Media Release, for immediate release, Monday 18 February.

Time to Acknowledge Ashburton District’s Local Heroes

The search is on to unearth Ashburton’s hardworking voluntary groups with entries now open for the TrustPower Ashburton District Community Awards.

Entries for the TrustPower Ashburton District Community Awards open today Monday 18 February. The Awards, which are run in partnership with the Ashburton District Council, are open to all voluntary groups and organisations working to make Ashburton a better place to live.

Since the TrustPower Ashburton District Community Awards began in 2001 more than $61,000 has been given away to deserving voluntary groups and organisations. This year more than $5000 is up for grabs.

Anyone can enter a voluntary group or organisation for the TrustPower Ashburton District Community Awards – voluntary groups and organisations can even enter themselves.

Last year 47 outstanding groups were entered for the TrustPower Ashburton District Community Awards. TrustPower Community Relations Representative Jess Somerville believes there are still many more voluntary groups out there who deserve recognition.

“Ashburton is a resourceful part of the country with a great sense of community. Through the TrustPower Ashburton District Community Awards every year, more groups surface that are doing amazing things for the benefit of the entire community.

Many activities, events, projects, programmes, sports, and services are provided thanks to the region’s hard working volunteers. But often they are not recognised for the invaluable work they do.

Now you have the chance to say ‘thank you’ to these volunteers who work hard to improve the community – just by filling out an entry form. It takes just a few minutes of your time to enter a voluntary group but it will make a real difference to the volunteers you are recognising,” says Miss Somerville.

Ashburton District Mayor Angus McKay says volunteers make an immense contribution to the Ashburton District.

"Residents in the Ashburton community are very proud of our wonderful network of willing volunteers. I urge you to take the opportunity to nominate a local voluntary organisation of your choice,” says Mayor McKay.

Entry Forms for the TrustPower Community Awards are available from the Council offices or service centres or can be completed online at www.trustpower.co.nz/communityawards.

The awards cover five categories; Heritage and Environment, Health and Wellbeing, Arts and Culture, Sport and Leisure, and Educational and Child/Youth Development. Category winners receive $500, runners-up receive $250 and the Supreme Winner will take home $1,500 and an all-expenses paid trip to the 2013 TrustPower National Community Awards. Last year’s TrustPower Ashburton District Community Awards Supreme Winner was Ashburton Aviation Museum and they will be representing the region in the Far North District this March.

Entries for the TrustPower Ashburton District Community Awards close at 5pm on Friday 19 April.

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