Our Byron Community with Chris Hanley

Send us Fan Mail Join us on a captivating journey with Shien Chee, the dynamic Executive Director of the Writers Festival, as she shares part of her story. Born in Singapore and moving to Australia at the age of three, Shien reflects on the challenges of balancing cultures in the vibrant 80s. From her early days at university in Bathurst to discovering her tribe of unique spirits, Shien's sto...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an inspiring journey with Will Brook, CEO of Brookfarm, a generational family business deeply rooted in regenerative agriculture. Will shares the captivating story of his family's big move from Melbourne to Byron Bay, driven by their passion for macadamias and the dream of starting a business. As we listen to Will's reflections on growing up in the area and e...

Send us Fan Mail Join us on the Byron Community Podcast as we sit down with local architect Harley Graham. Harley takes us on a journey from his university days to his travels, including living in the USA and Berlin. He shares his experiences working on large mixed-use and cultural projects in Switzerland, the UK, and China. Listen in as Harley discusses his insights on community, sustainable land...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we sit down with Byron Bay-based artist Dan Hannaford. Dan shares insights into life as a musician in the Northern Rivers, discussing the unique challenges and advantages of the area. Growing up with music as a fundamental part of his childhood, Dan reflects on his journey and offers valuable advice for young musicians entering the industry. Dan's music, often desc...

Send us Fan Mail Tune in for an inspiring episode featuring Lissa Coote, the adventurous president of Coorabell Hall in Byron Bay. Discover the captivating story of how Lissa and her partner at the time, founded Tracks Magazine, moving their lives to Byron Bay in 1997. Delve into the original concept behind Tracks Magazine and Lissa's journey to becoming a journalist. Experience Lissa's...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we explore the journey of Thomas Hughes, a young artist and dancer from Byron Bay. Thomas shares his unique perspective on growing up in this beautiful coastal town, being a part of its vibrant creative community, and witnessing the impact of societal changes over the years. In our conversation, Thomas takes us on his journey and shares his decision to move to Western A...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we delve into the life and insights of Oliver Dunne, a true Byron Bay local with a fascinating journey. Born in Dublin, Oliver's path took him to London at 17, and from there, he embarked on a life-changing adventure to Australia.  It was in the 70s, that Oliver discovered his love for Wategos Beach, Byron Bay. He built a home there and has remained a cherished mem...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we sit down with our special guest, Nell Schofield, the iconic Debbie from Puberty Blues.  Tune in as Nell shares behind-the-scenes stories from the 1981 film and reflects on its impact on Australian culture and women. Nell's journey doesn't stop there; from news channels to environmental activism and working with Bay FM, she's a multifaceted individual. ...

Send us Fan Mail Embark on a captivating journey in this episode as we sit down with Joel Hissink, a local doctor making a meaningful impact in Byron Bay. Join us as we delve into Joel's story, stretching from his early years to the thrilling chapters of travel and Navy adventures. Discover the unique path that guided him toward a fulfilling career in medicine. In this engaging conversation,...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the voices shaping our podcast magic!  In this year-end episode, Chris sits down with Tianna Podesta, Oli Ayo, and Mayra Castro – the dynamic trio behind the scenes. Join us as we delve into their journeys, exploring how they ended up here in Byron Bay and what they love about this vibrant area. Wishing you all a beautiful Christmas and a New Year filled with joy! 

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive into the story of Sarah Armstrong, an author who found herself in the creative haven of Byron Bay. From her days as an exchange student in Argentina, navigating a foreign language, to the challenges and triumphs of becoming a writer, Sarah's journey is one of resilience and inspiration. Join us as Sarah shares her insights on moving to a new place, dr...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we're delighted to welcome back Jack Dodds as our guest, accompanied by the insightful Rob Doolan. Together, we navigate the intricacies of the housing landscape, shedding light on general community issues, with a particular emphasis on housing dynamics. Our conversation delves into the pressing need for expanded housing options, underscoring the stress and i...

