Media Release, Thursday 25 September, 2014
Strictly embargoed until 8:00pm

Palmerton North Surf Life Saving Club Finish First

For their effort to raise funds for new clubrooms, on top of a busy summer programme, the Palmerton North Surf Life Saving Club was tonight announced as the Supreme Award winner of the Trustpower Palmerston North Community Awards.

Over 130 people gathered at the Palmerston North Convention Centre this evening for the Trustpower Palmerston North Community Awards which were presented by Palmerston North Deputy Mayor Jim Jefferies and Trustpower Community Relations Manager Graeme Purches.

For winning the Supreme Award, the Palmerston North Surf Life Saving Club received a framed certificate, a trophy and $1,500 prize money. The Palmerston North Surf Life Saving Club now has the opportunity to represent the district at the 2014 Trustpower National Community Awards, which are being held in the Wellington region in March 2015.

In total, Trustpower has given away over $5,000 to various community groups through tonight’s Awards.

Trustpower Community Relations Representative Jess Somerville says the new facility has put the Palmerston North Surf Life Saving Club in a better position to respond to emergencies.

“After seven years of solid fundraising, this club celebrated the completion of their brand new clubrooms at Himatanga beach in December last year. The new facility is a far cry from the previous building which was passed its use by date and will go a long way to increasing membership.

“There are 35 volunteers behind this operation and over the summer months they spend hundreds of hours delivering the Junior Surf Life Saving programme and patrolling the beach to prevent drowning’s and injuries. Since 2002, the club has coached and supported more than 150 lifeguards!

“Outside of summer, the work continues as the committee promote, develop and deliver Surf Life Saving as a charitable service and endeavour to find the funds each year to cover the operational costs through fundraisers such as Jandal Day.

“The clubhouse has been a long time in the planning with volunteers putting in an enormous amount of work. The new multi-purpose building, complete with bunk rooms, first-aid room and soundproof patrol room is a real asset to the community”, says Miss Somerville.

Palmerston North Deputy Mayor Jim Jefferies says the new Palmerston North Surf Life Saving clubrooms are the result of years of hard work by a dedicated group of volunteers.

“On top of patrolling Himatangi Beach over the summer months, training junior surf life savers, and fundraising to keep this organisation going, this group kept their goal of new club rooms in sight and worked hard to make it a reality. It’s a truly impressive effort and it’s great to be able to recognise this achievement”, says Deputy Mayor Jefferies.

Ninety-two entries were received for this year’s Trustpower Palmerston North Community Awards, the second highest number received.

Other award recipients at tonight’s Trustpower Palmerston North Community Awards were:

Health and Well Being
Commendation: Sands Manawatu-Horowhenua
Commendation: LUCK Venue
Joint Runner-Up: Arohanui Hospice
Joint Runner-up: Te Aroha Noa Community Services
Winner: Just Zilch

Arts and Culture
Runner-Up: Viard House from St Peter’s College
Winner: Manawatu Multi Cultural Council

Sport and Leisure
Runner- up: Special Olympics Manawatu
Winner: Esplanade Scenic Railway
Education and Child/Youth Development
Commendation: Ashhurst Playcentre
Runner-Up: Youthline Palmerston North
Winner: Kids Big Rigs 4 Child Cancer

Supreme Winner
Palmerston North Surf Life Saving Club

Youth Spirit
Winner: Ella Austin
Finalist: Hayley van Waas
Finalist: Jonathan Brandon
Finalist: Niam Macdonald

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