White Pages Covers Program

Courageous Australian John Olsen to feature on Geelong's Yellow Pages® and White Pages®

May 18, 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, East Geelong resident, John Olsen has been selected to appear on the cover of this year’s Geelong directory which is distributed to Geelong and Colac.

In 2003, John dramatically changed his life and began to focus on raising money for local charities supporting illnesses. He courageously completed two epic walks across Australia, covering over 12,000 kilometres over 400 days.

John’s first walk took place in 2004, about the same time he met his now partner, who suffers from the degenerative cerebral condition, leukodystrophy.  John walked 5,622 kilometres from Cape York, the northern most point of mainland Australia, to Tasmania – a 167 day journey that raised over $10,000 for children with cerebral palsy.

Four years later, he set out again for another epic walk, this time to raise money for children with leukodystrophy. John walked from Steep Point in Western Australia to Byron Bay and then back home to Geelong covering a massive 7,041 kilometres and gained significant support from the community to raise over $130,000.

“The walk was something I wanted to do for myself and it’s an accomplishment I’m very proud to have completed. I never thought my efforts would be recognised as courageous enough to feature on this year’s directory but I am honoured by it nonetheless,” said John.

Distribution of Geelong Yellow Pages® and White Pages® is planned to start on 18 May 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 Geelong Yellow Pages® and White Pages® cover were: 

2009/10: Herne Hill resident, Belinda McArdle, featured on the 2009/10 Yellow Pages^® and White Pages^® cover under the theme ‘Creative Australians: Inspiring our Communities’. Belinda is a facilitator of various community singing groups including the massed choir of 70 singers who perform at the annual Pako Festa.  

2008/09: George Biron and Diane Garrett graced the ‘Celebrating Australian Flavour’ theme cover for their highly acclaimed Sunnybrae restaurant and cooking school in Birregurra. 

2007/08: Beverley Davies, from Mannerim appeared on the 2007/08 Yellow Pages^® and White Pages^® ‘Champions of our Community’ cover for her work as president of the Queenscliff Volunteer Auxiliary, with the organisation raising funds for the community charity, Cottage by the Sea.