Media Release, for immediate release, Thursday 10th October 2013

Outstanding Response to Inaugural Community Awards

Residents in the Whanganui District have got behind their volunteers with a staggering 94 entries received for the inaugural TrustPower Energy Direct Whanganui District Community Awards.

Entries for the Community Awards closed on Friday 27th September, with information forms (used in the judging process) due the following Friday. The TrustPower Energy Direct Whanganui District Community Awards, which recognise and reward voluntary groups for the outstanding contribution they make to the local community, are run in partnership with the Wanganui District Council along with Energy Direct.

TrustPower Community Relations Coordinator Suzi Luff says she is excited to be celebrating so many generous, talented, resourceful and hard-working voluntary groups through this year’s TrustPower Community Awards.

“I am blown away by the huge response to this initiative, in its first year. This result rivals some larger districts and cities that run the same programme and so it’s a great foundation for the TrustPower Energy Direct Whanganui District Community Awards to build on.

The TrustPower Energy Direct Whanganui District Community Awards programme recognises the hard-work of these groups who are the community’s unsung champions and heroes, dedicated to providing a positive contribution to their community.

We’re in for a memorable, inspiring and heart-warming event that will showcase the huge impact these groups make in the Whanganui District.

A huge ‘thanks’ must go to the people who entered these wonderful voluntary groups as well. Thanks to you, these groups will be part of a great event dedicated to them and the difference they are making,” says Suzi.

Mayor Annette Main says the large number of entries is a reflection of the huge value the community places on its voluntary groups.

“Volunteers are the people who make so many things happen which generate pride in our community,” Mayor Main said.

“They add to the vibrancy of Whanganui as well as enhancing our social and cultural wellbeing. It’s fantastic to see our community acknowledging the vital role of voluntary groups by entering so many of them for these awards. The judging panel will have a tough task to select the winners because every group that has been nominated contributes significantly to making Whanganui the best place to live.”

The Awards cover five categories; Heritage and Environment, Health and Wellbeing, Arts and Culture, Sport and Leisure, and Education and Child/Youth Development.  The category winners receive $500 and runners-up receive $250.

The Supreme Winner will take home $1,500, a trophy, framed certificate and an all-expenses paid trip to the TrustPower National Community Awards. The 2013 TrustPower National Community Awards will be held in the Invercargill and Southland regions in March 2014.

“This event will bring together representatives from 25 Supreme Winner voluntary groups discovered through the 2013 regional TrustPower Community Awards for a weekend of networking and inspiring knowledge sharing. With them will be mayors and councillors from the groups’ regions who will gather in Invercargill to enjoy the unique scenery and hospitality that Invercargill and Southland is known for,” says Suzi.

The entries for the TrustPower Energy Direct Whanganui District Community Awards are currently being prepared for judging. The TrustPower Energy Direct Whanganui District Community Awards will be announced and presented at a function on Monday 18th November, to which all entered organisations as well as those who entered groups will be invited.

ENDS

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