Commerce and Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston today announced the winners of the Western Australian Consumer Protection Awards 2018 at the University Club of WA.

The awards ceremony, held on World Consumer Rights Day, recognises the achievements of individuals, businesses, local governments and the media that have increased awareness of consumer issues.

Former Pilbara Community Legal Service chief executive officer Nanette Williams won the Rona Okely Award. For the past 35 years, Ms Williams has been a vital part of the Karratha community and was instrumental in setting up four offices in the Pilbara, which provide financial counselling, tenancy and homelessness support for victims. 

The Consumer Credit Legal Service of Western Australia, which is the only community legal service providing free assistance and representation to consumers on banking and financial services matters, won the Richard (Dick) Fletcher Award.

Nature Playgrounds, which designs and constructs safe nature-based playgrounds, took out the Kidsafe WA Award.

Daniel Emerson (formerly at The West Australian) and Noongar Radio, which presents weekly segments on consumer and tenancy issues, jointly won the Ruby Hutchison Award.

Mr Emerson wrote a front page story on Project Sunbird, an intervention program targeting romance and investment scam victims who were sending money to fraudsters in West Africa.

For more information, visit http://www.dmirs.wa.gov.au/cp-awards

Comments attributed to Commerce and Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston:

"I'm honoured to help celebrate the winners and nominees who have given their time and expertise to increase awareness of consumer issues.

"The calibre of nominations received for the awards continues to be very high and I give special thanks to those who took the time and effort to nominate.

"All Western Australians benefit from the commitment to consumer protection shown by these dedicated individuals and organisations."

Minister's office - 6552 6700