White Pages Covers Program

Creative Australians Sydney White Pages, Neil Balnaves and Beck Ronkson

October 13, 2009

Sydney is famous for its beautiful landmarks, pristine beaches and a vibrant cultural scene where some of our nation’s most talented performers, musicians and artists reside. So when it came time to choose two faces to feature on the cover of the 2009/10 Sydney White Pages® directory under this year’s theme Creative Australians: Inspiring Our Communities, Sensis was spoilt for choice.

With a strong list of nominees, two influential Sydneysiders stood out from among the crowd, selected for their work in providing people with opportunities and inspiration to participate in arts-based initiatives.

Gracing the Sydney White Pages® Business/Government directory is prominent arts enthusiast, Neil Balnaves.
Neil was the Executive Chairman of Southern Star before founding The Balnaves Foundation, a charitable trust which provides young people and indigenous communities the chance to develop their artistic skills. Since the Foundation was established, Neil has contributed over 7 million dollars towards organisations that assist Sydney's emerging artists.

Neil's passion to create opportunities for people to experience art has seen him work with the Sydney Opera House's Open House program, an initiative which offers subsidised admission fees for disadvantaged members of the community so they can engage in the city's cultural events. He has also assisted in driving funds for GenerationNext at the Museum of Contemporary Art, a free program for teenagers to access its facilities and a youth participation program by the Inspire Foundation.

"I've always been a firm believer that everyone should have the right to access the arts, regardless of their background. Offering Australians the opportunity to experience these wonderful events encourages an appreciation and participation in the arts which is well worth investing in," said Neil.

The Sydney White Pages Residential directory this year features Milk Crate Theatre Director, Beck Ronkson. Milk Crate is a theatre company that collaborates with Sydney's homeless and disadvantaged, providing a support network in a creative environment. Beck works with marginalised community groups using performing arts as a way of exploring the issues they face, which in turn helps to build their confidence and becomes a platform to voice their own stories.

Milk Crate Theatre runs drama workshops, undertakes community development projects, and develops original creative performances that highlight the emotional complexity of being homeless and disadvantaged, exploring issues, opinions and associated life experiences. Beck believes that creativity is a wonderful way to connect people to their individual purpose, but also to each other and the broader community.

Distribution of the Sydney White Pages directory begins Saturday 18 July. Residents and businesses are encouraged to recycle their old directories as part of their normal kerbside recycling service. People can log onto www.recyclingnearyou.com.au to find out about recycling services available in their local area.