White Pages Covers Program

Courageous Australians Benito Panettieri and Nazareno Mazzocchi to feature on Mornington'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, Rye residents, Benito Panettieri and Nazareno Mazzocchi have been selected to appear on the cover of this year’s Mornington directory which is distributed to Cranbourne, Healesville, Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island and surrounding areas.

In May 2003, Rosebud locals Benito Panettieri and Nazzareno Mazzocchi were heading back from a fishing trip in Sorrento when they spotted a man floating in the water in the distance. The pair bravely changed direction and pulled the man from the freezing waters of Port Phillip Bay. 

The man’s fishing boat had flipped, he had been in 11 degree waters for two hours and was suffering from hypothermia. Benito and Nazzareno were quick to warm him with blankets and clothes as they headed back to shore. 

It was Benito and Nazzareno’s courageous efforts that saved the life of the local who wouldn’t have survived without their help. 

“When we pulled the man to the shore we massaged his body ensuring he stayed warm until the paramedics arrived. It’s lucky Naz and I know the waters well and were able to get him to shore quickly,” said Benito. 

The Rosebud Police acknowledged the pair’s courage, marine knowledge and first aid with a Certificate of Commendation from the Royal Humane Society.

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

2009/10:  Hastings resident, Tammie Johnstone, graced the 2009/10 Yellow Pages^® and White Pages^® cover under the theme ‘Creative Australians: Inspiring our Communities’. Tammie is the president of the Western Port Festival, recognised for running one of the largest community events on the Mornington Peninsula.  

2008/09: Tony and Cristina Carraturo from Nar Nar Goon North featured on the ‘Celebrating Australian Flavour’ theme directory cover. Tony and Cristina were recognised for creating the ‘paddock to plate’ cattle program.  

2007/08: Rosebud residents, Val and Graeme Jarman, were selected for the 2007/08 Yellow Pages^® and White Pages^® ‘Champions of our Community’ cover for their volunteer work with the Dromana Sea Scouts.