Media release, for immediate release, Monday 27 May 2013

Final Call For Community Award Entries

Locals have just a few more days to ensure their favourite voluntary groups are part of the West Coast’s biggest celebration of volunteers. Entries for the TrustPower Grey District Community Awards and TrustPower Westland Community Awards close at 5pm on Friday 7 June and there is more than $10,000 up for grabs.

The TrustPower Grey District Community Awards and TrustPower Westland Community Awards, run in partnership with the Grey District Council and TrustPower Westland District Council, recognise and reward voluntary groups and organisations for the outstanding contribution they make to their community.

Both the Grey and Westland Community Awards are in their fourteenth year. Last year a record 40 entries were received for the Grey District Community Awards and a record 33 entries were received for the Westland Community Awards.

TrustPower Community Relations Representative Jess Somerville believes there are still many groups providing services, activities, support and events in the community and often they are not recognised for the invaluable work they do.

“The value of volunteering is immense and irreplaceable.  One of the best ways to demonstrate the importance of volunteering to the West Coast is to ensure these volunteers' contributions are recognised, valued and accounted for. Entering a group for the Community awards will take just two minutes of your time but it will ensure they get the recognition they deserve,” says Miss Somerville. 

Anyone can enter a group or organisation for the Community Awards – voluntary groups and organisations can even enter themselves.  But act now because entries close on Friday 7 June. 

The Awards cover five categories; Heritage and Environment, Health and Wellbeing, Arts and Culture, Sport and Leisure, and Educational and Child/Youth Development.  The category winners receive $500 and runners up take home $250.  The Overall Winner receives $1,500 and the opportunity to attend, at no cost, the National Community Awards. Last year’s Supreme Winner in the Grey District was the Runanga Community Swimming Pool Trust and in Westland the Kumara Race Club.

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

The regional TrustPower Westland Community Awards will be presented at a function on Monday 12 August and the TrustPower Grey District Community Awards will be presented at a function on Tuesday 13 August.

ENDS

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