What is the Question – September

For September’s What is the Question Adam McNicol talks with ROLAND ROCCHICCIOLI.

 

What is your name?

Adam McNicol.

 

What is your occupation?

A sometimes writer and publisher – I own Ten Bag Press, and an event creator and manager – I’m one of the co-creators of the inaugural Ballarat Marathon road running festival being held in April 2024.

 

What brought you to Ballarat?

Affordable housing. I grew-up in the Mallee – Manangatang. Ballarat proved the perfect spot for my wife and me. We were able to buy a house and enjoy life in a place that’s a great middle-ground between the tiny towns and the big smoke of Melbourne.

 

What is your favourite spot in the city, and why?

L’Espresso. It’s how a great cafe should be.

 

What is the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?

Giving-up drinking. Like many Aussie blokes, drinking was a massive part of my identity. I asked, once I started to hangovers in my mid-30s, “Why am I doing this?” I kept drinking for another few years, mainly because I didn’t want to be branded ‘no fun anymore’. I reached the point where I wasn’t enjoying drinking, or the feeling the next day. I went cold turkey – New Year’s Day 2020. I didn’t touch a drop for almost two years. I’ve had the odd taste here-and-there but I’m never going back to drinking; and still I have just as much fun.

 

What would you do to make a difference in the world?

Ensure every child has access to quality education in a quality school. Australia’s one of the richest nations and we’re struggling to get this one right.

 

What, if any, are your rituals?

I run with two mates, four mornings a week. I only took-up running during the pandemic. It’s been a personal revelation; a great way to start the day.

 

What do you hope the future might hold for you?

For the Ballarat Marathon to become the largest, friendliest, and most fun road running festival in regional Australia.

 

What is your most treasured possession, and why?

Recordings of my late grandfather, Andrew Redei. He, and my grandmother, were Hungarian Holocaust survivors. I spent some days with my grandfather in his later years, recording his life. Despite all they endured during World War Two, they came to Australia and grabbed with both hands every opportunity.

 

If you could ask your pet one question, what would it be?

Who do you bark at people you’ve seen 500 times?

 

What or who inspires you?

My mum, Cathy McNicol! She’s kind, generous, empathetic, positive and resilient person. She held our family together when my father – a farmer all his life, lost his way and his money in 60s. She’s an incredible role model for her children, and grandchildren.

 

What qualities do you admire in other people?

A sense of humour, optimism, humility, empathy, reliability and self-belief.

 

What was your first job?

Driving tractors, feeding sheep, and working in our shearing shed.

 

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A pilot until I fell in love with reading The Age newspaper. I decided to be a journalist. Much of my media career was working as a television sports reporter at Channel 10. I wrote a ‘bush-footy’ column for The Age, fulfilling my dream of being a newspaper writer.

 

What is your all-time favourite book, and why?

Bill Bryson’s Notes from a Small Island. It’s funny and you learn a lot about British history. I often ponder a Bryson-inspired journey through the Mallee and a subsequent book!

 

What is your favourite smell, and why?

Cut grass in September. It means footy finals time, and warmer weather on the way.

 

What is something about you which is still the same as when you were a child?

Love of talking! I was a shy child, but in my early years of primary school I found the gift of the gab. Nothing has changed. I love chatting to taxi drivers. Some stories are so interesting. Everyone has a great story.