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
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.
Less than an hour from Canberra, 85pc of Yass residents won't drink their tap water
Bathing in dirty, smelly water is nothing new in this town where residents spend thousands of dollars on bottled water to avoid drinking the "rotten" local supply.
Landslide, rising rivers as Victoria battens down while NSW, Qld towns count cost of deluge
Flood threats remain in parts of the NSW south-east hammered by a severe weather system now moving into Victoria, where days of heavy rain is expected.
Nationals take action against official after MP accuses her of 'nasty' delivery to his home
The federal Member for Calare, Andrew Gee, has told parliament a package containing an "insulting" and "threatening" message was delivered to his home last week, with the alleged sender admitting it "when confronted by police".
Indigenous health workers told to 'harden up' amid reports of 'targeted, ignorant racism', inquiry hears
Witnesses tell a parliamentary committee regional and rural health services in NSW still need major improvements, as NSW Health has implemented fewer than half the recommendations made at an inquiry last year.
140mm of rain for the year then 116mm in a night puts 'smiles on dials' of farmers doing it tough
After one of the worst winter seasons, heavy rain "means a hell of a lot" to many producers in New South Wales, where 70 per cent of the state is in drought.
After a 'traumatic' and 'scary' flood scared off insurers, Ann instead tripled the size of her levee bank
When Condoblin resident Ann Bowditch was quoted $14,000 per year for insurance, she constructed her own "insurance policy" and it's made her feel a lot better.
Deadly flood's lasting impact in bush town where kindness, generosity touch hearts
A NSW Central West community's "true spirit" has shone through in the year since it was smashed by flooding which took lives and livelihoods.
Farmers destocking as NSW drought conditions worsen
Dry conditions across the state have seen farmers making tough decisions to either sell stock or spend heavily on feed to keep animals alive as they wait for rain.
Federal government grants $50m for recovery a year after communities hit by record floods
The federal member for Calare Andrew Gee says while the funding announcement is a positive step, many residents have fallen into considerable debt due to delays in such assistance.
Koala influx sparks hope small town's colony is getting bigger
Mandy Della-Valle had never seen a koala in the wild until this week when she saw two in the space of three days. It has brought hope that a little-known colony is growing.
Farmers prove the difference in providing new hope for endangered bird
Central west NSW farmer Rodney Guest is "over the moon" malleefowl incubated and hatched in captivity are thriving in the wild as part of efforts to ensure the survival of the species.
Plans for $3m fossil museum scrapped after scientist cops online abuse
Palaeontologist Michael Durrant wanted "to leave a sizeable collection" of fossils to Gulgong, but online abuse about the museum's location became too much.
One man killed as Northern Rivers bushfire intensifies, heads for beach community
Residents of northern NSW are struggling through a second day of severe bushfires, with two blazes at Watch and Act level and a fire at Byron Bay inching closer to homes.
Almost 85pc of Australians regularly buy apples. So why are farmers exiting the industry in droves?
Retail fruit prices have barely changed in two decades, exports have dropped to about two per cent of the nation's crop and producers are fleeing the industry, new data from a NSW Farmers Association survey reveals.
Bathurst 1000 marks 60 years at racing's pinnacle of 'speed, difficulty and danger'
Some of Australia's past and present legends look back on the history of the iconic race ahead of this weekend's "razzamatazz". They say plenty has changed in 60 years, but the thrill of the event feels as fresh as ever.
NSW bushfire threat downgraded after residents earlier told it was too late to leave
A bushfire is impacting properties on the New South Wales South Coast but authorities have downgraded its emergency status.
Australian troops left Vietnam 50 years ago, but for many the pain would continue once they arrived home
Crowds gather to mark 50 years since troops were withdrawn from the Vietnam War, the longest 20th-century conflict in which Australians participated.
Iconic motorsport museum celebrating speedway closes after $2k a month rent rise
Ash Suttor's speedway museum was the largest of its kind, with memorabilia dating back to the 1920s.
Family calls for anti-choking devices in schools after two children die, but others say 'more studies needed'
A mother with 20 years' experience as a paramedic, who was unable to save her choking daughter, says suction devices should be mandatory in all schools and first aid kits.