Elise's work has been broadcast by Al Jazeera, Agence France Presse, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Deutsche Welle, Public Radio International, Kantor Berita Radio's Asia Calling program, Fairfax Digital, and published inThe Diplomat, New Matilda andThe Sydney Morning Herald.
She spent 5 years freelancing in China, and has also reported from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Japan and Hong Kong.
Elise was a finalist in the 2012 Walkley Best Freelance Journalist of the Year award. She was
co-winner of the 2008/9 Asia-Pacific Forum of Environmental Journalist's environmental
journalism award.
© 2026 Elise Potaka
[Society] Redfern Rocks
Politicians talk about them, journalists and commentators label them, but the kids of Redfern are rarely given the space to tell their own side of the story. REDFERN ROCKS puts names and faces to those growing up in Redfern, in particular 'The Block'. They talk about their suburb, and paint a picture of a place which has a strong sense of community and family
China's cold spring (2011)
While in early 2011, the Arab spring was in full bloom, China's leaders were carrying out the largest crackdown on dissent in over a decade.
Civil rights activists - including well-known artist, Ai Weiwei - were arbitrarily detained, along with lawyers and other perceived trouble-makers....
Aboriginal protest highlights Australia inequality
The 40th anniversary of a protest camp set up on the steps of Australia's parliament house by Aboriginal activists highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the country's indigenous population.
Myanmar sectarian unrest leaves deep scars
Tens of thousands of people who fled deadly sectarian violence in Myanmar are languishing in camps and shelters after fighting between Buddhists and Muslims left dozens dead and tore apart communities. Shot and reported by Elise Potaka
