Community Newsroom Interviews

We take a closer look at the New South Wales Government's recent pay deal for nurses and midwives, which has been described as the largest wage increase for the professions in decades. Mia Armitage spoke with NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association Byron Central Branch President Liz McCall about what the changes mean for frontline healthcare workers. Featuring:NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association Byron Central Branch President Liz McCall Reporter: Mia Armitage 

We spoke with Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot about the Federal Budget and what it means for residents of the Northern Rivers. We will hear how the Budget's key measures are expected to affect local communities and what benefits people in the region can expect to see in the months ahead. Featuring: Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot Reporter: Emma Setterfield-Smith 

We take a look at the Byron Bay Sandhills Wetlands restoration project, which has recently received national recognition after winning a category at the 2026 National Trust Heritage Awards. The project has been praised for its environmental, cultural and flood-mitigation benefits. We'll be speaking with Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot about what this achievement means for the region. Featuring: Federal Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot Reporter: Emma Setterfield-Smith 

The only songwriting comp on the Northern Rivers is back featuring Bay FM Northern Rivers Music Box Producer/Presenter and BaySounds founder Ange Kent Reporter: Mia Armitage The BaySounds songwriting competition founded by volunteer Bay FM Northern Rivers Music Box producer/presenter Ange Kent returns for a third year in partnership with SAE college. Aspiring songwriters from across the Northern Rivers may enter for a unique chance to have their work recorded to industry standard in a state-of-the-art studio in Byron Bay, with this year’s competition again featuring a youth category. Tune in to the Community Newsroom on Fridays from 11am-12 on Bay FM 99.9 or listen online at bayfm.org Facebook: Community Newsroom NRN PIC: Ange Kent at BaySounds 2025 showcase gig, SAE, Byron Bay (Mia Armitage)

Longtime Bay FM volunteer nominated for national award features Bay FM Arts Canvass Producer/Presenter and creator of The Narratives Library Karena Wynn-Moylan and author Trent Dalton   Reporter: Mia Armitage Long-time Bay FM volunteer Arts Canvass producer and presenter Karena Wynn-Moylan has been nominated for a national award for her invaluable contribution to Australian history, The Narratives Library. Tune in to the Community Newsroom on Fridays from 11am-12 on Bay FM 99.9 or listen online at bayfm.org Facebook: Community Newsroom NRN PIC: Karena Wynn-Moylan (Mia Armitage)

We speak to Greens councillor Michelle Lowe from the Byron Shire Council. She will be discussing a Notice of Motion, calling for an independent study into the financial impacts of tourism on the region. If adopted, the proposal would see Council partner with a university to carry out a comprehensive look at how tourism is shaping Byron’s economy—and what that means for the future of the Shire. Reporter: Mia Armitage, Emma Setterfield-Smith  PIC: (L-R) reporter Emma Setterfield-Smith and Byron Shire Councillor Michelle Lowe (Gayle Cue)

Mia Armitage speaks with Kylie Jacky, leader of Aboriginal Initiatives at the NSW Environment Protection Authority and serves as chairperson of the Jali Local Aboriginal Land Council. She discusses an upcoming international delegation, with eight members travelling to New York for a United Nations summit. The group will raise concerns about the displacement of Cabbage Tree Island residents following the 2022 floods, bringing local voices to a global stage. Reporter: Mia Armitage Image: Xabi Oregi, Pexels 

We hear from former Australian Defence Force David Baikie, who reflects on his time in service and what ANZAC Day means to him today. He shares personal insights on remembrance, service and how perspectives on Anzac Day can shift over time. Reporter: Emma Setterfield-Smith  Image: David Baikie 

Tune FM’s Ash Taylor reports on a new approach to detecting trafficked wildlife hidden in shipping containers. He speaks with Dr.Georgia Moloney from the University of Adelaide about how sniffer dogs and air extraction technology are being used to help identify illegal wildlife shipments before they reach Australian shores. It’s an innovative effort combining training, technology and enforcement to tackle wildlife trafficking at the source. Reporter: Ash Taylor, Tune FM Image: Magda Ehlers, Pexels 

We speak with Sydney University Water Expert Ian Wright about the growing concern of microplastics in NSW waterways. He breaks down where they’re coming from, what they mean for the environment and public health and what steps could help us move forward in tackling the issue. Reporter: Emma Setterfield-Smith  Picture: Nadejda Bostanova, Pexels 

The Wire's Eduardo Jordan speaks with Multicultural Affairs Minister Dr Anne Aly about the importance of migrants opening businesses across Australia. It’s a conversation that highlights the role of multicultural communities in driving innovation, supporting local economies and shaping the country.   Reporter: Eduardo Jordon, The Wire  Picture: Elias Jaara, Pexels 

