Broken Hill inmate almost three days after escape
Corrective Services NSW have launched a full investigation into how the 24-year-old was able to escape the local courthouse.
Crews working to restore power to remote communities and surrounding properties
People in far west New South Wales have been without power for more than two days after extreme weather. After several delays accessing the damaged site, crews are hopeful services will be restored later today.
Study suggests Australians willing to pay to provide clean drinking water for all
A new study finds the 98 per cent of Australians with access to reliable drinking water want to help the remaining 2 per cent going without.
Record-breaking rainfall in outback NSW creates 'sparkling' conditions for stargazing
Broken Hill's wettest January day on record leaves a clear view of the cosmos in its wake, exciting tourists and locals keen to catch a glimpse.
'True show of mateship' as family, friends rally for promising young footballer diagnosed with cancer
Broken Hill residents from as young as 16 and as old as 71 shave their heads in support of a friend and family member who was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of leukaemia.
Remote towns say axing of nightly news bulletin has 'added to isolation'
More than nine months on from the unexpected axing of a local TV news bulletin, an outback mayor says it's a major loss for regional news diversity and intends to continue advocating for its return.
Hundreds of jobs on horizon after green light for first-of-its-kind energy project
While the future of one of Broken Hill's major mines is still uncertain, a green energy storage project to be built in the coming years may provide employment opportunities for some of the displaced workers.
Multi-million-dollar boost to support regional aged care provider's struggling workforce
Like many aged care providers, Broken Hill's Southern Cross Care relies on agency nurses to plug crucial workforce gaps. It's an expensive process but the organisation hopes "crucial" government funds will help it take care of as many residents as possible.
Indigenous musician performs song in Barkindji language at Sydney Youth Orchestra birthday gala
Malyanapa and Barkindji man Leroy Johnson realised a dream recently when he was invited to perform with the Sydney Youth Orchestra for its 50th Birthday Gala at the Opera House.
A stupid mistake changed the course of Adrian's life, but now he's the voice of an outback city
One poor decision changed Adrian Eckert's life, but more than 30 years on he's a leading voice for inclusion and an iconic figure on his town's airwaves.
Communication failures, outdated river gauging highlighted in review of 2022 Menindee flood event
WaterNSW has released its internal review into the Menindee flood, 11 months on from the event, with five key findings and three recommendations the state-owned corporation will be looking to implement.
Outback highway finally sealed after 12 years in the making
New South Wales officially marks the completion of a 132-kilometre bitumen sealing of the Cobb Highway between Ivanhoe and Wilcannia, with residents expecting a tourism surge and producers a speedy path to market.
Speakers draw on trauma to show outback students how to be disability allies
A pair of advocates are teaching Australia's next generation about the importance of including people with disabilities, whether visible or invisible.
Broken Hill cobalt project has big plans for the global critical minerals stage
A company working to establish a cobalt mining and processing project using a deposit near Broken Hill aims to eventually become the largest producer of ethical cobalt in the world and hopes access to a federal government loan scheme will help it get there.
'Not everybody can go on a computer': Why this outback newspaper's new delivery fee has angered locals
When Broken Hill's Lyn Farquharson got a letter from her local newspaper about a new delivery fee, she was not impressed. She says she and other longtime readers deserve more for their loyalty.
Ryan's fight for life cost him his feet and several fingers, but he's still his 'cheeky' little self
Last Christmas, Broken Hill toddler Ryan Lines was fighting for his life after his body went into septic shock due to a bacterial infection. Now, he's adjusting to his new life as his family raises awareness about the condition.
Albanese's lightning trip to Broken Hill met with mixed opinions ahead of Saturday's Voice to Parliament vote
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visits Broken Hill to speak with locals about the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum ahead of voting day this weekend.
Calls for outback rehab centre reignited by alarming data on overdose deaths
Health workers renew calls for a rehabilitation centre in Broken Hill, after a report reveals Indigenous Australians are almost four times as likely as other Australians to die of a drug overdose.
Young pilot blazing a trail for autistic aviators touches down in outback NSW
Hayden McDonald, 22, is hoping to break misconceptions about autism on his 14,000km journey around the country, stopping at regional communities and schools along the way.
Another glitter-filled event in the bush but organisers face 'serious decisions' about drag queen festival's future
With only a small team working behind the scenes to run the Broken Heel Festival, all of who have other business commitments to consider, exact details for 2024's event are yet to be confirmed.
Menindee fish kill findings prompts calls for NSW government to act, and act fast
Irrigators and nature conservationists are urging the NSW government to implement recommendations made by the Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer to mitigate future fish kill events in Menindee.
Wilyakali people recognised as traditional owners of large patch of SA land
After more than a decade of negotiations, Broken Hill's Wilyakali people have had a native title claim officially recognised by the federal court. The claim expands from the Barrier Ranges in north-east South Australia.
Personal tragedy led this couple to a calling as Dunny Angels at outback music festivals
Chris and Judy Sims made their daughter a promise before she died. What came next was an odyssey of "outrageous" things, honouring their daughter's wish that they live life to the fullest.