Cessnock resident Sheila Turnbull has been selected to appear on the cover of this year’s Hunter Valley White Pages and Yellow Pages.
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The 2014 Cessnock City Senior Citizen of the Year, Mrs. Turnbull was selected under the theme “Inspiring Others to Achieve”, which recognises the unsung heroes who selflessly help others achieve goals and are an inspiration to their local community.
The president of BPW Cessnock, Mrs. Turnbull has dedicated her life to empowering local women to reach their goals and is an inspiration to her community.
During more than four decades of teaching, she instigated a number of programs and workshops in local schools aimed at helping young girls create pathways to reach their goals.
After retiring from teaching in 1995, Mrs. Turnbull became a volunteer mentor with a Young Achievers program run through Cessnock high schools.
She has been a mentor to dozens of girls, helping improve their self-esteem, teach practical skills and to help set goals and create avenues to achieve them.
An active member of her community, Mrs. Turnbull has been a member of BPW Australia – an international federation who work to end gender inequality – for more than 25 years and is currently president of BPW Cessnock.
“I’m committed to giving young women in the community every opportunity to achieve their best,” Mrs. Turnbull said.
The photo shoot for the phone book cover took place at Mount View High School, where Mrs. Turnbull has been involved with the White Ribbon Day campaign over the last few years.
She has also volunteered in more than 40 organisations including the National Council of Women NSW, Cessnock Relay for Life (for the Cancer Council), Parkinson’s Support Group and Lower Hunter Dementia Support Group.
Each year, Sensis, the publisher of the White Pages and Yellow Pages, recognises the efforts of local people in their communities by celebrating their achievements on the cover of its books.
White Pages Product Manager Sarah Simpson said this year’s covers will celebrate humble community members who don’t always get the recognition they deserve.
“There are thousands of Australians going the extra mile to help other people succeed and never ask for thanks or recognition. We wanted to honour these local legends who sometimes hide in the shadows and elevate them to a place where everyone can celebrate them,” she said.
“This year we are thrilled to recognise Sheila’s efforts inspiring her community.”
Mrs. Turnbull joins Peter Torenbeek of Nulkaba (2011/12) and Pokolbin’s Greg Wilson (2012/13) as Cessnock City residents to appear on the Hunter Valley White Pages and Yellow Pages cover.