Mia Armitage speaks with Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader about proposed government changes to the way Crown land is managed. It’s a conversation that looks at what these proposals could mean for local communities, public access and the future of shared spaces across the region. Reporter: Mia Armitage Picture: Héctor Berganza, Pexels 

Chris Weir from the NSW Department of Primary Industries joins us to talk about the rollout of new artificial reefs on the NSW Coastline, designed to boost marine life and support local fishing tourism. The most recent structure has been placed off the Ballina Coastline, with the next reef planned for Coffs Harbour.  Reporter: Emma Setterfield-Smith  Picture: William McAllister, Pexels 

Organiser with the Bob Brown Foundation Valerie Thompson, provides insight into the nationwide March in March for Forests protests held across Australia on 22nd March 2026. Thompson explains the current state of Australia’s rainforests, focusing on the impacts of ongoing logging on the environment and native wildlife habitats. We touch on the importance of protecting these ecosystems and the growing public support for stronger conservation efforts. She also outlines the need for further action, including better protections and clearer regulations, to ensure the long-term preservation of Australia’s rainforests. Reporter: Emma Setterfield-Smith, speaking with Organiser with the Bob Brown Foundation Valerie Thompson

Mark Gresser is walking more than 5,300 kilometres alone, from the westernmost point of Australia to its easternmost edge. He began his journey at Steep Point in Carrarang and is making his way through the outback with the goal of reaching Cape Byron. Along the way, he hopes to raise money for youth mental health organisation Batyr. Travelling solo, Mark is pushing a self-made cart carrying his most essential supplies including food, water and a tent. However, the journey hasn’t been without setbacks. Mark has spent the past month stranded in the small outback town of Tibooburra due to record-breaking heat and heavy rainfall. Mark tells us how his journey is going so far and discusses some of the challenges he has faced along the way.

The Byron Shire council voted to withdraw from the Special Entertainment Precinct trial at their ordinary council meeting, on the 19th February 2026. The precinct would have given the Council special planning powers under NSW governments night-time economy reforms, allowing it to manage entertainment activity differently within a defined area. That included trading hours, managing sound levels and streamlining approvals for live entertainment in the town centre. Over the past nine months, the proposal has divided the Byron community. Supporters say it would create new opportunities for local artists and live music, while critics argue it doesn’t reflect what Byron stands for — a coastal town known for its beaches, bushland and relaxed pace of life. We hear from Byron Locals and Byron Shire Councillors, to hear their thoughts following the decision.  Featuring: Sarah Ndiaye, Byron Shire Mayor Elia Hague, Green Councillor  Janet Swain, Labour Councillor  Photo: Supplied by Community Newsroom         

Byron local George Graham, has been monitoring the storm water drainage leaking onto Clarks Beach for over fifteen years. Through independent water testing and researching into the history of the drain, he concludes that the water is not safe for people to swim - even though many do.  He tells us about his research and what he think the council should do next.  George Graham: Byron Local, independently researching into the storm water drainage at Clarks Beach PIC: Clarks Beach, supplied by George Graham 

Following the $$ in Byron Shire and how to have your sayfeaturing Byron Shire Council Assets and Major Projects Manager Christopher Soulsby reporter: Mia Armitage PIC: shared path in the Byron Arts and Industrial Estate/Sunrise (Mia Armitage)

We are joined by Aslan Shand from Echo Publications, who has just announced a change of role within the organisation. Aslan and former editor Hans Lovejoy have swapped positions, marking a new chapter for the publication. We hear what prompted the change, the plans ahead and how The Echo has continued to remain a trusted voice within the Byron Shire community. Featuring Aslan Shand, Print Editor at Echo Publications  Reporter: Mia Armitage  PIC: Aslan Shand, Print Editor at Echo Publications (Emma Setterfield-Smith) 

Maiy Azize, National Spokesperson for housing campaign Everybody’s Home, shares her thoughts  about the end of the National Rental Affordability Scheme. Introduced in 2008 to increase access to affordable housing for low to middle income earners, the scheme’s end is expected to push many people into the private rental market. Maiy shares her concerns about the impacts and discusses what steps the Federal Government should take next. Featuring Maiy Azize, National Spokesperson for Everybody's Home, National Housing Campaign  Reporter: Emma Setterfield-Smith PIC: Melbourne Neighbourhood, Pexels, Credit: Break Media 

