White Pages Covers Program

Local heroes John and Gerard Buchtmann to appear on 2010/11 Penrith Yellow Pages® and White Pages® cover

March 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, Penrith and Emu Plains residents, John and Gerard Buchtmann have been selected to appear on the cover of this year’s Penrith directory which is distributed to Katoomba, Penrith and Springwood.

Twins John and Gerard Buchtmann have spent more than 35 years dedicating themselves to the Penrith VRA Rescue Service. Together they have responded to thousands of emergencies in Sydney’s West region including the enormous rescue effort of the Granville train disaster.

In 1977, a crowded commuter train travelling to Sydney derailed and crashed with fatal consequences. John and Gerard raced to the scene to help with the evacuation and rescue those trapped. Injuries numbered in the hundreds but due to the brave actions of the brothers, many lives were saved.

For their efforts, the pair was awarded with the Granville Train Disaster Medal. As the Squad Captain at the time Gerard also received the Queen’s Gallantry Medal on behalf of all Squad members, as a result of the incident.

John and Gerard continue to serve and protect members of the community as Squad Captain and Deputy Captain of the Penrith VRA Rescue Service respectively, coordinating many search and rescue operations throughout the Penrith District and Blue Mountains.

“We feel very honoured to be featured on this year’s White Pages directory. It’s such a rewarding task to know that you can help out fellow community members in need. The reaction and relief you see after a successful rescue is what makes our jobs such a rewarding one,” agreed John and Gerard.

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

2009/10: On the 2009/10 Yellow Pages® and White Pages® cover under the theme ‘Creative Australians: Inspiring our Communities’, Wentworth Falls local Leslie Hunter-Webb was recognised for her role as CEO of the Blue Mountains Artist Company (BMAC), the peak arts body in the Blue Mountains. One of BMAC’s recent initiatives includes the Studio Trail project.

2008/09: Steve Skarmoutsos from Silverdale was selected for the 2008/09 ‘Celebrating Australian Flavour’ cover for his work as one of New South Wales’ leading olive growers at Ambrosia Olive Farm.

2007/08: In 2007/08, Penrith resident Richard Petch graced the Yellow Pages® and White Pages® cover under the ‘Champions of our Community’ theme. Richard was a volunteer fire fighter with the NSW Rural Fire Service for over 20 years and was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal for his services to the community and the broader public.