Melissa Maddison
Mackay, QLD
Melissa Maddison is the lead news reporter for the ABC Tropical North, based in Mackay in north Queensland. Melissa joined the ABC in 2005, working as a casual weekend producer. She started on-air hosting the mornings program in Mackay, before taking up a position in the newsroom. During her time with the ABC, Melissa has covered major natural disasters including flooding and cyclones, and specialises in mining and resources reporting, as well as local government, court and the environment. She tweets from @meljmaddison
Latest by Melissa Maddison
Gut instinct told a Queensland mum the bruises on her son's leg were something serious. She is glad she listened
A Clermont family and their tight-knit community have come to know a rare blood disorder well after it struck down a young boy who has shown remarkable resilience during treatment.
A Queensland family went through an exercise to test their ability to pack up and leave quickly. Here's what they found
When a disaster approaches, you may only have minutes to grab your belongings and get out. Would you pass the 10-minute evacuation test?
With more parents working all summer to meet rising costs, vacation care is harder to find
As demand for vacation care outweighs the number of places available, families are being turned away from summer holiday programs.
Amputee joey now hopping with joy thanks to a shoehorn and some innovative thinking
A young kangaroo named Cottontail is given a new lease on life, after part of its tail was amputated when its mother was struck by a car in Queensland.
How a workplace defibrillator and a last-minute decision to do overtime saved a tradie's life
Dylan Holmes was chatting with a colleague in the workshop when he collapsed. He says all businesses should invest in the device that saved his life.
Luxury home with star-studded history burns down on Hamilton Island
A multi-million-dollar holiday home which once hosted movie star George Clooney has been destroyed by fire that took emergency services several hours to extinguish.
Snakebite ruled out as cause of death of beloved grandfather as coroner finds no venom in system
The 68-year-old was struck multiple times in the chest and arms as he removed the snake and took it away from others at the celebration.
Major Queensland mine restricted after truck slides out of control for 177 metres
Operations at one of the state's biggest coal mines remain suspended after two serious incidents in one night.
Zena wanted help to have a baby. Instead, she was told to lose weight
Stigmatising experiences involving shame and guilt are being studied to improve maternity care and empower women.
Emotions run high as tiny town's fate is decided after years of uncertainty
The people of Glenden are breathing a sigh of relief after watching legislation pass in Queensland parliament that will secure the future of their town.
Legislation introduced in hope of saving Queensland mining town
The Queensland government has introduced legislation designed to safeguard the future of Glenden, a small, privately owned town built for mine workers.
Calls for basic first aid to be a requirement for a driver's licence in a bid to help reduce the road toll
If you came across a traffic crash, could you be the difference between life and death? St John Ambulance is currently lobbying the state government to make it mandatory for people to get basic first aid training when they get their driver's licence.
Mayor fights to save Queensland mining town at risk of extinction
As a wrecking ball looms over 300 homes in the small town of Glenden, the local mayor is pleading with the state government and rival coal mining companies to save the community.
Residents hope a new mine will revive this once-thriving town, but the mining company has other plans
This outback community has more than 100 empty houses. A new mine could bring an influx of residents, but the mining company doesn't want its employees to stay in town.
Fatal coal train crash ends horror day on north Queensland roads
Police allege a driver deliberately went around boom gates, just moments before it was struck by a fully loaded coal train.
Council's last-ditch move to avoid prosecution over drowning deaths of Chinese tourists
Almost five years after the death of a father and son in a public lagoon, the legal arguments over who is responsible continues.
Spate of 'significant' mining incidents, union calls for urgent meeting with minister
With 54 "really concerning" mining incidents across Queensland since January, the union worries workers' lives are being put at risk.
Magistrate rejects bid to throw out charges over drowning case
A council has argued a legal technicality to have charges dropped, following the 2018 deaths of a father and son at Airlie Beach Lagoon in the Whitsundays.
Dozens evacuated from charter flight at regional airport as fire breaks out
As many as 77 people were evacuated before take-off at Moranbah in central Queensland on Wednesday evening after a fire was found in the tail of their charter flight.
Ashley has been gone for 18 months. But her family still keeps an empty seat for her at Christmas
Ashley Park was funny, bright and loved by her family, but the demons that plagued the teenager took her away.
North Queensland cosmetic doctor suspended over 'reckless and irresponsible' conduct
An investigation finds Richard Hogben engaged in professional misconduct, which included treating his wife.
Man electrocuted on private property in northern Queensland
Workplace Health and Safety says the incident is work-related and a joint investigation with the Electrical Safety Office is underway.
Years after coal miner killed in central Queensland, the matter will go to court
After months of legal argument, appeals, and hearings, the president of the Industrial Court of Queensland ruled this month that matters can proceed against Carborough Downs Coal Management over the death of Brad Duxbury in 2019.
Former coal worker encourages others not to overlook lung health
After 40 years in coal mining and developing a persistent cough Peter Sharp now has answers and is urging others not to ignore their lungs.
Police hunt for men after vape deal goes wrong in Cannonvale
Police are appealing for information after a 21-year-old was allegedly punched in the back of the head while reaching into the boot of his car.