Nicole Lockie is a remarkable local woman from the Northern Rivers who has made an extraordinary contribution to our community. Nicole is a long-term volunteer with Marine Rescue NSW, serving at the Point Danger Unit in the Tweed Shire. As a coxswain, she has dedicated more than 24 years to marine rescue. Nicole reflects on some of her most challenging moments on the water, including helping to rescue a trawler off the Tweed Coast in 2017 and carrying out six rescues in a single day. Featuring Australia Day 2026 Honours List recipient Nicole Lockie, Coxswain and Volunteer at Marine Rescue NSW Reporter: Mia Armitage  PIC: Pexels, Photographer Nati 

Enough for a year: how Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital will spend $2 million in fed funds featuring Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital Strategy and marketingGeneral Manager Russell Mills  reporter: Emma Setterfield-Smith PIC supplied

Northern Rivers ICU nurse returns from Gaza featuringclinical nurse specialist in critical care Cass Lillis reporter: Mia Armitage Cass Lillis is from Crabbes Creek, she’d been struck down with a virus and had no home reception when she sat in her car on the side of the road to share over the phone what she has seen and heard in a place where most  fear to tread: Gaza. PIC: Northern Rivers clinical specialist in critical care Cass Lillis in Gaza (pic supplied)

Greens Byron Shire Councillor Hague on loss of planning powers, selling public land in Mullum and her support of carpark units proposal featuring Greens Byron Shire Cr Elia Hague reporter: Mia Armitage Greens Byron Shire Councillor Elia Hague joins us in the studio to discuss changes announced to state planning laws that reduce council powers, the controversial Station Street units proposal in Mullumbimby and the prospect of retaining public land at the old Mullum hospital site for housing. PIC: Greens Byron Shire Councillor Elia Hague (Emma Setterfield-Smith)

21 DV arrests on the Northern Rivers as police prepare to march in Ballina featuring Richmond Police Acting Superintendent Susie Johnston and Tweed Byron Police District Detective Acting Inspector Gary Sheehan (Parts 1 and 2 of 2-part interview) Reporter: Mia Armitage NSW Police are part-way through a sixteen-day campaign focussed on domestic violence awareness and earlier this month carried out a four-day blitz targeting repeat and high-risk domestic violence offenders. The organisation says Operation Amaraok the Twelfth led to more than 750 arrests across NSW. Back in the Tweed Byron Police District, domestic violence offences account for roughly a quarter to a third of all arrests each week. PIC: Operation Amarok XII, Richmond Police District (supplied)

Brother of Byron activist allegedly tortured by Israeli Defence Force reports Seven activists from Australia who were part of a protest flotilla trying to deliver aid to Gaza are still in Jordan, after Israeli troops bombed, then stormed the ships before detaining them, allegedly torturing at least one, and then sent them to Jordan. We hear from Northern Rivers local Anandan McEwen, whose brother Surya McEwen is the very activist alleged to have been captured, detained, tortured and sent to Jordan. featuring Anandan McEwen and former Independent Byron Shire Councillor Cate Coorey, both members of Northern Rivers Friends of Palestine Reporter: Mia Armitage PIC: Northern Rivers Friends of Palestine members Anandan McEwan and Cate Coorey (Gayle Cue)

Shouting support for Palestine from MP’s office rooftop featuring former Independent Byron Shire Councillor and Northern Rivers Friends of Palestine member Cate Coorey Protesters took to the rooftop of Justine Elliot’s electorate office in the Tweed on 18 September, calling for stronger national government action in support of Palestine. Ms Elliot is the long-running federal Labor member for Richmond and former Byron shire Councillor Cate Coorey was the lead protest spokesperson. PIC: former Independent Byron Shire Councillor Cate Coorey on the roof of MP Justine Elliot’s electorate office Thursday 18th September 2025 (supplied)

Buyback houses auctioned off in Lismore featuring Wal and Murrays First National Real Estate Salesperson Ben Conte Another ten buyback homes have gone to auction, adding to seventy sold throughearlier auctions at the behest of the NSW Reconstruction Authority. The authority bought the properties as part of its Resilient Homes Program in response to the Northern RIvers 2022 floods and landslides disaster. The houses from South and North Lismore and Girards Hill didn’t have any reserve price, with bidding able to start and end at a dollar. September’s auction was held at the Lismore Heights Sports Club and was organised by local real estate agency, Wal Murrays Real Estate First National, where Ben Conte is a salesperson. Reporter: Mia Armitage PIC: buyback home auctioned in Lismore (supplied)

