As South Australians commemorate 100 years since their most influential premier was born, a former political heavyweight has recalled his own entry to politics under the man's leadership.
Don Dunstan was SA's trailblazing Labor premier between 1967-68 and 1970-1979, a leader who championed social justice and the arts, and turned Adelaide into a national cultural centre that punched well above its weight.
Mike Rann was a three-term premier for the state Labor Party between 2002 and 2011, making him the third-longest serving premier in the state's history.
Mr Rann said he had been studying Australian history and politics at university in New Zealand and found Don Dunstan to be somebody who "stood out" among a "fairly dreary lot".
Mr Rann told 891 ABC Adelaide.
Mr Dunstan ushered him into a room while wearing a white safari suit, before they sat down for a "charming" and "wonderful conversation".
Mr Dunstan had to step out for an ABC interview, leaving Mr Rann with Mr Whitlam, "who turned to me and said, 'Who the hell are you?'"
"Dunstan came back and said the interview was concluded, with Gough still there, and then they asked me if to like to come out to dinner."
Mr Rann was appointed to be Dunstan's press secretary, speechwriter and head of the government's media operations for what he described as a "wild ride".
An exhibition, Don Dunstan: 100 Years, presented by the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters, Don Dunstan Foundation and Centre of Democracy, is being held at The Gallery adjoining St Peters Library.