White Pages Covers Program

Courageous Australian Sarah Hilt to feature on Campbelltown's Yellow Pages® and White Pages®

May 20, 2010

Image: 

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, Theresa Park resident, Sarah Hilt has been selected to appear on the cover of this year’s Campbelltown directory which is distributed to Camden, Campbelltown, Picton and surrounding areas.

Described as a true inspiration to her local community, Sarah survived Meningococcal disease and is now one of five quadruple amputees living in New South Wales. She has courageously overcome the lethal disease to assist others living with similar illnesses.

Meningococcal disease is caused by a sudden onset of infections occurring in the blood stream. The potentially fatal disease often results in permanent disabilities such as scars and amputations.

Sarah was first diagnosed with Meningococcal Septicaemia in October 2004.  The disease ravaged her body, causing Sarah to lose 60 percent of her skin and undergo multiple amputations as a result but, she has maintained an optimistic attitude.

Unfortunately, Sarah’s battle didn’t stop there. After suffering severe kidney complications in 2008, Sarah faced the uncertainty of her future until her father Gary donated a kidney to her. His donation saved her life and he has since made a full recovery.

With the assistance of the Macarthur community, the Sarah Hilt Foundation was established. The foundation raises funds within the community to provide financial assistance for victims of Meningococcal disease achieve their goals.

“The support I get from my community helps me stay positive, they organised a walk to raise funds for my artificial limbs and over 300 local walkers attended. The ongoing support helps me face any challenges thrown my way with optimism,” said Sarah.

Sarah has remarkably returned to Sydney University where she continues her studies. Despite the hardships she faces, she is a survivor and constantly amazes and inspires all she meets. 

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

2009/10: Campbelltown resident, Patricia Johnston, appeared on the 2009/10 Yellow Pages^® and White Pages^® cover under the theme ‘Creative Australians: Inspiring our Communities’. Patricia has played a pivotal arts role in Camden and Campbelltown as the founding Chairman of the Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Societies. 

2008/09: John and Sally Fairley were the cover heroes for the ‘Celebrating Australian Flavour’ theme, recognised for their significant contribution to the local dairy industry by running the Country Valley Boutique Dairy in Picton. 

2007/08: Wollondilly resident, Pamela Colless, appeared on the 2007/08 Yellow Pages^® and White Pages^® ‘Champions of our Community’ cover for her volunteer work with the Picton Neighbour Aid, Meals on Wheels and the Wollondilly Senior Friendship Group.