No wonder Jeremy Miller says he's a "pig in mud".

A year ago he was appointed theatre manager of the Manning Entertainment Centre (MEC) - a place that has been like a second home to him.

"The MEC has played an important part in my life ... I met my wife (Fritha) on the MEC stage and practically lived here".

During the decade or so he lived in Taree before moving to Sydney in 2007 Jeremy (who was also well known as a radio announcer on 2RE) appeared in and directed numerous stage productions, spent countless hours in rehearsals, the green room and backstage, and getting to know the place like the back of his hand.

"The chance to come back and run it was too good to refuse."

A move away from the city (where Jeremy worked on World Youth Day and other corporate events), was also a lifestyle change the couple had been wanting to make.

They have three children; nine-year-old Sam, Harry who is seven this week, and two-year-old Lily.

It was on a holiday to visit family last year they decided to move back, to be closer to them and enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle.

Jeremy was contemplating what he would do when fate stepped and he saw the position advertised.

He hasn't looked back since.

"I'm loving it. I'm a pig in mud.

"If I had to design a job for me, it would be very similar to this one.

"I'm excited pretty much over every show, local shows, touring shows, kids shows - I love live theatre in all its aspects. I'm a theatre geek."

Family-wise it also makes him happy.

"I had an awesome time (in Sydney) ... it was a real pinch me experience, but you can't beat (this) for the lifestyle.

"Being able to coach the kids soccer and pick them up from school every now and then is great".

In Sydney he was an hour-and-a-half away from their school and the travelling time home just as long.

Jeremy began performing as a child, as part of a children's circus group in Canberra, which even had the honour of opening for the Ashton Circus.

He decided theatre wasn't going to make him a career so studied events and community radio at the Australian Film and Television School; and has spent his life involved in theatre, radio and events.

"They're all about having an audience and telling a story. They're interchangeable."

When Jeremy arrived at the MEC as manager he had a list of things he wanted to achieve.

"It's going to take at least five years; and that list is now growing.

"There's lots of things to do."

One thing he wants to do is give the MEC the reputation of being the "best entertainment centre in regional Australia".

He is working with a "fantastic" team who have all been working off the mantra: "What would the best regional entertainment centre in Australia do?"

The team is also busy working on building the 25th anniversary season which will be launched in November.

The staff is very focused on the present as well.

June was "crazy busy, possibly the biggest month the venue has ever had", and Jeremy just loved it.

"Theatre is in my blood".