Our Journalists

Jodie Munro O’Brien is digital journalist for the Courier Mail and Sunday Mail. Over the course of her career, the award winning journalist has covered everything from breaking news, crime, court, the military, local government, education and religion. She has also worked as an investigative journalist and as a features/lifestyle reporter in Australia and overseas.

@jodieobrien

Jodie Munro O'Brien

Latest

QLD News

The USS America passing by the coastline of Caloundra. Photo: Bluey's Photography

US Navy war ship and submarine spotted off Queensland

One of the US Navy’s largest amphibious assault ships has been spotted off the coast of Queensland on Wednesday afternoon, ahead of the start of the Exercise Talisman Sabre.

QLD News

A UK Viking Multirole Unmanned Ground Vehicle operates during Trusted Operation of Robotic Vehicles in a Contested Environment (TORVICE) trial. *** Local Caption *** A Trusted Operation of Robotic Vehicles in a Contested Environment (TORVICE) trial was held in South Australia in late 2023. The live trial involved personnel from Australia, the US and UK testing autonomous ground vehicles in a contested electronic warfare environment. TORVICE is part of Australia's commitment to AUKUS Pillar II Advanced Capabilities.

Bringing soldiers home alive: Defence’s safety revolution unfolds

Former Special Forces soldier’s lifesaving creation to lead revolutionary safety technology trials at Australia’s largest military exercise.

QLD News

The National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System fires an AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missile during it's first ever Australian live-fire at Woomera Test Range in South Australia on 14 November 2023. *** Local Caption *** Soldiers from the 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, conducted the first live-fire of the recently-acquired enhanced National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) at Woomera Test Range in South Australia 13-15 November 2023. NASAMS is a short-range, ground based air defence that delivers an enhanced force protection system for the Australian Army. It is the first element of the ADF's Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) program to be delivered into service, and demonstrates tangible progress of Army's response to the Defence Strategic Review with an increased focus on fires capabilities.

Australian army to debut new firepower in biennial exercise

The Australian Defence Force is preparing to show off the nation’s new long-range missiles during the largest military exercise in the southern hemisphere in July.

QLD News

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SPECIAL AUSTRAL DAY LIFT OUT. IMAGES SUPPLIED BY NSW GOVERNMENT.

Thousands set to flock to Gallipoli Barracks for open day

Thousands of people are anticipated to take a peek behind the barricades of one of the Australian Defence Force’s largest Army bases in Brisbane this weekend.

QLD News

An Australian Army Heavy Recovery Vehicle is used to successfully recover an NSW RFS contracted helicopter that ditched into the Ben Boyd Reservoir, near Eden in NSW. *** Local Caption *** The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has commenced Operation Bushfire Assist 19-20 and has stood up Joint Task Forces (JTF) in New South Wales and Victoria to enhance Defence support following devastating bushfires in the South East of Australia. ADF members are working side by side with emergency services personnel in the State Disaster Coordination Centre (SDCC) of the NSW Rural Fire Service Headquarters and alongside the Victorian Country Fire Service and Metropolitan Fire Brigades to provide best effect of ADF assets. On Sunday 12 January, Fire and Rescue NSW and members of the Australian Defence Force successfully retrieved a helicopter that was forced to ditched into the Ben Boyd Reservoir, near the township of Eden on Thursday 9 January. The Bell UH-1H was contracted to the NSW Rural Fire Service and was supporting the firefighting efforts of the Clyde Mountain fire at the time. The retrieval mission saw Royal Australian Navy, Clearance Diving Team One and the Fire and Rescue NSW’s Hazardous Materials Team (HAZMAT) bring the helicopter to shore. Using floats secured by the Navy clearance diving team, the helicopter was floated approximately 400 metres to the shoreline and was held within containment and absorbent booms to alleviate potential water contamination. The Bell UH-1H was then brought onto the shore by an Australian Army Heavy Recovery Vehicle operated by 5 CSSB and was handed over to the relevant authorities.

Special Forces to hit Qld as part of US military training alliance

Additional Special Forces operatives to be brought in for Joint Personnel Recovery in Australia’s largest bilateral military training exercise with the US.

Lifestyle

* Please do not use. On hold for the Courier Mail, April, 2025. Thank you*The Storm Trooper room is a highlight of Ride of the Resistance ride at the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, USA. Picture: Supplied* Please do not use. On hold for the Courier Mail, April, 2025. Thank you*

I bet you never knew this about Star Wars

Star Wars has been a favourite for so many for so long but there is always something new to learn.

QLD News

#NO AUSTRALIAN, NO NEWSWIRE NO ONSALE # A barge anchored at the site where a MRH 90 Taipan military helicopter crashed, lifts out the tail section. in the Whitsundays while carrying four Australians -Saturday 29 July 2023 Picture: Michaela Harlow

Revealed: How fatal chopper crash is set to change Talisman Sabre

The inquiry into the helicopter crash that killed four Defence personnel in 2023 has triggered a new approach to Australia’s largest bilateral military exercise.

QLD weather news