2009 Award Winners
Congratulations to the winners!
2009 ICCWA INJURY PREVENTION AWARDS
Held at the Botanical Room, Burswood Entertainment Complex
Thursday 29 October 2009
Award Categories:
The ICCWA Community Injury Prevention Award
This Award recognises the action and excellence of Western Australian individuals’ and community organisations’ efforts and commitment to reduce the frequency and severity of injuries in their local communities.
The WINNER is: The NORSEMAN ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY
Susan Gatti from Goldfields Population Health accepting the Award
The Norseman Voluntary Liquor Agreement was instigated by the Aboriginal Community, to minimise the harm alcohol was causing.
With the assistance of the Goldfields Division of Population Health, the Aboriginal Community themselves approached the local publican and requested the restriction of high risk packaged liquor items. After a 12 month trial period an independent review of the restrictions was undertaken by Kalgoorlie Alcohol Action Project, National Drug Research Institute, with the results showing that it had a hugely positive affect. There was a reduction in antisocial behaviour and assaults, and there was also a 60% decrease in the number of alcohol-related hospital admissions. Police attended 10% less jobs involving aboriginal people and noted a 17.5% reduction in assaults.
Congratulations to the Norseman Aboriginal Community for your excellent work in promoting safety and reducing injury in your community.
Two Highly Commended nominations in this category –
1. WA COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE – NARROGIN
The staff and students of the College were involved in putting together a community performance to the J.C. Burke Novel ‘The Story of Tom Brennan’. This story is about how a teenage boy from a rural area, his family and an entire community are affected by deaths from a road crash caused by too much alcohol, speed and driver inexperience.
The school aims to make this type of initiative an annual event for the school, covering performances on relevant themes for young people.
Congratulations to the WA College of Agriculture in Narrogin.
2. VINCENT ALCOHOL ACCORD
The Alcohol Accord has developed a number of best practice initiatives in response to heightened community concern about the impact of alcohol consumption and problematic drinking. The initiatives aim to benefit the local community and encourages the adoption of positive and effective community based harm minimisation and prevention strategies.
The committee consists of a committed, collaborative group whose aim is to implement strategies that promote the Town of Vincent as a ‘safe place to socialise’.
Congratulations to the Vincent Alcohol Accord.
The ICCWA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Injury Prevention
This Award recognises individuals or organisations that have made a significant impact on injury prevention in Western Australia through for example, advocacy, programs, research, or the influence of policy.
The WINNER is: ROBERT REEKIE for the MATES MEN’S SUPPORT GROUP
Robert is the President of the MATES Men’s Support Group which over the past 6 years has provided a 24 hour service to the communities of the South West.
This group assists with a whole range of issues such as family domestic violence, anger, depression, self-esteem and self-harm.
MATES Support Group has an operational factory called The Hub ‘Centre of Change’ which is a youth mentoring project working with disengaged youth.
MATES initiatives and partnership with the South West Police was credited with a massive reduction in domestic violence in the Busselton / Dunsborough Shire.
This Group is the perfect example of a grass roots community organisation filling a need in the community.
Congratulations to Robert and the group for your outstanding efforts in reducing injury and promoting safety in your community.
The following nomination is ‘highly commended’ in this category
THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT AUTHORITY’S ‘RIGHT TRACK’ PROGRAM
Wesley Buzza Accepting on behalf of the Public Transport Authority
The ‘Right Track’ Program aims to positively influence young people’s behaviour when they are on and around public transport, and challenge perceptions of youth crime and fear of youth crime on public transport.
The approach involves young people engaging with other young people and their community. The program has achieved outstanding success, especially with a sharp decline in incidents of unsafe behaviours across the whole network and has proved to be an effective means of creating opportunities for young people to improve the safety and well-being of all passengers.
The ICCWA Media Award
The Media Award for Excellence was created to recognise excellence in the reporting of injury issues and prevention programs and activities within Western Australia.
This award also recognises the way in which injury issues are reported, including prevention information where appropriate. The award is open to all forms of media including reports aired on radio, television (including community television) and print media.
The WINNER is: MARNIE MCKIMMIE From The West Australian
Marnie has undertaken some well researched and excellent reporting of injury and community safety issues through the Health and Medicine Supplement of The West Australian newspaper.
The Health and Medicine feature “When the Phone Rings”, published in August this year provided an opportunity to convey advice to parents about managing alcohol overdose in their teenagers and about occupational and industrial exposure to toxic sources.
Congratulations to Marnie for improving awareness in the community and for the sensitive, balanced and well researched way you are dealing with these important health and safety issues.
The ICCWA Student Award
The WINNER is: MELINDA HAILSTONE
As part of her Bachelor of Science (Health Promotion) degree at Curtin University, Melinda undertook a 100 hour practicum placement at ICCWA commencing in March.
Since completing her placement, Melinda has continued to volunteer at ICCWA with a number of events for Stay On Your Feet WA®, as well as, the mall walking groups.
Melinda has developed a strong understanding and interest for injury prevention and has consistently shown professionalism during her time at ICCWA. Congratulations Melinda for your excellent work.
The following nominee is ‘highly commended’ in this category.
WEN NG
Wen is a final year Bachelor of Health Science and Commerce student, from the University of Western Australia and is currently on a 450 hour practicum placement with ICCWA.
Wen has been an exceptional team player and has consistently shown professionalism during her placement at ICCWA.
ICCWA wishes to thank all who took the time to nominate or support a nomination for the 2009 Injury prevention Awards.
Photos by Warren Argus