Our Byron Community with Chris Hanley
Our Byron community is a podcast that explores the unique and diverse community here in Byron Bay. From how people ended up here to the thriving business scene, we cover a wide range of topics that make our community so special. We dive deep into the stories and experiences of locals, and share insights on everything from sustainability and wellness to art and culture. Whether you're a longtime resident or a visitor, join us as we celebrate and explore all things Byron!
Our Byron Community with Chris Hanley
Kerry O'Brien — Community, Journalism and Politics
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
In this episode, Kerry reflects on his early life growing up in Queensland, sharing stories of family, schooling, and the strong influence of his forebears who came from England, Ireland and Scotland. Chris and Kerry explore how those family roots, along with a deep sense of community and belonging, helped shape Kerry's values, curiosity, and understanding of the world from an early age.
The conversation follows Kerry's journey into journalism and the experiences that defined a remarkable career covering some of Australia's most significant political and social moments. They discuss the importance of listening, asking thoughtful questions, and earning trust, as well as the changing media landscape, the challenges of misinformation, and the growing need for respectful public conversation.
Kerry also reflects on the role community plays in bringing people together, the responsibility of journalism in strengthening democracy, and why curiosity and integrity remain as important today as they were at the beginning of his career. It's a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about family, school, community, journalism, and politics.
If you’d like to share your story or provide feedback, please contact us via email at chrishanley@byronbayfn.com