Four SW groups selected as CS awards finalists

28/10/96

The South-West region has excelled in community services with the selection of four local organisations as finalists in the prestigious 1996 Community Services Industry Awards.

The finalists are Milligan House Child Care Centre, the Youth Outreach Program, Southwest Counselling and SCM Chemicals.

Family and Children's Services Minister Cheryl Edwardes congratulated the achievements of the organisations which were chosen as finalists from among nearly 700 nominations across 10 categories.

The award winners will be announced on November 27 at the Radisson Observation City Hotel.

Mrs Edwardes said the awards recognised innovation, excellence and co-operation in the community services sector in Western Australia.

"The awards are a way to say thank you for the valuable contribution of so many organisations and individuals who work tirelessly to make a difference in our community," she said.

"They ask no more than that the service they provide helps families, young people and children in our communtiy."

Milligan House Child Care Centre has developed innovative services to provide long day care facilities for children and promote community interaction. The centre has been recognised in the Children's Services category.

In the category of Services to Young People, the Youth Outreach Program seeks to give support and assistance to young people in remote areas of the South-West. An innovative aspect is the mentor program, which links the young people with community members to provide an encouraging environment.

Southwest Counselling was selected in the categories of Material and Financial Assistance and Staff Development, Support and Training. It provides counselling services to rural communities in areas such as marriage, relationships, sexual abuse, parent-child conflict, domestic violence, addiction, suicide, depression and grief.

Recognised for Innovation in Industry - Work and family - SCM Chemicals holds the belief that children and families are the region's most precious resource. For this reason they provide the community with support in education, training and youth services.

The awards are sponsored by Radisson Observation City, SGIO, 882 6PR, Community Newspapers, Australia Post, Houghton Wines and Family and Children's Services.

More information:

Lorraine Crook - Sponsorship Manager

Family and Children's Services - (09) 222 2784

Milligan House - Bunbury

Liz Maloney - 097 218 944

Youth Outreach Program - Bunbury & Margaret River

Allison Palmer - 097 915 075

SCM Chemicals - Australind

Ian Hampton - 097 251 261

Southwest Counselling - Yallingup

Jenny Monson - 097 552 076.

Media contact: Diana Russell Coote 421 7777