White Pages Covers Program

Courageous Australian Thomas Haymes to appear on Bairnsdale'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, Devon North resident, Thomas Haymes has been selected to appear on the cover of this year’s Bairnsdale directory which is distributed to Bairnsdale, Moe, Morwell, Sale and Traralgon. 

Local teenager, Thomas Haymes displayed tremendous bravery during the Black Saturday bushfires to protect the homes and livelihoods of those living in his community. 

On 7 February 2009, the then 15-year-old Thomas and his father were initially preparing for the Churchill Complex bushfires that was drawing close to their farm. Not expecting the fire to approach so quickly, within an hour, they found themselves battling a ferocious fire that had encroached in Devon North. 

Thomas quickly followed his father on the farm tractor to protect the homes of his fellow neighbours, most of which were still in their homes. He courageously ploughed firebreaks from his tractor despite the flames overwhelming his vehicle at one stage. His efforts paid off as he bravely managed to stop the fire from damaging several Devon North properties. 

Thomas continued on to assist the Devon North Country Fire Authority (CFA) in Yarram before returning to create firebreaks around Mays Bush where he continued to work tirelessly throughout the night to ensure the safety of his local area. 

“The fire was pretty intense and I just did what I could to help save our neighbours’ farms. The fire came at us so quickly that no one had the time to prepare to leave their property. I’m just really glad that our efforts paid off,” said Thomas.

Since the events of Black Saturday, Thomas has since completed his training to become a Devon North CFA member. For his efforts during Black Saturday, he was presented with a bravery award by his high school.

Distribution of Bairnsdale 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 Bairnsdale Yellow Pages® and White Pages® cover were:

2009/10: Swifts Creek locals, Valerie McCann and Deirdre Jack, appeared on the Yellow Pages^® and White Pages^® cover under the theme ‘Creative Australians: Inspiring our Communities’. Valerie and Deirdre play pivotal arts roles in the region through their work with the Great Alpine Gallery. 

2008/09: Johnsonville orchardist, Elaine Jenkins, graced the ‘Celebrating Australian Flavour’ theme cover, acknowledged for her work in establishing the Twin Rivers Farm Food and Wine Trail which drives visitors to the region. 

2007/08: Willung South resident Dawn Wood featured on the ‘Champions of our Community’ cover for her contribution to the CFA as a volunteer for more than 11 years.