Media Release, for immediate release, Monday 4 March 2013

Entries Open For Waitaki District Community Awards

The search is on to unearth the Waitaki Districts hardworking voluntary groups with entries now open for the TrustPower Waitaki District Community Awards.

Entries for the TrustPower Waitaki District Community Awards open today Monday 4 March . The Awards, which are run in partnership with the Waitaki District Council, are open to all voluntary groups and organisations working to make the Waitaki District a better place to live. This year more than $5000 is up for grabs.

Anyone can enter a voluntary group or organisation for the TrustPower Waitaki District Community Awards – voluntary groups and organisations can even enter themselves.

Last year 101 groups were entered for the TrustPower Waitaki District Community Awards. TrustPower Community Relations Representative Jess Somerville believes there are still many more voluntary groups out there who deserve recognition.

“The Waitaki District is a resourceful part of the country with a great sense of community. Through the TrustPower Waitaki District Community Awards each year, more groups surface that are doing amazing things for the benefit of the entire community.

Many activities, events, projects, programmes, sports, and services are provided thanks to the region’s hard working volunteers. But often they are not recognised for the invaluable work they do.

Now you have the chance to say ‘thank you’ to these volunteers who work hard to improve the 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 make a real difference to the volunteers you are recognising,” says Miss Somerville.

Waitaki District Mayor Alex Familton says the district depends on the activity and energy of volunteer groups.

“The Trust Power Waitaki District Community Awards recognise and value the importance of volunteer groups. The Awards are a celebration of all community groups - we encourage, everyone, to enter. Our district would not function constructively without our volunteers!” says Mayor Familton.

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 Jess Somerville 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 2013 TrustPower National Community Awards. Last year’s TrustPower Waitaki District Community Awards Supreme Winner was the Waitaki Community Gardens.

Entries for the TrustPower Waitaki District Community Awards close at 5pm on Friday 26 April.

ENDS

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