Weekend Gold Coast Bulletin

STORYTELLE­R GIVES VOICE TO OUR PAST

- ANNE JANELLE DICKMAN

ONE of the surprising things we’ve learned in featuring our Gold Coasters is just how powerful a true story really is.

Stories carry with them the DNA for whatever it takes for human beings to perfect the art of listening and establish true connection.

Meet Bern Young, an announcer at ABC Radio Gold Coast but also an authentic storytelle­r.

There is something special about her love of local history, people and places.

“I was a massive chatterbox growing up and I remember turning every school assignment into a radio report.

“I’ve loved it for as long as I can remember. I just love stories that are given sound. There’s something so special about it.

“On the radio you have the privilege to craft those stories and keep the listener engaged. It’s a creative process.

“I stepped away from radio briefly when I ran for council in Burleigh a few years back.

“I was unsuccessf­ul and sometimes wonder ‘what the hell was I thinking?’, but I really believe in the GC and I’m passionate about the future shape and developmen­t of our city.

“Actually, the Gold Coast of past times as well as its future are both obsessions of mine. There’s so much

history for us to treasure.

“My dreams? Well I’m living them.

“My family is everything and I just love this job.

“I am also loving a little adventure called Stories in the Key of GC. We hold live events at HOTA where storytelle­rs share their experience­s to music.

“The audience completely supports the vulnerabil­ity of the speaker so it’s remarkable to be part of.”

For more follow @facesofthe­goldcoast on Instagram.

 ?? ?? Bern Young has a story to tell about the GC. Picture: Alexandra Dickman
Bern Young has a story to tell about the GC. Picture: Alexandra Dickman

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