Amanda Cranston
Cairns, QLD
Amanda Cranston is the ABC Far North Saturday Breakfast presenter and features reporter for radio programs and digital, based in Cairns. She loves travelling, reading, good coffee, spending time with family and volunteering with local wildlife, environment and homeless organisations in Far North Queensland.
Latest by Amanda Cranston
Mystery of floating photos solved as precious memories come flooding back to esky owner
A unique stash of historic photos that floated 60 kilometres on floodwaters from a far north Queensland town down the rugged Barron River to the coast is reunited with its owner.
Urn containing ashes reunited with family who'd stored them in microwave sent to flood victims
The urn containing ashes was lost in Cairns two weeks ago after being stashed in a microwave that had been donated to flood victims. It took a little help from local radio before it could be reunited with the family.
Search for owners after teen finds esky full of black and white photos in floodwaters
Teen finds World War I photos of soldiers and army platoons and family photos from the early 1900's,in an esky floating in floodwaters less than 100 metres away from being washed out to sea.
Tourist town to rely on bottled water as landslides force Queensland authorities to switch off mains
Port Douglas residents are weary after the mains water is switched off for the second time this month amid concerns for the tourist town's reputation as they are told to fill water containers.
Warning about displaced crocodiles issued after 3.5m saltie spotted in Cairns creek
Major flooding in the Far North last month may mean that crocodiles are on the move and residents are being urged to exercise caution in areas not usually inhabited by the reptiles.
While lying in a hospital bed, Aimee needed to make a life-or-death decision. She chose change
As thousands of families battle with a loved one's addiction, one woman who hit rock bottom before turning her life around is sharing her story to bring hope to others.
Ghost nets come alive in a sardine-packed fashion spectacular
From striking art installations to one-of-a-kind costumes, two designers are transforming marine debris into "beautiful things" that highlight a scourge that plagues our beaches.
Thousands of Aussie women wed US troops during World War II. But there was a common deal-breaker
Some Aussies boarded "bride ships" to America to live with their husbands, while others stayed behind, worried they may never return.
Bringing smiles and a sense of freedom on the water for people with disabilities
A national charity with 70 clubs throughout Australia, Sailability gets both new and old sailors with a range of disabilities back on deck, often rekindling a love of the water.
Authorities warn against 'life-threatening risks' after man filmed fishing metres from saltwater crocodile
A viral online video showing a man fishing near a large croc has left authorities dismayed and locals concerned for the future of the well-known reptile.
'We need to break stereotypes': Hip hop turns 50 this month, but can it ditch its bad rap?
Hip hop helps to create cultural identity and brings together communities, but is still widely seen as an American and African American art form.
The town that disappeared under water leaving only a school behind
Once a thriving community with local dances at the hall, social cricket games, and afternoon drinks at the town's hotel, just stumps remain of the buildings and the township of Kulara, now fully submerged under the Tinaroo Dam.
From unmarked graves to influential people, this cemetery holds the stories of the past
Ever wondered what lies beyond the iron gates of a heritage-listed cemetery? This group brings to life long-forgotten stories.
Divers risked their lives to collect shells like these for others to create buttons, luxury items
Wearing helmets as heavy as a medieval suit of armour, divers had one hour to fill their baskets with pearl or trochus shells.
'Huge appetite' for unique content as regional Queensland cashes in on film industry boom
Local and international filmmakers are choosing to make more films in North Queensland, so could Cairns be the next industry hotspot?
Women are picking up tools and new skills to nail this 'addictive hobby'
Woodworking clubs around the country are seeing more women getting involved in what has traditionally been a male-dominated pastime.
How a book about magic transformed a shy 12-year-old into the ultimate showman
Renowned Australian illusionist and escapologist Paul Cosentino has come a long way since finding an encyclopaedia of magic as a boy, but still believes that learning from books is key to creating a unique act.
Tree kangaroos are turning up in places they are not meant to be as mystery blindness causes issues
Blind Lumholtz's tree kangaroos are turning up in shops and schools, unable to find their way back to the rainforest.
From regional Queensland to Paris and now Hollywood, Aussie ballerina makes her acting debut
Primrose Kern swaps the ballet stage for a movie set as she takes up the role of Gracie, the "mean girl" in the new movie The Red Shoes: Next Step.
How do you learn to beatbox? It's about 'making music with your whole face'
Teacher Claire Williams says she thought making beats using your mouth was silly at first — then she realised it was real music.
Finding the beauty in urban landscapes, one sketch at a time
These urban sketchers only need the bare necessities to capture life's beauty and they are part of a global art movement growing in popularity.
Royston could become an Australian Idol, but in his tiny Indigenous community he's already a star
Royston Sagigi-Baira will compete for top honours in the television singing competition this weekend. To those back home on Cape York, he's already succeeded.
Cairns sword academy suit up for 'physical' and 'mental' medieval sport
It is hot and sweaty in Far North Queensland but that does not stop two of Australia's top ranked sword fighters from running a popular club for medieval enthusiasts.
Queenslanders moving off-grid to be debt free and live closer to nature — snakes and all
Off-grid residents open their gates for a tour of their properties, where friendly goats, chickens and an abundance of vegetables and fruit trees help to fill their pantries and allow them to live a simpler life.
Arborist by day, chainsaw artist by night: Michael carves unique wood spirits
Michael Watson has been an arborist for almost 15 years, so working with a chainsaw is second nature to him. But the self-taught chainsaw artist is new to woodwork.