Our Journalists

Alison PatersonSports, Crime, Emergency Services reporter

Alison Paterson is an award-winning journalist and photographer. Renowned for reporting with compassion and integrity, Alison possesses considerable experience reporting on the ground at natural disasters from floods to bushfires. She also covers the police, emergency services and sports rounds at The Northern Star. Passionate AFL, cycling and surfing, Alison aims to take her annual leave in July so she can ride her bike trainer while watching the Tour de France live.

@Alisurfer

Alison Paterson

Latest

Cairns

Five of the best mountain retreats for sale in Far North

Now that working from home is easier than ever, more Cairns buyers are considering rural properties and there’s a range of unique homes on the market to suit every budget.

Cairns

Pythons, night tigers and red bellies: Snake season has arrived

Wrangling a 5m python, removing a cranky brown tree or red bellied black snake is all in a day’s work for one man as the warmer weather brings out these slithering creatures.

Cairns

‘Weather hat-trick’ that’s putting Far North at risk

While parts of Queensland prepare for the possibility of snow, the Far North is facing an elevated bushfire danger. WHAT’S IN STORE

Ballina

Mayor fears police can’t stop drivers bringing in Covid

A Northern Rivers mayor says he is scared about the chance of people driving to the region from Covid hot spots and the likelihood of them being stopped by police.

Lismore

Lismore truck fire closes bridge in both directions

Prime mover blaze closes both sides of Ballina Rd in South Lismore on Friday morning.

Lismore

‘Hit the beach’: Spirits soar as lockdown lift nears

Spirits and hopes were high in the Northern Rivers as residents buoyed by an imminent end to lockdown readied for freedom to be reinstated. Here’s what they had to say.

Lismore

A tough few years: Paramedics open up on the stresses of the job

Senior paramedics reveal how the Northern Rivers community can help ambulance officers on RUOK Day by respecting the job they do, as assaults and abuse of first responders is on the rise.

Lismore