Issue Date:  -  Tuesday, 12 October 1999

Ministry honours Board Chairwoman

The Ministry of Fair Trading honoured Motor Vehicle Dealers Licensing Board chairperson Rona Okely last week for her service to consumer affairs, by naming a meeting room at its new Perth headquarters after her.

Mrs Okely was the first woman ever elected to the board, in 1987. She became the first woman chair in 1992.

The ceremony also acknowledged her other community work, particularly Mrs Okely's founding of the Gosnells District Information Centre in 1981 - now known as the Gosnells Community Legal Centre.

Her work as a voluntary coordinator with the Gosnells centre led to appointments to various boards and committees.

At a special ceremony last Thursday, Fair Trading Minister Doug Shave unveiled a wall plaque in Mrs Okely's honour and presented her with flowers.

In addition to Ministry staff, board members and MTA representatives, the ceremony was also attended by former local MP Yvonne Henderson, Len Roberts-Smith and some of Mrs Okely's friends and family.

Mr Shave praised Mrs Okely for her commitment to public service, both at a community and state level, as well as developing a reputation as an even-handed regulator of the vehicle sales industry:

"Seven years ago, Rona became the first female chairperson of the motor vehicle dealers' Board and has since built a reputation for running a board that is consistent, cohesive and reasonable in its decisions," Mr Shave said.

"She has made a point of talking with dealers so the board understands their concerns and desires. Maintaining a good reputation with the public for car dealers has been a common objective," Mr Shave said.

"In these ways the Motor Vehicle Dealers Licensing Board could be seen as a model regulatory authority.

"Some of the challenges she faced included proving she could talk football just as well as the men on the board.....and also win the respect of those in the industry!" Mr Shave said.

Mrs Okely thanked the board for its support.

"As chairperson, I have appreciated the respect shown by the Ministry of Fair Trading staff, which has gone a long way to making my role enjoyable," she said.

Born in Bunbury in 1925, Mrs Okely spent some of her early life in the Kimberley and worked in the army office and munitions stores during World War Two.

She was the first woman ever elected to the Motor Vehicle Dealers Licensing Board.

Over the years she has also served as a member of the Painters' Registration Board, advised the State Government on seniors' issues and also provided financial counselling services.

The Ministry of Fair Trading has recently relocated from East Perth to 219 St Georges Terrace, Perth.

Media contact:
Neil Stanbury
Tel: 9282 0613