Yes, Your Honour: Labor bill for magistrates to be called judges featuring former Southern Cross University Dean of Law and former NSW magistrate David Heilpern The NSW government has introduced a bill to parliament allowing Local Court magistrates to be known as judges. The government says the title of magistrate stems from an era where judicial officers were appointed from the ranks of public servants and sat in the Court of Petty Sessions but that magistrates have been required to hold legal qualifications since 1955. So, what’s the difference between judges and magistrates in NSW anyway these days? Reporter: Mia Armitage PIC: Lismore Local Court (supplied)

Today we’re joined by Byron Echo Publications editor Hans Lovejoy for a final take on the Byron Shire Council as they enter their winter break ten months after election in September last year. featuring Byron Shire Echo Editor Hans Lovejoy PIC: Byron Shire Echo Editor Hans Lovejoy (Mae Soper)

We hear from Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye, as she explains what the council hopes to achieve now the government has approved Byron Bay for the state’s first Special Entertainment Precinct. Stay tuned to hear her vision for the old Byron Bay Hospital to be used to house key workers like nurses after she met one living in her van. featuring Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye Mia Armitage PIC: Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye (supplied)

We turn our attention to the Clarence Valley, where the council has joined with community group Clarence Catchment Alliance to call for greater water protections against pollution impacts from critical mineral mining and exploration, something that may well become an issue in the Byron Shire in coming years. Featuring Clarence Catchment Alliance spokesperson Shae Fleming Reporter: Mia Armitage PIC: mapping of exploration licences for rare earth mining around the Clarence Valley catchment (supplied)

Richmond Meet the Candidates: learning about the Libertarians with Echo Publications print editor Hans Lovejoy *producer: Mia Armitage. Tune in to the Community Newsroom on Fridays from 11am-12 on Bay FM 99.9 or listen online at bayfm.org Facebook: Community Newsroom NRNPIC: Richmond Meet the Candidates 2025 (Hannah Rawlin)

W.O.W stands for Wise Older Women, a Community Broadcasting Foundation funded project aimed at challenging narratives that continue to disadvantage many older women by failing to recognise the lifelong impacts of inequality, further compounded in later years. This project offers a media platform for women aged 55-85yrs experiencing marginalisation through ageism, and other intersecting vulnerabilities. Producer and longtime Bay FM Belly presenter Rasela Torise says many older women experience varying forms of invisibility, yet they are our mothers, sisters, aunties, grandmothers, maybe even ourselves. featuring Bay FM presenter and Wise Older Women producer Rasela Torise reporter: Mia Armitage PIC: Rasela Torise (Mia Armitage)

We hear from not one but two widely regarded experts on the regulations best imposed on smoking and vaping regulations with each holding contrasting conclusions. featuring Harm Reduction Australia member Dr Alex Wodak and University of Sydney Public Health Emeritus Professor Simon Chapman reporters: Dr John Jiggens and Mia Armitage Tune in to the Community Newsroom on Fridays from 11am-12 on Bay FM 99.9 or listen online at bayfm.org Facebook: Community Newsroom NRN PIC: vintage cigarette packet (Mia Armitage)

We start today catching up on news from over the summer of Captain Paul Watson’s release from detention in Greenland in time to spend Christmas with his family. featuring Captain Paul Watson Foundation Australia Director Haans Siver PIC: Captain Paul Watson (supplied)

Celebrating the inaugural BaySounds competition in 2024 featuring former Bay FM President Ange Kent; Bay FM Livin’ Your Arts Off presenter Nathan Kaye; SAE Faculty Lead Dirk Terrill reporter: Mia Armitage PIC: BaySounds 2024 overall winner Levi Maxwell (supplied)

Behind the mic: doco untangles yarn of Bay FM presenter living with memory loss  featuring Bay FM producer Dione Green; Bay FM co-presenters, carer Ruth Pellen and client Phil Hurst reporter: Mia Armitage PIC: (L-R) Phil Hurst, Dione Green, Ruth Pellen (Mae Soper)

Celebrating young legends of Main Arm in 2024 featuring Bay FM producers Monet Shortland, Sista Rasela Torise and Lealah Shostak; youth of Main Arm Public School; Main Arm Upper Public School Principal Virginia Pavlovich and Assistant Principal Christian Tranberg reporter: Mia Armitage PIC: (L-R) Rasela Torise; Lealah Shostak; Monet Shortland (Mae Soper)

A new, crisp sound for Bay FM with 2024 studio upgrade featuring former Bay FM President Ange Kent reporter: Mia Armitage PIC: former Bay FM President Ange Kent in newly upgraded Studio One (Mia Armitage)

Pill testing is to be introduced to New South Wales, or at least a trial of it. featuring NSW Council of Civil Liberties President Timothy Roberts reporter: Mia Armitage PIC: pink pill (Tyson Royle)

