Billy Cantwell was just 23 when he founded the Irish Echo, Australia's Irish newspaper. The masthead celebrates 30 years in print this year. Over three decades, the Meath-born father-of-three has borne witness to massive changes in the Australian Irish dynamic, the diaspora and the media itself. He has built a reputation as a dynamic editor, publisher and entrepreneur. Billy recently departed News Corp after three and half years as editor of the North Shore Times, one of only two Australian newspapers founded by Rupert Murdoch himself. He is currently focused on plotting a digital future for the Irish Echo as well as scoping other other innovative publishing projects. He passionately believes in the importance of community journalism and thinks hyper-local news may hold the key to building a sustainable media model. Billy is also a vocal advocate for the Irish abroad and believes Ireland needs to rethink its relationship with the diaspora. He wants to explore new ways to connect emigrants around Australia and the world through compelling content.