We’d like you to meet Great Walks’ new National Ad Manager Sarah Byron who is taking over from Bobby Butler who has been at the role for 12 years.
Sarah takes five with Great Walks.
What’s your earliest memory of being in the great outdoors?
Every summer since I can remember, we spent time at a holiday home in Rosslare Beach, County Wexford, Ireland, enjoying crab fishing and beach days. Family trips to France included snorkelling adventures along the coast with my brother. I also played outdoor field hockey for most of my life, starting at age seven with my first hockey stick on a nearby field.
Where did you grow up and what outdoor activities did you do?
I grew up in County Dublin, in a lovely suburb called Killiney that was close to the beach, the mountains and the city. I had the best of all worlds. Whether it was beach walks, hikes or playing sports outside, I was lucky to have easy access to so much nature. My parents walk and swim every day so I used to join them on their expeditions! I also used to love walking the pier every week with my best friend it was like our pre-work ritual when I worked from home! We also have a place called Killiney Hill near my old house that was a wonderful walk to do in the evening time.
What drew you to Australia?
It does feels like a bit of a rite of passage for a lot of Irish people. Many of my friends are here, but the main drawcard was the lifestyle and weather. Sunshine is rare at home, and over here it feels like it’s around all year. I also love discovering new places, and Australia seemed like the perfect place to explore in my 20s. I love to ocean swim at home but it makes it a bit easier with the warmer waters over here as well as the fitness culture I've been scooped up into it quickly.
What are some of the differences from where you grew up to where you live now, especially regarding the outdoors?
The wildlife 100%. In Ireland, the scariest thing you’ll come across might be a hedgehog or a fox. Over here, I had to get used to the idea of snakes, spiders and all sorts of unfamiliar creatures. Seeing cockroaches daily was an adjustment! Oh and the kangaroos. It’s still so exiting when I see them in random places.
Have you explored much of Australia since you arrived?
A good bit but I want to do more. Australia is so big compared to Ireland even the idea of flying domestically was wild to me at first. I’ve been lucky to visit Perth, Adelaide, much of the east coast, and I’ve done lots of the beautiful coastal walks around Sydney’s eastern suburbs, like from Rose Bay to Watsons Bay. I’ve done a lot of daytrips to Palm Beach, Jervis Bay and Port Stevens. Rottnest Island in Perth is one of the prettiest places I’ve been to so far.
What are you looking forward to about your new role as National Advertising Manager for Great Walks?
I'm excited to discover more of Australia and to learn about all the incredible outdoor experiences this country has to offer. I love the idea of combining work with my love for the outdoors and the coast.
What was it about Great Walks that attracted you to the job?
The brand aligns with my own love of the outdoors. My camera roll is full of sunrises, sunsets and pictures of trees. I think the tree thing comes from my mum. She loves them and flowers. The opportunity to be part of something that inspires others to explore and appreciate nature just felt like the perfect fit.
We’d love to thank Bobby Butler for all his hard work and passion over the last 12 years and we wish him the very best of luck in his next endeavours!