White Pages Covers Program

White Pages® gives Dr Chris Everingham the green thumbs up

February 16, 2012

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Newcastle resident Dr Chris Everingham was selected to appear on the cover of the 2011/12 Newcastle Yellow Pages^® and White Pages^® book which was distributed throughout Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Raymond Terrace, Maitland, Cessnock, and the Hunter Valley in 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 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.

Dr Chris’ selection recognised her devotion to bringing the Newcastle community together, and providing a place where all residents can enjoy free fresh produce, in the establishment of the Sandhills Community Garden.

Since the garden’s establishment in 2007, Chris and her fellow volunteers have seen noticeable change in the community’s attitudes and behaviours towards sustainability. Not only are families visiting the patch every day to tend to and harvest fresh produce, the project has also generated a great sense of community pride.

Dr Chris’ ongoing devotion in maintaining the grounds is what makes Sandhills Community Garden so popular amongst locals and visitors. Not only is Chris co-ordinating monthly working bees to ensure the garden is revegetated, fed with local compost and weed-free, she also plays a large role in raising money to fund ongoing maintenance.

“At the Sandhills Community Garden, we’re focused on educating local community members about the benefits of fresh local produce, and incorporating sustainability practices into their everyday lives,” said Chris.

In 2009, Chris organised a community calendar which featured local artworks and recipes. The profits from the sale of the calendars have been used to keep the garden thriving.

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

2010/11: Brian Jones featured on the Courageous Australians themed cover for his commitment to the Newcastle community through his work with the local fire brigade and paramedic services.

2009/10: Newcastle resident Kristi Street featured on the cover under the theme Creative Australians: Inspiring our Communities. Kristi is the co-founder of The Shoot Out 24 Hour Filmmaking Festival which encourages young people to get involved in the arts through film.

2008/09: Newcastle resident Neil Slater appeared on the Celebrating Australian Flavour theme directory cover, recognised for operating one of the region’s best restaurants, Scratchley’s on the Wharf.