BRENDAN Hogan spent the first 18 years of his life in the Mallee in the tiny north–west Victorian town of Nullawil. After university, he landed his first teaching job at Yackandandah Primary School and has lived and worked in and around Yackandandah for the past 18 years.

What do you do workwise?

My main profession is a primary school teacher, though in recent years I have leant into a few more creative pursuits and am really enjoying the challenge of trying to seek out a small living as a writer, focussing mostly on writing theatre for young people.

What brought you to your role/career?

I come from a large family and working with young people always felt natural to me and primary school teaching felt like a good fit. Having said that, I was always a very creative and artistic child, so if I had my time again, I might have pursued a more creative career when I finished high school. As it stands, I have the best of both worlds–teaching in a great school and developing my other passions on the side.

What do you love about your work?

Society has changed, but I still see teaching as an honourable profession. I love the opportunity to have a positive impact on young people. In terms of writing, I love the magic of creating something from nothing and having it enjoyed by others.

What do you do in the community?

BC (before children) I was involved in community theatre, whether it be producing, writing, directing and occasionally performing in shows, or running a children's theatre group called the Yackandandah Young Players. Now that my children are a little older, I am finally returning to these roots and am looking forward to directing a new show later in the year.

Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing?

I think that as a wider society, the way we value, care for, and continue to connect with older people is something we can get better at. In the same vein, I have an interest in death and dying and wonder how we might be able to break taboos around this topic to create an environment where people feel more empowered when it comes to end–of–life planning and care.

What do you see as one of the most important current world issues?

There are plenty of times I feel like the world is going to hell in a handbasket and wonder if every generation has felt this way. One of our most imminent challenges is climate change.

If the person you would most like to meet came to Indigo Shire (past or present), or was already here, who would that be, what would you show them, and why?

I have knelt at the centuries–old gravestone of my oldest known ancestor. I would love to meet him and show him where I live and have him understand that the life I enjoy could not be possible without him. Our impact lingers long after we are gone.

What book are you reading?

My son and I have just finished reading 'Ninja Kid 11' by Anh Do. I am also reading a biography titled 'From Strong Foundations' about the life and times of Yackandandah local, Nelson McIntosh.