Media Release, for immediate release, Tuesday 10 January, 2017

ENTRIES OPEN FOR CENTRAL OTAGO DISTRICT COMMUNITY AWARDS

The once a year opportunity to celebrate and recognise local volunteers has arrived in the Central Otago district.

Entries for the Trustpower Central Otago District Community Awards opened Monday 9 January. The Awards, which are run in partnership with the Central Otago District Council, are open to all voluntary groups and organisations working to make Central Otago a better place to live.

Since the Trustpower Central Otago District Community Awards began in 1999 more than $82,000 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 Central Otago District Community Awards – voluntary groups and organisations can even enter themselves.

Trustpower Community Relations Representative Emily Beaton believes there are still many more voluntary groups out there who deserve recognition.

“Central Otago is a resourceful part of the country with a great sense of community. Through the Trustpower Central Otago 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 Beaton.

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/.  Entry Forms can also be received by calling Emily Beaton on 0800 87 11 11 extension 4310.

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 2017 Trustpower National Community Awards. Last year’s Trustpower Central Otago District Community Awards Supreme Winner was Roxburgh St John.

Entries for the Trustpower Central Otago District Community Awards close at 5pm on Friday 10 March.

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