Searching for Whanganui District’s Community Group Champions

Whanganui District residents have the opportunity to recognise the dedication of their local voluntary groups – with entries for the Trustpower Energy Direct Whanganui District Community Awards now open. Run in partnership with the Wanganui District Council, the Awards are open to all voluntary groups and organisations working to make the district a better place to live.

Anyone can enter a voluntary group or organisation for the Trustpower Energy Direct Whanganui District Community Awards – voluntary groups and organisations can even enter themselves.

The Trustpower Energy Direct Whanganui District Community Awards started in 2013, with more than $5,000 presented to deserving voluntary groups and organisations, and this year more than $5000 is up for grabs.

Last year a staggering 94 entries were received for the inaugural Trustpower Energy Direct Whanganui District Community Awards. Trustpower Community Relations Coordinator Suzi Luff believes that although this is a strong and promising response, there are still a lot of voluntary groups out there who deserve recognition.

“Whanganui District is a resourceful part of the country, filled with so many talented, creative, innovative and hardworking voluntary groups who support this community in a multitude of ways. Many activities, events, projects, programmes, sports, and services are available thanks to this region’s hard working volunteers. But often they are not recognised for the invaluable work they do.

Through the Trustpower Energy Direct Whanganui District Community Awards, our aim is that even more voluntary groups surface that are doing great things for the benefit of the entire community. It is their time to be recognised.

Now’s your chance to say ‘thank you’ to these volunteers who work hard to improve your 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 be an enormous boost for the group you are recognising,” says Suzi.

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. Entry Forms can also be received by calling Suzi Luff on 0800 87 11 11. Suzi will also take entries for groups over the phone.

The awards cover five categories; Heritage and Environment, Health and Wellbeing, Arts and Culture, Sport and Leisure, and Education 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 2014 Trustpower National Community Awards being held in Wellington in March 2015. Last year’s Trustpower Energy Direct Whanganui District Community Awards Supreme Winner was Sustainable Whanganui Trust.

Entries for the Trustpower Energy Direct Whanganui District Community Awards close at 5pm on Friday 22 August 2014.

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