James Paras person profile
James Paras is a reporter with ABC New England North West. He works hard to bring the latest and compelling news to the audience and you may recognise his work from earlier work with ABC Newcastle. Away from the microphone and computer screen, James will likely be found at the local watering hole spinning a few stories.
Latest by James Paras person profile
Tiny endangered turtle twins hatch from same egg in 1-in-3000 event amid efforts to save the species
When scientists discovered seven baby Bell's turtles in a batch of six incubated eggs in the NSW Northern Tablelands recently, they were initially stumped.
For these Ezidi women, this swim club is so much more than just a dip in the pool
The migrant and refugee women learning to swim in this pool in regional New South Wales say attending the Armidale swim club is the highlight of their week. Here's why
Thunderstorms over NSW bushfire spark spot fires as firefighters wait for rain
The Pilliga bushfire has burnt through 112,000 hectares and, while storms are making firefighting efforts difficult, predicted rain is expected to help contain the main fire front.
Residents told to seek shelter as NSW bushfire spanning 81,000 hectares upgraded to emergency level
A bushfire in the Pilliga State Forest near Narrabri is threatening lives and properties in Bohena Creek between McCanns Road, Perimeter Road, Tomlinson Lane and the Newell Highway.
Man dies after being hit by truck at outback NSW worksite
A major outback highway is closed as police investigate a crash involving a truck and pedestrian east of Walgett in northern NSW.
Young artists take centre stage as 2024 Golden Guitar finalists are announced in Tamworth
The Golden Guitar Awards received 762 entries for country music's flagship event, as artists new and old look to make their mark.
Two teenagers dead, three hospitalised after single-vehicle crash in north-east NSW
Police say two teenagers have died and three have been taken to hospital after a car hit a tree in Tabulam, west of Casino, NSW.
Rare white platypus named Bloop stuns researchers as genetic abnormality found
A scientist was scouring the waterways of the Northern Tablelands for turtles when she instead made what is believed to be only the 13th sighting of a white platypus in 187 years.
'Scariest thing we ever experienced': Multiple fire fronts converge in border town as homes confirmed lost
As multiple blazes threaten Tenterfield region and beyond, farmer firefighters, neighbours and councillors have rallied together to support each other.
How a German coach discovered Australia's latest soccer export at an obscure regional tournament
Legion Walker, who grew up hunting for food on a small island off the Queensland coast, is using a rural football tournament as a stepping stone to play in Europe.
After 60 years of 'mud, blood and beer', there's another stain that haunts this retiring dry cleaner
Country town's beloved dry cleaning family to hang up the iron after 82 years of pressing jeans, removing stains and reviving antique wedding dresses.
Death threats, assaults and abuse leave workers in fear as shoplifters wreak havoc in NSW
Grocery shop worker Ted Bray says he no longer feels safe doing his job after several violent encounters with thieves. Statistics show retail theft has risen sharply in the state over the last two years.
Mine worker tells court of long lasting effects after being caught 'out in the open' during Maules Creek blast
A Boggabri coal worker has told a Sydney court there was nowhere for the shock wave to go as he was caught unaware from a blast at nearby Maules Creek.
Firefighter called to blaze only to discover his own vehicle was alight
Andrew Johns has felt the devastating impact of crime firsthand and is questioning his faith in community spirit, amid concerns his hometown of Gunnedah has a crime problem.
From an elephant testing fences to a 'spaceship' tractor, AgQuip has seen it all over its 50 years
Since launching in 1973, AgQuip has become the Southern Hemisphere's largest agricultural field day. This year it celebrates 50 years.
When Linda found out she had bowel cancer, playing soccer again became a priority
For Linda Berthon, 57, the path to recovery from a shock bowel cancer diagnosis was a winding one, but she has been driven by her ambition to step on the pitch once more.
Two-vehicle crash closes major NSW highway ahead of Tigers vs Rabbitohs game
Major delays are expected following a serious crash on the Oxley Highway as fans travel to Tamworth for tonight's NRL clash between the Tigers and Rabbitohs.
Incoming RBA governor Michele Bullock's success no surprise to former maths, economics teachers
Michele Bullock will be the first woman to govern the RBA. Her former teachers at Armidale High School recall she was a diligent student who was always at the top of her classes.
10-year-old 'daredevil' motorcyclist adds international title to his trophy cabinet
Hugo Holmes took off on his motorcycle before he could even ride a bike, and since then he has two national and an international title to his name on the flat track circuit.
Mayor devastated after 'worst fears' for hospital upgrade confirmed
Gunnedah's mayor says the state government has broken a key election promise after scaling back major regional hospital upgrades.
How the international language of sport is helping migrants build new lives
After fleeing war-torn Northern Iraq, Ezidi migrants are finding their feet in regional NSW through a weekly volleyball game.
First coach to lead Socceroos to a World Cup remembered as a 'giant' of the game
Trailblazing Socceroos coach Rale Rasic is being remembered as a man who changed the face of football in Australia, after his death aged 87.
Counsellor's own experiences drive push to reconnect families separated by service
Kerry Schofield was commended for his service in Vietnam but as his son Damien grew up, he could see how it had changed their relationship.
SES vows to 'do better' after 2021 Gunnedah floods
The NSW SES says it was under-resourced for the 2021 flood event in Gunnedah, but insists it has learnt valuable lessons.
Breeding program helping bring an endangered turtle species back from the brink
A University of New England research program will also his investigate the effect flooding has on hatching success for the reptiles.