White Pages Covers Program

Courageous Australian Cara Hay to feature on Bega's Yellow Pages® and White Pages®

May 18, 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, Merimbula resident, Cara Hay has been selected to appear on the cover of this year’s Bega directory which is distributed to Bega, Merimbula, Eden and surrounding areas. 

Unlike many others her age, at just 23 years old, Cara volunteers a lot of her time to numerous charity organisations. Despite the challenge of living with Cerebral Palsy (CP) Spastic Diplega, Cara’s courage and strength has seen her improve the quality of life of others with disabilities in the Bega area. 

Cara was born with CP Spastic Diplega, a condition that has caused her to suffer physical disabilities from the hips down, which requires her to wear splints on a daily basis. This has not deterred her from continuing on to live a normal life and offering to help others with disabilities.

Among her many voluntary roles, Cara is the event organiser for Bega Valley Respite Care group. Her events provide full time carers with short term relief, whilst giving people facing various disabilities the opportunity to enjoy new social experiences such as camping trips and dances. 

“It is important for people with disabilities to know that there are other people in similar situations. I get great satisfaction in seeing people enjoy the dances and social events I coordinate, it’s a very fulfilling and rewarding experience,” said Cara. 

Cara also works at Ageing Disability and Home Care and in her spare time, designs her own t-shirts and organises local events to create better awareness of CP in the Bega community. 

Distribution of Bega Yellow Pages® and White Pages® is planned to start on 19 May 2010 and it 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 Bega Yellow Pages® and White Pages® cover were: 

2009/10: Cobargo resident Gabrielle Powell featured on the Yellow Pages^® and White Pages^® cover under the theme ‘Creative Australians: Inspiring our Communities’. Gabrielle has volunteered her time at the Spiral Gallery, working hard to create opportunities and initiating projects so people from all ages and walks of life can learn about the arts and participate. During her time at the Spiral Gallery, Gabrielle has coordinated the annual national youth week exhibition.

2008/09: Bega resident Dairy farmer Ron Apps appeared on the 2008/09 Yellow Pages^® and White Pages^® ‘Celebrating Australian Flavour’ theme cover. Ron has lived in Bega for over 50 years and together with his sons Chris, Kevin, Rodney and Jeff, run two successful dairies producing 4.1 million litres of milk annually for Bega Cheese.

2007/08: Allan Gubson appeared on the 2007/08 Yellow Pages^® and White Pages^® ‘Champions of our Community’ cover for his role in sourcing funds and coordinating the huge community effort behind the construction of the Bega boardwalk which was completed in 2004.