White Pages Covers Program

Passionate volunteer Ray Tucker to grace Port Stevens White Pages® cover

September 1, 2011

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Salamander resident Ray Tucker has been selected to appear on the cover of this year’s Port Stephens Yellow Pages^® and White Pages^® book which will be distributed throughout Maitland, Cessnock, the Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens from 18 June 2011.

Each year, Sensis, the publisher of the Yellow Pages^® and White Pages^®, recognises the contribution of local residents in the community by featuring them on the cover of its books.

The theme for this year’s covers, Australians Creating a Better Future, recognises people throughout Australia who have made a positive contribution to their community through projects or initiatives that help to make a better future for Australia. These projects have contributed environmentally, economically and/or socially to the local community and will benefit the next generation of Australians.

Ray’s selection recognises his years of active involvement in his community, dedicating countless hours to a number of local organisations including Ronald McDonald House in the Hunter, Legacy War Widows and Relay for Life.

Since starting with Ronald McDonald House in the Hunter in 2005, Ray has volunteered over 1500 hours of his time to help provide support for local and visiting families with sick children. A performer at heart, each week Ray also spends his time entertaining residents at local aged care facilities.

A new interest for Ray is as a volunteer with Riding for the Disabled Association (NSW) Raymond Terrace and Lower Hunter Centre. Here he has the opportunity to work with children and to learn more about the disabled their families and carers. He says his knowledge of horses is improving rapidly also.

“Community support is such an important part of life. I think it is vital to lend a hand, and care for others in a time of need – whether you know them or not. I’m humbled to be recognised by Sensis as an Australian Creating a Better Future,” said Ray.

Ray’s charitable efforts have been recognised with many accolades including finalist for Patterson Citizen of the Year in 2008, Port Stephens Council Citizen of the Year 2008 and 2011 and winner of Port Stephens Volunteer of the Year Award in 2009.

Did you know? The last three local people to appear on the Port Stephens Yellow Pages^® and White Pages^® cover were:

2010/11: Brian Jones was featured on the Courageous Australians themed cover for his commitment to the Newcastle community through his work with the local fire brigade and paramedic services.

2009/10: Newcastle resident Kristi Street featured on the cover under the theme Creative Australians: Inspiring our Communities. Kristi is the co-founder of The Shoot Out 24 Hour Filmmaking Festival which encourages young people to get involved in the arts through film.

2008/09: Neil Slater from Newcastle appeared on the Celebrating Australian Flavour theme directory cover, recognised for operating one of the region’s best restaurants, Scratchley’s on the Wharf.