Tara Donnelly

Tara Donnelly is Canstar Blue’s Utilities Editor, leading the team that focuses on energy, telecommunications and consumer technology. She has spent more than a decade covering these topics in Australia, the US and Canada, and has authored over 500 Canstar Blue articles. Her expertise has seen her appear in national media including 9 News, 7 News, Sunrise, the ABC , The Australian Financial Review, 4BC Radio and The Sydney Morning Herald. Tara has been nominated for multiple awards for her technology reporting, including Canstar Blue’s highly commended recognition for Best Consumer Technology Coverage in 2024. She has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Canberra and is passionate about simplifying complex subjects so consumers aren’t just informed, they’re connected and confident. You can read more of Tara's published articles and follow Tara on LinkedIn.


Washing machine running costs

Washing machine running costs

Posted by April 29th 2025

How much does it cost to do a load of washing? Canstar Blue takes a close look at what your washing machine adds to your electricity and water bills.


Young woman using smartphone against pink background

The best prepaid phone plans with unlimited data

Posted by April 29th 2025

While unlimited data is a staple in the home internet world, unlimited data phone plans are a little harder to come by. Fortunately, the big three major Aussie telcos have all recognised the need for …


Blue iPhone 16 Plus. Best value iPhone plans in Australia

Expert Picks: Best iPhone Plans (April 2025)

Posted by April 29th 2025

iPhones don't come cheap, but if you're absolutely set on a new Apple smartphone, you can still find a great phone plan deal. The newest iPhones are available on plans from Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone, …



Google Pixel 9a series

The Google Pixel 9a is a lower-priced powerhouse

Posted by April 17th 2025

Hot on the heels on the iPhone 16e and the new Samsung Galaxy A Series, comes the latest lower-priced alternative to big-name flagship smartphones: the Google Pixel 9a. Google's Pixel 9 spin-off promises all-day battery …


Happy young woman using phone with pink background

Expert Picks: Best SIM-Only Mobile Plans (April 2025)

Posted by April 16th 2025

Choosing the best mobile plan is made possible by our expert Value Rank methodology, which places each product under the microscope, examining its price, plan inclusions, customer service and billing. Then we give each plan …


Young woman using phone, with concerned expression. Mobile plan concept

Optus mobile price rise: Will you pay more?

Posted by April 24th 2025

Optus customers are the latest group of Aussies to be hit with a price rise, with the telco quietly increasing costs across its range of postpaid mobile plans. Plans prices have jumped by $3 per month …