After more than 20 years selling real estate in Byron Shire, there's not much that Paul Banister doesn't know about the local property market. But there are a few things you may not know about him.
'Bano' is a lover of the outdoors. He's often spotted casting a line from Broken Head, surfing Tallow or swimming laps across the Bay.
The former NSW triathlon champion and past President of the Byron Bay Junior Surf Lifesaving Club is also an avid bird watcher, mountain bike rider and trekker.
He counts a recent trek through the northern Shan State, Myanmar, as one of the most memorable moments of his life. As well as discovering traditional Shan fishing, Bano spent time with the Palaung and Intha people, learning first-hand about the plight of Burmese revolutionary Aung San and his daughter Aung San Suu Kyi, who has become an international symbol of peaceful resistance.
Bano's passion extends to his professional life. A multi-award winning real estate agent, he has spent more than half his career with First National Byron Bay, selling hundreds of properties across Byron Bay, Bangalow, the hinterland, Mullumbimby and Ocean Shores.
As a Director with the company, he's instrumental in running the shire's most successful real estate agency.
Married with two adult children, who were educated at local public schools, Bano is proud to call himself an 'almost-local' and share his incredible knowledge of the area with all new buyers and sellers.