Tara Cassidy
Mermaid Beach, QLD
Tara is a multi-platform news reporter at ABC Gold Coast, covering everything from crime, court and politics to health, business and human interest. Before being based at Mermaid Beach, Tara worked as a news reporter on the Sunshine Coast and in Mackay for the ABC, and local newspaper, the Daily Mercury. Tara has also worked as a TV reporter in regional Victoria and interned at media organisations across Brisbane and regional Queensland, including Seven News, Nine News and the Courier Mail.
Latest by Tara Cassidy
She knows it 'sounds terrible', but a Gold Coast councillor has called for vagrancy to again be criminalised
Brooke Patterson says a repealed homelessness law should be reintroduced. Others say the "dated" legislation was changed for good reason.
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Denise says she was treated 'like garbage' after paying $75k for a caravan as the ACCC says the industry must improve
Instead of beachside holidays and new memories, Denise Tiyse says her caravan was plagued with issues and the supplier couldn't care less.
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'Spiritual insights coach' who posed as fake doctor fined for issuing fake COVID exemption certificates
Maria Carmela Pau is fined $25,000 for issuing more than 1,000 fake certificates claiming they would prevent people from needing a vaccine, wearing a mask or taking a PCR test.
Vital service to save Gold Coast's most vulnerable
A homeless support organisation hopes to bring a new 200-unit holistic housing facility to the Gold Coast where a councillor says people "are dying on the streets".
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Doctors frustrated by supply 'hold-up' for COVID-19 antivirals a week after authorities made more people eligible
Patients with prescriptions for antiviral drugs after catching COVID-19 are struggling to get them filled at pharmacies across Queensland, a medical association says, as increased illegibility increases demand on stocks.
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Gold Coast man charged with child abuse-related offences after find by US investigators
A Gold Coast man will appear in court today, charged with possessing child abuse material located by investigators in the United States.
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Queensland fruit and vegetable crops wiped out by unseasonal rain, cold
You can expect fresh produce prices to rise even further at the supermarket with unseasonal rain wiping out more crops in Queensland. Here's which veggies have been affected.
Renters with pets get more rights as sweeping new legislative changes put tenants first
New housing laws set to come into effect later this year will make it harder for Queensland landlords to ban pets in rental properties.
Specialist domestic violence police stations recommended by coroner, following Doreen Langham death
The domestic violence death of Queensland mother Doreen Langham has resulted in coronial recommendations to Queensland police to address widespread cultural issues within the force and to trial specialist domestic violence police stations and staff.
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GP says $1.3 billion hospital promise won't solve immediate crisis
A Gold Coast general practitioner says pressure on clinics and hospital emergency departments doesn't look set to ease soon despite a billion-dollar hospital promise for her region.
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Unprecedented Gold Coast sporting event set to make history in more ways than one
A three-day world cup event is coming to Queensland, but it's not just the chance to compete at home that has athletes excited.
'There's just no room to move': Cafe boss warns small businesses will disappear without local customer support
Inflation and the rising cost of living cause chaos for business owners and customers as coffee and vegies become the latest budget-breaking items.
Victorian man accused of stealing more than $1.1 million from ill Gold Coast mother
The 64-year-old man is accused of misappropriating $1.1 million of his mother's money over a four-year period, as well as taking a further $150,000 from her debit card.
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The Gold Coast seaside suburbs with properties under $1 million
Those who hold on to the dream of living by the ocean may be in luck as Gold Coast property data shows there are still suburbs where houses can be bought for a reasonable price.
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Gold Coast school hepatitis A cluster prompts health warning
A Gold Coast school will host a hepatitis A vaccination clinic this weekend after four of its students caught the viral infection.
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Gold Coast man to appear in court after allegedly arranging to meet 13-year-old girl
Police allege a 42-year-old Queensland man arranged to meet a person he believed was a young teenage girl.
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Two men taken into police custody after 18-hour Gold Coast siege
A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said both men, who were on return-to-prison warrants, have now been arrested and police are in the process of revoking an emergency declaration for the area.
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Labrador listed as fifth-most dangerous and aggressive dog breed in council count
Labradors are now listed among the Gold Coast's most "dangerous" dogs, joining breeds like the Staffordshire bull terrier, Rottweiler and German shepherd.
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'Win for survivors' as Gold Coast, Ipswich trial police body camera statements for family violence cases
For the first time in Queensland, police body-worn camera footage will be allowed to be used in court for domestic and family violence survivors, following the passing of a bill in state parliament.
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Gut health gimmicks: What not to waste money on and what actually works
Australia has some of the highest rates of gut illnesses in the world, so how do you know what will work best for you, and what does a leading gastroenterologist think about probiotics and prebiotics?
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Everything going mouldy at your place? Here's how to control it in your home amid ongoing wet weather
After months of wet weather, many people are struggling to contain mould. Here’s how to get rid of it.
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Designers bring lived experience to disability-friendly creations for Australian Fashion Week
For the first time in Australian Fashion Week history, a runway show has been created by and for people with disabilities, and modelled by people with disabilities, with the hopes of making the creations mainstream.
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Once bitten: Amy Shark calls for more protections for musicians and artists as she prepares for huge tour
ARIA Award-winning singer Amy Shark is about to embark on an ambitious 60-date national tour.
After being forced to pare back her touring plans over the past two years due to the pandemic, she is calling on the government to learn from what has happened and put safeguards in place to protect artists.
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Joel Parkinson to be inducted into surfing hall of fame
The 2012 world champion will be the hall of fame's 44th inductee, following in the footsteps of good mate Mick Fanning who was inducted last year.
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Authorities warn motorists, boaties they'll be targeted this Easter
With the influx of tourists and boaties to hit Queensland roads and waterways this weekend, authorities warn people to heed caution and expect to be targeted for drink and drug-driving and speeding.