This is the home page for the Northern Rivers branch of the Friends of the ABC. We cover the Far North Coast of NSW from Grafton to Tweed Heads. Our branch was re-formed in March 2001 when Penelope Toltz, former NSW President of the NSW Friends of the ABC visited Lismore. Since 2001 our branch has maintained a membership of approximately 100 loyal supporters. New members are always welcome. To join or renew branch membership go to the NSW Friends of the ABC website and give permission for the local branch to be sent your contact details.
2012 Events
Focus on Journalism – Kerry O’Brien
On Saturday 30 June at the Bangalow A and I Hall (from 2 pm) veteran ABC journalist and current presenter of Four Corners, Kerry O’Brien, will address the Northern Rivers branch. At the conclusion of Kerry’s talk, that will focus on his career as a journalist. There will be a question and answer session. Finalists from the Junior TV Journalist competition will be awarded prizes at the end of the session. Admission to this event will be $10 for adults, $5 concession (to cover venue costs). Children will be admitted free.
Junior TV Journalist competition
Students from secondary and primary schools in the Northern Rivers area are invited to submit a 3 minute DVD demonstrating their journalistic skills by 22 June, 2012. For more details see the Competition Flyer and the Competition Entry Form. There is no competition entry fee.
Supporting our National Broadcasters: ABC and SBS
On Saturday 18 February at the Northern Rivers branch hosted a seminar at the Bangalow A & I Hall to highlight the benefits of our two national public broadcasters. Participants in the seminar outlined their support for the two national broadcasters and discussed a preferred future for these two significant institutions from a Northern Rivers perspective.
Two local federal members, Janelle Saffin MP for Page and Justine Elliot MP for Richmond, were invited to attend. Justine Elliot represented both when Janelle Saffin was forced to withdraw due to illness. Members of the ABC and SBS Boards and the ABC Advisory Board were invited to attend.
See the Activities page for more details and the Photo Gallery for images of the event.
2011 Events (View photos here)
For further information about past EVENTS over the years look at the Activities page.
Recent Event: Whose ABC? Is Your News Limited?
On Sunday 17 July at 2 pm the Northern Rivers Branch held a rally entitled: “Whose ABC? Is Your News Limited?”. The aim of the rally was to respond to a raft of criticisms of the ABC made by editors and feature writers of The Australian newspaper. We invited a range of speakers to address the issue of how effectively the ABC serves its stakeholders (the Australian populace) compared with News Limited publications. Admittance was a $5 donation to cover venue costs. CDs and DVDs of ABC merchandise were raffled as a fund-raiser for the branch.
The rally was held at the Bangalow Bowling and Sports Club. Prior to the rally branch members were invited to join in a Bistro meal. There was a brief AGM for the branch following the lunch (at 12.45 pm). Background information on the Weekend Australian editorial and feature article - click here or go to Letters Page.
- Panel Session April 2011
- Technology Workshop Feb 2011
Current ABC Issues
Follow the links to learn about:
National Broadcasting Legislation Amendment Bill 2010
This important bill has important ramifications for appointments to the ABC Board. Branch members are encouraged to contact their local members and the Minister to ensure that the stalled Bill is introduced in the current session. Their contact details are listed on the Related Links page.
Last updated March 2012