Entries invited for district community awards

THE search is on for this year’s local heroes and volunteers in the Trustpower Clutha District Community Awards.

The annual awards are run in partnership with the Clutha District Council and began in the district in 1999.

Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan said they were a great opportunity to recognise the outstanding efforts of volunteers and groups in the community.

‘‘I encourage everyone to enter and take part.’’

Groups and volunteers could be nominated in one of five categories: heritage and environment, health and wellbeing, arts and culture, sport and leisure, and education and child/youth development.

Regional awards are held around the country and the winners go on to vie for the national title.

Trustpower community relations representative Alice Boyd said she was constantly blown away by the number of people doing amazing things in their communities.

More than $88,500 had been given to deserving voluntary groups in the region and this year more than $5000 was available, Miss Boyd said.

She encouraged the public to nominate a group or individual they deemed worthy.

‘‘It takes just a few minutes of your time to enter a voluntary group but it will make a real impact to the volunteers you are recognising,’’ she said.

The winner will receive $1500 and an allexpensespaid trip for two representatives to attend the 2017 National Community Awards.

Last year’s district winner was the Kaitangata Skate Park Development Group. The West Otago Health Trust was the national winner in 2015.

Entries for the awards close on Friday, August 4.

samuel.white@odt.co.nz