White Pages Covers Program

White Pages® celebrates Kevin Smith’s commitment to the future of the Flatback Turtle

April 28, 2011

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Broome resident, Kevin Smith has been selected to appear on the cover of this year’s Great Northern Yellow Pages^® and White Pages^® book which will be distributed throughout Great Northern (WA), Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands and surrounding towns from 30 April 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.

Kevin’s selection recognises his dedication to protecting and enhancing the local environment, particularly his involvement with the Cable Beach Flatback Turtle monitoring program.

In 2005, Kevin joined Conservation Volunteers Broome to preserve the biodiversity of the natural local habitats. His invaluable contribution led to a full-time paid management role with Conservation Volunteers in 2009.

One of Kevin’s key focuses with the not-for-profit organisation is leading the Cable Beach Flatback Turtle monitoring program. As one of the key drivers, Kevin helps engage volunteers and tourists to assist with recording data to determine the number of nesting turtles and how far this population spreads. This research has led to the establishment of local preservation and protection projects for this endangered species.

“Since the monitoring program’s inception, we have learnt a lot about the endangered Flatback Turtle. Hopefully our research will lead to implementing programs that will help boost the population of the fascinating reptile,” said Kevin.

Kevin’s commitment to the future of the local Flatback Turtle population has seen him volunteer countless hours beyond his paid role.

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

2010/11: Dedicated volunteer Mick Lanagan appeared on the 2010/11 Yellow Pages^® and White Pages^® cover under the theme Courageous Australians for his commitment to assisting rural communities in Western Australia as a nurse, St Johns Ambulance member, Royal Flying Doctor Service volunteer and operator of a bush clinic in Sandfire.

2009/10: Broome resident, Vicki Thompson, features on the 2009/10 Yellow Pages^® and White Pages^® cover under the theme Creative Australians: Inspiring our Communities. Vicki was recognized for her contribution to the performing arts at St Mary’s College as well as youth festivals and recitals including Youth on Health Festival and NAIDOC Celebrations Schools Visits.

2008/09: Brian Pernich, Chris Mitchell and Murray Strachan, graced the directory cover for the Celebrating Australian Flavour theme. The three men from the Lions Club of Broome were selected for their work with the Broome Mango Festival which helps attract tourism and promotes the local mango industry.