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
Nell Schofield, President
Nell started her radio career at Sydney’s 2SER soon graduating to ABCs Radio National where she produced and presented shows like Arts Today and Summer Breakfast. She also hosted a show on 2RES where she worked with BayFMs first station manager Philip Shine. In 2021 she kick started her BayFM drive time show Roadtrip and stepped up to the Management Committee in 2024.
“Community radio is the audio version of connective tissue. It binds us together over the airwaves.” [email protected]
Lulu Thompson, Vice President
Lulu has years of experience as a volunteer coordinator for local festivals in the Byron Shire. Having worked alongside numerous artists, performers and volunteers, Lulu is the ideal person to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and bring their stories to life on the airwaves as BayFM’s Interview Coordinator. [email protected]
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]
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.“
Nick Mercer, Business Manager
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!
Paulette McCosker, Treasurer
Paulette has called the Northern Rivers home for the past 50 years embracing its vibrant lifestyle and natural beauty. With her children now grown she finds joy in balancing work and leisure, volunteering for the passionate BayFM community in between. Paulette loves the beach, gym, girls catch-ups and extended hiking trips making the most of what this region has to offer.
Sophie Morgan Smith, Management Committee
AKA SophDexx has been a vibrant force at BayFM since 2023. As a DJ, producer, and inspiring radio host, she brings technical expertise and creative vision to the Station with a Diploma of Music Production from SAE Institute Byron Bay. A passionate advocate for women in the music industry and champion of diversity, she’s dedicated to creating space for voices in the community that deserve to be heard.
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.
Dione Green, Management Committee
Dione was a founding member of Bay FM’s Community Newsroom and is the host of Make a Change (now in its 8th year!). Dione is an active member of the Bay FM Program and Media teams. She also produced the audio documentary series ‘Untangling the Yarn – inspiring stories of people living with dementia’, and the NFDS short feature ‘Mothercluckers’ (nominated for a CBAA award).
Adele Smout, Office Volunteer
Adele wanted to live in the rainbow region for more than 30 years but working life took her elsewhere. She finally made it here and has become an integral part of the community.
“Helping out at BayFM is the icing on the cake!“
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!
Thelma Knibb, Office Volunteer
Thelma has loved living in the Byron area since the mid 70s. After many different professions, she retired and now enjoys being a vollie at BayFM. As she says, “It gives the best connection to the local community.”
Cheryl Soper, Public Officer
Cheryl is a deadset legend at BayFM. She was involved in administration at Family Circle magazine and Sky Channel for many years before doing an extended tree change to rural NSW. “BayFM is a great place to volunteer, being able to interact with the community on many levels and be close to my passion for music.“
Matt Drinan, Grants Funding & Projects
After relocating to Byron Bay, Matt began work with Bay FM to assist in his first response supply efforts during the floods. He now assists the station with grant funding and other special projects.
He has a love of, and respect for, the diversity and inclusion represented by the music and local content that Bay FM provides.