24/11/99
Avon Youth Services last night won the 1999 Community Services Industry Award in the Management and leadership category.
The Avon Youth Services, and winners of eight other categories, received their awards from Family and Children’s Services Minister Rhonda Parker at a gala presentation dinner at Rendezvous Observation City Hotel.
“This Northam-based organisation has been recognised for its innovative approach to managing services for young people in the Avon Valley,” Mrs Parker said.
“The Avon Youth Services has forged partnerships within the community to help develop young people as leaders and managers of their own programs.”
The service was also recognised for its staff development plans and management of each client as an individual.
“Avon Youth Services has developed a unique approach to helping young people deal with their problems - whether they be substance abuse, unemployment, relationship problems or depression,” Mrs Parker said.
“The organisation calls upon a member of the community to mentor the young person and together they come up with solutions.”
In announcing the nine winners of the 1999 Community Services Industry Awards, Mrs Parker paid tribute to the people who devoted their working lives and energies to improving the lives of all Western Australians.
“Western Australia has a history as a community of people helping other people and the Community Services Industry Awards are a tangible commitment by this Government to recognising this important work,” Mrs Parker said.
“Services to the community come in many different forms. In each city, in each town, in each community, services are set up and supported through the dedication of individuals, groups, organisations and businesses.
“In the five years that the awards have been presented we have seen services adapt and change, new services become established and innovative practices set up.
“The hallmark of a community is our ability to care for and support each other.”
The Minister said the awards had once again highlighted the wide range of services which are in place throughout Western Australia.
The winners in each category were:
Category 1 Focus on innovation
Centrecare Marriage and Family Service
Category 2 Community support and development
Goldfields Suicide Prevention Group
Category 3 Valuing cultural diversity
Yorganop Child Care Aboriginal Corporation (Child Placement Service)
Category 4 Industry support and development
Financial Counsellors’ Association of Western Australia (Inc)
Category 5 Support of remote and rural communities
Relationships Australia’s Build Better Country Relationships Project
Category 6 Management and leadership
Avon Youth Services Inc
Category 7 Family friendly work practices
Department of Land Administration
Category 8 Corporate commitment to the community
BankWest
Category 9 Outstanding service by an individual
Marlene Jackamarra
Mrs Parker said the winners had come from a variety of organisations, ranging from large agencies working across the state to local services supporting and meeting local needs.
The Minister also thanked the sponsors of the 1999 Community Services Industry Awards Radio 882 6PR, The West Australian newspaper, The Lotteries Commission, Rendezvous Observation City Hotel, WIN Television, Australia Post, Ansett Australia, Staging Connections, SGIO Insurance Limited, StateWest Credit Society and Houghton Wine Company.
Media contact: Owen Cole 9481 7810
