Consumer advocates to be honoured for sixth year
It’s that time of year again – we are now taking nominations for the sixth annual WA Consumer Protection Awards.
After such varied, excellent nominations last year the Department of Commerce is looking forward to seeing the new examples of great work being done by non-Government individuals or organisations.
The ceremony, held in the month of World Consumer Rights Day and National Consumers’ Day, is a chance to publicly recognise efforts of those who tirelessly provide consumer protection services in their community, whether it be awareness raising, providing advice or developing a new product or initiative.
The Minister for Commerce Troy Buswell has been invited to present the Awards at the ceremony due to take place in March 2010.
Winners in each of the three categories will receive $2,500, media promotion, a trophy and their name engraved on to a shield displayed at Consumer Protection’s headquarters. Winners and finalists will also receive a framed certificate.
The Rona Okely Award acknowledges an individual Western Australian who has influenced and inspired the advancement, development and promotion of consumer protection in their community and who has given selflessly of their time, energy and experience for the betterment of others.
Sandie Groves, a Financial Counsellor at Anglicare in Busselton said winning in 2009 left her with a sense of pride, satisfaction and achievement.
“I work in isolation and cover considerable distances so it’s good to have confirmed that one person can make a real difference by giving people hope.
“In a professional sense it raised the profile and credibility of financial counselling and brought kudos that gave power and meaning for future funding to help us continue.”
The Richard (Dick) Fletcher Award acknowledges a non-government organisation or group who make a significant and enduring contribution to the advancement of consumer protection in their community. It was won in 2009 by not-for-profit Citizens Advice Bureau for their low-cost information, referral, legal and mediation services throughout WA.
The Kidsafe WA Award, acknowledges those who make a significant and enduring contribution to the advancement of product safety for children in their community. This award was presented for the first time in 2008 and the second ever winner was Farmsafe WA Alliance - the not-for-profit group which promotes safer farming practices and child safety on farms programs.
The closing date for nominations is 11 December 2009 at 5pm. For more information visit our website or call 1300 30 40 54.