TOOWOOMBA RADIO STATION WINS TOP GONG AT CONSUMER PROTECTION AWARDS

A Toowoomba radio station has won Queensland’s top gong for raising consumer awareness in this year’s Consumer Protection Awards.

Fair Trading Minister Margaret Keech today named 4WK Radio the winner of this year’s Public Awareness Media Award in a special ceremony at Parliament House.

Mrs Keech congratulated the station for its hard work in protecting consumer rights by promoting awareness and offering vital information for listeners.

“Radio 4WK in Toowoomba does a fantastic job raising awareness of consumer issues,” Mrs Keech said.

“Each week on his show Jim Campbell covers important issues such as consumer problems, mobile phones, credit providers, general alerts on scams and shopping tips for listeners.

“My Department is also regularly represented on the station, with interviews designed to help listeners understand their legal rights as customers, alert them to current scams, and advise how the Office of Fair Trading can help them.

“This is important information for the community and I applaud 4WK for its commitment to this issue.”

Mrs Keech said the awards, now in their third year, attracted entries from a diverse range of businesses, community organisations and the media.

“These Awards recognise some of the most innovative programs in Queensland aimed at promoting the rights of Queensland customers,” Mrs Keech said.

“They are all about rewarding those who go above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to consumer protection.

“It’s great to see so many business, individuals and associations playing their part in promoting consumer rights and protection.

“It is something we can all be very proud of, and is certainly something we would love to see Queensland renowned for.”

The 2007 Award winners were:

·Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) – Consumer Advocacy Award

·Real Estate Institute of Queensland – TradeSmart Award

·Radio 4WK – Public Awareness Media Award

·ICAN was also awarded the Minister’s Award for Excellence, chosen from all nominees across all award categories.

Each award winner received a $1500 cash prize for their outstanding achievements in consumer protection, promotion, education or advocacy.

Media Contact: Jo Gibbons 3225 1005 / 0439 761 416 or Cesar Alarcon (OFT) 3119 0071