‘Vital’ volunteers recognised
The vital work of volunteers was highlighted as several community heroes were acknowledged in Waimate.
The Waimate District Civic Awards celebrated 10 years last week with a prestigious ceremony held at the Waimate Event Centre.
Betty Dawson, Alison Kitchin, Dougall McLachlan and David McCulloch were all recipients of individual civic awards, while Lieutenant Commander Grant Finlayson of the Royal New Zealand Navy presented the youth award to 18-year-old Campbell Sheddan, of Glenavy. Finlayson has presented the award since its inception in 2015.
Sheddan has served with the
Waihaorunga rural fire brigade for two years and was head boy at Waimate High School in 2019.
Waimate St John received the group award.
Waimate District mayor Craig Rowley said that in a small district like Waimate ‘‘our volunteers are vital as they bring another level of vibrancy and make the Waimate District such a special place to live and work.’’
The criteria limits the awards to a maximum of no more than four individual recipients, one youth recipient and one group or organisation, and the successful recipients must have carried out ‘‘significant and meritorious voluntary community service within the Waimate District’’.
Rowley said it was ‘‘very fitting’’ for St John to receive the group award as it had just celebrated its 100-year anniversary.
‘‘There was a high calibre of nominations received for this year’s awards and I hope the unsuccessful nominators will try again,’’ he said.
Rowley acknowledged the work of the selection committee, a collaboration of community, service clubs, council, and local iwi, and members of the Waimate Community Choir who provided the entertainment for the evening.
The awards are presented to people who have been recognised for their community service in the voluntary sector.
The Waimate District Council advertises the annual awards each year, usually between December and January, asking that people nominate someone who has made a significant, voluntary contribution to Waimate.