Andy’s journey to Human Nature: a fireside chat

On a crisp evening in Byron Bay, a group of community members gathered for an intimate fireside chat at The Sunseeker Byron Bay. At the heart of the conversation was our founder, Andy Hamilton, who sat down with Chris Hanley of the Our Byron Community podcast to reflect on his personal and professional journey – one that ultimately led to the creation of Human Nature.

With over two decades of experience in youth mental health and rehabilitation, Andy has dedicated his career to supporting young people who are often overlooked by traditional services. His work has focused on adolescents who are considered “difficult to engage”. Young people who have experienced significant trauma and adversity and who need a different approach to healing.

As Chris Hanley guided the conversation, Andy shared his deep-seated belief in the power of nature as a therapeutic tool. He spoke about his early experiences working with young people, the challenges he witnessed within the system, and the pivotal moments that shaped his vision for Human Nature. Listeners gained insight into the unique model that underpins our work – a blend of outdoor adventure, evidence-based therapy, and a strong commitment to building trust with each young person we support.

The fireside chat provided a rare and personal glimpse into Andy’s motivations, challenges, and triumphs. Attendees listened intently as he discussed the importance of connection and the ways in which Human Nature is redefining mental health support for vulnerable adolescents in our region. Through stories of resilience and transformation, Andy painted a picture of what’s possible when young people are given the right support in the right environment.

This special evening was made even more memorable thanks to the wonderful team at First National Byron Bay, who recorded the live podcast session. We invite you to watch the full recording below and hear Andy’s inspiring story firsthand. You can also tune in to the episode on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to learn more about the transformative impact Human Nature is having on young lives.

A heartfelt thank you to Chris Hanley, First National Byron Bay, and The Sunseeker Byron Bay for hosting and supporting this meaningful conversation. It’s through partnerships and community engagement like this that we can continue to create lasting change for young people in need.

Watch the full conversation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4SBu6MqIIA