White Pages Covers Program

Brisbane White Pages® celebrates sustainability crusaders Coleman Ridge and Robert Pekin

August 18, 2011

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Sustainability Brisbanites, Coleman Ridge and Robert Pekin, have been selected to appear on the covers of this year’s Brisbane White Pages® books in recognition of their work creating a better future for all Australians.

Each year Sensis, the publisher of the White Pages®, recognises the contribution of local residents in the community by featuring them on the cover of its directories.

The theme for this year’s covers, Australians Creating a Better Future, recognises people throughout Australia who have made a positive contribution to their community through projects or initiatives that help to make a better future for Australia. These projects have contributed environmentally, economically and/or socially to the local community and will benefit the next generation of Australians.

Coleman’s selection for the cover of the White Pages® Business and Government book recognises his commitment to raising awareness of climate change issues in the community through Australia’s largest free sustainability festival Greenfest.

In 2006, Colman recognised a need to directly connect climate change issues to the greater community to improve the health of individuals, businesses and the environment.

He founded Greenfest, which now attracts more than 60,000 visitors annually and boasts live stages of music, speakers, film and exhibitors. It lets people learn about advances in sustainable technologies - whether it’s the world’s fastest electric car, eco-fashion, organic food or sustainable construction. It has been praised by former Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett and the United Nation’s Environmental Program boss Achim Steiner.

Robert features on the cover of Brisbane’s Residential White Pages®, recognised for his dedication to improving access to locally grown produce through the establishment of Food Connect. Based on the principles of Community Supported Agriculture, Food Connect brings consumers and farmers together, encouraging locals to subscribe to purchase produce direct from local growers.

A former dairy farmer, Robert started Food Connect in 2006, driving personally to each farm within a five hour radius of Brisbane to get them involved and personally transporting their produce to Brisbane.

Food Connect now has more than 70 community drop-off points where produce is delivered and picked up. Robert’s initiative has boosted the morale of farmers, given them a fair price for produce and made fresh, local and seasonal food available to all.

The success of the project has seen it rolled out in seven communities across the country including Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

With their commitment and determination to sustainability practices, Coleman and Robert are truly helping to make a better future for Australia.