The Northern Rivers Branch is made up of ABC Friends members living in the Far North Coast of NSW.

Image: Kerry O’Brien addressing Northern Rivers Branch and TAFE members in 2023

The ABC has a local presence via ABC North Coast, with studios located in the regional city of Lismore

The Branch engages with our local MPs at the federal level in Richmond (Labor) and Page (Nationals). The state electorates are Tweed (Nationals), Ballina (Greens), Lismore (Labor) and Clarence (Nationals).

The Branch was formed in the late 1990s and early 2000s, to mobilise support and to campaign against the severe funding cuts imposed on the ABC budget by the then Howard government. Some members of the founding group are still active on the Branch committee.

The Branch committee meets every second month to discuss a range of issues affecting the ABC locally and nationally. The provision of a local voice, news, entertainment support for community causes and activities in a diverse rural area is of paramount importance. Especially important locally is the essential role that the ABC plays at times of natural disaster such as the devastating floods that affected so many people in our region.

Activities undertaken by the Branch in recent years have included a photography competition in 2021 to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the ABC. The competition was well-supported, attracting entries from across Australia.

The Northern Rivers Branch continues to be active, with thoughtful consideration of how best to support the ABC and keep our members engaged in the ongoing need to preserve and promote an independent, publicly-owned national broadcaster.

Tim Mulroy
President
ABC Friends Northern Rivers