Issue Date:  -  Tuesday, 13 December 2005

Don't Miss Out - Nominate Today Consumer Protection Awards 2005

Time is running out for individuals and non-government organisations that champion the rights of consumers to step forward and nominate for the second annual prestigious Consumer Protection Awards.

Nominations for the 2005 Western Australian Consumer Protection Awards close December 23.

The inaugural Awards were presented in 2004 to recognise and honour the selfless efforts by individuals and organisations working hard to make a difference in the area of consumer protection.
 
The Awards are a demonstration of the Government's ongoing commitment to consumer protection services in our community and the advancement of consumer justice objectives as endorsed in the Government's Consumer Justice Strategy.

"Individuals and organisations working as consumer advocates are a vital contributor to safeguarding Western Australian consumers," Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick  Walker said.

"Many of these advocates work extremely hard and these Awards are about recognising and honoring their incredible efforts," Mr. Walker said.

"These Awards are about exposing the power of passion and commitment and the ripple effect that one person or one organisation can make on the lives of Western Australian consumers."

The Awards recognise and reward the significant contributions towards improving the awareness and capability of consumers, providing consumer protection services, and promoting consumer protection principles for the benefit of our community.

Last year's winners were Anne Hawkins and the Geraldton Resource Centre Incorporated.

Ms Hawkins has worked in the social welfare and consumer protection area for 25 years and is presently employed as a financial counsellor with the City of Cockburn.

The Geraldton Resource Centre is a non-profit community agency, managed by dedicated local volunteers, providing priceless consumer protection services to its community since 1984.

Award categories are named after two legendary consumer advocates.

The individual award is named after Rona Okely, a fearless consumer champion whose list of consumer advocacy achievements spans back almost to the Second World War.

The category for non-government organisation or group of individuals is named in honour of the late Richard (Dick) Fletcher, who passed away earlier this year. Mr Fletcher was the second and longest serving Commissioner of Consumer Affairs and is credited with helping to shape consumer protection in WA.

The awards will involve:

• the winner of The Rona Okely Award receiving a cash prize of $2,000;
• the winner of The Richard (Dick) Fletcher Award also receiving a cash prize of $2,000;
• winners in each category being presented with a trophy and framed certificate at the awards presentation ceremony;
• finalists being presented with a framed certificate at the awards presentation ceremony; and
• finalists and winners being listed in The West Australian newspaper and regional WA newspapers, and receiving the benefit of publicity associated with the event.

“I encourage anyone who knows of a worthy consumer advocate in their community to nominate them for this prestigious award”, Mr Walker said.

The Awards will be presented in March during the week of World Consumer Rights Day and National Consumers Day.

Further information is available by telephoning 1300 30 40 54 or emailing awards@docep.wa.gov.au  .