24/8/03
A Noranda woman who has devoted much of her life to advocating on behalf of people who are deaf or hearing impaired is the 2003 recipient of the Harry Blackmore Award from the Deafness Council WA.
Mary Cliff, who has a hearing impairment, received her award today from Disability Services Minister Sheila McHale during the launch of Hearing Awareness Week.
Ms McHale said Mrs Cliff was being honoured for her long period of untiring voluntary work to raise community awareness to the many challenges faced by people with a hearing impairment.
"The judging panel, which included Dr Harry Blackmore, noted Mrs Cliff had been steadfast in her commitment to others through her voluntary work with many agencies, committees and community consultative processes," the Minister said.
"She has drawn on her personal experience to demonstrate the challenges many people with hearing impairment face and to ensure that their needs are acknowledged in the broader community context.
"Mrs Cliff has given dedicated service over many years to Better Hearing Australia and to the Deafness Council WA.
"In addition, she served for a number of years on the Ministerial Advisory Council for Disability Services where she provided excellent representation for deaf and hearing impaired people.
"Her commitment to seeking a fairer go for the hearing impaired Western Australians means she is a worthy winner of this prestigious award."
Since 1999 the Deafness Council WA has named its annual award in honour of Dr Harry Blackmore, a founding member of Deafness Council in the early 1970s.
The award is made to the person who has been judged to have made a significant contribution that has enhanced the quality of life of people who are deaf or hearing impaired, or raised the level of awareness in the broader community of issues that affect deaf and hearing impaired people.
Ms McHale said about 10 per cent of all Western Australians had a hearing impairment.
"As its name suggests, Hearing Awareness Week aims to better educate the wider community about the needs of people with hearing difficulties," she said.
Minister's office: 9213 6900
