PETER Adams was born in Sale in Victoria's Gippsland region and has lived in Rutherglen for the last decade.

What's your job?

A good friend's father, who had the one job for his entire career once said to me, "what's the matter, can't you hold down a job?". So, I decided I needed a title that would keep him at bay.

Creative director, (freelance) was my reply. I love to tell stories, a choreographer of information if you will.

What brought you to the role?

Born in Sale — it's a case of a rolling stone gathering much moss. Turning down a scholarship for primary school teaching (cue shocked parents), my journey to now started on air at 3BA Ballarat, GMV 6 Shepparton, Melbourne radio stations, television with Mike Walsh and Bert Newton and then via PR/marketing I found myself stage struck as associate director with major musicals touring Australia and New Zealand – The Producers, Sound of Music, Secret Garden, Man of La Mancha, Grease in Chiang Mai, Crazy For You and media training for HTV Ho Chi Minh City.

I consider myself very luck with life's opportunities – when attempting to film Sir David Attenborough with my hand shaking, partnered by a collapsing tripod, solicited this bemused response, "You're not a cameraman, are you?" — said with a grandfather's kindly smile.

What do you love about your job?

What I love are people and their stories. I came to Rutherglen and found great refuge to read and research the artists I was fortunate enough to work with and to be trusted to tell their stories in live stage tours.

The list includes Sir David Attenborough, Dame Julie Andrews, Jane Fonda, Pele, and Louis Theroux. It has been a great ten years here. Rutherglen charmed me and now an 1896 church is my home.

What do you do in the community?

Currently I am working with Destination Rutherglen, and we are receiving entries for the second Regional Heat of the Australian National Busking Championships which will be held in Rutherglen on Saturday May 13. I love it, as it brings community, business, and local government together in a fabulous event. On that Saturday Rutherglen really dances to a different beat.

What is the most important community issue for you?

The impact of COVID–19 is far reaching, with the community facing physical, mental health, and liveability challenges.

What would you do to solve, change, or improve that situation?

It is important that communities interact, silos are broken down and the exchange of ideas build a cohesive response. Empathy promotes listening, empowerment and action.

What do you see as an important current world issue?

A community is a microcosm of world challenges – humanity shares in its responsibility for hunger, the status of refugees and the equality of human rights.

If the person you would most like to meet came to Indigo Shire or was already here, who would that be?

I would love Dame Judi Dench to be the guest of Rutherglen – now there's a story!

Her documentary on trees revealed a sharp curiosity and generosity of spirit. She brings discovery to every story she tells – Rutherglen would keep her busy. I hear she enjoys a good red and maybe a casual busk!

What book are you reading?

I am preparing for British medical journalist Dr Michael Mosley's tour of Australia and New Zealand — so am absorbed in the world of the 5:2 diet – a game–changing program, and his look at Australia's health.