Our Journalists

Jacklyn O’Brien is the reporter for the Roma Western Star, servicing the Maranoa region of South West Queensland.

Latest

Collage of photos for use in on the beat, Wednesday March 5, 2025

Don’t be a tool, help police solve these crimes

Police have appealed to the community for help identifying three people who they allege have committed petty crimes at the Gold Coast, totalling to more than $2000 damage.

UpdatedGold Coast

Gold Coast suffers in the aftermath from ex Cyclone Alfred, as it still hits the coast with strong winds and rain.Trees claim the powerlines and block Heeb St. . Picture Glenn Hampson

Cheers as power restored to thousands of Gold Coast homes

Hope is on the horizon for Gold Coasters cut off from electricity, with crews getting thousand back on the grid despite difficult conditions, with cheers in one badly-affected suburb when power came back on.

News

A woman wrangled her dog after it almost got swept into the swell at The Spit. Picture: Instagram/@rhettkelly_

WATCH: Premier slams cyclone ‘idiots’ risking life and $16k fines

Premier David Crisafulli has slammed skylarkers at the Gold Coast as “idiots” putting themselves and emergency services at risk amid police warnings of hefty fines. NEW VIDEOS

UpdatedNews

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - NewsWire Photos - JANUARY 24, 2025: A generic photo of a Queensland Fire Service Vehicle in Brisbanes CBD.Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell

Cause of Gold Coast house fire revealed

Police can reveal what sparked the blaze which ripped through a Gold Coast home, completely destroying it. FIND OUT MORE.

News

Two cars were caught in the swell as the carpark at Currumbin SLSC was consumed by the ocean. Picture: Instagram/@nicka35

Cars caught in cyclonic swell at surf club

Two cars parked at Currumbin Surf Life Saving Club were caught in the whitewash as cyclonic swell inundates the coast ahead of Alfred’s arrival.

News

Rear view image of a woman sitting alone on a bed in bedroom

‘No one believed me’: Gold Coast woman’s fight to put stepfather behind bars

Seven years since a young woman first tried to report her stepfather to police for raping and molesting her and her friends as children, he has finally been sentenced. WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT

News

Surf legend, Mick Fanning, wouldn't miss surfing the swell generated by Tropical Cyclone Alfred for anything.

World champion surfer injured in cyclonic swell

World champion surfer Mick Fanning is bearing the scars of the cyclonic surf on the Gold Coast ahead of TC Alfred crossing the coastline. PICS, VIDEOS

News

Killer driver learns fate as victim’s family weeps

A woman who left the country after she killed a motorcyclist in a crash has been sentenced in court, while the rider’s family – gathered in the gallery from across the country – were finally brought closure.

News

Police rescued a man and a dog after a boat capsized of Ephraim Island at Paradise Point on March 3.

Man, dog saved after boat capsizes

A man and his dog were caught on a sinking boat on the Gold Coast on Monday night. Here’s how they got to safety.

News

Torpedo on the GC ? Sorry we've already got one. Staff members Balin Biddle, Alicia Withers and Daniel Brodie all dressed up on a torpedo for the Gold Coast War Museum 50th anniversary this Saturday at Mudgeeraba. Picture Glenn Hampson.

Surprising James Bond link at Gold Coast museum

A leafy Gold Coast suburb is home to one of Australia’s most expansive war memorabilia collections. From fighter planes to real-life spy equipment which helped inspire James Bond novels, find out how you can see it all for free.

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/journalists/jacklyn-obrien/page/3