White Pages Covers Program

White Pages® celebrates Tom Brown on Central and Eastern cover

August 28, 2012

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Neridup resident Tom Brown has been selected to appear on the cover of this year’s Central and Eastern White Pages® and Yellow Pages® for his efforts helping others when times get tough.

Tom is honoured under the theme, A Helping Hand, The Aussie Way, for his work as the Shire of Esperance’s chief bushfire control officer.

In 1973, Tom joined the Neridup Bushfire Brigade. Just five years later, he played an instrumental role in forming the Mount Beaumont Bushfire Brigade, of which he is still a member.

In 1994, Tom became chief bushfire control officer in the region and is responsible for a 42,000km² area that includes 17 brigades and 450 volunteer firefighters.

His success can be credited to the strong relationships he has formed and his local knowledge. Tom assisted in creating five new firefighting zones in the shire, empowering local brigades and streamlining fire management. During high risk fire danger periods, Tom helps monitor the weather, determining if a ban on vehicle movement needs to be enacted to prevent fires.

With his innovative thinking, Tom’s approach to firefighting is helping protect residents.

“To be recognised for doing a job I see as so essential is really surprising and not at all why I do these things. There are many people I’d like to thank who make my role so enjoyable and I hope they feel validated as well by this recognition – I couldn’t do it without them,” Tom said.