The Team
Milt Barlow
Director/Founder/CEO/Publisher
Northern Rivers Media Pty Ltd
Milt Barlow is a veteran media and entertainment executive with over 35 years of experience in scaling businesses across various sectors. In 2021, he founded Northern Rivers Media, expanding it from one publication, The Lennox Wave, which had been in publication for 18 years, to three, with further growth on the horizon.
Milt has led several global ventures, including Asia Releasing and China Lion Distribution. As an internet pioneer, he founded Tribe, which attracted major investments from J.P. Morgan and Diageo and engaged former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett as Chairman. As CEO of Village Roadshow Entertainment, he transformed its home entertainment division from a $35 million operation to a $250 million powerhouse, launching record labels, video games, and iconic brands like The Wiggles and Bananas in Pyjamas as a distribution partner for the ABC.
He also co-founded Video One, which became New Zealand’s leading video distributor through its exclusive Disney license. Milt has served on boards such as NIDA Young Actors, the Davis Dyslexia Association, and the Victorian Government’s Multimedia Task Force. He continues to expand Northern Rivers Media while pursuing new opportunities in media and entertainment.
Kate Parry
Managing Editor, Northern Rivers Media
Editor, The Ballina Wave
Kate Parry is a seasoned media professional with over 20 years of experience across television, print, and digital storytelling. Holding degrees in Media, Journalism, and Human Rights, she combines her expertise with a commitment to social impact.
Starting her career at Network Ten as an Associate Producer, she worked on major global events and documentaries. Later, she joined the Movember Foundation, driving community engagement through innovative campaigns.
Now, as Managing Editor at Northern Rivers Media, Kate oversees four flagship publications, blending editorial precision with community-focused storytelling.
Natalie Grono
Editor, The Lennox Wave
Natalie is an award-winning storyteller and photographer with a degree in Communication from Newcastle University and a Diploma of Screen and Media. Her work blends artistry with authenticity, earning accolades like the Olive Cotton Award, People’s Choice at the National Photographic Portrait Prize, and three Walkley Awards, including Nikon Walkley Photo of the Year in 2022.
As Editor of The Lennox Wave, Natalie uses her expertise in photography, writing, and editing to craft compelling local stories. With a commitment to journalistic integrity, she amplifies community voices and fosters connection through her storytelling.
Charla Rallings
Editor, The Byron Wave
Charla Rallings is a writer and editor with over eight years of experience in fantasy, science fiction, and short stories, as well as developmental and copy-editing.
As Editor of The Byron Wave for over two years, Charla celebrates community through impactful content that highlights the people and organisations of Byron Shire. With a background in digital media, she values journalistic integrity, truth, and accessibility.
Raised in Ballina, Charla has deep roots in the Northern Rivers and Byron area. Beyond writing, she is an environmental advocate, musician, and artist inspired by nature and humanity.
