White Pages Covers Program

David Doyle & Bernard Carney are Perth's Creative Australians

September 3, 2009

Perth’s scenery is an inspirational backdrop for artists and performers alike, with the city continuing to produce art works that rival Australia’s best. So when it came time to choose a face to feature on the cover of the 2009/10 Perth White Pages^® directory under this year’s theme Creative Australians: Inspiring Our Communities, Sensis was spoilt for choice.

Gracing the cover of the Perth White Pages® Business/Government directory is David Doyle, the executive director of the not-for-profit organisation, Disability in the Arts, Disadvantaged in the Arts Australia (DADAA). With David at the helm, DADAA has promoted arts and culture inclusion for people with disabilities and mental illnesses in Western Australia for over 14 years. David and DADAA’s partners play an integral role in developing DADAA programs which provide access for community members who experience disabilities and mental health issues to participate in the arts.

DADAA’s state-wide programs assist West Australians outside the reach of the mainstream community to participate in the artistic and cultural life in WA.  

“DADAA has given our state-wide team of artists and support workers a fantastic opportunity to develop programs that enrich the lives of people with a disability. Perth has amazingly strong arts and community sectors, who along with the corporate and local government sectors, have responded to the cultural inclusion needs of people experiencing disabilities through DADAA's programs so all members of the community have the opportunity to access the arts,” said David.

Renowned songwriter and musician Bernard Carney graces the cover of this year’s Perth White Pages® Residential directory. Bernard is the community choir director of Spirit of the Streets Choir, which he formed in 2007 in association with the Big Issue magazine. The aim of the choir is to help homeless and disadvantaged people find their voice in the community.

 Bernard has assisted in creating a supportive environment for choir members who consist of people such as the long term unemployed, those with a mental illness, people with a disability, carers and those recovering from addiction. The popular choir performed to a sell-out audience at the Perth Concert Hall last year.

 “The choir is a great avenue to explore and face issues that some of our members are experiencing through our songs. Music is a very powerful way to create strong social bonds for people that may have difficulty on their own and also breaks down barriers with the general public,” said Bernard.

 Bernard continues to enjoy a professional music career spanning 30 years, where he has presented regular guitar courses and performed his original and award-winning compositions on an international stage.

 Group Manager, White Pages^®, Jane Blackley, said the theme Creative Australians: Inspiring our Communities provided Sensis with a great opportunity to recognise Australians who are helping to build stronger community relationships through their significant arts contributions.

 “Right across the country, there are people like David and Bernard making amazing contributions to their communities through the arts so this year we thought we would put the spotlight on them by featuring them on the cover of the White Pages^® directories.

 “Whether it’s performing, teaching, hosting exhibitions, raising money or administering arts programs, this year’s cover subjects are all dedicated to establishing ways for local people to become involved in the arts and to share and develop their creativity.

 “David and Bernard are fine examples of creative Australians who, through a love of the arts, are helping to inspire others and foster art and culture in the local community,” Ms Blackley said. 

 David Doyle replaces Perth chef and restaurateur Russell Blaikie, on the cover of the Perth White Pages^® Business/Government directory, whilst Bernard Carney replaces one of WA’s foremost advocates for food, wine and tourism, Kate Lamont, on the Perth White Pages^® Residential directory cover. Russell and Kate appeared last year as part of the ‘Celebrating Australian Flavour’ theme.

 The 2009/10 Perth White Pages^® are one of the first directories to feature a new-look format, which sees David and Bernard’s image used across the entire cover. The new format will be implemented across all White Pages^® and co-bound Yellow Pages^® and White Pages^® directories throughout the country.

 With the 2009/10 Perth White Pages^® directories commencing distribution on Saturday 5 September 2009, Ms Blackley encouraged residents and businesses to recycle their old directories.

 “In most areas, the White Pages^® directories can be recycled as part of normal kerbside recycling service, but if people are unsure they can log onto www.recyclingnearyou.com.au to find out about recycling services available in their local area,” she said.

-Ends-