Rhonda Parker

Rhonda Parker

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    1999 Community Services Industry Awards launch

    27/07/1999 10:13 AM
     
    27/7/99

    Nominations for an award that recognises individuals and organisations working to help others have been invited by Family and Children’s Services Minister Rhonda Parker.

    In launching the 1999 Community Services Industry Awards today, Mrs Parker said that despite the rapid change in our society, one thing thankfully remains the same - there are always people prepared to help others.

    “These people often go unheralded, quietly going about their work in the name of community service,” she said.

    Mrs Parker said the Community Services Industry Awards, which are co-ordinated by the Department for Family and Children’s Services, acknowledge the vital role individuals and organisations working in the sector play in the wellbeing of all Western Australians.

    “Since the inception of the awards in 1995, there has been a growing level of awareness of the importance of this industry to the State,” she said.

    “Past winners and finalists have symbolised the spirit and dedication of the industry which deserves to be formally acknowledged and thanked.

    “This has been recognised by the increasing level of support for the awards from business in the State.”

    Mrs Parker encouraged all Western Australians to become involved in the awards by nominating an outstanding individual or organisation working in the community services field.

    Individuals, community service organisations, local government and private or public sector organisations can also apply for the awards without being nominated.

    “Many different services fit under the community services banner,” she said.

    “These include family counselling, protection of children from abuse, education services, support for families in crisis, emergency services in natural disaster areas, financial counselling, and prevention and protection from domestic violence.”

    Mrs Parker said the diversity of the industry was reflected in this year’s award categories which are:
      • focus on innovation;
      • community support and development;
      • valuing cultural diversity;
      • industry support and development;
      • support for remote and rural communities;
      • management and leadership;
      • family friendly work practices; and -
      • corporate commitment to the community.
    “In addition, after widespread industry requests, this year also sees the return of the popular Outstanding service by an individual category,” Mrs Parker said.

    Applications for the 1999 Community Services Industry Awards close on September 10 and the winners will be announced at a presentation dinner at the Rendezvous Observation City Hotel in November.

    Application and nomination forms are available from Family and Children’s Services offices or by calling 9222 2833.

    For further information about the awards and the application process contact Kathryn Anthony on 9222 2587.

    Major sponsors for the 1999 Community Services Industry Awards are Radio 882 6PR, The West Australian newspaper, The Lotteries Commission, WIN Television, Rendezvous Observation City Hotel, and the State Government of Western Australia through Family and Children’s Services.

    Media contact: Owen Cole 9481 7810