"After the drama “Woman in Mind” inspired me on 1st November 2006, I was really looking forward to the meeting with Andrew on the 4th of November 2006, 12.30 pm at the backstage entrance of the Opera House (in Sydney).

After a warm welcome Andrew showed me his “workplace”, starting with the dressing room he is sharing with John Adams. There also hung his stage outfit and I remembered his acting on stage. Then he showed me the theatre from the actors' viewpoint. I went on the stage, saw the place where the director watches the play and the mechanics of the lights. I was able to see everything a normal visitor doesn't see.

Then Andrew took some time and we talked in the “Green Room” and had a cup of coffee. He signed all of the many pictures I brought along for the next club meeting auction. He was amused about this young bloke in the pictures of “The Flying Doctors” series, as about 20 to 25 years had passed. I asked him for the criteria in which actors are chosen for their roles in plays , like Andrew's role in “Woman in Mind”. He said that the role was open and that after many years he is known by writers and producers who call the actors. So Andrew got the role of Doc Bill which he played until 7th December 2006. I asked him about his success with “Play School” and he said that he loved doing the show as he loves working for and with children. He'll do the show again after the play “Woman in Mind”.

When Andrew asked about my travel plans I told him that I would be going to Alice Springs in two days and so we started talking about “The Alice”. Andrew worked there for a year. It wasn't really his role but he said that it was interesting though. He told me that he would like to see King's Canyon and I told him about this impressive area of Australia. As I'm Down Under for the sixth time, I could be the tour guide. I asked him what he is doing when he is not working and he told me that he likes to read, does a lot of sports and also narrates children's stories on tapes. Mid of 2007 he'll be back on stage in Brisbane. Andrew is still in contact with Rebecca Gibney, who is living in Tasmania now, with Lenore Smith, who has not got much time after her marriage, and of course with Liz Burch, who is his best friend. After 45 minutes he had to go back to prepare for his next scene in “Woman in Mind”. I thanked him for taking so much time for my club but he only said that it's a pleasure and “see you next time”. Saying this he vanished to the inner parts of the Opera House.