Friends of the ABC Northern Rivers

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Welcome to the Home Page of the Northern Rivers Branch of the Friends of the ABC
We cover the Far North Coast region of NSW from Grafton to Tweed Heads. Our branch was re-formed in March 2001 following a visit to Lismore by NSW President Penelope Toltz. During 2001-2007 we have experienced rapid growth in membership, leading to the formation of two active sub-branches.

Quentin Dempster and Mick O'Regan in Conversation
3 pm - 4.30 pm on Sunday 3 June at the Ocean Shores Country Club. All welcome! Admission by donation ($10 or $5 concession). To reserve a seat contact Val Phillips (0266803132) or Neville Jennings (0405244903). Quentin and Mick will discuss a range of issues pertaining to the ABC in the lead up to the Federal election.

"Through Australian Eyes" Exhibition
From 26 February till 14 April 2007 this major exhibition highlighting the work of ABC foreign correspondents will be open to the public at Lismore City Library. The library opening times are 9.30 - 5.00 pm Mon - Wed, 9.30 - 5 7.30 pm Thurs-Fri and 9 am to 1 pm Saturdays. Anyone organising a group visit of 10 or more people should make a booking with librarian Lucy Kinsley on 0266 212464.

This exhibition is sponsored by ABC News, ABC North Coast, Richmond Tweed Regional Library, Lismore Workers Club and the Northern Rivers branch of the Friends of the ABC. Veteran ABC reporter Peter Cave launched the exhibition on Friday 2 March. See more on the activities page.

Mark Willacy visit
On Sunday 10 December 2006 ABC journalist Mark Willacy addressed an appreciative audience of 90 people at the Ocean Shores Country Club. Mark recalled his experiences as an ABC Foreign Correspondent in the Middle East.

Sally Neighbour visit
On Friday March 24 2006, ABC Four Corners presenter Sally Neighbour visited the Tweed / Gold Coast Area. Sally won the NSW History Award in 2005 for her book "In the Shadow of Swords" and has also benn a recipient of the Walkley Award for journalism. Sally conducted a question an answer session with journalism students on the Friday afternoon at Southern Cross University's Tweed Gold Coast campus.

Branch meeting
The next branch meeting will be held on Wednesday 26 April, 2006 at the Lismore Workers Club starting at 7.30 pm.

Eric Campbell Visit
On Friday 21 October 2005 ABC Foreign Correspondent Eric Campbell addressed an appreciative group of 120 Friends at the Lismore Workers' Club. See an account of the visit on the activities page.

Mungo and Mick in Conversation
On Sunday 13 November Mungo McCallum was interviewed by Mick O'Regan at the Billinudgel Pub. The event will start at 12 noon. Admission by donation. Mungo and Mick examined the futureof the ABC amongst a background of changing media policies. Lunch and live music will follow this event.

AGM, Shareholders Meeting and Sunday Afternoon Breakfast Show
Our AGM for 2005 was held on 29 May at the Bangalow Bowling followed by a shareholders meeting where we nominated some alternative members to the ABC Board and sent the nominations to the Communications Minister. After lunch we held the Sunday Afternoon Breakfast Show featuring interviews with Paul Tait, Cathy Henkel and Susanna Flower.

Visit to Northern Rivers by John Highfield.
Former ABC journalist John Highfield was guest of honour at two functions on the weekend of 19-20 February 2005. The first function was on Saturday 19 February at Tweed Heads where the Tweed sub-branch was formed.

John's main address was at 2 pm on Sunday 20 February at the Bangalow Bowling Club. He recounted his experiences as a foreign correspondent and as a reporter on national political affairs. He was co-presenter of The World Today before ending his illustrious career with the ABC

Byron Bay Sub-branch
Val Phillips has agreed to convene the Byron Bay sub-branch. If you live in the Byron Bay area and would like to attend sub-branch meetings please contact Val on 0266803132 or valdenny7@hotmail.com. Our thanks go to retiring convenor Jill Keogh for all her inspiring work in the early days of the branch and sub-branch.

Tweed Sub-branch
Neville Jennings is the convenor of the Tweed sub-branch..

Byron Bay Writers' Festival
As in past years the festival has great line-up of writers including a number of former and current ABC identities (Sarah Armstrong, Fiona Wyllie, Ian Townsend, Rachel Kohn, Ramona Koval, Mick O'Regan and Sandy McCutcheon). We are proud to be offical supporters of the festival for the second year. Check details of this year's festival on the writers' festival web site.

Screenworks
Screenworks at Byron Bay is doing a great job to support the film industry on the North Coast and be sure to keep an eye on Cathy Henkel's tribute to Spike Milligan.

Our aim is to ensure the survival and growth of the ABC as a significant cultural institution in Australian society. We are political but non-partisan. We welcome new members and have a particular interest in supporting our local ABC North Coast based in Lismore.