Justin Huntsdale
Wollongong, NSW
Justin is the features reporter for ABC Illawarra, based in Wollongong. He joined the ABC in 2006 after completing a journalism degree at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst, and since then has worked as a producer or presenter on morning, breakfast and afternoon radio programs in Dubbo, Orange, Lismore and Wollongong.
Latest by Justin Huntsdale
Living in south-west Sydney where it takes an hour to drive 30km
Young people say a "flaky" train system and limited bus timetable in Western Sydney leave them reliant on driving, as a state parliamentary inquiry considers the current and future needs of public transport in the booming region.
Tiny urban farm built on old carpark making boutique booze to rival big liquor brands
A patch of gravel in Wollongong's CBD is turned into a thriving farm and distillery, producing products designed to compete with international alcohol giants on price and quality while reducing waste.
World's largest flying replica of Kingsford Smith's Southern Cross airborne again after 12-year repair job
An exact replica of arguably Australia's most significant aircraft has flown again after more than a decade of delicate repairs and refurbishment.
From Model T Fords to cashless tickets, wheels on family bus business have been going round and round for 100 years
When Thomas Dion moved from China and settled in Wollongong, his family started a bus service for extra income. A century later, Dion's buses are still carrying passengers.
Seeing fireflies for the first time — it's a stunning display of one of nature's many magic tricks
Now is the time to see fireflies in New South Wales, as the bioluminescent beetles take flight for their spectacular, but brief, mating dance with pulsing yellow lights.
Dry winter causes bloomin' early showing of spring favourites like jacaranda and flame trees
A warmer than usual winter has spurred jacaranda, Illawarra flame trees, and Christmas bush into unseasonably early flowering as neighbourhoods are painted in striking purple and red.
Raceway's new manager promises 'completely revamped' track as closure hurts local economy
Wakefield Park Raceway's shutdown was a blow to motorsport enthusiasts in Goulburn and beyond. But the track could reopen by the end of the year, fuelling hopes of a regional racing renaissance.
From a shark attack to bleeding lungs, these survivors are teaching high school students about resilience
Two men who have faced significant challenges are helping school students better navigate the setbacks they will have in life.
The Barstool Project to provide mental health support to hotel staff
Hospitality staff can work unsociable hours with unsociable guests in an industry where mental health has been regarded as "taboo". But there are efforts to provide better support.
Intrigued by competitive woodchopping? The pros say winning takes a lot more than strength
When David Ruemer started chopping wood with a small axe as a two-year-old, he was embarking on a career that has led him to some of the sport's biggest stages.
Two men die after sedan hits telegraph pole in Bowral
A driver and passenger, both men in their 30s, have died after a sedan crashed into a telegraph pole in southern NSW.
The men's shed that's 'perfect for women too young to play bingo'
As the Australian men's shed movement celebrates its 30th anniversary, a community in the New South Wales Southern Highlands is showing how the model can bring the benefits of social connection and carpentry to both sexes.
These buildings hold your personal information under tight security and you wouldn't even notice them
A large, unassuming building in industrial Wollongong containing a wealth of personal information is a closely guarded data hub that its owners are happy to keep out of the spotlight.
How a 'kitchen table discussion' led to a $5m solar farm funded by residents to provide local power
Three-hundred residents in the New South Wales city of Goulburn band together to build their own solar energy project on the edge of town.
Million-dollar painting that nearly ended up in op shop now bound for National Gallery
Southern Highlands baker Tracy Nickl was clearing out artwork from his grandfather's home when he nearly gave one worth more than a million dollars to an op shop until his friend, artist Ben Quilty, saw it.
Luc Longley steps out of Michael Jordan's shadow in new NBA documentary
A new documentary celebrating Luc Longley's three consecutive NBA championships, and featuring exclusive new footage from The Last Dance, will offer a fascinating insight into the Australian basketball legend.
Aussie paragliders achieve world first with 5,200m-high launch from Nepalese mountains
Two New South Wales men have become the first people to legally paraglide from a 5,200-metre peak in the Everest region of Nepal, capturing spectacular footage for a charity film.
How using video, audio, and photos in resumes is helping people get jobs
Disability advocate Jane Turnbull says traditional resumes unfairly disadvantage people who struggle with writing, but she has come up with a fairer option for people with disabilities.
Technology using abandoned mine shafts to create renewable energy attracts international interest
A 12-metre-high prototype of technology that could use abandoned mine shafts to generate renewable electricity is showcased to the public at an industrial site in Wollongong.
The Aussie invention helping Cambodian villagers produce clean drinking water for free
A small sticker that uses UV light to indicate when contaminated water is safe for drinking is revolutionising life for villagers in South-East Asia.
Alyce dreams of competing with the best in her field. She hopes being a woman won't stop her
What will it take to pave the way for female V8 supercar drivers to compete in Australia's biggest motorsport events?
NSW community devastated by 'very professional' robbery of museum
Items donated up to 70 years ago have been stolen from the Kangaroo Valley Pioneer Village Museum, leaving volunteers sad and "angry".
Master model-plane maker's made-from-scratch miniatures showcased at aviation museum
Steve Keddie spends months painstakingly hand-crafting his pieces. His collection of miniatures reflects the variety of aircraft on display at Shellharbour, in one of Australia's most comprehensive aviation museums.
Wild 100kph winds cause fires, blackouts, property damage on NSW south coast
A warning is in place for parts of southern NSW as emergency services and power providers are working to repair damage caused by gale-force wind.
This university drama class asked Chat GPT to write a play for it — here's what it came up with
A play entirely written by artificial intelligence website ChatGPT has been rehearsed and performed for a paying audience at the University of Wollongong, showcasing what artificial intelligence can — and cannot — provide for the theatre industry.