White Pages Covers Program

Launceston, meet your 2010/11 Courageous Australian Esther Rubenach

February 4, 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, Riverside resident, Esther Rubenach has been selected, to appear on the cover of this year’s Launceston directory which is distributed to Launceston and North Eastern Tasmania.

As a St Marys State Emergency Service (SES) volunteer, Esther, has been protecting the North Eastern Tasmanian community for many years with the Break O’Day SES unit. Working with the SES, Esther has demonstrated great courage in a number of life threatening situations, particularly during the 2007 East Coast bushfires.  

 Esther is also a current member of the SES road crash rescue unit at West Tamer, the Launceston General Rescue Team, and the Launceston Communication Team.

 “Over the years I have volunteered with the SES, Tasmanian Ambulance Service and the Tasmanian Lymphodaema Centre. Before I started my university degree I devoted over 50 hours a week to volunteering in the community, it’s a big commitment but it’s what I feel I need to do to support the community,” said Esther.

 Jane Blackley, White Pages® Group Manager, says we felt the Courageous Australians theme was particularly relevant with many parts of Australia having experienced testing times over the past couple of years.

 “Australians are known for their compassion and willingness to put their hand up to help when it’s needed most. Whether helping to build better community relationships, showing strong leadership, inspiring others, or acting in a major crisis to protect the lives of others, we really wanted to demonstrate the diversity of what it means to be courageous.

 “From the nominations received, we were amazed at the many people from all walks of life who have shown tremendous courage, either by risking their own life to save another, overcoming major challenges to inspire others or helping to ensure the wellbeing and safety of the community. 

 “We felt Esther was a great example of what it means to be a courageous Australian and we are delighted to feature her on the cover of the Launceston directory,” said Ms Blackley.

 Distribution of Launceston Yellow Pages® and White Pages® is planned to start on 6 February 2010 and  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 Launceston Yellow Pages® and White Pages® cover were:

 2009/10: West Launceston resident Elizabeth Bennet featured on the 2009/10 Yellow Pages® and White Pages® cover under the theme ‘Creative Australians: Inspiring our Communities’. Elizabeth was chosen for her dedication to community arts through the Interweave Arts Association, Centre Stage theatre company and teaching drama at Launceston College.

 2008/09: Van Diemen Aquaculture in Rowella was selected for the 2008/09 ‘Celebrating Australian Flavour’ theme – the environmentally sustainable company, which grows and sells ocean trout and Atlantic salmon, has positively influenced the perception of fish farming in the wider community.

 2007/08: In 2007/08, Launceston resident Ailsa Bond graced the Yellow Pages® and White Pages® cover under the ‘Champions of our Community’ theme for her 50-year involvement with the Country Women’s Association.