Sophie Johnson
Brisbane, QLD
Sophie Johnson is a digital reporter and producer with ABC Asia based in Brisbane. She previously worked on WA's south coast as a rural reporter with ABC Great Southern.
Latest by Sophie Johnson
Ancient Asian musical instrument helps empower children with disabilities
ABC Asia / by Sophie Johnson
Koto musician Takako Haggarty works with a special school in Brisbane, to teach disabled students to play the instrument — helping them gain skills in mobility and emotional regulation.
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Illegal tin mines linked to increase in croc attacks in Indonesia
ABC Asia / by Sophie Johnson and Julian Morrow
Indonesia has the highest crocodile attack rate in the world — but it's likely not for the reason you think.
New jobs program aims to help farm workers like Nina settle into a new life in on the land
Timor-Leste national Nina Goncalve is happy with her job picking strawberries, but visas are a challenge. A new employment initiative for migrant workers might be just what she and this WA community need.
As Asia sweats through a heatwave, experts say it's not sunburn you need to worry about
By Sophie Johnson for ABC Asia
A record-breaking heatwave that swept through parts of Asia has killed dozens of people, shut schools and damaged crops — and although governments have issued practical warnings about heat stroke, experts say the risk of sunburn is less severe.
Bhutan is known for being a happy country, but mental health is a hidden problem
Bhutan is known for being one of the happiest countries in the world, but mental health professionals say its people are suffering in silence due to cultural traditions and societal expectations of positivity.
Home to more than 50 languages, this country town's Eid al-Fitr celebration was one to remember
By Sophie Johnson for ABC Asia
In the small Western Australian town of Katanning, more than 400 people dressed in their finest and gathered at the local mosque to celebrate one of the most special days on the Islamic calendar.
International students praise Australian culture and education system
By Sophie Johnson for ABC Asia
A good work-life balance and better career prospects have convinced thousands of students from Asia to come and study in Australia.
Updated
Climate change forces female students out of the classroom
By Sophie Johnson for ABC Asia
The worsening effects of climate change are pushing female students in Asia out of the classroom, with extreme droughts and heavy flooding hamstringing their ability to fulfil household duties, maintain good hygiene, and even physically get to school.
Rice and noodles are Asian kitchen staples, but Australian oats could soon take over
By Sophie Johnson for ABC Asia
"Rice" and noodles made from oats are on track to replace the more traditional versions in Asian pantries as international demand for the Australian product continues to grow.
Asian Australian musicians explore themes of diaspora and culture through hip hop
By Sophie Johnson for ABC Asia
From reclaiming pop culture references to surviving pirates on perilous journeys, a new generation of Asian Australian hip hop artists are drawing on their culture and backgrounds as inspiration for their lyrics and drive.
Experts say wind farm developers can't ignore concerns of regional communities
A growth in wind power developments and vocal local opposition are proving a headache for some WA towns — with experts saying locals need to be listened to, but regulation needs to be based on facts, not fear.
Winery deploys ducks to help reduce vineyard snails and cut input costs
After introducing the birds last growing season as a trial, Castle Rock Estate is using them again this year with hopes to grow the flock.
Updated
'Deeply disappointed': WA treasurer blasts federal government over cuts to infrastructure spending
By WA state political reporter James Carmody and Sophie Johnson
WA Treasurer Rita Saffioti joins a chorus of state and territory leaders in lambasting the Commonwealth over the decision to wipe $30 billion from 50 projects in an effort to reduce inflation.
Updated
WA farmer suffers first hail 'wipe-out' as freak storm wreaks havoc during harvest
Farmers in the state's south are facing delays and significant losses after heavy rain and hail hammered their properties this week.
After surviving a brain tumour, Corey is back in the shearing shed doing what he loves
The thought of working and rejoining his shearing team kept Corey Bolt positive during treatment. Now, he's easing back into the physically demanding role.
Supermarket lamb prices to fall but farmer frustration remains
Farmers battling a significant slump in sheep prices say supermarkets are ripping off consumers, as Woolworths announces it will cut its lamb prices by 20 per cent.
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Early start to harvest catches WA farmers off guard
Some farmers say the hot, dry spring has brought on the earliest start they have ever seen, with a run of hot days ripening crops a lot quicker than expected.
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Country music is all the rage in the US, but in Australia it's still no sure thang
In recent weeks, four country songs have held the number one American chart slot consecutively. But for Australian country artists, it's a long hard road to stardom.
Low confidence and prices in sheep industry hurting other businesses, farmers say
Farmers in Western Australia say uncertainty over live sheep exports is contributing to plummeting prices and will soon lead to job cuts.
They reduce flies and improve the soil, so this farmer is actually breeding dung beetles
Farmers in Western Australia begin breeding their own stocks of the bugs, which are proving hugely beneficial to farm and animal health.
Updated
Australia's love affair with eggs causes headaches as farmers push to expand
West Australian egg farmers say they have an added challenge when it comes to boosting supply amid a national shortage.
Taste like chicken eggs: Why emu eggs are becoming more popular
They're green, they can weigh more than 500 grams and you certainly won't find them in the supermarket.
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Gold miner forks out $10.7 million for West Australian farms
Ausgold's boss says while there are mixed views on the "change of identity" that comes with a shift from farming to mining, his company doesn't want to "just drop this on top of Katanning".
WA beekeepers fear biosecurity 'complacency' has left state ill-prepared for a varroa mite outbreak
WA's peak industry body for beekeeping believes there's a "huge risk" of the deadly parasite entering the state via freight link traffic or swarms of feral bees — but authorities are "incredibly confident" it can be kept out.
Sheep exporters upset at latest footage of animal welfare breaches but question activists' tactics
Producers say a video purporting to show Australian sheep cruelly treated in Oman does not represent the reality for the vast majority of animals exported live.