White Pages Covers Program

Courageous Australian Eamonn Purcell to feature on Wagga Wagga's Yellow Pages® and White Pages®

May 27, 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, Wagga Wagga resident, Eamonn Purcell has been selected to appear on the cover of this year’s Wagga Wagga directory which is distributed to Cootamundra, Griffith, Hay, Leeton, Narrandera, Temora, Tumut, Wagga Wagga, West Wyalong and surrounding areas.

In 2008, Ambulance Service of New South Wales District Manager, Eamonn was off duty when he saw a house fire in the distance. He rushed to the scene and risked his life as he entered the smoke-filled house in a bid to save a young boy trapped inside.

On Eamonn’s first attempt to enter the house, he was overwhelmed by smoke, however that didn’t deter him from going in again. He made a number of attempts before re-entering the house to hear the cries of a young boy in one of the smoke-filled rooms. Eamonn’s quick thinking and prompt actions were crucial in the rescue of the nine-year-old boy to safety. Both escaed the fire and were lucky to be only treated for smoke inhalation.

In his ambulance role, Eamonn supervises major accidents and mentors peers as an Intensive Care Ambulance Rescue Paramedic. Before working in Wagga Wagga with Ambulance he was a SES volunteer in Holbrook.

“As an ambulance officer, your instincts are never off duty. When I saw the fire and heard there was a kid in there I responded in the only way I knew how, which was by entering the house to find him,” said Eamonn.

Eamonn has been awarded the Ambulance Service Commendation for Courage for his rescue of the young boy.

Distribution of Wagga Wagga Yellow Pages® and White Pages® is planned to start on 29 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 Wagga Wagga Yellow Pages® and White Pages® cover were: 

2009/10:  Cootamundra resident, Jennifer Roberts, featured on the 2009/10 Yellow Pages® and White Pages® cover under the theme ‘Creative Australians: Inspiring our Communities’. Jennifer was recognised for her contribution to the arts community as the director of Cootamundra Amateur Dramatic Arts Society (CADAS) Inc Kids. 

2008/09: Neil Druce from Junee graced the directory cover for the ‘Celebrating Australian Flavour’ theme. Neil owns Green Grove Organics which attracts people to experience Australia’s only certified organic licorice. 

2007/08: Wagga Wagga group Many Young Courageous Responsive Empowering Women (MYCREW) appeared on ‘Champions of our Community’ theme cover for its work assisting young women with support services in the region.