Nikki Sorbello
Bundaberg, QLD
Nikki Sorbello is an experienced journalist, working across print and radio in the Wide Bay for the past 20 years. She is a news reporter for ABC Wide Bay, based in Bundaberg.
Latest by Nikki Sorbello
Steam car that once carried world-famous inventors fires up in Queensland backyard
Once driven by General Electric masterminds, a historic vehicle has been restarted by a Wide Bay collector more than a century later.
It was the worst flood Bundaberg had seen. But is it ready for the next one?
Eleven years on from one of Australia's largest air evacuations, Bundaberg flood victims have finally seen a levee design that's meant to save their city. But they fear nothing will be done by the time the next big one hits.
Farming city famous for agriculture also growing world-class musicians
A string of professional musicians have emerged from the ranks of the Bundaberg Youth Orchestra, which is one of the longest-running outfits of its kind.
Agonising 12-year journey to diagnosis drives push to redefine endometriosis
Jessica Spain says she was prescribed magnesium and the pill, diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, and told her symptoms were psychological before eventually being told she had endometriosis.
'It was just surreal': Woman recounts gunman's home invasion in lead-up to fatal shooting by police
Tracey Rawlings says she doesn't know if she can be alone again after a 36-year-old man with a rifle walked into her home demanding her car.
Venomous snake brought into hospital in lunchbox prompts plea from doctors — 'please don't do this'
Hospital staff came face-to-face with one of the world's most deadly snakes after a patient brought it to the emergency department in a snap-lock lunch container.
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Mother and daughter team up to help aged care workers reduce preventable hospital visits
A mother-daughter nursing duo is helping personal care workers draw attention to health concerns about residents early in a bid to prevent them from needing hospitalisation.
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Cost of living, youth crime lead voters to kick incumbents across regional Queensland
By Tobi Loftus and regional Queensland reporters
A mood for change has swept through regional Queensland, with voters punishing incumbent mayors in several major cities.
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It's a well-paid job so why are fewer people nominating for local councils?
By Josh Dye and Nikki Sorbello
With so many councillor and mayor positions uncontested, is it a sign of voter disengagement or are people happy with how things are?
Social media outcry saves gravity-defying installation from the axe as Bundaberg council temporarily puts away red tape
A large social media outcry and looming local government election has temporarily halted the dismantlement of Jim Sauer's popular installation art on his South Kolan property, just months after making the headlines.
From gel blasters to cup pong, the fun games that are helping people with dementia feel good again
Stimulating the right side of the brain with creative activities has helped residents with dementia be less aggressive, less reclusive, and even talk again at this high-level care home.
Girl allegedly stabbed 10 times by woman at dance school
A 34-year-old Bundaberg South woman has faced court after a teen was treated for injuries to her back.
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Distillers push for pause as spirit excise increases make favourite tipple more expensive
More than half the cost of a bottle of spirits goes to the tax office. Distillers want a two-year pause on the "outrageous" excise, but the Alcohol and Drug Foundation says it's necessary to stop harmful drinking.
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How oyster shells, foam and zip ties are offering a critical life raft for declining shorebird populations
Sea rangers hope an artificial floating roost made from oyster farm "pillows" will help provide vital habitat for endangered shorebirds.
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Why Canadian pilot Mark spends six months a year battling Australian bushfires
Canada's Conair Large Air Tanker crew has had its busiest fire season yet, performing 85 drops on bushfires across Queensland. But the pilots' roster still allows them time to explore the country in their spare time.
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Salsa on the sand, bachata on the beach liberating ways to lift the spirits, say outdoor dancers
After swapping a venue for an ocean-side park, these barefoot social dancers feel connected to the earth as research confirms such activities boost mood, foster social connection and improve mental health.
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'Almost an amputation': Swimmer almost loses ankle in central Queensland to shark bite
The 20-year-old man is recovering in hospital after being bitten by the shark while swimming south of Gladstone.
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Arthur Reck says knowing what dynamite looks like probably saved his life
While preparing his deceased uncle's farm for sale, a plastic bag on the front seat of an old ute stopped Mr Reck in his tracks.
Young girl 'unresponsive' after being run over by ute on popular Queensland island
A LifeFlight spokesperson says the rear and front wheels of a ute rolled over the girl at low speed on K'gari before her father performed CPR on her.
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From being a hero to drawing one: Retired paramedic now illustrates world-famous Phantom comics
Illustrator Shane Foley traded in his paramedic uniform to draw the costumed crusader, but one thing he won't give up is using pen and paper to bring the world's oldest comic character to life.
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Graziers 'can't just sit and hope for rain'. Industry leaders say it's time to destock
Queensland graziers are being urged to sell their cattle as the state's bushfire emergency exacerbates an already dire national feed shortage.
Pub-goers, pensioners join the frontline as 1 in 5 struggle to put food on the table
Community-led food pantry pop ups gaining popularity as people look to help their neighbours through cost-of-living crisis.
It's machinery on sticks, out in the sticks
83-year-old Jim Sauer has spent the past three years sourcing old pieces of machinery and lifting them on top of old power poles for 'a bit of fun for an old chap'. He doesn't consider himself and artist - just someone who wants to put a smile on people's faces.
Duration: 2 minutes 22 seconds
'Anyone got a helicopter?': Three-year pole installation may not be quite finished, says Jim
It started as a "bit of fun for an old chap", but now people from all over the world are visiting this out-of-the-way art installation in rural Queensland.
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In the parts of Queensland where the No vote was strongest, voters reflect on the referendum
By regional Queensland staff including Owen Jacques, Lily Nothling, Tobi Loftus, Katrina Beavan and Nikki Sorbello
Not a single Queensland electorate outside of the state's south-east voted to support the referendum, and the firmest of those against it all fall within Queensland. We ask voters why.
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