24/11/99
BankWest last night won the 1999 Community Services Industry Award in the Corporate Commitment to the Community category.
BankWest, 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.
“BankWest is an outstanding example of a large corporation, which has been part of the Western Australian community for more than 100 years, giving something back to the State through its program of community support,” Mrs Parker said.
“The bank has contributed many millions of dollars to the local community through sponsorships and donations.”
BankWest has sponsored projects ranging from the Royal Life Saving Society’s Water Safety Program to the West Australian Institute of Medical Research and the Rural Vehicle Restraint Project.
“BankWest’s program of community support has had a positive impact on the lives of local people in genuine need as well as those in the wider community through sponsorship of projects such as the Duyfken replica and Seniors’ Week,” Mrs Parker said.
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.
“WA 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.
“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
