White Pages Covers Program

Courageous Australian Michael Milton to feature on Canberra's White Pages®

April 22, 2010

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Each year, locals are featured on the covers of the 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, Ainslie resident, Michael Milton has been selected to appear on the cover of this year’s Canberra directory which is distributed to Canberra, Yass and Queanbeyan. 

Michael is one of Australia’s most prolific Paralympic athletes. After losing his leg to bone cancer at the age of nine years, Michael’s achievements are astonishing for someone with or without a disability. He has competed in five Winter Paralympic Games, netting an unprecedented 11 medals, including a record clean sweep of the alpine events at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. 

After reaching the top of the international Paralympic skiing competition, Michael turned his attention to speed skiing, the drag racing of alpine sport. He holds the world record for a skier with a disability and is Australia’s fastest ever skier, clocking a staggering 213.65 km per hour.  

In 2007, just before he was due to compete with the Australian team at the World Para-Cycling Championships he was diagnosed with cancer for a second time but 12 months later achieved two top ten placings in the track cycling events at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games. 

“I like to tackle life head-on. I love to compete and to test my limits. Winning is a bonus. It’s an attitude that I believe has helped me in sport and in my personal life as well. My disability has never really stopped me from doing anything,” said Michael. 

In 2007 Michael was the ACT Australian of the year and in 2002 was named the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability. He has been an inspiration for the greater Australian community, particularly since overcoming cancer for the second time. 

Distribution of Canberra White Pages® is planned to start on 1 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, 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 Canberra White Pages® cover were:

2009/10: Melba resident, Maryann Mussared, was featured on the White Pages® cover under the theme ‘Creative Australians: Inspiring our Communities’. Marryann was recognised for her extensive work in providing access to arts within the community, including her work as a founding organiser of the Belconnen Community Festival. 

2008/09: Queanbeyan chef, Basil Smith, appeared on the directory cover for the 2008/09 ‘Celebrating Australian Flavour’ theme for his contribution to mentoring apprentice chefs across the ACT and NSW. 

2007/08: Sue Gaffney from Yass was the cover hero for the 2007/08 White Pages® ‘Champions of our Community’ theme. She was chosen for her dedication to various causes including CanAssist, Yass Red Cross, Cos-Care and Meals on Wheels.