Kristy's Journalism Portfolio

Football can, quite seriously, be a matter of life and death: just ask FIFA's Secretary General, who said the only time child soldiers in war-torn African countries were allowed to lay down their guns was when the sport was on. Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura is the organisation's second-highest ranked individual behind president Gianni Infantino, and Forbes has previously labelled her the most powerful woman in world sport. The 60-year-old Senegalese was the first woman to be appointed to the prestigious position, and also the first non-European. She spoke to Daily Mail Australia while she is Down Under preparing for the Women's World Cup and explained the incredible power football can wield.

Before February, when I thought of a cruise holiday images of Hawaiian shirts, daggy group uniforms, garish floating casinos and retirees crossed my mind. Cruising is still for everyone, but it's never catered to the younger, travel savvy demographic as much as it does now. I was lucky enough to be a guest on a recent Princess Cruises trip around New Zealand and my eyes were opened to the wonderful world of cruising and the concept of having everything you need right at your fingertips. The M

You might think you know Below Deck alum Hannah Ferrier, but you don't: she's far more than the blonde bombshell you see on social media or television. The Real Love Boat Australia star, 36, isn't your typical media personality, influencer or even just a 'waitress'; which bitter rival from Below Deck Mediterranean, Captain Sandra 'Sandy' Yawn, referred to her as. She's not just the fiery chief stewardess who famously sent Below Deck fans into fits of laughter after saying 'Quack quack, b**ch' to a customer who labelled a duck dish 'ew'.

Aussie cricket superstar Megan Schutt has a simple answer when people question why LGBTQI+ athletes come out or share their lives on social media like any straight person would: because 'there's still some kids who would rather be dead than gay'. The 30-year-old fast bowler, who is married with one child, has always been one of Australia's most outspoken female athletes when it comes to inclusivity and gay rights – and the fact she is about to lead the side's attack into a T20 World Cup semi-final isn't changing that. It means she is often squarely in the firing line for trolls on social media, which she often acknowledges and calls out. But this isn't a case of water off a duck's back. It's more like a mighty duck donning a helmet and wading into battle armed, determined to turn the tide of homophobia that still runs rampant through sport.

Parkes agronomist Peter Yelland reckons grain growers in the region are facing a 'risk exposure higher than we've ever had', but there is still plenty to be positive about as well for farmers. Flooding and huge rain events at the worst possible time hugely affected the winter cropping harvest at the end of last year, though prices continued to skyrocket. "The last harvest was interesting, because the pricing at the time didn't reflect the quality," Peter told the Parkes Champion Post. "It was at

Josh Piterman has graced the stages of West End, the famed Opera House and sung all over the world - but he is excited to 'help people enter another world' through his phenomenal voice at the Overture concert in Parkes on April 2.

'It's a game-changer.' That's what Deputy Premier, and Minister for Regional NSW, Paul Toole, who was in Parkes on Tuesday, thinks about a new tenant for Parkes' Special Activation Precinct (SAP).

A new purpose-designed Safe Haven has been officially opened in Parkes, providing refuge and support to people living in Western NSW who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or distress. Minister for Mental Health, Bronnie Taylor, said the Parkes-based Safe Haven is part of a state-wide initiative to trial innovative suicide prevention strategies. "This is about providing a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for people overwhelmed by suicidal thoughts and feelings," she said. "We know that

The boy from Bogan Gate is all grown-up: thriving in the big smoke of Sydney, hosting a hugely successful podcast and starring in his first ever stand-up comedy show - and looking and sounding FABULOUS while doing so. Mitch Coombs grew up in Bogan Gate and went to school at Red Bend Catholic College, and until recently was working as a producer on the nation's biggest radio show - the Kyle and Jackie O Show - on KIIS FM.

"Maybe I've been taught by my mother to be proud of who I am and to stand out from the crowd." Parkes country singer Raechel Whitchurch talks about being a strong, proud woman in her song 'You Ain't One of Us' and after being nominated for two prestigious Golden Guitar awards you can see that strength coming through in spades. Since releasing her debut album 'Finally Clear' this year, the culmination of two years of blood, sweat and tears, Raechel has been racking up the streams...

"Isn't it fantastic to see politicians throw away their inhibitions!" Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM, resplendent in typical Elvis Presley garb, was in a jovial mood on Monday at Cooke Park as ticketing for the 2022 Elvis Festival was launched. He was surrounded by Sam Farraway MLC, Member for Riverina Michael McCormack MP and NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole, who were looking equally as resplendent and all full of energy thanks to the fact our beloved festival is finally on the horizon. It m

We're fanatical twitchers here at the Parkes Champion Post, so you better believe we are excited for the Aussie Backyard Bird Count (ABBC)! The count, set to take place from October 18 - 24, is in its eighth year and takes contributions of more than 100,000 citizen scientists to create a snapshot of the state of Australia's backyard birds and the population of different species.

It can happen to anyone. Anywhere, at any time. And if someone goes into cardiac arrest, there is one device in particular that can save their life. The Parkes Shire Council recently announced a collaborative project with Heart of the Nation, a charitable initiative set up by Greg Page.

"It's a game changer, it gives the club some identity and helps us become self reliant." Allan Ryan from the Parkes Boars and Parkes Sports Council isn't normally one for emotion, but when he spoke at last week's event to mark construction beginning on the new Spicer Oval grandstand, you could feel the impact of the occasion.

Chocolate and gardening. That's what Parkes resident reckons Mary Johnson is the secret to making it to 99 years of age. When the Parkes Champion Post visited Mary's COVID-safe birthday celebrations on Saturday, it was clear just how loved Mary was.

Some pictures are worth 1000 words. This one is worth 2000.

"Working together." That's the message from the Parkes Shire Council's Aboriginal project officer Amanda Corcoran when talking about how we can heal our country.

Trundle to Toowoomba - an 850 kilometre journey - might just be the most important journey Sally Downie has made in her life.

IT doesn't have the rolling greens of St Andrews, but the Bogan Gate Golf Club is just as important to the local community as the former is to golfers on the PGA Tour.

Last Saturday's Dog Agility and Jumping Trials at the Parkes Kennel Club has certainly put the club on the map in the Agility NSW calendar. Out of the 968 runs, there were 172 qualifications and it showed that the club could absolutely handle a big trial with close to 1000 runs.