5 mins with Jan Bynon
Novocastrian Jan Bynon loves giving back to her community while keeping family and friends at the centre of her life.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT NEWCASTLE?
I was born in Maitland, grew up in Hamilton, and I consider myself a very proud Novocastrian. There’s nowhere in the world I would rather live. The people are friendly, and it’s not too big, but it’s got everything you need. There are great places to eat and drink coffee, beautiful beaches, and we’re close to everything. We’ve got it all—it’s just a wonderful city.
WHO MAKES UP YOUR FAMILY?
I was one of five siblings growing up, and while one of my sisters tragically passed away a few years ago, the remaining four of us and our families all live locally. I have my husband, Frank, who is originally from the UK, our three kids, and 10 grandchildren. Every Christmas Eve, the extended family gets together at my sister’s place—there’s about 50 of us!
WHAT DOES A WEEK LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
I make sure to start every day with a coffee with my two best friends. On Mondays, I volunteer at Newcastle courts, and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, I volunteer at the Got Your Back Sista retail stores to do the shop windows. I give occasional talks for the Stroke Foundation, am involved with the Hamilton Hawks Rugby Club, and am often needed by my family to help with one of the 10 grandkids.
“I am a fortunate woman. It’s important to give back when I am so happy and healthy.”
WHERE DOES YOUR POSITIVITY COME FROM?
Frank always says, “You can’t change the past, but you can always change the future,” so you have to look ahead, and I live by that. I’m lucky to have a great relationship with him, my family, and my two closest friends who live nearby, as well as lots of positive people in my life. When you surround yourself with good people, there’s not much to complain about! I look outside, see the sun shining, and know I am lucky to live in a beautiful area. I always feel very fortunate when I look at the news and see what’s going on in the rest of the world.
WHAT WOULD A DREAM DAY LOOK LIKE?
It would involve good friends and food—probably a long lunch in the Hunter Valley!
Read more articles in our Autumn Edition of Hunter & Coastal Lifestyle Magazine or subscribe here.
Story Laura Jackel
