Media Release, for immediate release, Tuesday 27 January

Time to Acknowledge Central Otago District’s Local Community Champions

Central Otago District residents now have the annual opportunity to recognise the dedication of their local voluntary groups – with entries for the Trustpower Central Otago District Community Awards now open.

Entries for the Trustpower Central Otago District Community Awards are now open. 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 $70,000 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.

“I hope to see the community come on board to recognise these unsung heroes; they are the Mums and Dads behind the local sporting organisation, or the green thumbs who hang out in the community garden, along with the variety of other roles that people take up and make the time for, all for the love of their community.

Now is your chance to say ‘thank you’ to these volunteers – 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/communityawards. Entry Forms can also be received by calling Emily Beaton on 0800 87 11 11.

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 2015 Trustpower National Community Awards. Last year’s Trustpower Central Otago District Community Awards Supreme Winner was Central Otago REAP.

Entries for the Trustpower Central Otago District Community Awards close at 5pm on Friday 27 March.

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