Community Radio Runs On People Power
BayFM has served the Northern Rivers’ community since 1991. Over that time, hundreds of positive people have pitched in to help the station stay relevant and resilient. In addition to our crew of presenters (currently around 60 of them!), the people on this page all help to keep BayFM ticking along with their skills, experience, time and energy. Thanks to each and every one of them!
Our Management Committee and Station Volunteers
Jeff Kessel, President
Jeff is a Graphic Design and Creative Industries lecturer at SAE in Byron Bay. He kicked off his radio journey in the mid 90s as a presenter on the college station CJAM in Windsor and Detroit. In the late noughties he relocated to the NT and became a presenter at Alice Springs community radio station, 8CCC 102.1FM, joining the management committee and eventually stepping into the role of station manager. In 2016, Jeff began working at Gadigal Information Service (GIS), the Redfern based, Indigenous owned and led media organisation that is home to community radio station Koori Radio 93.7FM. In 2021 he moved with his family to the Shire and has since been active with BayFM as a volunteer and in 2024 he began presenting the Instrumental Health Show every Friday afternoon between 3 and 4pm.
Nick Mercer, Vice President
Nick spent the last 30 years in the advertising industry and ran a successful independent agency in Sydney. A love of voluntary work and music led Nick to BayFM where he assists with marketing & fundraising – the perfect match!
Mia Armitage, Secretary
Mia came to BayFM as a journalist in 2017 looking for more radio experience and now finds herself completely immersed in a passion for community media. The Secretary email account is one of six she manages for the station, including the one for our award winning Community Newsroom (Fridays 11am – 12pm).
“The difference between ON and OFF the record is everything.” [email protected]
Russel Shaw, Treasurer
After a career in Merchant Banking Russel shifted to the Byron Shire some 36 years ago. He was a high school teacher for many years at Byron High. Since 2008 he set up my mortgage broking business servicing the Byron Shire. He has been a continuing sponsor of Bay FM for over 18 years (particularly sponsoring Blues
from the Bay). A passionate music lover and supporter of local talent his role as
treasurer will allows him to get more involved and ensures the ongoing success and growth of Bay FM.
Emma Beattie, Board Member
Emma joined the BayFM family in 2025 to host Regard – a weekly exploration of life’s tender and vulnerable thresholds of death, dying and grief.
Recognising life’s impermanence is what makes life meaningful. Emma’s work focuses on strengthening death and grief informed workplaces, schools and communities; she invites imagination, possibility and mutual care. Through radio, death becomes a teacher of relational living, choice, and shared humanity.
Robbie Armfield, Studio Manager
“I’m a radio man, music lover, and android user. Born and raised in Auckland. Eight years at the helm of FBi Radio’s funniest and only comedy show, Robbie’s Modern Life. Producer for ABC Radio Sydney and Triple J. As Studio Manager I work with the Program, Tech, and Sponsorship Teams, Community Newsroom, and Management Committee to help with the smooth running of our lovingly curated local broadcast.“
Lachie Hand, Sponsorship Manager
A born and bred Byron local, Lachie had a strong connection with the community from a young age, particularly among many of its sporting clubs. He is a small business owner, and enjoys helping others promote and build their businesses through their partnerships with BayFM.
Gayle Cue, Office Volunteer
Gayle Cue is a founding member of Bay FM Community Radio. Long term residents of Byron Bay will remember her and Sound Waves from the 1980’s & 90’s. She was actively involved in all aspects of Bay FM, on-air and off, for over 23 years. She says, “It was a lot of work AND a lot of fun”. So after a decades-long break from the world of radio, one day she came into the station to see if there was an opportunity to once again be a volunteer at the station. There was … and she is back. You’ll find her at the front desk on Fridays from 9am to 1pm.
Nikki Mercer, Office Volunteer
Nikki loves her Wednesdays, cooking breakfast for the homeless at the Community Centre downstairs. Afterwards she heads straight up to volunteer with the great BayFM vibes!