NSW & ACT
ABC Friends NSW & ACT was established in 1976 to defend the ABC against funding cuts. Since then, we have stood against threats from both Labor and Coalition governments to the ABC’s independence and funding.
We make submissions to government, lobby MPs, engage with the ABC Board and management, address community groups, and help members engage with their local representatives. We also organise events and provide opportunities to connect with like-minded people.
Local branches operate across NSW and the ACT — contact yours to get involved at a local level.
Read Bulletin magazine
Read Bulletin magazine
Contact
Membership and General Enquiries: membership_nswact@abcfriends.net.au
Postal Address: PO Box 54 Waverley NSW 2024
Join the conversation on the NSW&ACT Facebook community group
ABN: 54530872593
Role
- President: Tess Howes
- Vice-President: Gia Metherall
- Secretary: Jan Febey
- Treasurer: Robert Gubbins
- Public Officer: William Howes
- Committee Member: Ian Bate
- Committee Member: Tim Mulroy
- Committee Member: Rory Sutton
- Committee Member: Sue Zeckendorf
Staff
- Membership Officer: Susan Scott
Sydney NSW, Australia
News
Bulletin Spring 2026
Diversity and social cohesion”, this issue of the Bulletin discusses how the ABC contributes to social cohesion, including by promoting diversity. State President Tess Howes expands on this theme. This issue features an artic…
ABC Friends special guest Nathan Dunne on living with depersonalisation
Nathan spoke about his recently released book – When Nothing Feels Real: How I Lost My Sense of Self and Found My Way Back, a memoir about living with depersonalisation, a mental illness that is frequently misunderstood.
Blue Mountains August 2026 newsletter
ABC Friends Blue Mountains newsletter, August 2026: Winter Magic Festival wrap-up, Spring Dinner and Excellence Awards details, and Royal Commission analysis.
Events
ABC Friends Spring Dinner and 2026 Excellence Awards
When: September 3, 2026 at 6:30 pm AESTWhere: The Gallery at Alpha Level 1, 238 Castlereagh Street Sydney 2000ABC Friends NSW & ACT celebrates the 2026 Excellence in Broadcasting Awards, honouring David Marr and The Piano, with a spring dinner on 3 September in Sydney marking 50 years of ABC Friends.
Springwood Spring Festival
When: September 19, 2026 at 6:00 pm AESTWhere: Macquarie Rd, Springwood NSW, AustraliaABC Friends Blue Mountains will have a stall at the Springwood Festival on Saturday, joining over 15,000 visitors to talk about the ABC, press freedom, and why a fearless independent ABC matters for democracy.
Curious Conversations with Creative Cooks, Chefs & Caterers
When: October 8, 2026 at 11:30 am AEDTWhere: Roseville Uniting Church, Lord Street, Roseville NSW, AustraliaABC Friends invite you to explore slow food and artisan baking, inspired by ABC RN's Every Bite. Join us 8 October at Roseville Uniting Church for conversations with Sydney's finest bakers and pastry makers.
ABC Friends Blue Mountains Branch Meeting
When: October 10, 2026 at 10:00 am AEDTWe invite you to join other ABC Friends in the Blue Mountains for our regular meeting to discuss how we can best defend the ABC from attacks on its independence and funding. We welcome newcomers.
Talk: Celebrating the ABC Friends 50th Anniversary – 1976-2026
When: October 20, 2026 at 10:30 am AEDTWhere: The Residences Castle Cove Retirement Community, 8B Deepwater Road, Castle Cove NSW, AustraliaFrom a 1976 conversation between four friends, including Faith Bandler, to a nationwide movement of 70,000. The story of ABC Friends and why advocating for the ABC matters more than ever.
Take Action
Safeguard the ABC’s independence
Safeguard the ABC’s independence At a time of extraordinary international turmoil, growing authoritarianism, and unprecedented pressures on the media, we need a fearless independent ABC more than ever. Support our call …