White Pages Covers Program

Mt Eliza environmentalist Steve Karakitsos honoured by White Pages®

February 9, 2012

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Mt Eliza resident Steve Karakitsos was selected to appear on the cover of the 2011/12 Mornington Yellow Pages^® and White Pages^® book which was distributed throughout Mornington Peninsula, Pakenham, Cranbourne, Yarra Valley and surrounding towns in May 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 the cover, Australians Creating a Better Future, recognised 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.

Steve’s selection recognised his commitment to raising public awareness and providing practical education on climate change issues, biodiversity and the environment.

As founder and president of the South Eastern Centre for Sustainability (SECS), Steve has been instrumental in helping establish community support and funding for an environmental education centre along Kackeraboite Creek.

Although still in its early stages, once built, the Centre will be a hub for many of the activities that Steve has already launched along Kackeraboite Creek. The Centre will aim to provide schools, groups and individuals with an interactive facility that will offer information about the water cycle, streamside ecology and native flora and fauna of the area.

Further to his commitment to establishing the Centre, Steve facilitates many environmental programs engaging the local community, including working bees along Kackeraboite Creek and the Knowledge Works Program.

“Education is a fundamental aspect to getting people thinking about sustainability and the environment. I feel that the Centre will provide a great environment to help strengthen community awareness and I am honoured to be recognised for this initiative,” said Steve.

Did you know? The previous local people to appear on the Mornington Yellow Pages^® and White Pages^® cover were:

2010/11: Rosebud residents Benito Panettieri and Nazzareno Mazzocchi featured on the cover under the theme Courageous Australians. Benito and Nazzareno bravely pulled a fisherman from the freezing Sorrento waters after his boat had flipped.

2009/10: Hastings resident Tammie Johnstone graced the cover under the theme Creative Australians: Inspiring our Communities. Tammie is the president of the Western Port Festival, recognised for running one of the largest community events on the Mornington Peninsula. 

2008/09: Nar Nar Goon North residents Tony and Cristina Carraturo featured on the cover under the theme Celebrating Australian Flavour theme directory cover. Tony and Cristina were recognised for creating the ‘paddock to plate’ cattle program.