White Pages Covers Program

Courageous Australian Michael Bowron to feature on Central and Eastern'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, Bonnie Rock resident, Michael Bowron has been selected to appear on the cover of this year’s Central and Eastern directory which is distributed to Menzies, Kalgoorlie, Brookton, Merredin and Beacon. 

At just eight years old, Michael showed shown courage beyond his years when he bravely rescued his father from their truck. 

In October 2009, the truck he was in with his father crashed and rolled in Wheat Belt district. Michael sustained a black eye and cuts as a result but was able to escape through the smashed windscreen.

With his father still trapped, Michael used a tyre lever to try and free him but without success. As the engine was still running and leaking fuel, they feared the truck could catch alight if a spark came into contact with the fuel.

Calling for help was also made difficult as the UHF radio was ripped out of the truck on impact and there was no mobile phone to be found. Michael ran to the road to look for help but to no avail so he ran back to the truck and was able to find a battery, thrown from the vehicle, which he connected to their UHF radio. 

Luckily the aerial was undamaged and under the direction of his father, Michael was able to strip back the radio wires and hold them to the battery to call for help. Ambulance arrived shortly after to the relief of both father and son.

“I’m so proud of Michael. He stayed calm throughout the whole situation and was able to keep a clear and level head during a stressful time. I’m very pleased to have him selected to appear on this year’s directory cover,” said Michael’s father, Justin. 

For his efforts, Michael was awarded the St John Ambulance Service bravery medal.

Distribution of Central and Eastern Yellow Pages® and White Pages® is planned to start on 15 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 Central and Eastern Yellow Pages® and White Pages® cover were: 

2009/10: Kathryn Cousins, from Ballidu, appeared on the 2009/10 Yellow Pages® and White Pages® cover under the theme ‘Creative Australians: Inspiring our Communities’. Kathryn was recognized for her contribution to the arts community as the Chairperson of the Ballidu Contemporary Art Society. 

2008/09: Coolgardie locals, Ian Cullen and Angie Tavra, were the cover heroes for the ‘Celebrating Australian Flavour’ cover theme, selected for attracting locals and tourists to purchase their famous Cullen’s sausages at the Cullen Family Butchers. 

2007/08: For the ‘Champions of our Community’ theme, Skye King from Merredin, featured on the 2007/08 Yellow Pages® and White Pages® directory. Skye was selected for her volunteer work with the local Fire Brigade, the School Bush Ranger program and the Red Cross.