Issue Date:  -  Friday, 27 August 2004

Time Running Out For Consumer Champions

Nominate Individuals and Community Groups Now

Western Australia’s inaugural Consumer Protection Awards are to name an individual and a community group for outstanding service, and nominations for the Awards close soon.

After Friday September 17th a panel of judges will commence assessing nominations of individuals and community agencies to decide the 2004 winners.

"Consumer Protection champions will each receive a cash prize of $2,000 for both the individual winner and the community group", Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said.

The two categories of awards are named in honour of two dedicated pioneers of consumer protection within Western Australia:

* The Rona Okely Award acknowledges an individual Western Australian who has influenced and inspired the advancement, development and promotion of consumer protection in the community.

* The Richard (Dick) Fletcher Award recognises a non-government organisation or group of individuals in WA that has advanced consumer protection and raised community awareness of related issues.

A formal ceremony to congratulate the finalists and name the winners, presenting them with their trophies, certificates and cheques will be officiated by the Minister for Consumer and Employment Protection John Kobelke. The awards night will be held at Fraser’s in Kings Park on Friday 12th November and is hosted by ABC Presenter Tod Johnston.

To nominate a person or group, contact Consumer Protection on telephone 9282 0605 or email :ahallson@docep.wa.gov.au to obtain an easy to use information and nomination kit.

Nominations must reach Consumer Protection by 4pm Friday September 17th 2004 to be eligible.

"Show those who care about your community that you care, by giving them the chance of being WA’s first consumer champions", Mr. Walker said.