ADELAIDE–born Rachel Clayton spent a number of years in Melbourne before a move to Beechworth around 18 months ago with her partner Luke.
What's your job?
Event Attraction coordinator at Wodonga Council.
What brought you to this role?
I love festivals and missed working on them since moving here, so I jumped at the opportunity to work in them again when it was offered.
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What do you love about your job?
Attracting people to the region for an event or festival is the best, because it acts as a lure for people to explore the region and allows an opportunity to taste amazing food and wine, see incredible sights, and enjoy the arts and culture we have here.
What do you do in the community?
I love supporting the arts. Whether it is attending a local theatre production or checking out a local artist's exhibition. The more the better I say.
What's the most important current community issue for you?
Affordable housing, although not exclusive to North East Victoria it is a big issue here, where housing is scarce and what is available is unaffordable for many.
What would you do to solve, change or improve that situation?
I'd think more funding being allocated towards Not For Profits and government organisations that provide low–cost housing would help the most marginalised. Perhaps home owners who don't use their homes all year round could be incentivised to rent out their place to help people struggling to find a rental.
What's the most important current world issue for you?
I'd have to say climate change. I'm not sure much else is going to matter if there is no planet to live on. It may sound a bit doomsday–ish, but that's actually what I think. Still, I am optimistic that we as a society have the will and the know–how to turn things around.
If the person you would most like to meet came to Indigo, or was already here, who would that be and what would you show them?
It would be great if my Nana could come to Indigo, mainly because I miss her and she died when I was young. But I'd take her to Rutherglen's Winery Walkabout.
Why would you show her that?
She was very proper and a big fortified wine drinker. I would have loved tasting Australia's top Tawnys, Tokays, and Muscats with her and listen to her saying things unbecoming of her.. haha.
What book are you reading?
'Pain and Prejudice' by Gabrielle Jackson. It's non–fiction and looks at how the medical system has (and continues to) ignore women's health....and dare I say prioritise men's. It's very well written and quite interesting. Although, when I need to unwind one of my secret pleasures is listening to Stephen Fry narrate the Harry Potter books. He's so good at performing all the characters and I just love it!
