Creativity comes in a surprising range of shapes and sizes in Australia and is often the inspiration behind people becoming involved in their local community. This year, Sensis is celebrating the contribution creative Australians, such as Gatton resident Winifred (Win) Davson, have made to their communities through the arts by featuring them on the cover of the 2009/10 Yellow Pages® and White Pages® directories.

Win was thrilled to learn she would appear on the cover of the Beaudesert directory after being nominated by members of the local community to represent the entire region as the epitome of this year’s theme – Creative Australians: Inspiring our Communities.

In over 60 years of service to the arts, Win has founded and directed many community initiatives, enthusiastically encouraging locals to participate in all aspects of the arts. In 1951, Win established the Gatton Mercury Theatre and still holds position as Honorary Director to this day.

Win founded the Gatton-Bauhinia Festival in 1952, the Gatton Mercury Children’s Theatre in 1957 and Australia Theatre Week in 1959. She has directed 56 Gatton-Bauhinia Festivals and 42 Australia Theatre Week and Art Festivals. In recognition of Win’s contribution to the community, the permanent art gallery at the Gatton Mercury Theatre, which she founded in 1970, was named after her. In 1972, Win was awarded an Order of the British Empire – Member (MBE) for her inspirational involvement in theatre, cultural and community activities.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to share my love of the arts with the community. The people of Gatton and the wider community have shown great enthusiasm towards all of the arts initiatives I have had the pleasure of establishing. Our theatre productions and festivals have really put Gatton on the map as a culturally rich community,” said Win.

Group Manager, White Pages®, Jane Blackley, said the theme Creative Australians: Inspiring our Communities provided Sensis with a great opportunity to recognise Australians who are helping to build stronger community relationships through their advocacy of the arts.

“Right across the country, there are people like Win making amazing contributions to their communities through the arts so this year we thought we would put the spotlight on them by featuring them on the cover of the Yellow Pages® and White Pages® directories.”

“Whether it’s performing, teaching, hosting exhibitions, raising money or administering arts programs, this year’s cover subjects are all dedicated to establishing ways for local people to become involved in the arts and to share and develop their creativity.”

“Win is a fine example of a creative Australian who, through a love of the arts, is helping to inspire others and foster art and culture in the local community,” Ms Blackley said.

Win replaces Laurie and Paula Dewar on the cover of the Beaudesert directory, who was featured last year as part of the Celebrating Australian Flavour theme.

With the 2009/10 Yellow Pages® and White Pages® directory commencing distribution on Saturday 14 February, Ms Blackley encouraged residents and businesses to recycle their old directories.

“In most areas, Yellow Pages® and White Pages® directories can be recycled as part of normal kerbside recycling services, but if people are unsure they can log onto www.recyclingnearyou.com.au to find out about recycling services available in their local area,” she said.

About Sensis

Sensis is Telstra's advertising business and Australia's leading directories information resource, helping Australians find, buy and sell. Sensis delivers innovative and integrated local search and digital marketing solutions via print, online, voice and mobile channels to connect Australians 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Sensis' powerful, multi-channel portfolio provides an unparalleled local information source incorporating the White Pages® and Yellow Pages® directories; the MediaSmart digital advertising business; the Whereis® digital mapping business; the Citysearch® entertainment and lifestyle website; the sensis.com.au search engine; the 1234 operator-assisted, premium voice information service; and the accommodation website gostay.com.au. Sensis is also a partner in some of China's most popular websites including real estate and home furnishings website, SouFun.com; auto websites Autohome.com and Che168.com; and digital devices websites IT168.com and PCPop.com.cn.