A support service for troubled young men, an innovative computer recycling program and a service aimed at reducing drowning deaths in remote Aboriginal communities are among the finalists in this year's Community Services Industry Awards.
Community Services Minister Robyn McSweeney said the awards played an important role in acknowledging the community services sector.
"The organisations that make up our community services sector help to shape, strengthen and inspire our communities," Mrs McSweeney said.
"These prestigious awards, now in their 14th year, are an opportunity for those working in not-for-profit organisations to celebrate the excellent work they do for our State."
The finalists are:
Category 1 - Working creatively to make a difference (small group/organisation with a program or service budget of less than $50,000 per annum) Bands at Manjimup (Manjimup) City of Mandurah Young Men's Program (Mandurah) Students Without Borders Website (Murdoch).
Category 2 - Working creatively to make a difference (large group/organisation with a program or service budget of more than $50,000) Association for Services to Torture and Trauma Survivors (ASeTTS) (Perth) Beyond Maturity Blues (West Perth) The School Volunteer Program (Tuart Hill).
Category 3 - Strengthening communities Walpole Telecentre (Walpole) Wanslea Grandcare Program (Scarborough) Western Australian Community Foundation (Perth).
Category 4 - Strengthening volunteering 8Ball Computer Recycling Program (Murdoch) Volunteer Task Force (Mt Hawthorn) WA AIDS Council (West Perth)
Category 5 - Strengthening the community services industry The judges selected no finalists for this category.
Category 6 - Business and community partnerships Bunuba Pre-Employment Program (Fremantle) Scitech Roadshow (West Perth) Vincentcare Scrap to Gold (Woodbridge/Midland).
Category 7 - Strengthening rural and remote communities Newman Neighbourhood Centre (Newman) Remote Aboriginal Swimming Pools Project (Floreat) RFDS On The Road (Jandakot).
Category 8 - Organisational excellence Kidney Health Australia (Perth) Milligan Community Learning and Resource Centre (Bunbury) Mission Australia (Maddington).
Category 9 - Outstanding commitment by an individual Zoe Evans (lives and works in Kwinana) Gerry Georgatos (lives in Mt Lawley, works in Murdoch) Michael Sheehan (works in West Leederville).
Finalists will be formally acknowledged at an Awards Ceremony to be held at the Hyatt Regency Perth on November 24. Winners will receive a plaque and a $5,000 Lotterywest grant.
The winner of Category 9 will nominate a community organisation to receive the $5,000 grant.
Minister's office: 9222 8950
