Amelia Bernasconi
Muswellbrook, NSW
Amelia Bernasconi is ABC Upper Hunter's Breakfast presenter and rural reporter.
Amelia joined the ABC in 2019 and has worked in the Gippsland and New England North West news teams and for ABC Rural. She previously worked with the Nine Network based in Tamworth, and in radio with National Radio News.
Latest by Amelia Bernasconi
How problem weeds could power up a former coal generator
Being paid to get rid of weeds sounds like a farmer's ultimate dream, and it may just become reality for a group of graziers in rural Australia.
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Filly out of champion mare Winx breaks world record with $10 million auction sale
The first living foal of one Australian racing's all-time greats, sired by champion stallion Pierro, went under the hammer at the Inglis Easter yearling sale in Sydney.
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Another foal on the way for champion racehorse Winx
Owners of champion racehorse Winx have confirmed a second foal is in the making, just days out from the highly anticipated sale of her first foal.
Widespread rain 'lifts the spirits' and potentially the profits of farmers in NSW
Graziers are hoping an east coast low dumping rain across NSW will spur a last minute burst of pasture growth for producers offloading stock, and crops will be boosted — if there's enough sunshine in coming weeks.
Farmers 'infuriated' at 'chronic failures' in managing Red imported fire ants, senate inquiry hears
The head of a peak NSW farming body calls for practical biosecurity solutions to deal with fire ants, instead of "people swanning around" on overseas research trips and theoretical chats.
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Malcolm and Lucy Turnbull's plans for major pumped hydro project in rural NSW
The former prime minister is making strides to build his own renewable energy project, with the New South Wales government backing early investigations into pumped hydro in the Upper Hunter.
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This year's vintage might produce 'super wines', but trade talks with China could be the key to the industry's future
Producers say ideal conditions have led to a 50 per cent increase in yields this season amid hopes the tariffs on Australian wine to China could be lifted as early as March.
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Wind farm approved to set up towering turbines in heart of NSW coal country
The $590 million Bowmans Creek Wind Farm has been given the tick of approval, but the developer must wind back the number of planned turbines.
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Anxiety high among NSW beekeepers as questions remain about a future with varroa mite
Beekeepers call for education and training as they make decisions about rebuilding their hives and living with varroa mite.
Farmers 'get creative' with bonus incentives to keep key workers
As worker shortages worsen across Australia, some farmers are offering enticements such as cash bonuses, housing and food to retain prized employees.
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Relief until Christmas for farmers who had 'lost faith', but a 'green drought' looms
Storms that brought heavy rain in November have put a "handbrake" on the drought for some areas, but without follow-up falls farmers could be back to where they started.
Farmers 'stunned': Controversial gas pipeline step closer after Santos agent buys land
By national regional affairs reporter Nathan Morris and Amelia Bernasconi
Farmers fighting Santos's Hunter Gas Pipeline suddenly noticed survey pegs along the route. A title search shows the surveyed land is now owned by the directors of the company negotiating land access for Santos.
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Fire warnings ease after northern properties threatened in northern NSW in rapidly changing conditions
The NSW Rural Fire Service's main concern shifted north to Nymboida on the state's mid north coast, where a bushfire burned near remote properties.
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Drought looms after record-low rainfall, but this extreme turn in the weather is not unusual
By the National Regional Reporting Team's Kath Sullivan, Nathan Morris and Amelia Bernasconi
El Niño is back and drought is on the doorstep. Some farmers have been feeding livestock for months. Here's what it might mean for the economy and food prices.
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'The next chapter of a great story': Owners to sell Winx's first foal
The first foal of champion racehorse Winx is tipped to break sale records, as her owners confirm she will be sold at a public auction next year.
$2.7b coal royalty hike in NSW will hurt but could have been worse, mining sector says
The NSW government plans to boost the budget by close to $3 billion over four years with the increase. The mining sector says it is a "significant additional impost", but is relieved the state did not follow Queensland's model.
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'A major drought event is forming': Why farmers fear history is repeating itself
By Sarah Gerathy and Amelia Bernasconi
Farmers in New South Wales are concerned about the prospect of the state plunging into another drought, saying there has been an alarmingly rapid return to dry conditions.
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Woman succumbs to injuries after fall on Thailand holiday as family mourns 'kindest' person
The family of a woman who suffered a brain bleed after an accident in Thailand earlier this year has shared their grief at her death yesterday.
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Hunter Valley horse trainer claims 1,000th win in 'pretty special' moment at Casino
Brett Cavanough believes 14 years as a shearer helped him develop the mental toughness required to reach the heights of success, with his six-year-old horse, Burdekin, claiming a big win at the weekend.
Farmers consider offloading cattle as 'all sorts of records' crumble with new drought
Just three years since the "worst drought in living memory" ended, the scars are fresh as dry conditions return to the Hunter Valley. Farmers are saying it's tougher this time around with higher interest rates and falling livestock prices.
More regions slip into drought across NSW as state opposition calls for immediate El Niño action
Four more NSW local government areas are declared in drought and, as the opposition calls on the government to reveal its preparedness, the premier says announcements will be made in next month's budget.
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'Deeply passionate but not radical': Hunter Valley environmentalist Wendy Bowman dies, aged 89
For more than three decades, Wendy Bowman fought to save her patch of the Upper Hunter from open-cut mining, inspiring a generation of environmentalists along the way.
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Young bull 'Thunderstruck' sets new Australian record
A 12-month-old Angus bull has become the most expensive ever sold in Australia — for $360,000.
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Last year northern NSW was in flood. Now it's so dry farmers are trucking in hay at 'astronomical' prices
As an El Niño looms and fears of drought creep in, farmers and hay suppliers in the Hunter and New England are struggling to find local stock feed.
Farm up for sale after failed $30 million plan to rehabilitate hundreds of retired greyhounds
Greyhound Racing NSW sought approval to convert the property into a "world-first" rehabilitation centre for retired greyhounds, but was unsuccessful.
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