Send us Fan Mail In this podcast, we delve into the life of Tony Kenway, a master craftsman deeply connected to the natural beauty of Northern New South Wales, Australia. Tony's journey begins in "The Big Scrub,"  once Australia's largest subtropical rainforest. His story unfolds as he and his family moved to the pristine shores of Wategos Beach in Byron Bay, back when only a h...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we delve into the fascinating journey of Samuel J Fell, a renowned music journalist who transitioned into a vital presence in Byron Bay's thriving music scene after starting his career in journalism.  Hear the  story of how he stumbled upon Byron while covering Rhythms music magazine for Bluesfest in 2005 and why this extraordinary community forever won his heart....

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an inspiring adventure alongside Dylan O'Donnell, a multi-talented individual who initially pursued a career in IT but later gravitated toward the creative aspects, particularly web development, before discovering his passion for astronomy and astrophotography. As we explore Dylan's passion for the creative side of IT, which led him to create DNA Digital, a t...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we engage in a thoughtful conversation with Delta Kay, a respected member of our community in Byron Bay and a proud Bunjalung Arakwal woman. Through Delta's personal journey, we explore the triumphs and challenges faced by Indigenous communities, both in Australia as a whole and in our charming coastal town. Delta's passionate commitment lies in reshapin...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we chat with Charlie Gordon, one of the masterminds behind the beloved Top Shop.  The Top Shop isn't just any café; it's a special place with a history in Byron. Come with us to learn how Charlie and his brother, Andy, made it a local favourite. Charlie will share some fun stories about the Top Shop's customers and what makes it unique. We'll also ch...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an engaging episode as we sit down with the remarkable Isabelle Reinecke, a motivated and dynamic individual who traded the city lights of Sydney for the tranquil beauty of Byron Bay. Tune in to uncover her incredible influence in the world of law and justice. Hear about her journey into her legal career, the challenges she faced along the way, and how she established...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an insightful conversation with Jeff Dawson, the creative force behind the lens and publishing at the Byron Bay Echo. Delve deep into the world of photography and publishing as we explore how Jeff's role at the Byron Shire Echo goes beyond a job—it's source of inspiration, pride, purpose, love, joy, and creativity. Discover the history of Byron Bay and the Ec...

Send us Fan Mail Prepare to be inspired by the remarkable life story of Mark Stewart, also known as "Mono," a living example of resilience and determination. Growing up in the picturesque coastal town of Byron Bay, Mono's life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with cancer at a young age. In this captivating podcast, we'll delve into his experiences, and life in Byro...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an engaging podcast episode as we explore the life of Frank Boyle, a seasoned farmer and the president of the Byron and Bangalow Farmers Market. Discover his rich family history including why a road was named after him, and the reasons behind his unconventional choice to cultivate Pecans instead of Macadamias.  We will  also unravel the inspiration behind his rice-grow...

Send us Fan Mail Discover Mandy Nolan's captivating journey as she finds her comedic and political haven in Byron Bay. Join us for an engaging podcast episode as one of Australia's top stand-up comedians unveils heartfelt anecdotes and hilarious stories, showcasing how this enchanting region became her cherished home. Byron Bay's natural beauty, vibrant community, and laid-back life...

Send us Fan Mail Join us on an enthralling podcast episode as we engage in a conversation with John Mitchell, the owner of the Book Room in Byron Bay. Prepare to be captivated as we delve into the narrative behind John and his wife's decision to purchase a bookstore in Byron Bay, allowing you to delve into his motivations, the obstacles he encountered, and the gratification of connecting peop...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Winston McCall, the lead vocalist of Parkway Drive, one of the world's most successful and widely-known metal bands. In this episode, Winston takes us on a journey through his experiences of creating a band in Byron Bay and how it led to the band's global success. He shares his deep admiration for Byron Bay's community, its...

Send us Fan Mail Architect and Urban Designer, Jack Dods, joins us in this episode of "Community Matters" to discuss growing up in Byron Bay, and his involvement with the Byron Bay Masterplan. Jack shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities facing the Byron Bay community, and how we can work to build a better more sustainable future. Whether you're a longtime resident o...