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Larissa Waterson
Mount Isa, QLD
Larissa Waterson is a digital journalist based in Mount Isa in north west Queensland. She studied journalism at Macquarie University in Sydney before spending five years working for regional newspapers on the mid north coast of New South Wales. She worked as a digital journalist at News Corp's Sydney office before joining the ABC in 2021.
She is passionate about her patch in outback Australia and the diversity of stories she covers including environmental, rural and social issues.
Latest by Larissa Waterson
Outback barbers helping people battle Australia's cost-of-living crisis
Enele Maafu uses his salon skills and his love of people to boost mental health, foster connections, and combat skyrocketing living costs in his community of Mount Isa.
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'Horrible' heatwave hits outback Queensland as residents swelter in 44-degree heat
Searing conditions will endure until the end of the week amid the longest stretch of hot November days since 2020. Residents are counting on widespread thunderstorms to bring relief over the weekend.
Gold Coast captain makes cricket history by taking six wickets in six balls in unbelievable last-over win
The cricket gods have smiled on a club bowler after he bagged six wickets in the final over of a one-day match to snatch a miracle victory for his team.
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'Miracle' rain brings relief to fire-ravaged outback Queensland
Firefighters and property owners give thanks for a large downpour that has helped quell a ferocious fire that tore through more than 200,000 hectares and sparked evacuations.
Calls to overhaul jury system to include First Nations people for 'fair, just' trials
The Australian Law Council president and an Aboriginal community leader have called for an inquiry into the nation's jury system amid concerns Indigenous defendants are not getting fair trials.
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Three dead after firefighting plane crashes in outback Queensland
Queensland's fire service has offered its deepest condolences to the families of those onboard, and confirmed the aircraft had been contracted to support the Queensland bushfire response.
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Glencore is ditching Australian copper. What does it mean for our critical minerals industry?
One of the world's biggest mining companies is pulling out of Australian copper despite growing demand for the renewable energy metal. What does that mean for Australia's role plugging the critical minerals gap?
Outback singer swaps small-town pubs for Luke Combs tour after invitation 'of a lifetime'
When self-taught musician Wade Forster invited one of America's biggest country singers to a rodeo, he didn't expect him to say yes. Now, the station worker has his sights set on touring the US with his idols.
Dry lightning is causing havoc for firefighters, but what is it?
By Alex Brewster and Larissa Waterson
Firefighters say dry lightning has caused more than a dozen fires across Queensland this week, sparking concerns for authorities battling El Niño conditions.
Campers evacuated, mines under threat as out-of-control fires surround Mount Isa
Firefighters are battling major blazes around the outback city where a water bombing plane has been flown in for the first time to assist.
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'Not a great outlook' for Queenslanders as temperatures soar, bureau says
Searing heat consumes Queensland amid already parched conditions, but a cool change should bring respite to fire-ravaged communities before the mercury soars again.
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Fire warning after motorists ignite major blazes driving through dry grass in outback Queensland
Two major fires have started in outback Queensland, and one driver has suffered burns after vehicles simply drove through dry grass.
Mount Isa residents brace for tough road ahead as closure of Glencore copper mine looms
Businesses and residents in the mining epicentre are preparing for a turbulent few years as the effects of the Mount Isa copper mine closure unfold.
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Glencore to close Mount Isa copper mine, sparking concern for the mining city
The future of this major outback hub hangs in the balance as the multinational announces it will shut down one of the country's biggest copper mines.
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Mining to begin on Australia's biggest phosphate deposits amid global demand for fertiliser
A decrease in the quality of phosphate being mined overseas and growing investor interest in ethical projects are driving miners into Australia's largely untapped reserves.
Shirley Smith intended to travel the world. Fifty years later she's being celebrated as an outback trucking pioneer
Working as a barmaid in the Queensland bush to save for a trip around the world, Shirley's plans were thrown out the window when a strapping young bloke ordered a beer.
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Rats rampage across outback Queensland, chewing through crops, homes and machines
Residents in the state's north are at war with rodents invading properties, contaminating water and infesting vehicles, as cane farmers estimate they will lose more than 100,000 tonnes of crop to the pests this season.
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This remote community was paying $17 a kilo for tomatoes, but an Indigenous-owned supermarket has slashed prices
A new megastore creates career opportunities for First Nations locals in Queensland's north-west, while dramatically cutting grocery bills for its community.
More than 3 million Australians want to move to the outback, according to the Regional Australia Institute
Tania and Dale are among a growing number of Aussies eager to put the city lights behind them and make the most of abundant work opportunities in rural communities.
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Police officers allegedly assaulted after 'disgusting' incident at outback Australian Rules grand final
Two men have been charged with assaulting police officers after spectators stormed the field at a country footy final in Queensland.
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John felt 'violent and angry all the time'. Then he had his first good night's sleep
A teenager is among many in the outback benefiting from a program that combines Western science with Aboriginal cultural teachings to improve sleep health for Indigenous people.
Man charged with attempted murder, rape after double stabbing in outback Queensland
A 35-year-old woman is in a critical condition while an 18-year-old recovers in hospital, after a man allegedly stabbed them multiple times at a home in Mount Isa.
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Woman fights for life after double stabbing in outback Queensland home
A 35-year-old woman is in a critical condition and a teenager is in hospital after being stabbed multiple times at a property in north-west Queensland.
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At least 14 crocodiles found shot, some beheaded, in Gulf of Carpentaria
For months, locals and rangers have been discovering the bodies of crocodiles along the Norman River, including as recently as yesterday. Authorities are investigating the "disgusting" crimes.
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Bush residents ditching Telstra amid claims outback services are only 'getting worse'
When this outback business owner's telecommunications service cut out 10 times in a day, she says even Telstra staff suggested she switch to an alternative internet provider.
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