Annabel Francis
Port Pirie, SA
Annabel Francis is a news reporter for ABC North and West based in Port Pirie, South Australia. She was previously a video journalist for Spencer Gulf Nightly News.
Latest by Annabel Francis
Thousands of Aussies have joined community running clubs recently with social media fuelling the trend
Running clubs are rapidly growing in popularity across Australia, and organisers say it's thanks to social media providing support and accountability.
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Wind turbine destroyed by fire in South Australia sparks 30-hectare grassfire
The cause of a fire that destroyed a wind turbine north of Adelaide today is set to be investigated, with the cost of the damage estimated at $2.2 million.
SA steps up biosecurity in bid to keep $80b threat at bay
South Australia has added an extra layer of defence against animal disease and increased supply chain protection within its borders.
Singer-songwriter helps female prisoners through 'life changing' music program
First Nations singer-songwriter Nancy Bates teaches inmates at the Adelaide Women's Prison how to write songs, sing and play the ukulele in what she hopes will prevent them from reoffending.
Victims of one of SA's worst bushfires look back on loss and recovery
It has been 10 years since the Bangor bushfire raged through the southern Flinders Ranges, but those who witnessed it remember it like it was yesterday.
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For neurodiverse children, Christmas is sometimes 'too much'. Sensory Santa can bring the joy back
More regional areas are adopting Sensory Santa sessions, which allow people who are neurodivergent to enjoy Christmas events and experiences in a setting they find more comfortable.
SA grain growers go Christmas shopping and have family holidays after early harvest finish
Many grain farmers in South Australia are celebrating an early harvest and planning how they will keep busy on what will be one of their earliest breaks at Christmas time.
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Controversial farm chemical accused of causing bleaching, spray drift damage in regional South Australia
Earlier this year alleged off-target spray drift damage from Overwatch caused bleaching on gardens in nearby townships, and there are concerns it will happen again next harvest.
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Ardrossan hospital cuts accident and emergency services
The hospital has closed the services after more than 100 years of operation, prompting fears it will further strain nearby hospitals and deter families from moving to the area.
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Owners of hobby garden that raised $150k for charity hang up the gloves
A Yorke Peninsula Couple have opened their garden to the public for the last time after 16 years.
Cycling club calls for change after two 'loved and respected' members killed on local roads in seven years
Cyclist John Dennis died after being struck by a ute in regional South Australia earlier this month. Seven years earlier, he was injured in a crash that killed a fellow rider less than 10 kilometres away.
Pier group pressure grows to save 150-year-old Edithburgh Jetty
By Annabel Francis and Isabella Carbone
A business model for the maintenance of this historic 'photographer's paradise' was conducted last year, but the results are yet to be made public.
Could making predators puke be the key to saving Australia's wildlife?
Foxes kill an astonishing 367 million mammals in Australia each year, but a study showing foxes can learn to associate prey with vomit is good news for vulnerable native species.
Lindy's harvest accident highlights the farm safety issues the agriculture sector struggles to deal with
The majority of fatalities on Australian farms are attributed to farm vehicles or mobile farm machinery.
Fast-food chain coffee grounds saved from landfill by enterprising ag students
Students at St Mark's College in Port Pirie collect almost 50 kilograms of coffee grounds from their local McDonald's every week for composting on the school's farm.
New national survey to shine light on hidden issue of farm crime
A University of New England survey — the first of its kind in more than 20 years — will investigate the extent of farm crime across the country.
Kangaroo sanctuary owner faces eviction, meaning 90 rescued roos need a new home too
A man running a kangaroo sanctuary in South Australia's mid north is facing eviction, leaving a family and rescued kangaroos without a home.
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SA sheep, goat producers to get 50pc subsidy for eID tags in $9.3m state-funded package
The SA government is investing $9.3 million into the electronic tagging of sheep and goats to "protect our livestock industry", the Minister for Primary Industries says.
The SA government is subsidising producers' costs for the mandatory electronic identification tagging of sheep and goats, but some growers want an exemption.
Surprise link between dog fence and slower-growing red kangaroos emerges
An unexpected discovery when comparing the head shapes and teeth of red kangaroos inside and outside the Australian dog fence has been made by researchers, with one group growing up quicker.
Farmers on a mission to change Snowtown's notorious reputation open historic restoration project
Snowtown farmers Andrew and Rosemary Michael purchased Hummocks Station in 2016 and have been promoting the area's rich farming history ever since.