News Ticker
Bushfire warning
An Emergency Warning is in place for Bullsbrook in the City of Swan, WA. Keep up to date with ABC Emergency
Emily JB Smith
Emily Smith is a journalist and breakfast radio host for the ABC in Esperance, WA. Tune in on 837 AM at 6:35am weekdays. Before that, she worked as an online producer and journalist at ABC News Darwin. She formerly worked as a journalist in Queensland, at Mackay's Daily Mercury and at the Central and North Burnett Times, based in Monto.
Follow her on Twitter at: @Emily_SmithDM
Latest by Emily JB Smith
Australian bird ecologist to join scientists on long journey to remote island (almost) left alone for 30 years
Researchers are about to travel to one of the most remote places on earth for the first time since 1991. But while humans have barely stepped foot on Ducie Island in decades, scientists are expecting to find plenty of plastic there.
Government sends extra police to Kalgoorlie-Boulder to ease growing youth crime concerns
The state government is sending more police resources to Kalgoorlie-Boulder but has not said what it will do to address the underlying issues that often lead to antisocial behaviour.
As another school year begins, what does the future hold for the class of 2023?
As another school year begins, the ABC speaks to 10 recent high school graduates from all over country Australia about their hopes, dreams and fears for the future.
Mother and daughter turn a 'whale-carcass-sized' rubbish problem into a community conservation project
Michelle and Sam Crisp were appalled to find a mass of marine debris wash up on their local beach. But rather than send the waste to landfill, they transformed it into art.
Thousands remain without power as WA government vows to launch investigation
Crews are continuing restoration works for thousands of customers in blackout conditions, as power to Kalgoorlie is restored.
'We try to put a brave face on it': Kalgoorlie community rallies to help sick, elderly people during four-day blackout
At least 20 people presented to hospital emergency departments with heat-related issues during this week's blackouts across outback WA. A researcher says it's time to rethink cooling strategies.
'Really eerie': Residents recount chaos that ensued after outback city was plunged into darkness
From trading biscuits for phone chargers to being forced to throw thousands of dollars worth of food and medical supplies, locals tell of the chaos widespread power outages have caused in regional WA.
'Freak storm' blamed for massive power, water blackouts in WA with massive towers 'crumpled like tin foil'
Power is starting to return to Kalgoorlie-Boulder after a summer storm toppled massive transmission towers, causing extended outages to the city's water, fuel, internet and phone services.
No power, no fuel, no alcohol as DFES warns regional WA blackouts could last up to a week
The Department of Fire and Emergency services has warned residents across the Goldfields and Wheatbelt to prepare for ongoing blackouts over the next seven days.
Woman sleeping in car allegedly sexually assaulted at popular WA beach
Police say two friends, who had been travelling across the state, were sleeping in a vehicle parked at Twilight Beach when another person opened their car door during the night.
He's 9,000km from home, but eating fish will help Nikotemo ward off homesickness this Christmas
Nikotemo Eriuta will spend Christmas a long way from his Pacific Island home. But a friendly group of elderly residents and a ready supply of fish will keep his spirits up.
Calls for extra legal resources to avoid further 'catastrophic failures' in WA justice system
The Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia says its lawyers are paid up to $42,000 a year less than they would at Legal Aid WA, making attraction and retention difficult.
Autistic pilot's hopes rise after epic aerial feat prompts call from aviation authorities
Esperance pilot Hayden McDonald has completed a lap of Australia in his light aircraft, and says the aviation safety regulator seems to have paid attention.
How these tiny seeds will generate jobs, homes and help the environment
Traditional owners will plant 4.5 million trees on a barren property near Esperance so they can earn income by trading carbon offsets with big companies. L'Oréal Groupe has already started investing in the business.
Mother forced to drive hours to meet sick newborn flown to hospital from country town
Libby Davie drove 700 kilometres to be with her newborn daughter after she was medically evacuated, and is among those who wonder if an over-reliance on the RFDS is putting too much stress on country people.
This area was once targeted by miners. It's now on track to be a national park
The 2.5-billion-year-old Helena and Aurora Range is on track to join its namesake national park, due to expand significantly with the Mount Manning Conservation Park's addition.
Native title recognised over area where communities grew after nuclear tests, rail development
Historic events of the past 120 years were among the factors that led people to Cundeelee, in WA's Goldfields, where a large native title claim has just been determined.
Fire brigade forced to face summer without permanent water supply following baffling series of government decisions
Firefighters in a rural community have spent years trying to secure a water supply. But a series of inexplicable government decisions have left them without the vital resource.
No ramps, broken footpaths are why disability advocates say tougher laws are needed
Jaimen Hudson has helped bring international recognition to beaches near Esperance. But the local filmmaker, who lives with quadriplegia, struggles to access one of its most iconic stretches of coastline.
Why this WA shire is receiving 'hundreds' of inquiries about tiny houses
Lynda Mackillican suspects anyone struggling with the cost of living, insecure housing or mounting pressure to live more sustainably will draw inspiration from her new home.
'Today we belong': 30-year struggle for native title rights celebrated in remote WA
Decades of struggle in Western Australia's Goldfields has come to an end with the Federal Court formally recognising the native title rights and interests of the Nyalpa Pirniku claim group.
Why the rejection of the Voice hit many Aboriginal tour operators particularly hard
Many in the Aboriginal tourism industry spend their days sharing their culture with the wider community. An industry leader says some want out of the sector after the referendum.
Why have many new beach wheelchairs hardly been used?
Almost two years ago, the WA government allocated $100,000 to 12 organisations to buy beach and all-terrain wheelchairs. But many have hardly been used.
Fundraisers 'fuming' as disability support service sells respite home built by local community
A non-profit organisation has angered many Esperance residents by selling a respite home believed to be built entirely from community donations and government grants.
Almost 90 per cent of people in this WA farming town voted No. Here's why
The resounding No vote in Western Australia has been met with relief by many who say it was a distraction, including those in the Wheatbelt town of Darkan. But others say there will be ramifications for reconciliation.