Michael Black
Michael Black is a multi-platform journalist based in Canberra. He joined ABC News in 2016 while studying Postgraduate Broadcasting at Edith Cowan University. After graduating, he worked at ABC South West as a radio producer for the Breakfast and Morning programs. He traded sunsets for sunrises, moving over east to work for radio news and television in Sydney. Now he's weathering the colder climate with ABC Canberra as a cross media reporter and radio producer. Follow Michael on Twitter @MichaelBlackABC.
Latest by Michael Black
Off-grid postal services are helping people rewrite the way they communicate
In the smartphone era, many people have a podcast in their ears, their friends at their fingertips, and information up to their eyeballs. So when it comes to receiving news, a handwritten letter from a friend might seem old-fashioned.
'Like being washed in happiness': The formal-wear beach swim shoring up pleasure
Every year these pleasure-seeking Australians take to the waves in suits and ball gowns to let off steam during the summer holiday silly season.
Lee was at her lowest point when her friends came to the rescue. Now she's paying it forward
The Christmas and New Year period can be one of the loneliest and emotionally complicated times of the year. Here's how some people are reaching out to connect with each other.
After decades painting for a living, Maureen's dreams are coming to life on canvas
Maureen Mayall's creations are proving the twilight years are much more colourful than people might think, and the 92-year-old has no plans to slow down.
Clean, green snorkelling buddies find lost treasure at the bottom of Noosa River
Keeping the river clear of rubbish has long been a selfless act for these three Queensland eco-warriors, but it had an unintended pay-off with the discovery of a vintage Rolex watch.
With the help of an anonymous family's $500k donation, these women have received the gift of a lifetime
Four women living with disabilities have been given a brand new house to live in, providing freedom and friendship.
This jeweller crafts mementos out of people's teeth, including the dearly departed
Jewellery made from human teeth is not to everyone's taste, but the specialist craft dates back centuries. Queen Victoria even had some pieces made.
Parenting guru Maggie Dent reveals the moment as a 'fragile teen' that changed the course of her life
One of the darkest moments in Maggie Dent's adolescence changed the course of the parenting guru's life, setting her on the path to helping others understand their teenagers.
After 52 years, Paul's love song has finally found its groove
Retired rock 'n' roll musician Paul Shirley was blown away when a streaming service wanted to feature his song in a blockbuster film.
When social distancing hit, something magical happened in this Canberra neighbourhood
All it took was a global pandemic for some Australians to get to know their neighbours by name.
Hamilton is lauded for its diverse cast but this musical goes one step further
A new musical created, performed, and pioneered by an entirely queer cast and crew may even be an Australian first.
Family recreates famous painting using Lego as part of Stay At Home challenge
As galleries close down, art lovers across the world are recreating famous works as part of the Stay At Home challenge.
One year after its launch, Canberra's light rail patronage has plummeted
Light rail was officially launched one year ago in Canberra and, up until the COVID-19 outbreak, was proving more popular than first estimated. The government announced an increase in frequency to help alleviate the peak hour crush earlier this year, but now, the carriages are running empty.
If coronavirus has you feeling (understandably) down, read these stories from Canberra
Whether it's cooking food or taking photographs, as the coronavirus crisis evolves, so too are small neighbourhood armies of volunteers across Canberra. Here's a snapshot of the best community spirit we've seen come out of the pandemic.
As far as crazy schemes go, this one's up there.
Ian Oliver's Amphicar 770 is one of only 300 left in the world. The Canberra collector is making the 1960s car ship shape so he can take it for a spin on Lake Burley Griffin. What could possibly go wrong
Duration: 1 minute 15 seconds
Bright orange, then pitch black as Qantas flight hits turbulence in fire's cloud
Passengers describe the terrifying moment their flight from Melbourne to Canberra entered a fire-generated weather system over south-eastern Australia.
Police officer injured in 'riot' after thousands attend car meetup
A massive car meetup north of Canberra's Summernats car festival turns ugly, with attendees throwing rocks and bottles at police, injuring one officer.
South Coast fire victims exploited by 'despicable' scammers
Less than a day after father and son Robert and Patrick Salway died at Cobargo on the NSW South Coast, scammers set up an online fundraising campaign to solicit donations from members of the public.
Rest in fleece: Chris the record-breaking sheep dies
Canberra's very woolly sheep Chris — made famous by his record-breaking 41.1-kilogram coat — dies four years after he made headlines around the world.
Charity saving lids from landfill asked to put a cap on donations
Lids 4 Kids is processing 50,000 bottle caps a week. But with nowhere for them to go, they're piling up inside one Canberra man's home.
Home is where you park it: The Canberra locals embracing #vanlife
Paying off the wedding, navigating relationships with in-laws and dodging questions about children — the first year of marriage can be tumultuous for many couples. But spare a thought for these newlyweds, tackling their first year of marriage in very close quarters.
Ever wondered what you can and can't recycle?
Getting sorted isn't as easy as you might imagine.
Duration: 1 minute
Kids-only storytime proves laughter really is the best medicine
Reshmi helped Rosie escape hospital for a few hours through the power of storytelling.
Duration: 1 minute
Canberra gives green light to diversity with Australia's first same-sex pedestrian signals
Pedestrians in Canberra are making the slightest of double takes with the installation of same-sex traffic lights in the city centre.
'Equivalent to a Qantas lounge': Calls for underground bus interchange in Canberra
A proposal for an underground, air-conditioned interchange in Canberra is offering a prettier street-scape and targeting the current "smelly, noisy" central bus station as well as the city's "extreme weather".