White Pages Covers Program

White Pages® discovers the man behind the Marine Discovery Centre

June 2, 2011

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Bateau Bay resident, John Asquith has been selected to appear on the cover of this year’s Central Coast Yellow Pages^® and White Pages^® book which will be distributed throughout Central Coast and surrounding towns from 4 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.

John’s selection recognises his longstanding commitment to bettering the Central Coast’s economic and environmental future.

John has been the Chair of the Community Environment Network (CEN) since 1999. In this role, John has seen the membership continuously grow, with many locals joining the organisation to discuss the future of their community and promote biodiversity in the region.

Through CEN, John has helped facilitate many programs aimed at improving the local environmental health of the Central Coast. Such initiatives include establishing eco-gardens and promoting the growth of sustainable business practices amongst many others.

John’s most recent project has been driving the establishment of the Marine Discovery Centre in Terrigal. The Centre, boasting an aquarium and education facilities, opened its doors in 2009 with overwhelming community support.

“Establishing a local marine centre has been my dream and passion for many years, so to be recognised for making it a reality is truly an honour. However, it couldn’t have been achieved without the help from the community,” said John.

Today, with dedication and experience, John continues to support existing projects, and initiate new campaigns to improve the environment of the Central Coast.

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

2010/11: Saratoga resident, Steve Sayers, was recognised on the Courageous Australians cover for bravely saving the life of a teenage boy after witnessing a car and trail bike collision which engulfed the teenager in flames.

2009/10: St Huberts Island resident, Pat de Carle, appeared on the theme Creative Australians: Inspiring our Communities cover. Pat is the director of Hospital Art, a volunteer organisation that provides visual therapy to patients in hospitals and nursing homes throughout the region. 

 2008/09: Peter Buteux and Ellie Walker graced the cover of the Celebrating Australian Flavour theme directory for their work creating award-winning fruit wines at the Firescreek Winery in Holgate.