Scout Wallen
Scout Wallen is a reporter in the Rockhampton newsroom in central Queensland. She was named Journalism Student of the Year by the Australian Press Council in 2022 and won the Walkley WIN News Scholarship in 2021. Scout has been with the ABC since September 2021 and completed the ABC News cadetship in 2022. She has a keen interest in public interest journalism.
Latest by Scout Wallen
Hayley's 3yo son isn't talking yet and can't be in kindy. He's waited two years for speech therapy
Hayley Battisson put Nate's name down on waiting lists at nearly every speech pathology practice in Rockhampton years ago. She fears a dire shortage of regional clinicians has put him at a disadvantage.
Zahli wanted to become a child safety officer. But heavy caseloads made her decision to walk away easier
The Queensland government has announced it's to increase the graduate salaries of child safety officers as experts say heavy caseloads and a lack of staff are creating delays in response times.
Rio Tinto to buy all electricity produced by Australia's largest solar project
If the Upper Calliope Solar Farm in central Queensland is approved, mining giant Rio Tinto will use the electricity generated to power its operations in Gladstone. But some locals want more detail about the project.
Police charge two men with murder months after fatal shooting in Rockhampton
The men have faced court over the alleged murder of Rockhampton local Anuisha Bone, who was fatally shot in November.
Family puts off having another baby as Biloela's maternity service remains closed
Katie Craig's son was born prematurely just three weeks before the Biloela maternity service went on bypass. She would like another baby, but finds the thought of being without a service nearby terrifying.
Why posting on social media about crimes in your neighbourhood could backfire
Communities are going online to help catch alleged criminals at work in their neighbourhoods. But experts say "digital vigilantism" can land people in hot water.
'Watch your back': 2.5-metre croc launches itself onto pontoon in front of fisherman
Rangers on Queensland's Capricorn Coast investigate a "dangerous" crocodile that has given a fisherman a fright, after spending weeks lurking the area and putting locals on high alert.
Within hours on Boxing Day, this family lost their husband and father, and then their home
The Rockhampton community rallies around Bronwyn Nunn and her children, after her husband Tony died from cancer and just hours later a fire destroyed their home.
Man found dead in house fire in Central Queensland as police launch investigation
Police are investigating a house fire in the Indigenous community of Woorabinda.
Pacific Island workers in regional Queensland win a national Christmas singing competition
These farm workers will spend Christmas away from their families to keep produce on Australian plates, but they have a found a beautiful way to make sure there is plenty of festive cheer.
Scammers targeting families at the 'toughest times of their lives' via online funeral services
Australia's National Anti-Scam Centre has received reports of fraudsters using funeral live streams to steal people's card details, with a Queensland funeral home "dismayed" to find its clients targeted via a Facebook friend request.
Do you have a holiday booked in Far North Queensland this Christmas? Don't cancel it yet
With Far North Queensland's peak tourism period disrupted by a cyclone and flooding, the state government wants Australians to show their support by continuing with plans to visit the region for a holiday.
Volunteer woodworkers labour like Santa's elves to make toys for kids in need
The volunteers from the Woodturners Society of Queensland work all year to handcraft wooden toys to give to children in need during the festive season.
Amy was anxious about getting her first pap smear. Then she stumbled across a community-built directory
Health directories are enabling people in regional communities to find specialty health services, allowing them to take control of their healthcare journeys and avoid being whisked from practitioner to practitioner.
Air travel under pressure as crews threaten strike action, routes cancelled between major airports
Australia's aviation industry is facing a daunting holiday season as potential strikes, staff shortages and cancelled routes loom.
Cyclone Jasper forms off Queensland coast, marking an unusually early start to season
Jasper is the first cyclone of the season, but it's not yet clear how close it will come to the Queensland coast.
Tens of thousands rally across Australia for ceasefire in Gaza, hundreds call for release of Israeli hostages
Thousands of people take to Australian streets for the sixth-straight week, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, while pro-Israeli events are rallying for the release of hostages.
Man allegedly stabbed at hotel in Brisbane's CBD
Police declare a crime scene after an altercation between two men in central Brisbane.
Toddler's body found in footwell of car, another found in back seat
A two and three-year-old were found dead in a car while their family members were inside a nearby house.
Crew lost in fatal crash near Cloncurry had travelled from a number of eastern states
Specialist police are on their way out to remote Queensland and four aircraft have been grounded after three people died in a plane crash while fighting fires.
Sixteen homes lost in Tara as Queensland bushfire emergency continues
Authorities have confirmed at least 16 homes have been destroyed in Tara, with dry lightning storms also causing havoc in the region for firefighters overnight.
Haylee's severe endometriosis means she needs a hysterectomy. But first, she's giving motherhood a shot
Within the next few years, 24-year-old Haylee will undergo a hysterectomy to solve her chronic pain. But first, she is giving pregnancy one last shot.
One-way virtual job interviews are becoming more common. Here's how to nail them
From retail gigs to graduate positions, the one-way virtual job interview is becoming more common — and depending on who you ask, you may have heard some success (and horror) stories.
Australia is on the hunt for the next big thing in esports. Could it be hiding in remote Queensland?
A Queensland university is bringing esports and virtual sports to Indigenous, remote and regional communities, with hopes of unlocking potential Olympic and Paralympic talent.
Seven dead in horror weekend on Queensland roads
A seventh person has died and several more are injured after multiple serious traffic crashes on Queensland roads over the final weekend of the school holidays.