Amelia Bernasconi
Muswellbrook, NSW
Amelia Bernasconi is ABC Upper Hunter's Breakfast presenter and rural reporter.
Amelia joined the ABC in 2019 and has worked in the Gippsland and New England North West news teams and for ABC Rural. She previously worked with the Nine Network based in Tamworth, and in radio with National Radio News.
Latest by Amelia Bernasconi
Wind farm approved to set up towering turbines in heart of NSW coal country
The $590 million Bowmans Creek Wind Farm has been given the tick of approval, but the developer must wind back the number of planned turbines.
Anxiety high among NSW beekeepers as questions remain about a future with varroa mite
Beekeepers call for education and training as they make decisions about rebuilding their hives and living with varroa mite.
Farmers 'get creative' with bonus incentives to keep key workers
As worker shortages worsen across Australia, some farmers are offering enticements such as cash bonuses, housing and food to retain prized employees.
Relief until Christmas for farmers who had 'lost faith', but a 'green drought' looms
Storms that brought heavy rain in November have put a "handbrake" on the drought for some areas, but without follow-up falls farmers could be back to where they started.
Farmers 'stunned': Controversial gas pipeline step closer after Santos agent buys land
Farmers fighting Santos's Hunter Gas Pipeline suddenly noticed survey pegs along the route. A title search shows the surveyed land is now owned by the directors of the company negotiating land access for Santos.
Fire warnings ease after northern properties threatened in northern NSW in rapidly changing conditions
The NSW Rural Fire Service's main concern shifted north to Nymboida on the state's mid north coast, where a bushfire burned near remote properties.
Drought looms after record-low rainfall, but this extreme turn in the weather is not unusual
El Niño is back and drought is on the doorstep. Some farmers have been feeding livestock for months. Here's what it might mean for the economy and food prices.
'The next chapter of a great story': Owners to sell Winx's first foal
The first foal of champion racehorse Winx is tipped to break sale records, as her owners confirm she will be sold at a public auction next year.
$2.7b coal royalty hike in NSW will hurt but could have been worse, mining sector says
The NSW government plans to boost the budget by close to $3 billion over four years with the increase. The mining sector says it is a "significant additional impost", but is relieved the state did not follow Queensland's model.
'A major drought event is forming': Why farmers fear history is repeating itself
Farmers in New South Wales are concerned about the prospect of the state plunging into another drought, saying there has been an alarmingly rapid return to dry conditions.
Woman succumbs to injuries after fall on Thailand holiday as family mourns 'kindest' person
The family of a woman who suffered a brain bleed after an accident in Thailand earlier this year has shared their grief at her death yesterday.
Hunter Valley horse trainer claims 1,000th win in 'pretty special' moment at Casino
Brett Cavanough believes 14 years as a shearer helped him develop the mental toughness required to reach the heights of success, with his six-year-old horse, Burdekin, claiming a big win at the weekend.
Farmers consider offloading cattle as 'all sorts of records' crumble with new drought
Just three years since the "worst drought in living memory" ended, the scars are fresh as dry conditions return to the Hunter Valley. Farmers are saying it's tougher this time around with higher interest rates and falling livestock prices.
More regions slip into drought across NSW as state opposition calls for immediate El Niño action
Four more NSW local government areas are declared in drought and, as the opposition calls on the government to reveal its preparedness, the premier says announcements will be made in next month's budget.
'Deeply passionate but not radical': Hunter Valley environmentalist Wendy Bowman dies, aged 89
For more than three decades, Wendy Bowman fought to save her patch of the Upper Hunter from open-cut mining, inspiring a generation of environmentalists along the way.
Young bull 'Thunderstruck' sets new Australian record
A 12-month-old Angus bull has become the most expensive ever sold in Australia — for $360,000.
Last year northern NSW was in flood. Now it's so dry farmers are trucking in hay at 'astronomical' prices
As an El Niño looms and fears of drought creep in, farmers and hay suppliers in the Hunter and New England are struggling to find local stock feed.
Farm up for sale after failed $30 million plan to rehabilitate hundreds of retired greyhounds
Greyhound Racing NSW sought approval to convert the property into a "world-first" rehabilitation centre for retired greyhounds, but was unsuccessful.
Racing thoroughbreds bound for China after four-year hiatus
The first shipment of Australian racehorses in four years will leave for China next month, as trade with the country resumes.
'Echidna bachelorette' kicks off as monotremes search for perfect mates
It's echidna breeding season, and one scientist likens it to a reality TV show, saying females will be followed by a male "train" of suitors for several weeks.
Mixed emotions for parents as Romeo marks first birthday on anniversary of major Hunter Valley flooding
Residents, including a couple that had a baby at the same time, relive the day one year ago when the towns of Bulga, Broke and Wollombi were devastated by major flooding.
Enough carbon to fill a coal train: How did this cattle farmer store it?
Most farming achievements – fat cattle, healthy crops and good returns – are seen above the ground. But by tweaking their soil, the Mackenzie family says they are seeing all those things succeed, but also balancing out their emissions.
One of Australia's oldest operating coal-fired station Liddell powers down in the Hunter Valley
The last running turbine at the Liddell Power Station has powered down, marking the end of a 52-year legacy of generating electricity in the NSW Hunter Valley.
Energy Minister offers fresh assurances Liddell Power Station's closure will not lead to blackouts
With NSW's 52-year-old Liddell coal-fired power generator going offline this Friday, Climate Change and Energy Minister says the government is "playing a catch-up game" to provide clean energy.
One of the oldest operating coal-fired power stations in the country is about to close. Is the local community ready?
As Liddell powers down in the New South Wales Upper Hunter Valley after more than half a century, what's next for the community?