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 Wentworth Falls resident Leslie Hunter-Webb, have made to their communities through the arts by featuring them on the cover of the 2009/10 Yellow Pages® and White Pages® directories.

Leslie was thrilled to learn she would appear on the cover of the Penrith 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.

Leslie is the CEO of the Blue Mountains Artists Company (BMAC), which facilitates arts programs and group exhibitions for over 100 artists living throughout the region. BMAC also coordinates an artist network developed to minimise the sense of isolation that artists living in the Blue Mountains often experience.

Leslie has also established an extensive art trail across the region from Lapstone to Kurrajong and Mount Victoria, creating a significant tourism drawcard for the region. In fact, Leslie’s work with the trail saw her recognised by the Federal Government’s Industry & Enterprise Development Award. Most recently, BMAC has entered into a partnership with The Edge Megacinema, providing a permanent wall space and four exhibitions a year for BMAC members in the heart of Katoomba.

“The Blue Mountains provide such a unique Australian landscape and it comes as no surprise that so many talented artists have prospered in the region. It is my hope that through BMAC we can support these artists and find ways to share their work with the wider community, building the profile of the region as a culturally rich arts destination,” said Leslie.

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 Leslie are 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.”

“Leslie 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.

Leslie replaces Steve Skarmoutsos on the cover of the Penrith 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 21 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.