Koonwarra features on the cover of our local phone book
27 Apr 07
Thomas Burge and a group of students from the South Gippsland Specialist School as featured on the front page of the Warragul Yellow and White Pages directories in 2007 honouring Thomas as the "Champion of our Community"
Thomas Burge is recognised as champion of the South Gippsland Community
Australians are world-renowned for their community spirit, good nature and willingness to lend a helping hand when it is needed most. These qualities are being proudly recognised by Sensis on the cover of our local YellowTM and White Pages®directory, which this year features Inverloch resident and Koonwarra businessman and strong advocate, Thomas Burge.
Thomas is a shining example of this year's cover theme ‘Champions of our Community' and was humbled to learn of his selection to feature on the front cover, having been nominated by members of the local South Gippsland community. Thomas has been involved with the Koonwarra Sustainable Communities Centre for over four years, worked on the Koonwarra Village Association and also spent a year as the Chair of the Community Development Advisory Committee for Council, representing Koonwarra.
The Centre manages a range of projects designed to educate the wider community about the environment and sustainable practices. One of the goals the Centre set was to make Koonwarra a ‘Waste Wise' village, which successfully occurred in 2005 and Koonwarra became one of the first towns in Australia to be free of plastic bags. Click here to read more about the Centre.
The Centre also provides educational facilities for the South Gippsland Specialist School, encouraging them to incorporate environmentally sound behaviour into their everyday lives. It was therefore appropriate that some of the students should join with Thomas in the photo as the School has also played a big part in the development of the grounds, having established the Bicycle Track, Frog Pond, Maze and many of the trees and gardens. One of the students in the photograph is also responsible for the design of one of the puzzle boards on the Waste Wise Trail at the Centre.
"South Gippsland is a tight knit community, so to be recognised on the front cover of the YellowTM and White Pages® directory is a real honour," Thomas said. "I really appreciate the opportunity to step forward and represent such a progressive and vibrant community that draws life and inspiration from its heritage, the land and its generous people."
Group Manager, White Pages®, Melissa Reynolds believes the ‘Champions of our Community' theme provides Sensis with an opportunity to recognise outstanding Australians who champion causes for the benefit of their communities.
"There are some really amazing people in our country making invaluable contributions to their local areas. Local people such as Thomas are inspiring examples of the positive affect one person can have on their wider region." Ms Reynolds said.
We now encourage residents and businesses to consider the environment by recycling their old directories. In most areas of the country, YellowTM and White Pages® directories can be recycled as part of normal kerbside recycling services, but if you are unsure you can log onto http://www.recyclingnearyou.com.au/ to find out about recycling services.
To read more about Thomas click here