Media Release, for immediate release, Wednesday 5 June 2013

Time to Acknowledge Tararua District’s Local Community Champions

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

The Awards, which are run in partnership with the Tararua District Council, are open to all voluntary groups and organisations working to make Tararua a better place to live.

Since the TrustPower Tararua District Community Awards began in 2004 more than $45,000 has been given away to deserving voluntary groups and organisations. This year more than $5,000 is up for grabs.

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

Tararua Mayor Roly Ellis says it is extremely important that we recognise and thank the amazing work that our vast range of volunteers do to keep our Community going.

“Through the TrustPower Community Awards the people of Tararua can enter a voluntary group who do very special work in our communities, and often behind the scenes.  We urge those in the community to enter a group you want to see celebrated,” says Mayor Roly.

Last year 36 groups were entered for the TrustPower Tararua District Community Awards. TrustPower Community Relations Representative Teresa Partridge believes there are still many more voluntary groups out there who deserve recognition.

“Tararua is a community-minded district that has an impressive volunteering culture.  I’m looking forward to learning about what these volunteers have been achieving, and I hope to see the community come on board to recognise these unsung heroes.

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 Mrs Partridge.    

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 Teresa Partridge 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 Tararua District Community Awards Supreme Winner was the Dannevirke Host Lions Club.  

Entries for the TrustPower Tararua District Community Awards close at 5pm on Wednesday 31 July.

ENDS

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