More election promises have been announced from The Greens, with party leader Adam Bandt on the Northern Rivers announcing a renewed push to have dental covered under Medicare. We hear about that and his hopes for a power sharing arrangement with Labor similar to what he says happened under Julia Gillard’s time as prime minister should Labor win a minority government next year. featuring Federal Greens Member for Melbourne and national party leader Adam Bandt reporter: Mia Armitage PIC; Greens Member for Melbourne and party leader Adam Bandt voting in local government elections (FB)

UPDATE: NSW Housing Minister Rose Jackson has responded to the council's statement and says she has negotiated with a particular accomodation provider in Byron to have temporary accomodation continued. Read more at Bay FM sponsor, Echo Publications, here: https://www.echo.net.au/2024/12/byron-tourism-operators-exploit-housing-crisis/ The Byron Shire Council says the only three official temporary housing providors have had their services abruptly cut the week before Christmas, Mayor Sarah Ndiaye joins us in the studio to express her disappointment. featuring Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye reporter: Mia Armitage PIC: Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye(Robbie Armfield)

The future of the Kingscliff emergency pod housing village looks to be shorter than some may have hoped after an extraordinary council meeting the week before Christmas. featuring Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry reporter: Mia Armitage PIC: Tweed Mayor Chris Cherry (supplied)

The new QLD LNP government has a responsibility to follow the recommendations of decades of research into youth justice, says Australian Children's Commissioner Anne Hollonds. featuring Australian Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds reporter: Mia Armitage PIC: children at beach (Mia Armitage)

Housing is listed as one of the human rights agreed on in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Byron Shire founder of House You Chels Hood Withey continues to advocate for it during a local housing crisis and while moving house. featuring House You Founder Chels Hood Withey reporter: Mia Armitage PIC: supporters of Lismore buyback home occupants (supplied)

More than 16,400 cases of slavery reported in NSW alone yet only 35 convictions nation-wide. These are the woeful statistics reported by the state's first ongoing anti-slavery commissioner, James Cockayne.  Some of the cases are on the Northern Rivers. featuring NSW Anti-Slavery Commissioner James Cockayne (two part interview) reporter and pic: Mia Armitage  

A tour of a rather different kind is happening on the Northern Rivers this week, with the two lead plaintiffs in a climate change duty of care court case against the Commonwealth visiting from the Torres Strait Islands to meet with disaster survivors. We heard about the case and the tour from Grata Fund founder Isabelle Reinecke, Uncle Paul Kabai and Uncle Pabai Pabai last week and today we hear from Saibai elder, Brisbane-based Dr Aunty McRose Elu, who is accompanying the tour party. featuring Aunty Dr McRose Elu reporters: Nell Schofield and Simone O’Brien (Roadtrip, Bay FM) PIC: Uncle Pabai Pabai, Uncle Paul Kabai and Dr Aunty McRose Elu in Lismore (Mia Armitage)

This week is the first in a sixteen-day campaign around gendered family and domestic violence and the federal Greens are promising fifteen billion dollars in frontline services funding if they get the numbers in next year’s election, we hear from candidate for the seat of Richmond Mandy Nolan about the announcement and also her take on the party’s backdown to Labor in the senate this week over the contentious housing bills that have dominated political discussion for the past few months, if not longer. 1.      Greens promise $15 billion for DV frontline services (P1 of 2) featuring Greens federal candidate for Richmond Mandy Nolan 2.‘Labor weren’t going to give on housing,’ says Greens Richmond candidate on senate backdown (P2 of 2) featuring Greens federal candidate for Richmond Mandy Nolan PIC: Federal Greens candidate for Richmond (Mae Stoper)

A tour of a rather different kind is happening on the Northern Rivers next week, when two lead plaintiffs in a climate change duty of care court case against the Commonwealth come to visit from the Torres Strait Islands. We hear about the case and the tour from Grata Fund founder Isabelle Reinecke, Uncle Paul Kabai and Uncle Pabai Pabai. 1.        Commonwealth climate change duty of care case heats up featuring Grata Fund Founder and Executive Director Isabelle Reinecke (Darren McElroy, Wirritjin, Bay FM) 2.      Torres Strait Islander climate change duty of care plaintiffs to meet with Northern Rivers disaster survivors featuring Uncle Paul Kabai and Uncle Pabai Pabai (Mia Armitage Tune in to the Community Newsroom on Fridays from 11am-12 on Bay FM 99.9 or listen online at bayfm.org Facebook: Community Newsroom NRN PIC: Poster for The Unnatural Disasters Tour (supplied)