White Pages Covers Program

Albury, meet the Courageous Australians appearing on your 2010/11 directory

February 3, 2010

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Each year, locals are featured on the covers of the Yellow Pages® and White Pages® directories in recognition of the contributions they make to their communities. Under the theme Courageous Australians, this year directories producer, Sensis, is recognising courageous people who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to overcome adversity and help others in their time of need.

 After receiving nominations from community members for the annual honour, Wodonga residents, Rohan Arden, Alex Todd and David Langshaw have been selected, to appear on the cover of this year’s Albury directory which is distributed to Albury, Corowa, Corryong, Holbrook and Wodonga.

 Brave volunteer firefighters, Rohan, Alex and David are members of the Wodonga Fire Brigade and have more than 75 years of service between them with the Country Fire Authority (CFA).

 Attending a fire in 1998, Rohan dodged thick smoke and fearlessly forced his way into a burning flat to find an unconscious female occupant surrounded by flames. He quickly carried her to safety just moments before the flat was overwhelmed by flames.

 “We are like the many CFA volunteers across the country, attending countless fires and emergencies over the years. Without a second thought, you put your own life at risk ensuring the safety of the community. It’s all part of the job, but it’s a great honour to be recognised by Sensis,” said Rohan and Alex.

 Similarly in 2006, Alex and David attended a fire which had engulfed a small unit. The two men entered the fully engulfed building to search for trapped residents but their advances were soon halted as the roof collapsed. Despite the unstable conditions, the men continued their search, finding a man unconscious in the debris. Together they pulled the man from the smouldering ruins, rushing him to awaiting medical teams.

  “Although honoured by this recognition it would be impossible for us to perform this service without the backing of our other firefighters, family and our employers like Border Express who support us in our role of firefighters,” said David.

 Jane Blackley, White Pages® Group Manager, says we felt the Courageous Australians theme was particularly relevant with many parts of Australia having experienced testing times over the past couple of years.

 “Australians are known for their compassion and willingness to put their hand up to help when it’s needed most. Whether helping to build better community relationships, showing strong leadership, inspiring others, or acting in a major crisis to protect the lives of others, we really wanted to demonstrate the diversity of what it means to be courageous.

 “From the nominations received, we were amazed at the many people from all walks of life who have shown tremendous courage, either by risking their own life to save another, overcoming major challenges to inspire others or helping to ensure the wellbeing and safety of the community. 

 “We felt Rohan, Alex and David were great examples of what it means to be a courageous Australian and we are delighted to feature them on the cover of the Albury directory,” said Ms Blackley.

 Distribution of Albury Yellow Pages® and White Pages® is planned to start on 6 February 2010 and  will take approximately six weeks for the directories to be delivered to all households.

 Sensis encourages residents and businesses to recycle their old directories. In most areas, Yellow Pages® and White Pages® can be recycled as part of normal kerbside recycling services. Visit www.recyclingnearyou.com.au  to find out about recycling services in your area.

 Did you know? The past three local people who appeared on the Albury Yellow Pages® and White Pages® cover were:

 2009/10: Corowa resident Pam Fredericks featured on the Yellow Pages® and White Pages® cover under the theme ‘Creative Australians: Inspiring our Communities’. Pam was recognised for her work in making the arts accessible to youth in regional areas, by facilitating art programs for the community and local schools. Pam mentors students from Corowa South Public School and Lowesdale Public School.

 2008/09: Albury resident Narelle Vogel appeared on the directory cover ‘Celebrating Australian Flavour’ theme. Narelle established the Albury Community Wood Fired Oven, which brings the community together to share the experience of making and enjoying food.

 2007/08: Holbrook resident Margaret McNeill was the cover hero for the ‘Champions of our Community’ theme, selected for her work with the Holbrook Health Service, Aged Services Committee, Holbrook Meals on Wheels and for her role as President of the RSL Women’s Auxiliary and Friends of the Hostel Foundation.