Currently investigating chemical contamination for The Sydney Morning Herald, Fellner combines scientific rigor with compelling storytelling. Her work focuses on:
We’ve tracked Carrie Fellner’s evolution from her early days at the Newcastle Herald to becoming a key environmental investigative reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald. Her career milestones include:
Fellner’s landmark 2024 investigation combined Freedom of Information requests with scientific analysis to reveal PFAS contamination in 65% of tested Australian water supplies. Her methodology included:
“The water we drink shouldn’t be a chemical roulette - yet our investigation shows most Australians have no idea what’s flowing through their taps.”
Fellner prioritizes researchers studying long-term health impacts of PFAS exposure. A successful pitch might involve:
Example: Her 2024 platypus study collaboration with University of Sydney ecologists demonstrated how animal biomarkers can reveal human health risks.
She seeks narratives showing real-world consequences of pollution:
Case Study: Her Hunter Valley series profiled families facing elevated cancer rates near industrial zones.
The Walkley Foundation recognized her decade-long investigation into NSW water pollution, particularly noting her innovative use of GIS mapping to track contaminant spread.
