White Pages Covers Program

Courageous Australians Harry Smith and Buddy Lea to appear on Maryborough Yellow Pages® and White Pages®

March 15, 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, Urangan and Eli Waters residents, Harry Smith and Buddy Lea have been selected to appear on the cover of this year’s Maryborough directory which is distributed to Maryborough, Bundaberg, Kingaroy, Gayndah, Hervey Bay and Murgon.

Harry and Buddy have been serving and protecting their local community for over 40 years. Both Vietnam War veterans, Harry was company commander and Buddy, a section commander, played crucial roles in the most famous battle fought by the Australian Army during the Vietnam War.

During the Battle of Long Tan, the Australian troops were outnumbered 20 to one by Vietnamese soldiers. Realising the imminent danger, Harry gathered support from the Australian, New Zealand and American artillery and led their Company to significantly reduce enemy numbers. A wounded Buddy was overseen by Harry as he led nine soldiers in his section to implement a combined use of arms that eventually allowed the troops to overcome a superior enemy.

Buddy served in the Australian Army for more than 30 years and along with his men, was recently awarded a Unit Citation for Gallantry from the Australian Government.

Harry served for 25 years and was recognised with the Star of Gallantry, the second highest courage decoration for anyone in the Armed Forces, for his conspicuous gallantry in action in circumstances of great peril.

Buddy and Harry’s courage and bravery have nearly cost them their own lives but they have always shown tremendous dedication in protecting their community and their country. Both Buddy and Harry are part of the Hervey Bay RSL, Harry is also an active member of the Marine Rescue organisation.

“We feel so honoured to be featured on this year’s directory cover together. We’ve seen a lot in our lifetimes and it’s so humbling to be recognised for serving our community and our country,” said Harry and Buddy.

Distribution of Maryborough Yellow Pages® and White Pages® is planned to start on 13 March 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 Maryborough Yellow Pages® and White Pages® cover were:

2009/10: Urangan resident, Kerrie Marshall, appeared on the Yellow Pages^® and White Pages^® cover under the theme ‘Creative Australians: Inspiring our Communities’. Kerrie is passionate about supporting the arts through her role as president of the Hervey Bay Council for the arts and as the organiser of the inaugural 2009 Hervey Bay Jazz and Blues Festival.

2008/09: Cliff Fleming from Bundaberg was the face for the ‘Celebrating Australian Flavour’ cover theme. Cliff’s family business, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, has helped build the Bundaberg brand and shape the local economy for over 40 years.

2007/08: For the ‘Champions of our Community’ theme, Maryborough resident Phyllis Klupp was recognised for her contribution to the local Aboriginal community, where she worked with the Unndennoo Kindergarten for more than 22 years.