Hard work pays off at awards

CCTV operators and community patrollers were recognised recently at the Hutt Safe City Group Charitable Trust awards.

Trust chair Graham Smeaton acknowledged the hard work put in by volunteers keeping the community safe over the last year.

‘‘They are out patrolling the streets when many of us are asleep, travelling over 28,000 kilometres and putting in a massive 4083 hours in the last year,’’ he said.

The Upper Hutt Community Patrol stood out as two of its members were presented with awards. Sonja Cabrera was named Community Patroller of the Year for her time spent fundraising and working with residents to cover up graffiti.

The Ross McKinnon Volunteer of the Year award went to Bill Lindsay. As well as his work in the Upper Hutt Community Patrol, Lindsay volunteered for events such as the Petone Festival and the Petone Winter Carnival. He also helped run training sessions for community patrollers.

One of the nominators called Lindsay an ‘‘unsung hero’’ and said he likely does more voluntary hours than paid hours. Another nominator described how at a recent ‘Thank You’ evening for community patrol coordinators Lindsay turned up early to help set up and stayed late with his wife Linda to wash dishes - despite himself being one of the coordinators thanked.

The awards were held in the Petone Workingmen’s Club. Hutt City Mayor Ray Wallace and Hutt Valley area commander inspector Sean Hansen were invited to present the awards. The Hutt Safe City Group Charity Trust encompasses a variety of groups including Community Patrols, Neighbourhood Support and CCTV camera operators.