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Consumer advocates to be honoured for sixth year running

Issue Date:  -  Friday, 16 October 2009

Plans are underway for the sixth annual Western Australian Consumer Protection Awards.

Community groups or individual volunteers within non-Government organisations have been invited to submit entries, showcasing their contribution to consumer protection, for the chance to earn a $2,500 prize.

Previous winners have used their success in the Awards to support funding applications.

One of 2009's winners was Sandie Groves, a Financial Counsellor at Anglicare in Busselton. She described 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."

Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Anne Driscoll, believes it is important to recognise the commitment that people have shown in helping consumers.

"This is the sixth year running that we will be giving out Consumer Protection Awards and after such varied, excellent nominations last year we are looking forward to seeing the examples of great work being done in communities", Ms Driscoll said.

"Consumer Protection is greatly enhanced and reaches more people through the very significant contribution of non-Government organisations that work in partnership with the Department.

"These awards are an opportunity to give public recognition to those efforts."

Minister for Commerce, Troy Buswell, will once again present the Awards. The ceremony is due to take place at Fraser's Function Centre in Kings Park on Friday 19th March, 2010.

Nominations can be submitted via the website, email, fax or post up until 5pm on 11 December 2009.

Details of the Award categories and 2009's winners:

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.

2009 winner: Sandie Groves, Financial Counsellor, Busselton Anglicare Financial Counselling Service

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.

2009 winner: Citizens Advice Bureau, not-for-profit agency offering 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.

2009 winner: Farmsafe WA Alliance, the not-for-profit group which promotes safer farming practices and child safety on farms programs.