The Mill Gym Scoops Top Award

The Mill Gym has won the Supreme Award at the TrustPower Far North Community Awards.

The Awards were announced and presented tonight (Monday) at a function at Te Ahu in Kaitaia.

For winning the Supreme Award, The Mill Gym received a framed certificate, a trophy and $1,500 prize money. The Mill Gym now has the opportunity to represent the district at the 2012 TrustPower National Community Awards, which are being held in the Far North District in March 2013.

In total, TrustPower has given away over $5,500 to various community groups through tonight’s Awards.

TrustPower Community Relations Coordinator Suzi Luff says The Mill Gym is doing more than just providing a place to work out.

“With an aim to work with rangatahi to provide a guiding beacon for these young people, The Mill Gym of Kaikohe is getting youth off the streets and into a positive environment. It’s boosting their confidence in their fitness and sports while encouraging healthy choices.

Four volunteers provide complete training to suit a range of sporting interests including boxing, power lifting and general strength and fitness training. Classes for adults as well as specifically for youth and women see all sectors of the community use the gym and train side by side. Classes are free for members from the age of 10 until they leave school and The Mill Gym’s facilities are now being utilised by three local schools as part of their curriculum too, promoting health and well-being. Adding to this, a nutritionist visits the gym once a week for free too.

Providing focus and discipline, The Mill Gym has a community centre feel, where people catch up with mates while they train. It’s giving youth more options while harnessing their energy in a constructive way.

Add to that, The Mill Gym averages around 550 members through its door every month. We think what the The Mill Gym is achieving is an inspirational story of people volunteering to provide a much-needed community resource and it must be shared across the district and throughout New Zealand,” says Miss Luff.

The competition for this year’s TrustPower Far North Community Awards was strong with 49 groups entered for the Awards.

Other winners at tonight’s TrustPower Far North Community Awards were:

Runner-Up: Hokianga Sailing Trust

Education and Child/Youth Development
Winner: Kingsfire
Runner-Up: SeniorNet Doubtless Bay

Heritage and Environment
Winner: Heritage Kaikohe
Runner-Up: The Northland Firehouse Museum Trust
Commendation: Kawakawa Memorial Library Museum

Health and Well Being
Winner: KUP Kitchen – Kaitaia Union Parish
Runner-Up: Bay of Islands SPCA

Arts and Culture
Winner: Aroha Music Society
Runner-Up: Kaikohe Community ARTS Council

Sport and Leisure
Winner: Kaikohe Agricultural and Pastoral Association
Runner-Up: Hokianga Sailing Trust

Education and Child/Youth Development
Winner: Kingsfire
Runner-Up: SeniorNet Doubtless Bay

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