Justin Huntsdale
Wollongong, NSW
Justin is the features reporter for ABC Illawarra, based in Wollongong. He joined the ABC in 2006 after completing a journalism degree at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst, and since then has worked as a producer or presenter on morning, breakfast and afternoon radio programs in Dubbo, Orange, Lismore and Wollongong.
Latest by Justin Huntsdale
Making candles to honour an artist makes perfect scents for disability service provider
Art lovers visiting the National Gallery of Australia can now smell the inspiration behind one of its new exhibitions thanks to a line of scented candles.
Shane Rose is more than a mankini-clad larrikin. He's a triple-Olympic medallist chasing a near-impossible gold
Mankini-gate is what Shane Rose thought might bring his Olympic dream undone but he's had to fight through more than that after a 625-kilogram horse named Bandit came crashing down upon him.
'Either brave or dumb': Hundreds of riders recreate dangerous, primitive motorcycle race in freezing weather
More than 400 riders are set to recreate the first Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix to be held in Goulburn on various vintage machines, but 100 years later speed is not the driving factor.
'I also don't have a filter': Love on the Spectrum star lands lead role in new comedy show
Wollongong actor and reality television star Michael Theo has landed his first major production, playing a character inspired by him in a new comedy drama called Austin.
Bus museum takes delivery of precious restored 1948 Leyland double decker bus
A double decker bus operated by one of the most significant transport families in Australia has been acquired after a public fundraising drive, bringing the immaculately restored vehicle to the Sydney Bus Museum.
Diver prepares to farewell octopus friend as creature's final journey begins
Scott Gutterson formed a friendship with the animal based on trust, mutual intrigue and a lot of touchy-feely arms.
134 years not out, Don Bradman's restored childhood home goes on the market
The house that helped shape the world's best-ever batsman has been put on the market after 17 years by its current owner, who completed a meticulous restoration project.
Brian spent 40 years restoring this rare double-decker passenger bus. Now a museum wants to buy it
A double-decker bus operated by one of the most significant transport families in Australia has been immaculately restored over 40 years and could be bound for the Sydney Bus Museum.
World's biggest tennis clothing sponsors asked to start thinking more about women's breasts
On-court fashion is a talking point at the world's professional tennis tournaments, but one physiotherapist wants players and clothing designers to pay more attention to women's breasts.
Australia will soon start importing gas, but finding someone to buy it is proving 'complicated'
Squadron Energy describes its $300 million LNG import terminal at Port Kembla as the solution to a looming east coast gas shortage, but with construction almost complete energy companies have yet to show an interest in buying its product.
Liberals endorse Andrew Constance to run again in marginal federal seat
The Liberal party has chosen veteran New South Wales politician Andrew Constance to contest the next federal election in Gilmore after he narrowly lost in 2022.
This school is near one of the country's best surf breaks. Could it nurture the next champion?
With its proximity to a world class surf break, Bulli High School on the New South Wales south coast aims to become a top-class training ground for future champions.
Feeding solar back into the grid? Your days of getting paid for it might be numbered
As the take-up of bigger household solar systems steadily increases, are we nearing the point where too much power is being exported back to a grid?
Rare moths among citizen scientist's 15k nature observations
Citizen scientist Dion Maple has a special interest in moths. His favourite is the crayon emerald but it's another rare species that is proving tantalisingly elusive. He unwittingly photographed it years ago and hasn't been able to find it since.
'You can feel it in your bones': 141-year-old suburban football club recognised as Australia's oldest
Balgownie Rangers Football Club is added to a prestigious list of the world's oldest continuously running soccer clubs, marking an exciting chapter in the Wollongong club's 141-year history.
NBA superstar's dad appointed as NBL team's head coach after inspiring dramatic season revival
Justin Tatum, who has one of the most famous surnames in the NBA, has been signed to permanently lead the Illawarra Hawks NBL team.
'At this age, it's survival of the fittest' as over-60s masters fiercely compete for cricket honour
The captain of Australia's men's over-60s cricket team says the sport is booming among his age group as his team prepares to contest the second international masters Cricket World Cup in India.
Living in south-west Sydney where it takes an hour to drive 30km
Young people say a "flaky" train system and limited bus timetable in Western Sydney leave them reliant on driving, as a state parliamentary inquiry considers the current and future needs of public transport in the booming region.
Tiny urban farm built on old carpark making boutique booze to rival big liquor brands
A patch of gravel in Wollongong's CBD is turned into a thriving farm and distillery, producing products designed to compete with international alcohol giants on price and quality while reducing waste.
World's largest flying replica of Kingsford Smith's Southern Cross airborne again after 12-year repair job
An exact replica of arguably Australia's most significant aircraft has flown again after more than a decade of delicate repairs and refurbishment.
From Model T Fords to cashless tickets, wheels on family bus business have been going round and round for 100 years
When Thomas Dion moved from China and settled in Wollongong, his family started a bus service for extra income. A century later, Dion's buses are still carrying passengers.
Seeing fireflies for the first time — it's a stunning display of one of nature's many magic tricks
Now is the time to see fireflies in New South Wales, as the bioluminescent beetles take flight for their spectacular, but brief, mating dance with pulsing yellow lights.
Dry winter causes bloomin' early showing of spring favourites like jacaranda and flame trees
A warmer than usual winter has spurred jacaranda, Illawarra flame trees, and Christmas bush into unseasonably early flowering as neighbourhoods are painted in striking purple and red.
Raceway's new manager promises 'completely revamped' track as closure hurts local economy
Wakefield Park Raceway's shutdown was a blow to motorsport enthusiasts in Goulburn and beyond. But the track could reopen by the end of the year, fuelling hopes of a regional racing renaissance.
From a shark attack to bleeding lungs, these survivors are teaching high school students about resilience
Two men who have faced significant challenges are helping school students better navigate the setbacks they will have in life.