White Pages Covers Program

Courageous Australian Gary Wilton to appear on Muswellbrook's Yellow Pages® and White Pages®

April 22, 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, Aberdeen resident, Gary Wilton has been selected to appear on the cover of this year’s Muswellbrook directory which is distributed to Muswellbrook, Scone, Singleton and surrounding areas.

Gary Wilton’s courage was displayed when he bravely risked his own life to save his local town during the Muswellbrook Gas Works explosion, a brave act that resulted in severe burns to 80 per cent of his body. 

When the local Gas Works exploded in 1979, Gary was performing a routine gassing cycle, which involved pumping flammable liquid into the machines. During this routine job, a valve became stuck and when Gary attempted a shutdown, the liquid spilled onto the floor and a huge explosion occurred.

Triggered by a pilot light on a refrigerator, the explosion engulfed the entire room in flames. Gary’s clothes were instantly burnt off, his skin was hanging off his arms, his hair was singed and he became disoriented and dived through a tin wall to escape.

He managed to leave the scene, however, sensing a second explosion, Gary went back into the burning building to turn off the fuel control switches. His disregard for his own safety and quick thinking saved many neighbouring homes. Without his courage, the fire brigade said the fire would no doubt be unimaginably difficult to contain.

“It’s such a strange feeling to be recognised as a local hero. In my mind, my actions were instinctive and I’m just glad that I helped in stopping the explosion become a bigger disaster, “ said Gary.

Shortly after the explosion, Gary was awarded a Bravery Medal and has since been inducted in the Muswellbrook Shire Hall of Fame in recognition of his service to the community. 

Distribution of Muswellbrook Yellow Pages® and White Pages® is planned to start on 24 April 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 Muswellbrook Yellow Pages® and White Pages® cover were:

2009/10: Muswellbrook resident, Max Watters, appeared on the 2009/10 Yellow Pages^® and White Pages^® cover under the theme ‘Creative Australians: Inspiring our Communities’. Max was recognised for his volunteer work teaching arts classes at the Scone Youth Centre and the Scone Senior Citizens as well as donating his artwork collection to ensure the community can access the pieces for art education 

2008/09: Bruce Eglington and Steve Goodchild, from Muswellbrook, graced the 2008/09 ‘Celebrating Australian Flavour’ theme cover, recognised for creating one of the most successful olive groves in Australia at Pukara Estate 

2007/08: Muswellbrook residents, Joe and Marg Matthews, were the cover heroes for the 2007/08 Yellow Pages^® and White Pages^® ‘Champions of our Community’ theme, chosen for their contribution to a number of community efforts, particularly the Westpac Rescue Helicopter