Shellharbour Theatre icon recognised on Yellow and White Pages cover

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 Jamberoo resident Gordon Streek, have made to their communities through the arts by featuring them on the cover of the 2009/10 Yellow Pages® and White Pages® directories. Gordon was thrilled to learn he would appear on the cover of the Wollongong 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. Gordon has played an instrumental role in the growth of the performing arts in the Illawarra for over 30 years. In 1987, Gordon established the Roo Theatre Company, providing adults and youth with a chance to participate in acting and dancing programs – something that was previously unavailable in the region. With Gordon’s encouragement, many of the students and performers who have studied and performed with Roo have continued in the arts, completing courses at nationally recognised colleges and are now writing professionally. Gordon continues to direct many plays at the theatre including the upcoming production of Run For Your Wife which will staged at the Roo Theatre in Shellharbour this autumn. “The focus of my performing arts activities for young people is to help them develop self esteem, confidence, responsibility, team work and social skills. I’ve also been lucky enough to work with such great talent over the years, many of whom now act and dance professionally which is a fantastic achievement for our regional community,” said Gordon. 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 Gordon 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.” “Gordon 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. Gordon replaces Lynne Strong on the cover of the Wollongong directory, who was featured last year as part of the Celebrating Australian Flavour theme.