Honours for fight against drink danger
Angela Pownall, from The West Australian, is joint winner in the media category of WA's first awards recognising efforts to reduce harm from alcohol in young people.
The awards, organised by the McCusker Centre for Action on Alcohol and Youth, highlight work by individuals, community groups and Government agencies.
Pownall was recognised for her extensive reporting on the issue, particularly the impact of alcohol-related violence.
Beatrice Thomas shared the award for her reports in _The West _about efforts by parents to protect young people from alcohol misuse and under-age drinking.
Other winners were Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan, who judges said had taken a strong stand on the impact of alcohol on domestic violence, crime, antisocial behaviour and drink-driving, and its effect on police resources.
Perth mother-of-four Samantha Menezes was recognised for her campaign for laws that penalise adults who supply alcohol to under-age teenagers without their parents' consent.
Governor Malcolm McCusker said the awards showed the community was working together to tackle alcohol harm.
Centre director and Curtin University professor Mike Daube said there was significant work being done across the State.
"While there is rightly concern about drinking among young people, many organisations and individuals are working hard and selflessly on this massive community problem," he said.
Finalists included retiring Commissioner for Children and Young People Michelle Scott and Maylands MLA Lisa Baker.
